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148 years since the League of Prizren, event that laid foundations of Albanian nation-state

TIRANA, June 10 – Albania marks 148 years since the founding of the League of Prizren. The League stands as the most important event of the 19th century in Albanian history. It marked the start of national political organization to defend Albanian lands and identity. The League of Prizren was …

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Albania women reach 2027 World Cup play-offs after 5-2 win over Montenegro

TIRANA, June 10 – Albania’s women’s national team beat Montenegro 5-2 at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium and secured a place in the first round of the 2027 World Cup play-offs in Brazil. Albania started strongly and pushed forward from the opening minutes. Fortesa Berisha hit the crossbar in the 4th …

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FM Hoxha meets Bulgarian counterpart, discusses energy and infrastructure cooperation

TIRANA, June 10 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha arrived in Sofia, where foreign ministers are meeting at the close of Bulgaria’s chairmanship of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) for 2025–2026. Earlier, Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova received Hoxha for bilateral talks. The meeting reaffirmed the …

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PM Rama to Associated Press: No final Zvërnec project yet, misinformation fuels opposition

TIRANA, June 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama told Associated Press that Albania will continue with plans for a luxury tourism investment linked to Jared Kushner despite ongoing protests against the project. Rama rejected environmental criticism and described it as a result of misinformation. He said the investment reflects growing …

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Kosova’s Acting President Haxhiu to attend Southeast European Cooperation Process Summit in Sofia

TIRANA, June 10 – Albulena Haxhiu, Acting President of Kosova, will travel to Sofia, Bulgaria, to take part in the Southeast European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit. The summit will bring together leaders from Southeast Europe to discuss regional cooperation, security, connectivity, European integration and sustainable development. KosovaPress reported the information. …

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Albania’s Civic Awakening: A Year After Rama’s Landslide, the Illusion of Invincibility Breaks

by Elez Biberaj Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – One year after Prime Minister Edi Rama swept to a fourth consecutive term, Albania finds itself in a profoundly different place than the triumphant narrative he projected. The government that claimed unrivaled authority now faces the most sustained civic uprising in …

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Hoxha-Byrne: Ireland Supports EU Enlargement, Albania Advances Through Reform Agenda

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, to discuss Albania’s progress and prospects on its path toward European Union membership. During the meeting, the two officials reviewed developments in Albania’s EU integration process. They also exchanged …

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Kurti Meets Austrian Chancellor: Kosovo’s Council of Europe Membership a Priority

Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, met in Vienna with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker during an official visit to Austria. Kurti thanked Austria for its long-standing support for Kosovo since the 1990s. He also highlighted Austria’s role in state-building efforts and its contribution through the NATO-led KFOR mission. Furthermore, …

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PM Rama: Kushner and Ivanka Trump Are Investors, Not Political Actors

Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected claims that a planned Zvërnec project involves political backing from the White House or former U.S. President Donald Trump. He addressed journalists from EU member states at a press conference. He said public debate distorts the facts and focuses on family connections. Furthermore, he said …

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Tonin Harapi: A Major Figure of Albanian Music

The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of composer Tonin Harapi, recognizing him as one of the most important figures in Albanian national music. He was born on June 9, 1926, in Shkodër. He grew up in a rich musical environment. He learned …

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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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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, …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …