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Butrint Community Grants Offer Up to $20,000 in Support

The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), in cooperation with the Butrint Management Foundation (BMF), has launched the first call for applications under the Butrint Community Grant Scheme. The initiative supports individuals, local businesses and nonprofit organizations with projects focused on economic, cultural, social and tourism development in the Butrint National Park …

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Albania Highlights EU Progress, International Engagement and New Development Initiatives

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album highlighting the week’s key events. First, he attended the Coalition of the Willing Summit on Ukraine in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. He also joined France’s National Day ceremony and reaffirmed Albania’s strong partnership with its Euro-Atlantic allies. …

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The United States Helped Build SPAK. Now SPAK Must Do Its Job

Tirana Times, July 18, 2026 – For years, the U.S. and the EU invested significant political capital, funding, and diplomatic pressure into helping Albania build one of the most ambitious anti-corruption institutions in the Balkans: the Special Anti-Corruption Structure, known as SPAK. SPAK was created to do what previous institutions …

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European Commission: Albania Advances Judicial Reform, but Challenges Remain

The European Commission says Albania continued to implement judicial reform and the Cross-Sector Justice Strategy throughout 2026. First, Albania completed the vetting process for all judges and prosecutors after authorities finalized the appeals phase. Consequently, the process further strengthened judicial independence, accountability, and integrity across the justice system. In addition, …

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Rama: Tourism and Foreign Investments Bring €8.5 Billion into Albania’s Economy

Prime Minister Edi Rama said tourism and foreign investments currently bring €8.5 billion into Albania’s economy. Speaking at an event promoting the national program “Double Your Business,” Rama highlighted the growth of tourism and its impact on economic development. According to him, tourists now fill the streets of Tirana in …

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Art Park Opens in Kinostudio, Creating a New Cultural Hub in Tirana

A new space dedicated to art, culture, and community has become part of Tirana’s urban landscape. The Art Park in Kinostudio has transformed the former film studio area into a new meeting point for residents, artists, and visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing large numbers …

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Korça ensemble represents Albania at World Cultures Festival in France

TIRANA, July 17 – The Artistic Ensemble “Skanderbeg” from Korça represented Albania at the 59th edition of the International “Festival des Cultures du Monde” in Chambéry, France. The festival brought together folklore and cultural groups from different parts of the world. The Albanian ensemble presented traditional costumes, music and dances, …

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Minister of Economy and Innovation presents support scheme for small and medium businesses

TIRANA, July 17 – Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj presented the sovereign scheme “Double your business”, which aims to help Albanian companies access financing and increase investment, productivity and competitiveness in European markets. Ibrahimaj said the initiative responds to the real needs of businesses and supports the development …

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Small and medium businesses to receive financing of up to ALL 250 million

TIRANA, July 17 – The Albanian government has launched the national program “Double Your Enterprise” to support small and medium-sized businesses through financing opportunities that aim to increase investment, employment and economic development. At the program’s presentation, Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko said the institution had worked for a …

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Kosova parliament session expected in early August

TIRANA, July 17 – Kosova’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu said the constitutive session of the country’s parliament will take place in early August. She explained that the constitutional deadline expires on August 7. Haxhiu added that the Constitution gives the president 30 days to call the session. Meanwhile, she said …

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Pilur celebrates more than six decades of legendary polyphonic music

TIRANA, July 27 – Pilur hosted the first edition of the Day of the Pilur Group during the weekend, honouring the legendary Albanian polyphonic group that has contributed to national culture for more than six decades. The event took place at the “Lefter Çipa Word Museum” Centre, bringing together former …

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Albania’s artificial intelligence assistant ‘Diella’ records over 3 million interactions on e-Albania

TIRANA, July 27 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that Diella, Albania’s artificial intelligence assistant on the e-Albania public services platform, has handled around 3 million interactions, becoming a digital communication bridge between citizens and the state. Rama shared an information video presenting Diella’s development and the work …

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Experts discuss foreign information manipulation threats, Colon: Russia is a main actor behind attacks in Europe

TIRANA, July 27 – Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs hosted on Monday the international conference “Fighting Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI): Albania and the Enlargement Context” in Tirana. The event brought together representatives from European institutions, NATO, security experts, academics and media representatives. Discussions focused on foreign …

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Albanian Parliament approves fast-track procedure for US military loan agreement

TIRANA, July 27 – The Albanian Parliament approved on Monday the fast-track procedure for a loan agreement with the United States under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme. The decision received 75 votes in favour. Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla requested the accelerated procedure. He said the $302 …

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2026 among best years in wildfire response due to investments and early preparations

TIRANA, July 27 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said on Monday that 2026 ranks among Albania’s best years in managing wildfires. Nufi said the result comes from continuous investments in human resources and infrastructure. He stressed that preparation, rather than chance, has improved the country’s response to fire emergencies. The …

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“A country is not protected by laws and walls, but by people and their hearts,” PM Rama tells firefighters in Farka, Tirana

TIRANA, July 27 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met firefighters and Civil Emergency forces on Monday at the Farka air base. The meeting focused on preparations against the increased wildfire risk during the summer season. Rama referred to the severe fires in France and Spain, where flames have affected thousands …

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Hoxha: Information Manipulation Is a Hybrid Pressure Tool That Undermines Democracy

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”28d51398-dc01-41b6-a655-565864ee0e4f” data-turn-id-container=”28d51398-dc01-41b6-a655-565864ee0e4f” data-testid=”conversation-turn-17″ data-turn=”user”> *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:69f59807-859b-4cc1-9f0d-c51469b65ac8-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:69f59807-859b-4cc1-9f0d-c51469b65ac8-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, addressed the conference “Countering Information Manipulation and Foreign Interference: Albania and the Enlargement Context,” stating that protecting the information space has become one of the key …

