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National Geographic Orion Adds Durrës and Saranda to Its Mediterranean Route

The expedition ship National Geographic Orion visits the Port of Durrës with 108 passengers on board. The ship includes Durrës as part of its Mediterranean itinerary. It continues its journey after a day stop in Durrës and sails toward Saranda. The Port Authority of Durrës highlights that the ship specializes …

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Kosovo Expands Into New Sports Ahead of Prishtina 2030 Mediterranean Games

Kosovo prepares to host the Mediterranean Games “Prishtina 2030” and expands its focus to new and emerging sports. Sports federations develop long-term strategies to build competitive national teams. They target sports such as padel, rugby, and 3×3 basketball for future international participation. The Padel Federation of Kosovo designs a development …

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Are Europe’s Star Architects Helping Launder Albania’s Criminal Economy?

The Albanian Files suggests that international architecture may have served not only as design, but as a prestigious façade for opaque money, captured institutions and one-man rule. Tirana Times, June 29, 2026 – A glossy architectural volume meant to celebrate Albania’s transformation has unexpectedly become one of the most revealing …

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Architect to PM Rama: Cancel Elections, Become King

Reinier de Graaf’s open letter in The Albanian Files has become a symbol of the troubling relationship between global architecture, political patronage and one-man rule in Albania. The following open letter by Dutch architect Reinier de Graaf, partner at the Office for Metropolitan Architecture, has become one of the most controversial passages …

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Lamallari: Border Agreement with North Macedonia Cuts Waiting Times

Albania and North Macedonia signed a new agreement to simplify border crossings. The deal introduces a one-stop border control system. It will make travel easier for citizens, businesses, and tourists. Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari announced the agreement after meeting his North Macedonian counterpart, Panče Toškovski, in Dibër. Meanwhile, Lamallari said …

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Rama: International Architects Help Albania Grow and Inspire Young Professionals

Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed three guests to the latest episode of the Flasim podcast. They discussed architecture, sports, education, and social initiatives. First, architect Setion Branko shared his experience working in Florence, New York, and Albania. He explained how his studio connects Albanian and international architects through joint projects. …

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Rama: Underground Digital Infrastructure and “Urban Renaissance 2.0” to Launch in July

Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a new phase of digital infrastructure development in Albanian cities. The goal is to organize communication networks and gradually remove overhead cables. First, the initiative will shift internet and telecom systems underground. As a result, public spaces will become cleaner and more modern. Rama said …

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Rama: Talks with Macron in Paris and Support for Ukraine in Gdańsk

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared details from his recent visits to France and Poland in his podcast Flasim. He highlighted meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and participation in the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Gdańsk. First, in Paris, Rama met President Macron. They discussed Albania’s EU integration process and bilateral …

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Hoxha: Albania Aims to Conclude EU Negotiations by 2027

Albania aims to complete its EU accession negotiations by the end of 2027. Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha confirmed this goal during the Dubrovnik Forum in Croatia. First, Hoxha took part in a panel on the European Union and the Western Balkans. He said EU enlargement remains the strongest driver of …

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Rama Shows Live Footage of Benja Thermal Baths, Defends Ongoing Infrastructure Works

Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama shares live images from the Benja thermal area in Përmet. He highlights the changes made after recent investments in the tourist destination. He shows the thermal pools and the surrounding infrastructure, including parking areas and rehabilitated roads. These improvements significantly increase access for visitors. …

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Protesters Detained, Police Injured in Clashes Outside Albanian Parliament

At the latest anti-government rally outside parliament in Tirana, several police officers were injured and at least 18 demonstrators were detained. Original post Here

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Deputy PM Koçiu: Children must be kept away from political activities, use in protests is unacceptable

TIRANA, July 2 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu reacted on social media, condemning the involvement of children in political activities. She called for stronger protection of minors from adult political conflicts. Koçiu said recent images circulating in public are concerning. She said they show children exposed to a divisive …

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Saranda sees rising tourist arrivals as visitors embrace Albanian cuisine

TIRANA, July 2 – Saranda has entered the summer season with a higher number of visitors than during the same period last year, according to local tourism businesses. Operators said tourist arrivals have increased steadily from month to month, boosting activity across the hospitality and services sectors. Meanwhile, businesses said …

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Administrative reform, essential step for EU integration, draft law aims to strengthen autonomy of agencies

TIRANA, July 2 – Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni presented a draft law on the organisation and functioning of the state administration, calling it a key milestone in public sector reform and Albania’s EU integration process. Pirdeni described the initiative as the result of two …

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PM Rama: 50 Million Euro Sovereign Guarantee for Businesses, Double Funding for Youth Startups

TIRANA, July 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government has expanded the sovereign guarantee scheme to 50 million euros, aiming to support small and medium-sized enterprises that want to scale up their operations. Speaking during a discussion with pensioners, Rama stressed that the programme targets small and medium …

