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Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy

By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …

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Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens

Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …

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Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth

From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …

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Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë

Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …

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Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games

Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …

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Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”

The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …

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Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …

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Edi Rama: No Compromise on Food Safety for EU Integration

Edi Rama said there will be no compromise on food safety. He spoke in Berat with olive oil producers. First, he highlighted food safety as a key condition for EU integration. He said standards must match those of the European Union. Then, he warned producers. He said non-compliant products will …

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Delina Ibrahimaj said investment and cooperation in agro-processing are key for exports and EU integration

She spoke during a visit to an olive oil processing business. Edi Rama and other cabinet members were present. First, she stressed higher standards in production. She said agriculture and agro-processing must improve to enter the EU market. Then, she highlighted a new model of cooperation. Over 70 olive oil …

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Blendi Gonxhja said traditional crochet art is a candidate for UNESCO recognition

Blendi Gonxhja said traditional crochet art is a UNESCO candidate. He announced the nomination of “ojnat.” He submitted it in a joint file with Romania and Turkey. First, he highlighted its cultural value. He said Albanian women passed it down through generations. Then, he explained the technique. Artisans use fine …

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European Union envoy for Kosova–Serbia dialogue Peter Sorensen to visit Pristina for talks with Prime Minister Kurti

TIRANA, April 16 – European Union envoy for the Kosova–Serbia dialogue Peter Sorensen arrives in Prishtina on April 15. He meets Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti during the visit. A Brussels source told Radio Free Europe. A diplomatic source links the visit to ongoing efforts on the Kosova–Serbia dialogue process. …

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Returned Migrant Builds Successful Export Farm in Çermë e Sipërme

A returned migrant builds a successful export farm in Çermë e Sipërme. Gëzim Bezhi runs a modern greenhouse farm in Divjakë. Albania exports agricultural products to 85 international markets. The government aims to reach €1 billion in exports by 2030. Minister Salla visits a farm in Çermë e Sipërme. He …

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Albanian Electricity Distribution Operator introduces debt relief scheme for large businesses

TIRANA, April 16 – Albania’s electricity distribution operator has introduced a new relief scheme aimed at restructuring outstanding electricity debts for large businesses. According to the announcement, eligible companies will be able to repay their obligations in up to 120 instalments. The exact number of instalments will depend on the …

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Koçiu Meets Citizens in Vorë to Discuss EU Integration

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu meets citizens in Vorë with Taulant Balla. They discuss EU integration and national development. First, Koçiu says EU membership remains Albania’s main goal. She calls it the final confirmation of Albania’s European identity. Meanwhile, the government informs citizens daily about reforms. It reports progress in …

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Guri: Albania Enters New Phase as Exporting Country

Deputy Minister Fatmir Guri speaks at the 4th Diaspora Summit. He focuses on agriculture and exports. First, he says Albania enters a new phase as a producer and exporter country. In addition, he stresses the role of agriculture in the national economy. He links it to culture and identity. Meanwhile, …

News
Përmet Folk Ensemble Promotes Albanian Culture in World Festival

The Përmet Folk Ensemble participates in the World Folklore Festival. The festival takes place in Italy, France, and Monaco. First, the artists perform in Sanremo, Italy. They join the opening parade of the festival. Moreover, they wear traditional costumes. They present songs and dances from Përmet. In addition, they showcase …

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“Ora e Maleve” Begins Publication in Shkodër in 1923

The newspaper “Ora e Maleve” begins publication in Shkodër on 15 April 1923. It becomes an important platform for political and social thought. First, it reflects the political and economic situation in Albania. It focuses especially on developments in Shkodër. Moreover, the newspaper publishes 51 issues until the end of …

News
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to visit Italy and Spain for talks with counterparts Giorgia Meloni and Pedro Sanchez

TIRANA, April 16 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama begins a working visit to Italy and Spain from April 16 to 18. The trip includes meetings with European leaders and participation in an international summit. The Prime Minister’s Office said Rama will meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. …

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Albania plans Porto Romano port in Durrës with capacity of up to one million containers, minister says

