Vllaznia exit European campaign after defeat against Kosova’s Malisheva
TIRANA, July 16 – Vllaznia of Shkodër have ended their UEFA Conference League campaign after losing 5-0 to Malisheva in the second leg of the first qualifying round. The match took place at the “Zahir Pajaziti” Stadium in Podujeva. Malisheva overturned the result from the first leg and secured qualification …
Wizz Air opens direct Palermo-Tirana route starting in October
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania will gain a new direct air connection with Italy after Wizz Air announced a year-round route between Tirana and Palermo, according to Italian media outlet Italpress. The airline will launch the first flight on October 27. The route will operate 3 times a week, every …
Albania Achieves 80% Implementation of the EU Growth Plan
Albania has implemented around 80% of the reforms required under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, placing the country among the region’s top performers. The European Commission expects Albania to reach this milestone and ranks it alongside Montenegro as one of the best-performing countries in the Western Balkans. …
Begaj in Kyiv: Albania reaffirms unwavering support for Ukraine
President Bajram Begaj attended the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Kyiv and the ceremonies marking Ukraine’s Statehood Day, reaffirming Albania’s strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, recovery, and European integration. “Albania has been clear and unwavering in its support for Ukraine. We stand with your independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity …
Nufi: Defense industry to become a new pillar of economic growth and national security
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi and Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu inspected the construction site of “Guna Tactical”, a major investment in Albania’s defense industry. The officials reviewed the project’s progress and highlighted its strategic role in creating a modern defense sector that will support economic growth, generate jobs, and strengthen …
Karakaçi presents Albania’s Voluntary National Review on the 2030 Agenda at the UN
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi presented Albania’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations during the second day of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The report highlights Albania’s progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Karakaçi said Albania presented concrete results, …
Albanian Ambassadors’ Council condemns Serbian minister’s statement, calls for action at EU and NATO levels
The Albanian Ambassadors’ Council has strongly condemned recent statements by Serbian Government Minister Snezhana Paunović, warning that such rhetoric threatens regional stability and contradicts European values. In a statement, the council said the remarks revive concepts linked to the ethnic cleansing of Albanians and raise concerns about Serbia’s continued distancing …
Gogu meets justice institutions’ leaders, highlights sustainability of justice reform as key challenge
Justice Minister Toni Gogu gathered the heads of justice institutions to review the progress of Albania’s justice reform and discuss the challenges ahead in the country’s European integration process. Gogu said the next 12 months will be crucial for Albania’s EU accession path. He stressed that the main challenge is …
French Ambassador Suard: France and Albania share a common ambition for a reunited Europe
French Ambassador to Albania Catherine Suard highlighted the strong ties between France and Albania during a reception in Tirana marking France’s National Day. The event brought together senior Albanian officials, diplomats, media representatives, and civil society members. Suard reaffirmed France’s support for Albania’s EU integration. She said France believes Albania …
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony closes the artistic season
The RTSH Symphony Orchestra closed its artistic season with a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The festive concert featured soloists Eva Golemi, Vikena Kamenica, Amadi Lagha, and Artur Vera. Dritan Lumshi conducted the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet Choir. …
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 …