Restoration of Turan Tower continues, Gonxhja says historic values preserved for future generations
TIRANA, June 9 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared images on social media showing progress in the restoration of Turan Tower. He described it as a monument of special historical and architectural importance. Meanwhile, he said restoration and consolidation work continues on the monument. He said …
Tirana to host European Bank for Reconstruction and Development annual meeting in 2028
TIRANA, June 9 – Tirana will host the 2028 annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a major international event expected to bring together financial institution leaders, government representatives, investors, and development partners from dozens of countries. Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj announced the decision at …
Gonxhja Warns Political Uncertainty Could Affect Tourism and the Economy
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja highlighted record figures at Tirana International Airport and warned that political uncertainty could affect both tourism and the national economy. According to Gonxhja, the airport recorded its highest daily traffic on May 30. On that day, 51,420 passengers traveled through the airport, while …
German Ambassador Bergner: vocational education backbone of economy, 14 million euros invested for modern system
TIRANA, June 9 – German Ambassador to Albania Karl Bergner highlighted the key role of vocational education in economic development at the National Conference on Vocational Education and Training. The conference discussed the results of the reform and the “Skills 2030” vision for skills development and employment growth. Meanwhile, Bergner …
PM Rama to Reuters: Zvërnec investment will continue despite protests, wildlife protection pledged
TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama told Reuters that plans for an investment in Zvërnec, led by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, will continue despite ongoing protests. He said parts of the resort may open to the public before the end of the decade. Meanwhile, Rama said Albania …
Albania Women Aim to Finish World Cup Qualifiers with Victory
The Albanian women’s national team is preparing for its final match in the 2027 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Montenegro. The match will be played tomorrow at 19:00 at Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodra. After a positive draw against the Czech Republic, the team enters the match with strong …
Late Antique Archaeological Discoveries Reveal Major Temple Complex in Bushat
Archaeologists have uncovered significant remains in Bushat, in Shkodër. They found parts of a large temple. They also uncovered sections of the ancient city wall. In addition, they identified a Late Antique building. First, the discovery came during joint excavations. The University of Tirana’s Department of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage …
Durrës-Tirana-Rinas railway operator consultation begins, service expected by end of 2027
TIRANA, June 9 – The Albanian government has launched a market consultation process to select the operator that will provide public passenger rail transport services on the Durrës-Tirana-Tirana International Airport railway line. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy has published a call for expressions of interest. The ministry has …
PM Rama: 63% of vocational graduates employed after graduation, aim for one in three students to choose this path
TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said vocational education in Albania has undergone a major transformation in recent years. He said the sector has moved from a degraded system to an attractive option for young people. Meanwhile, Rama spoke during an event on vocational education and training. He …
Economist global forum, Sala: Albania pursues deep reforms for stronger and more inclusive health system
TIRANA, June 9 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala took part in the 11th World Cancer Forum 2026 organized by The Economist. Participants discussed challenges and solutions for equal access to cancer care across Europe. Meanwhile, Sala said inequalities in cancer treatment cannot be addressed through fragmented reforms. …
Experts say the government’s move to ditch a controversial concession contract to build Vlora International Airport, at significant cost to taxpayers, highlights structural weaknesses in Albania’s public-private partnership framework. Original post Here
Pristina and Tirana push back against Kyiv’s stance, insisting that Kosovo’s sovereignty cannot be diminished or equated with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Tirana Times , August 09, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation in Belgrade that Kyiv has not changed its position on Kosovo has triggered criticism in Albania and …
The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 – The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan represents more …
Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …
TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …
Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …