Behind a Trump-Linked Albanian Resort Project, a Host of Murky Interests
Donald Trump’s son-in-law is headlining a planned luxury development in Albania’s protected Narta Lagoon, but behind him lies a web of colourful business interests knee-deep in controversy. Original post Here
Gonxhja: Cultural and Tourism Support Reaches Around €4 Million in Albania
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja presented key achievements in the cultural sector during the launch of the National Culture Strategy 2026–2030. He described culture as a stable pillar of Albania’s development and a driving force in everyday life. Furthermore, he said the cultural sector has undergone a major …
PM Rama defends Zvërnec investment plan, cites site conditions
TIRANA, June 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama defended a planned 4 billion euro investment in Zvërnec after publishing a video on Facebook showing the site. Meanwhile, he said the footage reflects the current condition of the area and differs from criticism by opponents of the project. In addition, he …
Gonxhja: Albania Aims to Double Cultural Funding by 2030
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja presented Albania’s National Culture Strategy 2026–2030 and outlined major reforms to strengthen the cultural sector. According to Gonxhja, the strategy is the result of months of consultations and discussions with stakeholders across the country. Furthermore, the government is preparing several reforms, including new …
Weather – Cloudy skies and rain expected today
TIRANA, June 4 – Albania will be affected by unstable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday, meteorological services said. Skies will be mostly cloudy from early morning until midday. Meanwhile, conditions will improve gradually in the afternoon with alternating clouds and clearer periods. Later in the day, weather will become mostly clear …
Skyscanner lists Saranda among top destinations for summer 2026
TIRANA, June 4 – Travel platform “Skyscanner” has included Saranda in its list of destinations to discover in 2026. According to “Skyscanner”, summer travel is often concentrated on well-known Mediterranean locations such as the Greek islands, the Balearic Islands and other established coastal resorts. However, it said demand is increasing …
Albania and Sweden Strengthen Cooperation to Modernize State Police
State Police Director Skënder Hita met with Swedish Ambassador Niklas Ström to discuss ongoing cooperation in law enforcement and police modernization. During the meeting, Hita praised the strong partnership with Swedish law enforcement agencies. He highlighted the Community Policing Strengthening Programme, which will continue until 2029, as well as support …
Peleshi Discusses European Integration During Meetings in Latvia
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi held meetings in Latvia with Inara Murniece and Edmunds Cepurītis. During the discussions, the participants focused on Albania’s accession process to the European Union. They also examined parliamentary and public support within EU member states, as well as the role of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing …
Chamber of Commerce: Strategic Foreign Investments Increase the Value of Albanian Tourism
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry says large foreign investments are essential for strengthening high-quality tourism in Albania. According to the Chamber, Albania has seen steady growth in visitor numbers in recent years. However, the main challenge remains increasing tourist spending and the overall value generated by each visitor. …
Ibrahimaj: Easier Bank Access to State Data Will Reduce Bureaucracy
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the government is working to simplify procedures for citizens and businesses through deeper digital integration between public institutions and the banking sector. Speaking at the workshop on digitalization, public services and commercial banks, Ibrahimaj highlighted efforts to expand digital services, reduce paperwork and …
by Elez Biberaj Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – One year after Prime Minister Edi Rama swept to a fourth consecutive term, Albania finds itself in a profoundly different place than the triumphant narrative he projected. The government that claimed unrivaled authority now faces the most sustained civic uprising in …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, to discuss Albania’s progress and prospects on its path toward European Union membership. During the meeting, the two officials reviewed developments in Albania’s EU integration process. They also exchanged …
Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, met in Vienna with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker during an official visit to Austria. Kurti thanked Austria for its long-standing support for Kosovo since the 1990s. He also highlighted Austria’s role in state-building efforts and its contribution through the NATO-led KFOR mission. Furthermore, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected claims that a planned Zvërnec project involves political backing from the White House or former U.S. President Donald Trump. He addressed journalists from EU member states at a press conference. He said public debate distorts the facts and focuses on family connections. Furthermore, he said …
The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of composer Tonin Harapi, recognizing him as one of the most important figures in Albanian national music. He was born on June 9, 1926, in Shkodër. He grew up in a rich musical environment. He learned …
Prime Minister Edi Rama responded to a statement by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who claimed that over 100,000 Albanian citizens protested a tourism investment project in Zvërnec. Rama reacted on the social media platform “X.” He said no approved project, construction permit, or final development plan exists. Furthermore, he said …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Albania guarantees the right to protest and allows citizens to demonstrate freely. He spoke at a press conference with EU journalists at the Prime Minister’s Office. Furthermore, he addressed recent protests against the Zvërnec investment project. He said a violent incident involving a security …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met in Dublin with Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee. He said both sides reaffirmed excellent bilateral relations between Albania and Ireland. Furthermore, Hoxha said the two countries held constructive discussions on strengthening political dialogue. They also agreed to …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi held an official visit in Athens, where he met the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis. Furthermore, the visit took place as part of Albania’s parliamentary diplomacy tour with key strategic partners in Europe and the region. During the meeting, both sides praised the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the planned shipbuilding project in Pashaliman will create major employment opportunities and strengthen vocational education in Albania. He spoke at the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education. He said the project will initially create 400 jobs and later expand to 800. Furthermore, Rama highlighted an …