Gonxhja: Shkodra’s Old Bazaar to Return to Life Through Virtual Reality
Shkodra’s Old Bazaar, one of the city’s historic landmarks, will soon return to life through virtual reality (VR). The project will recreate the 19th-century bazaar. In addition, it will create a new tourist attraction for Shkodra. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the project on Wednesday. According …
Academy of Sciences commemorates Zef Krispi, pioneer of Albanian language and Arbëresh studies
The Academy of Sciences today commemorated Zef Krispi, also known as Giuseppe Crispi, on the anniversary of his death. He was a bishop, Hellenist and professor at the University of Palermo, and one of the 19th-century Arbëresh scholars who devoted their work to Albanian language, history and culture. Born in …
Tirana Mosaic/ Ancient history brought to life through 3D and Gigapixel technology
The Tirana Mosaic has become one of the capital’s most important tourist attractions. It preserves valuable traces of Albania’s ancient history. After a full restoration and reconstruction, the site now attracts more local and foreign visitors. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the mosaic now connects cultural …
Gonxhja in Zurich: Albania Positions Itself as a Safe Destination for Quality Investment
Albania is positioning itself as a safe destination for quality investment and sustainable development, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said in Zurich. Gonxhja attended the “Safe Haven” forum in Zurich. The event focused on global economic trends, investment, risk management, portfolios, and digital identity. During the forum, participants …
Albanian President Begaj Attends Farewell Ceremony for Norway’s King Harald V
Albanian President Bajram Begaj attended the farewell ceremony for King Harald V of Norway in Oslo, joining monarchs and world leaders in paying tribute to the late Norwegian king. The ceremony took place at Oslo Cathedral following a solemn procession from the Royal Palace. Representatives from several countries attended the …
NATO Delegation Visits Durres Port to Discuss Security and Corridor VIII
A high-level NATO delegation visited the Port of Durres on Wednesday to assess its port capacities and strategic role in regional security and logistics. The delegation was led by the Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples. Representatives of the Albanian Armed Forces and Naval Force Commander Rear Admiral …
Citizens Can Now Rate Consular Services Online Across Albania’s Diplomatic Network
Albanian citizens can now rate consular services online as part of a new initiative aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of services. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced the new evaluation system on Wednesday. Starting today, citizens can scan a QR code at any location where …
UNDP Approves New Albania Program Focused on Jobs, Economy and Justice
The Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has approved a new Country Programme for Albania for 2027–2031. The five-year programme will support Albania’s development. It will also accelerate reforms and advance the country’s European Union integration process. The programme has three main priorities. First, it will promote …
Hoxha: News Agencies Stand on the Front Line Against Disinformation
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” on Wednesday. The Italian news agency ANSA and the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies (ABNA) organized the conference. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Central European Initiative (CEI) also supported the event. …
Former Deputy PM Balluku Faces New Corruption Evidence
Tirana Times, September 09, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has uncovered new evidence in its widening investigation of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, increasing pressure on one of the most powerful figures of the governing Socialist Party. SPAK said Wednesday that a special …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said economic growth has increased financial support for citizens. He referred to state budget figures for the first 7 months of the year. During this period, the government spent ALL 841 million more than a year earlier on economic assistance, people with disabilities and their caregivers. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the transformed Koman road, on social media today. The road connects the Vau i Dejës and Koman hydroelectric power plants. Rama highlights its setting in the spectacular landscape of northern Albania. The reconstruction began in February last year. The project received around ALL …
A small but valuable photo collection has joined the Albanian Telegraphic Agency’s (ATA) archives. The collection brings back images of Tirana in February 1991, during one of the most turbulent periods of Albania’s transition from communist rule. Photographer Petrit Kozeli took the images while working in Tirana. The original photographs …
The Albanian manufacturing sector is seeking tax and financial measures to offset rising costs and encourage investment in technology. During consultations on the 2027 Fiscal Package, the Albanian Manufacturing Association submitted several proposals to the authorities. One calls for aligning the tax-free threshold with the minimum wage. Economic specialist Florian …
The Ethnographic Museum in Gjirokastër used traditional clothing today to present the city’s history and traditions. The activity introduced visitors to clothing elements from the area and their meaning across generations. Tourists praised the clothing and its detailed craftsmanship. They said the garments also offered insights into local culture and …
Interest in swimming remains high among children in Saranda. Around 60 children of different age groups currently train with the city’s swimming team, according to coach Edmond Vasi. Vasi said children’s participation supports physical development, discipline and self-confidence. He said the team includes children aged 14 and under, including 12 …
The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble (TKOBAP) will open its doors to the public on September 15 as part of “Open Opera – A Day at the Theatre.” The event will give visitors a chance to explore the theatre beyond the stage. They will discover the spaces, …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Yohei Wakabayashi to discuss international and regional security developments. They also discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral defence and security cooperation. Nufi said Albania considers Japan an important partner. He said the two countries can expand cooperation through expert exchanges, stronger …
Albania, Greece and North Macedonia aim to advance their joint bid to nominate the Lake Prespa region for UNESCO World Heritage status. The region spans all three countries. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja discussed the initiative with Greece’s new ambassador to Albania, Lambrini Komini. Albania welcomes the proposal …
Tickets for Albania’s two UEFA Nations League matches at Air Albania Stadium can now also be bought in person. Albania will face Belarus on September 26 and San Marino on October 6. The Albanian Football Federation said fans can buy tickets online through the official ebileta.al platform. They can also …