Rama to Attend EU–Western Balkans Summit in Montenegro
Prime Minister Edi Rama will take part in the EU–Western Balkans Summit on June 5, 2026, in Tivat. According to Albania’s Media and Information Agency, the summit will bring together leaders from the European Union and the Western Balkans. Participants will reaffirm their strategic partnership and discuss the region’s European …
Rama Meets Lithuanian President Nausėda: Lithuania Supports Albania’s EU Membership
Prime Minister Edi Rama met today in Tirana with President Gitanas Nausėda. The meeting focused on strengthening relations between Albania and Lithuania. Both sides discussed closer political and economic cooperation. President Nausėda reaffirmed Lithuania’s support for Albania’s EU membership bid. He expressed backing for Albania’s progress in the European integration …
Ibrahimaj: Social Security Agreement with Poland Strengthens Rights and Recognizes Contributions
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj presented in Parliament the draft law to ratify the social security agreement between Albania and Poland. First, she said the agreement strengthens social protection for Albanian citizens inside and outside the country. In addition, she stressed that the deal guarantees recognition of work …
Si Viaggia: Albania combines sea and mountains in June travel guide
TIRANA, June 4 – Italian media outlet “Si Viaggia” says June marks an ideal period for choosing travel destinations. It describes the month as the start of the summer season. It links the period to coastal and mountain travel choices. In addition, the publication says travel experts suggest several destinations …
Hoxha: Albania Ranks First in Western Balkans for Reform Quality under EU Growth Plan
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha stated in Parliament that Albania leads the Western Balkans in implementing reforms under the EU Growth Plan. First, he said the government views the EU Growth Plan and the National Reform Agenda as real opportunities to modernize the state and accelerate EU …
Justice begins at magistrates’ school, not in courtroom, minister says
TIRANA, June 4 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu said today that justice reform in Albania has entered a new phase. He said the process now shifts from institution building to consolidation. He linked this shift to professional and ethical training of new magistrates. He spoke at the closing conference of …
U.S. supports stronger measures against cultural heritage trafficking, US Deputy Ambassador to Albania says
TIRANA, June 4 – The United States supports stronger measures against trafficking in cultural heritage objects. US Deputy Ambassador to Albania Kethrin Hammond made the statement today during a meeting on prevention efforts. She said the United States backs Albania’s efforts to strengthen national security. The fight targets trafficking in …
Data protection in the era of artificial intelligence discussed with financial sector
TIRANA, June 4 – The Office of the Commissioner for the Right to Information and Personal Data Protection held a discussion titled “Personal Data Protection and Artificial Intelligence in the Financial Sector” with representatives from banking institutions, non-bank financial entities, the insurance sector, data protection officers, technology experts and information …
Rubio: Kosovo’s NATO Membership Is Not Currently at the Top of Allies’ Agenda
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that NATO enlargement to include Kosovo is not currently a top priority for the alliance’s member states. However, he emphasized that this does not mean such membership could not happen in the future. Speaking during a hearing before the House Foreign Affairs Committee, Rubio also said that …
Costa to Vučić: Kosovo–Serbia Dialogue and the Ohrid Agreement Are Vital for Regional Security
The President of the European Council, António Costa, called on Serbia to accelerate its reform agenda and advance dialogue with Kosovo, stressing that European Union enlargement is a strategic necessity. Speaking at a joint press conference with Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić, Costa stated that the path toward EU membership is based on trust and tangible progress …
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, …