Parliament holds plenary session of “Green Week”
Parliament held today the “Green Week” plenary session, chaired by Speaker Niko Peleshi. The session focused on issues that lawmakers identified during meetings with constituents in their electoral districts. During the proceedings, MPs brought citizens’ concerns and requests to Parliament. They discussed issues that directly affect the daily lives of …
Prof. Dr. Agron Lufi, prominent figure in Albanian architecture, dies at 79
Prof. Dr. Agron Lufi (1947–2026), a renowned architect, professor and researcher, has died at the age of 79. For more than five decades, he contributed to education, scientific research, architecture and urban planning in Albania. The Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism and the Polytechnic University of Tirana expressed their condolences …
EU Ambassador at School of Magistrates: Integrity and independence are key contributions
New magistrate candidates began the new academic year today at the School of Magistrates in Tirana. During the opening ceremony, EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa stressed the importance of the rule of law as Albania advances toward EU membership. Addressing the new candidates, Moreira de Sousa said …
Wendt-Nufi meeting: US Embassy says Albania is a key defence partner
The United States has reaffirmed its role as Albania’s leading defence partner. The US Embassy in Tirana said Ambassador Eric Wendt discussed stronger defence cooperation and enhanced security capabilities during a meeting with Defence Minister Ermal Nufi. The meeting focused on strengthening operational readiness through Albania’s 25-year partnership with the …
Ambassador Wendt meets SPAK chief to discuss fight against transnational crime
The fight against transnational crime, drug trafficking and illegal migration took center stage at a meeting between US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt and SPAK chief Klodian Braho. Wendt also met with Joni Keta, head of the National Bureau of Investigation. The US Embassy in Tirana said the meetings focused …
Rama meets US congressional delegation to discuss strategic partnership and security
Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted a US congressional delegation at the Prime Minister’s Office, where US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt also attended. Rama shared footage from the meeting on social media. Earlier, a delegation from the US House of Representatives, led by Congressman Vern Buchanan, chairman of the Committee …
US Ambassador to Tirana Eric Wendt meets SPAK chief
The United States Ambassador to Tirana, Eric Wendt, met with the leadership of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), with discussions focusing on challenges related to transnational crime, drug trafficking, and illegal migration. In a social media post, the US Embassy in Tirana said these issues are …
26% of businesses sell online, Albania ranks second in the Balkans after Serbia
Albanian businesses are increasingly using the internet as a sales channel, placing Albania second in the Western Balkans. At a time when online trade has declined in most economies across the region, Albania recorded significant growth in 2025. Online trade is gaining ground among Albanian businesses. In 2025, 26% of …
PM Edi Rama meets US Congressional delegation in Tirana
Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted a delegation from the United States Congress at the Prime Minister’s Office on Monday, as part of the US delegation’s visit to Tirana. Rama shared a photo from the meeting on social media, showing him alongside the new US Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, and …
Territorial reform: 15 municipalities to merge, six areas to gain city status – what changes under the new map
If the new administrative-territorial reform secures the 84 votes required in Thursday’s plenary session, Albania will go from 61 to 46 municipalities. The draft approved by the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs provides for the merger of 15 existing municipalities into larger ones, while the country’s counties will remain unchanged. …
European Commissioner Michael McGrath has described Albania as one of the leading countries in the EU accession process. “Albania belongs in the EU,” he said in a social media post after meeting Prime Minister Edi Rama. He pledged continued EU support but stressed that important work remains. The meeting focused …
Albania has reached an advanced stage in its bid to join the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). Prime Minister’s Office officials shared updates on the visit of DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya, which supports the accession process. The visit highlights Albania’s digital transformation achievements, outlines the next steps toward membership and reinforces …
Constitutional Court President Fiona Papajorgji met European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath during his first visit to Albania. They discussed the court’s work, institutional capacity and the implementation of its decisions. The talks also focused on strengthening judicial reform and safeguarding the …
Albania has taken a step toward expanding green finance and directing investment into sustainable activities. The Bank of Albania presented the final draft of the National Green Activities Classification with support from the European Investment Bank. Second Deputy Governor Natasha Ahmetaj said the framework will influence how banks and investors …
German Ambassador to Kosovo Rainer Rudolph said Kosovo can now pursue its European agenda more actively after resolving its institutional crisis. He spoke at a reception marking German Unity Day. Rudolph said stable institutions will allow Kosovo to renew its focus on European integration. He warned that the process will …
European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, has stated that Albania is one of the frontrunners in the European Union accession process. In a social media post following his meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama, McGrath stressed that Albania “belongs in the EU”, …
The Osman Taka Dance has been included in Albania’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja, while Prime Minister Edi Rama also commented on the decision, describing the dance as one of the expressions of Cham identity and tradition. …
Albania’s garment manufacturing industry is facing increasingly serious difficulties. From around 65,000 employees previously working in the manufacturing sector, the workforce has now fallen to approximately 40,000, while nearly 150 garment factories have shut down in recent years. The alarm was raised in Elbasan during a meeting between the Albanian …
The election of respected academic Justina Shiroka-Pula averts another political crisis and highlights Kosovo’s tradition of female leadership and religious coexistence, while offering new prospects for political stability and international engagement. Tirana Times, October 08, 2026 — The election of Justina Shiroka-Pula as Kosovo’s new president has brought an end …
OSCE Presence in Albania Ambassador Michel Tarran met High Inspector of Justice Artur Metani to discuss recent developments in the judicial system and issues related to the inspector’s mandate. According to the OSCE Presence, the talks focused on the role of the High Inspector of Justice in ensuring accountability in …