Task Force Conducts Inspections on Pogradec Beaches to Prevent Illegal Occupation of Lakeshore Areas
A joint task force made up of representatives from the National Coastline Agency, the Municipality of Pogradec, and the State Police carried out inspections along Pogradec’s lakeshore this Friday to monitor compliance with beach station permits and ensure that designated public beach areas remain accessible. Shpëtim Çiku, Director of the …
Eurostat: Albanians Work the Longest Hours, Exceeding the EU Average
Workers in Albania continue to put in significantly longer working hours than the European average. According to Eurostat, the average working week across the European Union stood at 35.9 hours in 2025. In Albania, however, data from INSTAT show that employees worked an average of 42.6 hours per week—6.7 hours …
Russian Embassy in Albania Responds to Claims Linking Kremlin to Protests
The Embassy of the Russian Federation in Albania has responded to recent statements by Albania’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, and the head of the Socialist Party’s Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, who suggested that Russia could be among the actors influencing the ongoing protests in the country. …
OECD Survey: Financial Insecurity Is Prompting Albanians to Delay Retirement
Financial insecurity is increasingly shaping retirement plans in Albania. According to an international survey conducted by the OECD, Albanian men plan to retire later than men in any other European country included in the study, largely due to financial concerns. On average, Albanian men said they would prefer to retire …
Ursula von der Leyen from Ireland: Albania and Montenegro Are Making Steady Progress Toward EU Membership
During her official visit to Ireland, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen praised the progress made by Albania and Montenegro in their EU accession negotiations, emphasizing that both countries are advancing in the enlargement process based on merit. “Albania and Montenegro continue to make progress in the enlargement process. …
Day 34 of Protests: Demonstrators Gather Outside the Prime Minister’s Office
Citizens took to the streets once again this Friday as the protest entered its 34th consecutive day. As on previous days, demonstrators began gathering at 7:00 p.m. before marching toward the Prime Minister’s Office. Protesters were seen carrying banners and Albanian flags. Despite the high temperatures, they continued their demonstration, …
Anti-Government Protests Escalate in Tirana as Demonstrators Block Parliament
Tirana Times, July 03, 2026 – Albania’s month-long anti-government protest movement entered a more confrontational phase on Thursday, as demonstrators gathered outside Parliament, blocked access points and clashed with police while lawmakers were holding a plenary session inside. The protest, now extending into its second month, has moved beyond its …
Albania and European Commission to sign agreement on EU staff exchanges in September
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania will sign an agreement with the European Commission in September to allow Albanian public officials to work for fixed periods at European Union institutions, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said. Pirdeni said the initiative will strengthen the skills of Albania’s …
Government allocates €65 mln support package for local authorities
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s government will provide an additional €65 million to strengthen local government capacity and improve public services across the country. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the funding forms part of the 2026 budget amendments approved through a normative act. The package supports investment in basic …
Electronic communications authority completes 10 of 11 parliamentary recommendations
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s Electronic and Postal Communications Authority has completed 10 of 11 recommendations issued by Parliament while continuing to align the country’s electronic communications legislation with European Union rules. Speaking before Parliament’s Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, the authority’s chairman, Gentian Sala, said the …
The government’s use of 4.2 million euros from its emergency reserve to finance the controversial rapper’s concert – after earlier pledging to spend nothing – has angered its critics. Original post Here
Kumbaro: Bënja Thermal Baths attract growing numbers of tourists as infrastructure upgrades continue
The Bënja Thermal Baths near Përmet continue to attract large numbers of domestic and international visitors seeking relaxation in the area’s thermal waters, unspoiled nature and the scenic Langarica Canyon. Minister Mirela Kumbaro said authorities are continuing to improve infrastructure and services alongside the growing number of tourists. She said …
TIRANA July 10 – Tirana Police has announced temporary traffic restrictions on several roads ahead of the “YE” music event featuring artist Kanye West, scheduled for July 11 in Kashar. The restrictions will start at 07:00 and remain in force until midnight on the secondary section of the Durrës–Tirana highway, …
TIRANA, July 10 – Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Friday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The country will have mostly clear skies throughout the day. Light passing clouds may appear around midday. Meanwhile, winds will blow mainly from the northwest at an average speed of 7 m/s. …
The Art Gallery at Pogradec’s Multifunctional Centre will open “The Drunken City,” a solo exhibition by renowned Albanian painter Anastas Kostandini (Taso), on 18 July at 19:00. The exhibition will showcase 50 pastel artworks that portray everyday life in Pogradec through nostalgia, humour and the warmth of local traditions. Inspired …
TIRANA, July 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama gave an interview to CNN Turk, where he discussed the NATO Summit in Ankara, Albania–Turkey relations, regional developments, defence cooperation and tourism. Rama said the summit showed the European wing of NATO’s determination to address security challenges and modernize its military capabilities. …
TIRANA, July 10 – Himara remains one of the most popular destinations for domestic and foreign tourists during the summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today images from Himara’s public beach, where visitors are spending their holidays under the sun, relaxing on the sand and by the sea. Across …
Vllaznia fought back to defeat Malisheva 2-1 in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League first qualifying round tie, taking an advantage into next week’s return match. The visitors made a dream start at Loro Boriçi Stadium, with Xhylani scoring directly from a corner kick in the third minute. …
TIRANA, July 10 – The mountains are among Albania’s greatest natural treasures, while the Albanian Alps remain one of the country’s most visited areas. Protecting their cleanliness requires everyone’s commitment. Tour guide Kastriot Faci says foreign visitors show greater awareness when it comes to protecting nature. He adds that many …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Socialist lawmakers and all Members of the European Parliament supported recommendations backing Albania’s European Union membership during the EU–Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee meeting in Strasbourg. Rama said all MEPs voted in favour of Albania’s European integration, alongside members of the Socialist Party, describing …