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EU Growth Plan: Albania leads Western Balkans as reform reporting enters new phase

TIRANA, July 2 – Western Balkan countries have until July 15 to submit progress reports under the European Union’s Growth Plan after the fourth reporting period ended on June 30. The European Commission will review the reports before approving payments. Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said the Reform and Growth Facility …

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July tourist surge lifts Shkodër and Albanian Alps alongside coast

TIRANA, July 2 – July has opened with a strong influx of visitors across Shkodra County, where tourist activity now extends well beyond Velipoja’s beaches to the city and the Albanian Alps. Travellers from across Europe continue to choose Albania for their summer holidays, turning Shkodra into a key stop …

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Deadly Addiction: Albania Needs Liberating From the Flow of Drug Money

The constant flow of laundered drug money into Albania through organised crime has enriched a tiny minority at the cost of distorting politics and impoverishing the rest of the population. Original post Here

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PM Rama: EU membership process must stay on track, pensioners to receive oil revenue bonus

TIRANA, July 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said any political instability could halt Albania’s European Union accession process and warned that restarting it could take considerable time. Speaking during a meeting with pensioners, Rama said Albania has reached the final stage of its path toward EU membership. He stressed …

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National Emergency adds 13 new ambulances, Health minister Sala: They function as “mini intensive care units”

TIRANA, July 2 – Albania’s National Emergency Service has added 13 new ambulances to its fleet, aiming to strengthen emergency response and lifesaving care across the country. During the inauguration ceremony, Health and Social Protection Minister Evis Sala said timely first aid remains the most important factor in saving patients’ …

News

Protesters Detained, Police Injured in Clashes Outside Albanian Parliament

At the latest anti-government rally outside parliament in Tirana, several police officers were injured and at least 18 demonstrators were detained. Original post Here

News

Deputy PM Koçiu: Children must be kept away from political activities, use in protests is unacceptable

TIRANA, July 2 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu reacted on social media, condemning the involvement of children in political activities. She called for stronger protection of minors from adult political conflicts. Koçiu said recent images circulating in public are concerning. She said they show children exposed to a divisive …

News

Saranda sees rising tourist arrivals as visitors embrace Albanian cuisine

TIRANA, July 2 – Saranda has entered the summer season with a higher number of visitors than during the same period last year, according to local tourism businesses. Operators said tourist arrivals have increased steadily from month to month, boosting activity across the hospitality and services sectors. Meanwhile, businesses said …

News

Administrative reform, essential step for EU integration, draft law aims to strengthen autonomy of agencies

TIRANA, July 2 – Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni presented a draft law on the organisation and functioning of the state administration, calling it a key milestone in public sector reform and Albania’s EU integration process. Pirdeni described the initiative as the result of two …

News

PM Rama: 50 Million Euro Sovereign Guarantee for Businesses, Double Funding for Youth Startups

TIRANA, July 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government has expanded the sovereign guarantee scheme to 50 million euros, aiming to support small and medium-sized enterprises that want to scale up their operations. Speaking during a discussion with pensioners, Rama stressed that the programme targets small and medium …

News

EU Growth Plan: Albania leads Western Balkans as reform reporting enters new phase

TIRANA, July 2 – Western Balkan countries have until July 15 to submit progress reports under the European Union’s Growth Plan after the fourth reporting period ended on June 30. The European Commission will review the reports before approving payments. Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said the Reform and Growth Facility …

News

July tourist surge lifts Shkodër and Albanian Alps alongside coast

TIRANA, July 2 – July has opened with a strong influx of visitors across Shkodra County, where tourist activity now extends well beyond Velipoja’s beaches to the city and the Albanian Alps. Travellers from across Europe continue to choose Albania for their summer holidays, turning Shkodra into a key stop …

News

Deadly Addiction: Albania Needs Liberating From the Flow of Drug Money

The constant flow of laundered drug money into Albania through organised crime has enriched a tiny minority at the cost of distorting politics and impoverishing the rest of the population. Original post Here

News

PM Rama: EU membership process must stay on track, pensioners to receive oil revenue bonus

TIRANA, July 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said any political instability could halt Albania’s European Union accession process and warned that restarting it could take considerable time. Speaking during a meeting with pensioners, Rama said Albania has reached the final stage of its path toward EU membership. He stressed …

News

National Emergency adds 13 new ambulances, Health minister Sala: They function as “mini intensive care units”

TIRANA, July 2 – Albania’s National Emergency Service has added 13 new ambulances to its fleet, aiming to strengthen emergency response and lifesaving care across the country. During the inauguration ceremony, Health and Social Protection Minister Evis Sala said timely first aid remains the most important factor in saving patients’ …