High Fire Risk in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier as temperatures reach 33°C
The Institute of GeoSciences (IGJEO) warns of a high fire risk this afternoon and tomorrow in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier counties. Meanwhile, other parts of the country will face a moderate risk. However, the high-risk level will affect only localised areas in some counties. These include northeastern Lezhë, northeastern Tirana …
Territorial reform, OSCE ambassador: No decision should be made without national-level consultation
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Michel Tarran, said in Pogradec that the territorial reform remains under discussion and that no final decision has been made so far. Asked about the consultation process, Tarran stressed that the OSCE does not impose a specific model for territorial organization. He …
Bank of Albania, World Bank step up cooperation on digital payments
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …
Lek strengthens against major foreign currencies on domestic market
The lek strengthened against major foreign currencies in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday, compared with the previous day. According to the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Albania, the euro fell by 0.05 lek, to 92.02 lek, while the US dollar dropped by 0.19 lek, to …
“Balkans meet in Trieste”, FM Hoxha: Enlargement is Europe’s strength
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, was among the keynote speakers at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference. Italy’s ANSA news agency organized the event. The conference took place during the 34th General Assembly of the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE). The Friuli …
FM Hoxha: Kosovo, an independent state and should be recognized; Regional cooperation remains a major priority
Speaking at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference, Hoxha also addressed Albania’s positions on Kosovo, stressing that Albania considers it an independent state that should receive international recognition. “We have fundamental differences with Serbia over Kosovo,” he said. “Kosovo is an independent state and should be recognized.” At the same …
Gjirokastër’s Cold War Museum unveils new exhibition on Albania’s communist past
The Cold War Museum in Gjirokastër has unveiled a new exhibition inside the city’s historic underground bunker. The central hall now features uniforms worn by soldiers, generals and officials during Albania’s communist era. Visitors can also see banned books, newspaper articles from the 1950s to the 1990s, and publications by …
National Energy Plan Sets 100% Electric Vehicle Target for Public Procurement
Albania plans to gradually shift public administration toward electric vehicles. Under the new target, public institutions must procure new light vehicles that are either fully electric or plug-in hybrids. The target forms part of the revised National Energy and Climate Plan 2020–2030. The plan introduces several measures to cut transport …
Kumbaro at PISA ministerial panel: “We want more spaces where children can excel”
The PISA 2025 results show a major improvement in Albanian students’ performance. Scores rose by 65 points in mathematics, 59 points in science and 50 points in reading. As a result, Albania ranks among the Western Balkans’ strongest performers in mathematics and science. The results were presented in Bratislava at …
BBC: ‘Tirana teeth’: Albania hopes to be the new Turkey for dental work
BBC reports on Tirana’s growing dental tourism industry, as Albania seeks to establish itself as a cheaper alternative to Turkey for international patients seeking dental treatment. Anthony Hook is sitting in a dentist’s chair, grinning toothily into a handheld mirror. He has been asked to pose for photos showing off …
By Sylë Ukshini Tirana Times, Sept. 15, 2026 – The September 16 judgment at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in the trial of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, former Assembly Speaker Kadri Veseli, former head of the Vetëvendosje parliamentary group Rexhep Selimi and former Assembly Speaker Jakup Krasniqi will not merely …
Thousands of hectares burned in wildfires this summer in Albania, demonstrating the state’s lack of readiness and coordination to confront the challenge, experts say. With climate change, the risks are growing. Original post Here
The US and Albanian Armed Forces held a joint training exercise at Farka Air Base and the Land Forces Command. The exercise focused on medical evacuation missions. According to the US Embassy in Tirana, the teams prepared UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for MedEvac missions. They equipped the cabins with the …
By Zef Preçi Tirana Times, September 14, 2026 – According to media reports in recent days, Albania and the U.S. company Argent LNG have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to assess the possibility of building a major onshore liquefied natural gas storage and regasification terminal on the Albanian coast. …
The Union of Student Councils and the Embassy of Croatia in Albania, in cooperation with the “Support for EU Integration” (EUIS) project, held a discussion in Tirana today on the role of young people in building a common European future. Croatian Ambassador to Albania Zlatko Kramarić, President of the Union …
The Centralized Purchasing Operator (OBP) and the European Academy of Law (ERA) have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the professional skills of public procurement officials and align Albanian practices with European Union standards. OBP Director Jonaid Myzyri signed the agreement, which provides for ERA support in assessing the training …
Albania aims to attract new investments in the green economy, renewable energy, waste and water management, and sustainable tourism. Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj met today with Prince Naif bin Abdullah bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a delegation of investors from Saudi Arabia and partner countries. The meeting …
President Bajram Begaj paid an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, marking the first visit by an Albanian president to the country. The visit reaffirmed Albania and the UAE’s commitment to strengthening their future-oriented partnership. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received President Begaj during the visit. …
Socialist Party political leader for Tirana County Taulant Balla congratulated students, teachers and parents on the start of the new school year during a visit to a school in Kavajë. At the “Charles Telford Erickson” vocational high school in Golem, Kavajë, Balla described Albania’s PISA 2025 results as good news …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja met today with Prince Naif bin Abdullah bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a delegation of investors from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria. They discussed investment opportunities and strategic partnerships in Albania. The talks focused on development projects in tourism, culture …