Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship makes first call at Port of Durrës
TIRANA, July 16 – The Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, arrived at the Port of Durrës for the first time with about 650 passengers on board. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the ship’s arrival on social media. He said company representatives praised …
Albania Closes First EU Chapters, Hard Tests Ahead
The provisional closure of three negotiating chapters represents an important milestone for Albania. Yet the Brussels conference also showed that the country’s further progress will depend on difficult reforms concerning the rule of law, environmental protection and the implementation of European standards. Tirana Times, July 16, 2026 – Albania provisionally …
Government approves procedure for public announcement of underwater cultural discoveries
The Albanian government has approved a new procedure for the public announcement of cultural heritage assets discovered at sea, strengthening the protection and preservation of the country’s underwater cultural heritage. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said Albania’s location along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, together with its …
Ksamil attracts visitors with crystal-clear waters and warm hospitality
TIRANA, July 16 – Ksamil continues to rank among Albania’s most popular summer destinations, attracting visitors from around the world with its crystal-clear waters, small islands and Mediterranean scenery. Many tourists describe the resort as an ideal place to relax. They praise the clear sea, stunning coastal views and peaceful …
Albanian Infrastructure Minister Karakaçi and Irish counterpart discuss energy and aviation cooperation
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Infrastructure and Energy Minister, Enea Karakaçi, met Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, to discuss closer bilateral cooperation. Karakaçi said the meeting focused on renewable energy. He highlighted battery development as a key area for future cooperation. He added that Ireland’s …
Agritourism “Nëna Dashuri” in Dibër welcomes visitors from around the world
The agritourism destination “Nëna Dashuri” in Dibër has become a popular attraction for local and international visitors by combining Albanian hospitality, traditional cuisine, and fresh farm products. Prime Minister Edi Rama recently shared images from the guesthouse in Peshkopi, highlighting its journey from a small family business into a successful …
New waste strategy aims to align Albania with European Union standards
TIRANA, July 16 – An inter-institutional working group held its first meeting to review Albania’s National Strategy and Action Plan for Integrated Waste Management, as well as the National Sectoral Waste Plan. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said the revised strategy would align the objectives of the European Union Waste Framework …
Kurti: Kosovo considers using US liquefied natural gas in the future
Kosovo is exploring the possibility of using liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States in the future, acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on Wednesday. Kurti made the statement during the foundation ceremony for a 105-megawatt solar park in Rahovec, southwestern Kosovo. He said Kosovo aims to use coal …
Artificial intelligence in filmmaking sparks debate on regulation and innovation
TIRANA, July 16 – The integration of artificial intelligence into the film industry and the need for a legal framework for its use topped the agenda at a roundtable organised by Albania’s National Center of Cinematography during the International AI Film Festival. Film professionals, including director Fatmir Koçi, Professor Shpend …
Tirana opens forest access routes to strengthen wildfire response
TIRANA, July 16 – Authorities have started opening forest access routes across Tirana County to improve wildfire response during the summer fire season. The Tirana Prefecture and the Tirana Agency of Parks and Recreation are clearing existing former military tracks to allow fire engines to reach forested areas more quickly. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has brought back his “Flasim” podcast, focusing on education and Albania’s results in the international PISA 2025 assessment. In the first episode of the new season, titled “News from School,” Rama spoke about the start of the new school year and the progress of the education …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi describes the development of the defence industry as a strategic priority for Albania. In a video message, he said that the country has now entered a new phase in which the defence industry aims to strengthen national security, technological capabilities and economic development. “The development of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again commented on judges’ salaries, publishing on the social media platform X a table comparing the monthly salaries of entry-level judges in Albania with those in other countries in the region. In his post, Rama wrote: “Today, an entry-level judge in Albania earns €500 …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has unveiled his new government cabinet, announcing the names of those who will head the executive’s ministries. – First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Diaspora – Glauk Konjufca; – Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Justice – Donika Gërvalla; – …
At the start of his presentation outlining his fourth term in government, Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that all of Kosovo is awaiting the decision of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers concerning the former KLA leaders. “I congratulate you on the constitution of the 11th legislature of the Assembly. These days, …
Large numbers of citizens and activists took to the streets again this Sunday for the latest protest, which entered its 106th day. As on previous afternoons, shortly after 19:00, protesters initially gathered in Skanderbeg Square, chanting slogans including: “Your time is up,” “A new Albania,” “Rama resign,” and “Rama in …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has again commented on the dispute over judges’ salaries, criticizing the way the issue has been handled by the judiciary. Speaking in a live video on Facebook, Rama said that, regardless of judges’ right to raise their concerns, those concerns should be addressed in a civilized …
The “Kurti 4” government was approved with 62 votes in favour and eight against during an extraordinary session of the Kosovo Assembly. Following the vote, the new government cabinet was sworn in. The session was held after Assembly Speaker Albulena Haxhiu declared the Assembly constituted without a deputy speaker from …
Prime minister-designate Albin Kurti has said that no domestic or international court can tarnish the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA). Presenting his programme to the Kosovo Assembly, Kurti said that everyone was anxiously awaiting the Specialist Chambers’ ruling on September 16 concerning former KLA leaders. He said the prosecution’s request was …
Emma Bonino, a European of Tomorrow – A Fighter, a Beacon, and the Enduring Voice of a Strategic Europe by Nora Ahmeti Tirana Times, September 13, 2026 – Emma Bonino spent much of her life fighting for a Europe that did not yet exist. She imagined a continent that would …