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Exhibition Highlights Shared Architectural Heritage of the Lake Shkodra Region

An exhibition showcasing the traditional architecture of communities around Lake Shkodra opened on Albania’s National Cultural Heritage Day, highlighting the shared history, craftsmanship and architectural identity of regions connected by the lake. The exhibition, titled “Traditional Architecture Along the Lake Shkodra Basin,” is the result of a collaboration between the …

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Durrës Amphitheatre Enters New Phase of Conservation and Research

The Ancient Amphitheatre of Durrës has entered a new phase of conservation and archaeological research as authorities step up efforts to preserve one of Albania’s most important cultural heritage sites. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the start of the Conservation and Archaeological Excavation Plan, an initiative …

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Croatian Comedy ‘Coffee at Noon’ Takes the Stage in Tirana

“Coffee at Noon,” a comedy by Croatian playwright Miro Gavran, took the stage at the Kujtim Spahivogli National Experimental Theatre in Tirana as part of Croatian Cultural Week. The play, performed by Mladena Gavran and Vedran Komerički, tells the story of a mother and her son and follows their relationship …

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Rama in Brussels: Sazan-Zvërnec investment could reach €6 billion; Investors drawn by Albania’s potential

Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke at the Euronews Summit 2026 about major tourism investments, projects in Sazan and Zvërnec, and the debate over economic development and nature protection. Rama said Albania is working to attract one of Europe’s largest tourism investments in recent years. He added that a project linking …

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Rama at Tourism Summit: The World Is Our Next Target, We Have Outpaced Our Neighbours for Five Years

Prime Minister Edi Rama took part on Tuesday in the Euronews 2026 Tourism Summit in Brussels. During his remarks, Rama said that the number of tourists visiting Albania continues to increase every year. He also said that Tirana International Airport has surpassed other airports in the region, including Belgrade Airport. …

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Rama: We Need to Create the Conditions for Luxury Tourism, Albania Can Work with Major Investors

Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at the Euronews 2026 Tourism Summit, also addressed investments in Zvërnec and on Sazan Island. He said these projects are taking shape because Albania is open to such investments and has the conditions needed to work with major investors. “We need to create the conditions …

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Former SHISH Director Appeals Security Measure at GJKKO Court of Appeal

Former SHISH director Vlora Hyseni on Tuesday appealed the “house arrest” security measure imposed on her before the GJKKO Court of Appeal. The appeal is reported to have been filed by her lawyer, Kastriot Selita. The case has been registered with the GJKKO Court of Appeal, and a draw is …

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Italian media names Tirana among top affordable autumn getaways

div:has([data-free-thinking-preview-answer=true])+:is(.text-message,.relative:has(>.text-message))]:-mt-2 grow”> Tirana is strengthening its position as one of Southern Europe’s fastest-growing urban destinations, combining a vibrant city atmosphere, a rich cultural and culinary scene, and easy access to Albania’s coastal attractions. Italian newspaper Il Resto del Carlino has ranked the Albanian capital among four affordable destinations recommended for …

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Albania’s EU integration process takes center stage at Tirana conference

Albania’s EU accession negotiations took centre stage at an interparliamentary conference in Tirana. The event focused on reforms and membership obligations. It also examined the role of parliaments in European integration. The conference, titled “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Accession,” brings together lawmakers and officials from across Europe. …

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Cultural heritage exhibition opens in Berat

Ahead of National Cultural Heritage Day, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Berat presented an open-air exhibition featuring the city’s rich cultural heritage. The exhibition showcases views of traditional Berat homes, places of worship and icons created by Onufri, the Çetiri brothers and anonymous painters. The organizers placed the …

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Can Albania Follow Hungary’s Example in Scrutinizing Officials’ Wealth?

By Zef Preci Tirana Times, September 30, 2026 – For more than two decades, Albania has had legislation requiring senior public officials to declare their assets and financial interests. Yet persistent concerns over unexplained wealth suggest that the central issue is no longer simply whether officials submit asset declarations. The …

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Albania’s Arms Industry Faces International Trafficking Probe

Investigators examine weapons deals, state-linked defense companies and the role of businessman Ron Yeffet after allegations of international arms trafficking surfaced in recordings released by former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj. Tirana Times, October 03, 2026 – A series of searches by Albania’s special prosecutors has opened a potentially significant …

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Albania lose 2-1 to Finland in Nations League

Albania lost 2-1 to Finland at Helsinki Olympic Stadium in a Nations League League C Group 1 match. Rey Manaj put Albania ahead in the fourth minute with a header from Kristjan Asllani’s corner. Goalkeeper Etrit Berisha then made a mistake in the 22nd minute and had to intervene outside …

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Albania electricity distribution losses fall to 15.6% in 2026

Electricity distribution losses in Albania fell to 15.6% in the first eight months of 2026, according to data from the Electricity Distribution System Operator. The figure marks a continued improvement from 18.93% in 2023, 17.93% in 2024 and 16.96% in 2025. Regional data also show lower losses. Fier recorded the …