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Three Firefighting Aircraft and 130 New Fire Engines: Albania Unveils National Wildfire Preparedness Plan

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”bc828389-5c88-4644-8ac1-988cf596a17f” data-turn-id-container=”bc828389-5c88-4644-8ac1-988cf596a17f” data-testid=”conversation-turn-9″ data-turn=”user”> Albania has unveiled its National Wildfire Preparedness Plan at the Farka Air Base, during an event attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Local Government, prefects, mayors, senior officials from the …

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Rama: Three Firefighting Aircraft Secured, Delivery Expected by the End of the Year

Prime Minister Edi Rama met on Monday with firefighters and Civil Emergency teams at Farka Air Base, calling for maximum readiness as Albania faces rising temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires. Referring to the critical wildfire situation in France and Spain, Rama expressed solidarity with emergency crews battling the …

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INSTAT Report: Road Accidents on the Rise, 952 People Injured in the First Half of 2026

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”d747e284-f008-4058-af4b-59c08d4c63a1″ data-turn-id-container=”d747e284-f008-4058-af4b-59c08d4c63a1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-11″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s roads continue to witness a growing number of traffic accidents, resulting in hundreds of injuries and loss of life. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:69f59807-859b-4cc1-9f0d-c51469b65ac8-5″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:69f59807-859b-4cc1-9f0d-c51469b65ac8-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> According to INSTAT’s latest report, 679 road accidents were recorded during the …

News

Pilur celebrates more than six decades of legendary polyphonic music

TIRANA, July 27 – Pilur hosted the first edition of the Day of the Pilur Group during the weekend, honouring the legendary Albanian polyphonic group that has contributed to national culture for more than six decades. The event took place at the “Lefter Çipa Word Museum” Centre, bringing together former …

News

Albania’s artificial intelligence assistant ‘Diella’ records over 3 million interactions on e-Albania

TIRANA, July 27 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that Diella, Albania’s artificial intelligence assistant on the e-Albania public services platform, has handled around 3 million interactions, becoming a digital communication bridge between citizens and the state. Rama shared an information video presenting Diella’s development and the work …

News

Experts discuss foreign information manipulation threats, Colon: Russia is a main actor behind attacks in Europe

TIRANA, July 27 – Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs hosted on Monday the international conference “Fighting Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference (FIMI): Albania and the Enlargement Context” in Tirana. The event brought together representatives from European institutions, NATO, security experts, academics and media representatives. Discussions focused on foreign …

News

Albanian Parliament approves fast-track procedure for US military loan agreement

TIRANA, July 27 – The Albanian Parliament approved on Monday the fast-track procedure for a loan agreement with the United States under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme. The decision received 75 votes in favour. Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla requested the accelerated procedure. He said the $302 …

News

2026 among best years in wildfire response due to investments and early preparations

TIRANA, July 27 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said on Monday that 2026 ranks among Albania’s best years in managing wildfires. Nufi said the result comes from continuous investments in human resources and infrastructure. He stressed that preparation, rather than chance, has improved the country’s response to fire emergencies. The …

News

“A country is not protected by laws and walls, but by people and their hearts,” PM Rama tells firefighters in Farka, Tirana

TIRANA, July 27 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met firefighters and Civil Emergency forces on Monday at the Farka air base. The meeting focused on preparations against the increased wildfire risk during the summer season. Rama referred to the severe fires in France and Spain, where flames have affected thousands …

News

Hoxha: Information Manipulation Is a Hybrid Pressure Tool That Undermines Democracy

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”28d51398-dc01-41b6-a655-565864ee0e4f” data-turn-id-container=”28d51398-dc01-41b6-a655-565864ee0e4f” data-testid=”conversation-turn-17″ data-turn=”user”> *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:69f59807-859b-4cc1-9f0d-c51469b65ac8-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:69f59807-859b-4cc1-9f0d-c51469b65ac8-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, addressed the conference “Countering Information Manipulation and Foreign Interference: Albania and the Enlargement Context,” stating that protecting the information space has become one of the key …

News

Three Firefighting Aircraft and 130 New Fire Engines: Albania Unveils National Wildfire Preparedness Plan

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”bc828389-5c88-4644-8ac1-988cf596a17f” data-turn-id-container=”bc828389-5c88-4644-8ac1-988cf596a17f” data-testid=”conversation-turn-9″ data-turn=”user”> Albania has unveiled its National Wildfire Preparedness Plan at the Farka Air Base, during an event attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Local Government, prefects, mayors, senior officials from the …

News

Rama: Three Firefighting Aircraft Secured, Delivery Expected by the End of the Year

Prime Minister Edi Rama met on Monday with firefighters and Civil Emergency teams at Farka Air Base, calling for maximum readiness as Albania faces rising temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires. Referring to the critical wildfire situation in France and Spain, Rama expressed solidarity with emergency crews battling the …

News

INSTAT Report: Road Accidents on the Rise, 952 People Injured in the First Half of 2026

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”d747e284-f008-4058-af4b-59c08d4c63a1″ data-turn-id-container=”d747e284-f008-4058-af4b-59c08d4c63a1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-11″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s roads continue to witness a growing number of traffic accidents, resulting in hundreds of injuries and loss of life. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:69f59807-859b-4cc1-9f0d-c51469b65ac8-5″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:69f59807-859b-4cc1-9f0d-c51469b65ac8-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> According to INSTAT’s latest report, 679 road accidents were recorded during the …