TIRANA, April 16 – Albania plans to build a new commercial port in Porto Romano with a capacity of up to one million containers, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi told parliament. He described the project as a strategic investment for the country’s logistics sector. Karakaçi said the current Port …

News
Albanian and Italian police officials discuss cooperation on tourism security and crime prevention

TIRANA, April 16 – Albania’s State Police Director General Skënder Hita met Italian senior police official Lorenzo Bucossi in Tirana. Bucossi leads the International Police Cooperation Service of Italy. The two officials reviewed ongoing cooperation between Albanian and Italian police forces. Hita said both sides will strengthen multidimensional ties. Bucossi …

News

European Union envoy for Kosova–Serbia dialogue Peter Sorensen to visit Pristina for talks with Prime Minister Kurti

TIRANA, April 16 – European Union envoy for the Kosova–Serbia dialogue Peter Sorensen arrives in Prishtina on April 15. He meets Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti during the visit. A Brussels source told Radio Free Europe. A diplomatic source links the visit to ongoing efforts on the Kosova–Serbia dialogue process. …

News

Returned Migrant Builds Successful Export Farm in Çermë e Sipërme

A returned migrant builds a successful export farm in Çermë e Sipërme. Gëzim Bezhi runs a modern greenhouse farm in Divjakë. Albania exports agricultural products to 85 international markets. The government aims to reach €1 billion in exports by 2030. Minister Salla visits a farm in Çermë e Sipërme. He …

News

Albanian Electricity Distribution Operator introduces debt relief scheme for large businesses

TIRANA, April 16 – Albania’s electricity distribution operator has introduced a new relief scheme aimed at restructuring outstanding electricity debts for large businesses. According to the announcement, eligible companies will be able to repay their obligations in up to 120 instalments. The exact number of instalments will depend on the …

News

Koçiu Meets Citizens in Vorë to Discuss EU Integration

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu meets citizens in Vorë with Taulant Balla. They discuss EU integration and national development. First, Koçiu says EU membership remains Albania’s main goal. She calls it the final confirmation of Albania’s European identity. Meanwhile, the government informs citizens daily about reforms. It reports progress in …

News

Guri: Albania Enters New Phase as Exporting Country

Deputy Minister Fatmir Guri speaks at the 4th Diaspora Summit. He focuses on agriculture and exports. First, he says Albania enters a new phase as a producer and exporter country. In addition, he stresses the role of agriculture in the national economy. He links it to culture and identity. Meanwhile, …

News

Përmet Folk Ensemble Promotes Albanian Culture in World Festival

The Përmet Folk Ensemble participates in the World Folklore Festival. The festival takes place in Italy, France, and Monaco. First, the artists perform in Sanremo, Italy. They join the opening parade of the festival. Moreover, they wear traditional costumes. They present songs and dances from Përmet. In addition, they showcase …

News

“Ora e Maleve” Begins Publication in Shkodër in 1923

The newspaper “Ora e Maleve” begins publication in Shkodër on 15 April 1923. It becomes an important platform for political and social thought. First, it reflects the political and economic situation in Albania. It focuses especially on developments in Shkodër. Moreover, the newspaper publishes 51 issues until the end of …

News

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama to visit Italy and Spain for talks with counterparts Giorgia Meloni and Pedro Sanchez

TIRANA, April 16 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama begins a working visit to Italy and Spain from April 16 to 18. The trip includes meetings with European leaders and participation in an international summit. The Prime Minister’s Office said Rama will meet Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome. …

News

Albania plans Porto Romano port in Durrës with capacity of up to one million containers, minister says

TIRANA, April 16 – Albania plans to build a new commercial port in Porto Romano with a capacity of up to one million containers, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi told parliament. He described the project as a strategic investment for the country’s logistics sector. Karakaçi said the current Port …

News

Albanian and Italian police officials discuss cooperation on tourism security and crime prevention

TIRANA, April 16 – Albania’s State Police Director General Skënder Hita met Italian senior police official Lorenzo Bucossi in Tirana. Bucossi leads the International Police Cooperation Service of Italy. The two officials reviewed ongoing cooperation between Albanian and Italian police forces. Hita said both sides will strengthen multidimensional ties. Bucossi …