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EU enlargement commissioner says Albania among leading candidates

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is among the leading candidates in the European Union enlargement process. In an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, she placed Albania and Montenegro at the front of the process, followed by Moldova and Ukraine. Kos said enlargement had achieved more …

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Albania U19 Come from Behind to Defeat Lithuania U19

Albania U19 secured a second consecutive victory over Lithuania U19, coming from behind to win 2-1 in a friendly match at the Vora Stadium. Lithuania took the lead in the first half, scoring from one of their few chances of the game. However, Albania responded strongly after the break and …

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International Dance Festival Tirana Opens with 17 Performances Across the City

The International Dance Festival Tirana (IDFT) will launch its fifth edition on October 3, bringing a rich program of contemporary dance, international artists and artistic companies to the Albanian capital through October 21. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the festival will feature 17 performances in nine …

News
OSCE Highlights Importance of Inclusive Participation in Justice System

The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, met today with representatives of the Union of Judges, the National Association of Judges and the Association of Prosecutors of Albania to discuss recent developments in the country’s justice system. According to the OSCE Presence, the discussion focused on …

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Retro Car Tour Brings New Energy to Gjirokastër

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media today from “Gran Tour Albania,” an event that brought Italian collectors of vintage cars to the historic city of Gjirokastër. “Motoring enthusiasts and tourists added a new color to Gjirokastër in autumn,” Rama wrote alongside photos from the event. Rare vintage …

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Monograph on Usta Josif and Përmet’s Saze Tradition Presented in Tirana

The National Library in Tirana hosted the presentation of “Usta Josifi and the Saze of Përmet,” a new monographic study by author Niko Mihali dedicated to one of Albania’s richest musical traditions. The book explores the urban folk music tradition of Përmet and focuses on the life and contribution of …

News

Can Albania Follow Hungary’s Example in Scrutinizing Officials’ Wealth?

By Zef Preci Tirana Times, September 30, 2026 – For more than two decades, Albania has had legislation requiring senior public officials to declare their assets and financial interests. Yet persistent concerns over unexplained wealth suggest that the central issue is no longer simply whether officials submit asset declarations. The …

News

Albania’s Arms Industry Faces International Trafficking Probe

Investigators examine weapons deals, state-linked defense companies and the role of businessman Ron Yeffet after allegations of international arms trafficking surfaced in recordings released by former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj. Tirana Times, October 03, 2026 – A series of searches by Albania’s special prosecutors has opened a potentially significant …

News

Albania lose 2-1 to Finland in Nations League

Albania lost 2-1 to Finland at Helsinki Olympic Stadium in a Nations League League C Group 1 match. Rey Manaj put Albania ahead in the fourth minute with a header from Kristjan Asllani’s corner. Goalkeeper Etrit Berisha then made a mistake in the 22nd minute and had to intervene outside …

News

Albania electricity distribution losses fall to 15.6% in 2026

Electricity distribution losses in Albania fell to 15.6% in the first eight months of 2026, according to data from the Electricity Distribution System Operator. The figure marks a continued improvement from 18.93% in 2023, 17.93% in 2024 and 16.96% in 2025. Regional data also show lower losses. Fier recorded the …

News

EU enlargement commissioner says Albania among leading candidates

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is among the leading candidates in the European Union enlargement process. In an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, she placed Albania and Montenegro at the front of the process, followed by Moldova and Ukraine. Kos said enlargement had achieved more …

News

Albania U19 Come from Behind to Defeat Lithuania U19

Albania U19 secured a second consecutive victory over Lithuania U19, coming from behind to win 2-1 in a friendly match at the Vora Stadium. Lithuania took the lead in the first half, scoring from one of their few chances of the game. However, Albania responded strongly after the break and …

News

International Dance Festival Tirana Opens with 17 Performances Across the City

The International Dance Festival Tirana (IDFT) will launch its fifth edition on October 3, bringing a rich program of contemporary dance, international artists and artistic companies to the Albanian capital through October 21. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the festival will feature 17 performances in nine …

News

OSCE Highlights Importance of Inclusive Participation in Justice System

The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, met today with representatives of the Union of Judges, the National Association of Judges and the Association of Prosecutors of Albania to discuss recent developments in the country’s justice system. According to the OSCE Presence, the discussion focused on …

News

Retro Car Tour Brings New Energy to Gjirokastër

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media today from “Gran Tour Albania,” an event that brought Italian collectors of vintage cars to the historic city of Gjirokastër. “Motoring enthusiasts and tourists added a new color to Gjirokastër in autumn,” Rama wrote alongside photos from the event. Rare vintage …

News

Monograph on Usta Josif and Përmet’s Saze Tradition Presented in Tirana

The National Library in Tirana hosted the presentation of “Usta Josifi and the Saze of Përmet,” a new monographic study by author Niko Mihali dedicated to one of Albania’s richest musical traditions. The book explores the urban folk music tradition of Përmet and focuses on the life and contribution of …