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Protests, Rama: Tourists Are Cancelling Bookings, There Is a Fascist Mentality That Does Not Accept Opposing Views

Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the recent protests are negatively affecting the tourism sector, leading to cancellations of bookings by foreign tourists for the summer season. Speaking on the podcast “Flasim,” Rama said he has received complaints and messages from tourism operators across different parts of the country, who …

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Gjirokastër: Traditional Fairs Bring Albania and Kosovo Together

In Gjirokastër, traditional fairs held throughout the summer season promote the values of handicrafts and traditional crafts as key attractions for tourists. Souvenirs skillfully crafted by artisans have become increasingly popular among visitors, who take them home as mementos of their visit to the Stone City. These events become even …

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Tourism Season Opens in Pustec, Number of Foreign Tourists on the Rise

Tourism season has officially opened in the minority municipality of Pustec, one of the most unique tourist destinations in southeastern Albania. In recent years, the Prespa National Park has experienced a significant increase in visitors, particularly foreign tourists, who are captivated by the area’s natural beauty, the lake, Maligrad Island, …

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Property Ownership Issues in Gjirokastër: Historic Buildings Abandoned, Museum Heritage Values at Risk

In Gjirokastër, property ownership disputes involving protected cultural monuments are threatening the preservation of the Stone City’s historical and architectural heritage. As a result of these issues, several historic buildings and traditional houses have deteriorated or lost part of their museum and cultural value. “One of the main challenges we …

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Braçe: Protest Is Legitimate, Government’s Job Is to Govern the Country and Serve the People

Socialist Party MP Erion Braçe has reacted to the anti-government protest that has been taking place in Tirana for the past two weeks. In a post published on his Facebook page, Braçe described the protest as a legitimate right, while stressing that the government must continue carrying out its duties …

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Five Arrested in Special Prosecutor’s War Crimes Operation

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:7ab79576-af91-4b8c-b48b-97e65e1f28af-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:7ab79576-af91-4b8c-b48b-97e65e1f28af-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Five people were arrested on Sunday during a joint operation conducted by the Special Prosecution Office and the Kosovo Police as part of an investigation into war crimes in the case known as “Reçak II.” According to a statement from …

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Kosovo Elections: Diaspora Vote Gives Vetëvendosje Another Seat, AAK Loses One

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”3272e71f-83dd-431c-af08-91fb3910d404″ data-turn-id-container=”3272e71f-83dd-431c-af08-91fb3910d404″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Vetëvendosje Movement has secured 51 seats in the Kosovo Assembly following the processing of around 20 percent of the votes cast by the diaspora through postal ballots. At this stage of the count, the party has won more than …

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Rama Reacts Minutes Before the Protest: When Facts Say Otherwise, Noise Becomes the Argument

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has published a detailed statement on social media regarding investment projects on Sazan Island and in the Zvërnec area, just minutes before the start of a citizen protest in Tirana against the planned development in Zvërnec, which has now entered its 15th day. In a …

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Malaj: Albania Remains One of the Most Stable Economies in the Region

Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj said Albania continues to stand out as one of the most stable economies in the region. He said the country maintains positive growth prospects. This comes despite global uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, and inflationary pressures. Furthermore, he referred to the latest World Bank report. He said …

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UEFA U-21 Euro 2027: Work Begins to Convert “Arena e Demave” Pitch to Natural Grass

Preparations for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027 are now underway in Albania. Work has started at the Arena e Demave Stadium to replace the artificial turf with natural grass. The process has already begun with the removal of the existing playing surface. Next, workers will install a modern irrigation …

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Zelenskyy’s Kosovo Stance Puts Solidarity With Ukraine to the Test

Pristina and Tirana push back against Kyiv’s stance, insisting that Kosovo’s sovereignty cannot be diminished or equated with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Tirana Times , August 09, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation in Belgrade that Kyiv has not changed its position on Kosovo has triggered criticism in Albania and …

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Mecca Defense Pact Signals Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Shape a New Security Order

The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 – The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan represents more …

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Albanian Court Puts Turkish Activist in Custody After Extradition Demand

Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here

News
“Fustanella” exhibition showcases Albanian cultural identity in Berat

TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …

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Defense minister visits Italian shipyard to support Fincantieri Albania project

TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …

News
Power distributor strengthens grid for summer season in Lezha and Shëngjin

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …

News
Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …

News
Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …

News
SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku

Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …

News
Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road

TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …

News

Zelenskyy’s Kosovo Stance Puts Solidarity With Ukraine to the Test

Pristina and Tirana push back against Kyiv’s stance, insisting that Kosovo’s sovereignty cannot be diminished or equated with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Tirana Times , August 09, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation in Belgrade that Kyiv has not changed its position on Kosovo has triggered criticism in Albania and …

News

Mecca Defense Pact Signals Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Shape a New Security Order

The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 – The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan represents more …

News

Albanian Court Puts Turkish Activist in Custody After Extradition Demand

Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here

News

“Fustanella” exhibition showcases Albanian cultural identity in Berat

TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …

News

Defense minister visits Italian shipyard to support Fincantieri Albania project

TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …

News

Power distributor strengthens grid for summer season in Lezha and Shëngjin

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …

News

Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …

News

Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …

News

SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku

Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …

News

Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road

TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …