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“Vlach Culture” Festival in Gjirokastër Promotes Preservation of Language and Traditions

The cultural weekend in Gjirokastër featured the “Vlach Culture” Festival, which promotes the folklore and traditions of the Aromanian community in Albania. Organized in the village of Andon Poçi, the festival brought together artists, folk groups, and ensembles from Gjirokastër, Korça, Vlora, and other regions. The event also included the …

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EU Allocates €49 Million for Albania, Rama: A European Success Story

Prime Minister Edi Rama has welcomed the European Union’s decision to grant further financial support to Albania within the framework of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. *]: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:bbf1546b-a1c5-48dd-adc3-3986143cd709-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:bbf1546b-a1c5-48dd-adc3-3986143cd709-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> This week, Brussels approved the disbursement of €49 million for Albania, bringing …

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Greek Defense Minister Dendias to Visit Tirana on Monday, Agenda Revealed

Greek Minister of Defense, Nikos Dendias, is expected to visit Albania on Monday. According to diplomatic sources, his agenda includes a visit to the Ministry of Defense, where he will meet with his Albanian counterpart, Ermal Nufi. Afterward, he will be received by Prime Minister Edi Rama, followed by a …

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Cleaning of Mother Teresa’s Statue in Qafë Thanë, Call for Periodic Maintenance

*]: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:bbf1546b-a1c5-48dd-adc3-3986143cd709-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:bbf1546b-a1c5-48dd-adc3-3986143cd709-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Humidity and other atmospheric factors had caused damage to the statue of Mother Teresa located in Qafë Thanë. After several days of work, a specialized restoration intervention has been completed to restore the shine of the monumental artwork by sculptor …

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Attack on the Residential Complex of the Albanian Ambassador in Ukraine, EU Delegation in Tirana Reacts

The Delegation of the European Union in Tirana has reacted following the drone and missile attack launched by Russia on Kyiv, which also struck the residential complex where the Albanian ambassador to Ukraine lives. Through a post on social media, the EU strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that the life …

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Pride in Tirana Sends Message of Unity Against Hate

As Albania’s LGBTIQ+ community marches under the slogan “Together for Family,” activists say the real threat to family and society is not diversity, but hatred, exclusion and fear. Tirana Times, May 24, 2026 – Albania’s LGBTIQ+ community held its annual Pride march in Tirana on May 23, turning the capital’s …

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Where Art Meets Memory: The Gallery Kalo Journey

A Q&A with Gallery Kalo founder Përparim Kalo on art, cultural heritage and the gallery’s expanding vision along the Vjosa Valley. Introduction Gallery Kalo is more than an exhibition space. It is a cultural meeting point where art, memory, dialogue and contemporary creativity come together. Founded with the vision of …

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Germany’s New Enlargement Formula and Albania’s European Illusion

For Albania, the real issue is not which accession model Europe chooses, but whether democracy, rule of law, and state integrity can still be restored. By Genc Pollo Tirana Times, May 24, 2026 – Europe’s enlargement debate has entered a new phase and Albania should pay attention.On May 18, German …

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Rama: Tokyo Welcome Shows Respect for Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama concluded his official visit to Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed Rama with a state ceremony in Tokyo. Rama shared moments from the visit on social media. He thanked Japan for the warm reception. He said the state ceremony showed respect for a transformed Albania …

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Albanian Actor Birçe Hasko Dies at 84

Renowned Albanian actor Birçe Hasko has died at the age of 84. Hasko was born in Dukat, Vlora, on March 15, 1942. After finishing high school, he worked as a teacher in Memaliaj. He also joined the city’s amateur theater troupe. In 1965, he started acting studies at the Higher …

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National Film Archive resumes archival filming after 27 years

TIRANA, May 28 – The Central State Film Archive announced the resumption of archival filming after a 27-year interruption. Archive Director Eljan Tanini described the move as an important step. He said the initiative gives the institution a new opportunity to document Albanian life and preserve the country’s collective memory. …

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Albania rises to 48th place in global tax transparency index

TIRANA, May 28 – Albania improved its position in the Global Tax Expenditures Transparency Index, an international ranking that measures transparency and reporting quality in tax expenditures. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said Albania ranked 48th among 116 countries with 51.73 points out of 100. He said the country previously ranked …

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Farmers receive assistance for 2026 National Support Scheme applications

TIRANA, May 28 – Farmers across Albania receive assistance for applications under the 2026 National Support Scheme. Staff work at offices of the Agricultural and Rural Extension Agency (AREB) and Agropoints and guide farmers through applications on the e-Albania portal. Meanwhile, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla called on …

News
Defence Minister Nufi announces three government

TIRANA, May 28 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said today that the Council of Ministers approved three decisions related to the defence sector. Meanwhile, Nufi said the first decision concerns the extension of Albania’s mission in Latvia. He said Albania currently deploys a platoon in Latvia. He added that the …

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State Minister Demo presents “Renewal 2.0” programme with 11 objectives for territorial intervention and regional development

TIRANA, May 28 – Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo presented today the “Renewal 2.0” programme, a package of 11 strategic objectives focused on territorial intervention and sustainable regional development. Meanwhile, Demo said the programme aims to establish a new model of local development by combining cultural identity, …

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Defence Minister Ermal Nufi: 44 civil protection projects approved, 650 million ALL funding allocated

TIRANA, May 28 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said the Council of Ministers approved several decisions covering civil protection, international missions, and military structure. The minister confirmed approval of 44 civil protection projects. He said 26 projects focus on infrastructure works. He added that 18 projects cover equipment and emergency …

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Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha condemns Russia’s warning to diplomats in Kyiv

TIRANA, May 28 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha reacted today to Russia’s warning for diplomats and foreign citizens to leave Kyiv. Meanwhile, Hoxha described the Russian move as completely unacceptable. He wrote on social media that threats against embassies do not represent diplomacy. He said such actions amount to intimidation. …

News
Deputy PM Koçiu: European Union recognises Albania’s progress report

TIRANA, May 28 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the European Union recognises Albania’s progress in the integration process. She also called for careful reading of the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report, known as IBAR. Meanwhile, Koçiu spoke after the Council of Ministers meeting. She addressed questions on whether the …

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Prime Minister Edi Rama Responds Again to Reporters Without Borders

Prime Minister Edi Rama continued his exchange with Reporters Without Borders this Thursday. Rama’s latest response came after Reporters Without Borders, through a social media post on Thursday, urged him to focus on media freedom issues rather than on their reports. In his response, Rama emphasized that he had presented …

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Minister Nufi Speaks About Albanian Soldiers in Gaza: We Are Still in the Discussion Phase With Partners

After the government meeting, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi stated during a media communication that the mission of Albanian soldiers in Gaza is still under discussion with international partners and involved parties. According to him, given the delicate situation in Gaza, security measures and the specific duties Albanian soldiers would carry …

News

National Film Archive resumes archival filming after 27 years

TIRANA, May 28 – The Central State Film Archive announced the resumption of archival filming after a 27-year interruption. Archive Director Eljan Tanini described the move as an important step. He said the initiative gives the institution a new opportunity to document Albanian life and preserve the country’s collective memory. …

News

Albania rises to 48th place in global tax transparency index

TIRANA, May 28 – Albania improved its position in the Global Tax Expenditures Transparency Index, an international ranking that measures transparency and reporting quality in tax expenditures. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said Albania ranked 48th among 116 countries with 51.73 points out of 100. He said the country previously ranked …

News

Farmers receive assistance for 2026 National Support Scheme applications

TIRANA, May 28 – Farmers across Albania receive assistance for applications under the 2026 National Support Scheme. Staff work at offices of the Agricultural and Rural Extension Agency (AREB) and Agropoints and guide farmers through applications on the e-Albania portal. Meanwhile, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla called on …

News

Defence Minister Nufi announces three government

TIRANA, May 28 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said today that the Council of Ministers approved three decisions related to the defence sector. Meanwhile, Nufi said the first decision concerns the extension of Albania’s mission in Latvia. He said Albania currently deploys a platoon in Latvia. He added that the …

News

State Minister Demo presents “Renewal 2.0” programme with 11 objectives for territorial intervention and regional development

TIRANA, May 28 – Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo presented today the “Renewal 2.0” programme, a package of 11 strategic objectives focused on territorial intervention and sustainable regional development. Meanwhile, Demo said the programme aims to establish a new model of local development by combining cultural identity, …

News

Defence Minister Ermal Nufi: 44 civil protection projects approved, 650 million ALL funding allocated

TIRANA, May 28 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said the Council of Ministers approved several decisions covering civil protection, international missions, and military structure. The minister confirmed approval of 44 civil protection projects. He said 26 projects focus on infrastructure works. He added that 18 projects cover equipment and emergency …

News

Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha condemns Russia’s warning to diplomats in Kyiv

TIRANA, May 28 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha reacted today to Russia’s warning for diplomats and foreign citizens to leave Kyiv. Meanwhile, Hoxha described the Russian move as completely unacceptable. He wrote on social media that threats against embassies do not represent diplomacy. He said such actions amount to intimidation. …

News

Deputy PM Koçiu: European Union recognises Albania’s progress report

TIRANA, May 28 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the European Union recognises Albania’s progress in the integration process. She also called for careful reading of the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report, known as IBAR. Meanwhile, Koçiu spoke after the Council of Ministers meeting. She addressed questions on whether the …

News

Prime Minister Edi Rama Responds Again to Reporters Without Borders

Prime Minister Edi Rama continued his exchange with Reporters Without Borders this Thursday. Rama’s latest response came after Reporters Without Borders, through a social media post on Thursday, urged him to focus on media freedom issues rather than on their reports. In his response, Rama emphasized that he had presented …

News

Minister Nufi Speaks About Albanian Soldiers in Gaza: We Are Still in the Discussion Phase With Partners

After the government meeting, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi stated during a media communication that the mission of Albanian soldiers in Gaza is still under discussion with international partners and involved parties. According to him, given the delicate situation in Gaza, security measures and the specific duties Albanian soldiers would carry …