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Customs Hosts EU Customs Network Meeting in Tirana

General Directorate of Customs of Albania hosted the 31st meeting of the EU Customs Coordinators Network in Tirana, in cooperation with the European Commission. In addition, representatives from EU member states and candidate countries took part in the discussions. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between customs administrations. It also …

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Begaj: Strong NATO Cooperation and Regional Security Require More Investment

President Bajram Begaj received the Chief of General Staff of North Macedonia, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, in Tirana. The two sides focused on strengthening defense and security cooperation between the two NATO allies. In addition, they discussed the importance of regional coordination in addressing current security challenges. Begaj praised North …

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Balla: Albania Can Close EU Negotiations by Next Christmas

Taulant Balla said that Albania is advancing at record speed in its EU integration process during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs in Tirana. He stated that the country could complete accession negotiations with the European Union by next Christmas. In addition, Balla praised the …

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Hoxha: Western Balkans EU Membership Is a Geostrategic Necessity

Ferit Hoxha attended the High-Level Meeting of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” Group in Bratislava. He said the meeting confirmed a shared understanding that EU integration of the Western Balkans is no longer a long-term aspiration but a geostrategic necessity. He stressed that a stronger, safer, and more united …

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Hoxha Clarifies Statement on Italy Migration Protocol Renewal

Ferit Hoxha clarified his earlier remarks regarding the possible renewal of the migration protocol between Albania and Italy. He explained that a journalist in Brussels asked whether the agreement would be renewed after its initial five-year period. Hoxha said he responded: “I am not sure.” He added that he assumed …

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Vengu Meets Ali Ahmeti in Tetovo: Albanian Factor Seen as Pillar of Stability and EU Orientation

Pirro Vengu met with Ali Ahmeti in Tetovo. He stressed the role of Albanians as a force for stability and European integration. Vengu praised Ahmeti as a key political figure. He called him a reference point in changing times. He said Ahmeti represents wisdom and long-term vision. He added that …

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Rama at the Albania-Israel Innovation Summit: “For Jewish People, Our Country Is Their Home”

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”02287d9b-3a2c-408d-a316-141d0923f8d9″ data-turn-id-container=”02287d9b-3a2c-408d-a316-141d0923f8d9″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the Albania-Israel Summit this Tuesday, which brought together around 40 innovative Israeli companies specializing in cybersecurity. *]: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:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> In his speech, Rama praised the relations between the …

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e-Albania Portal to Be Temporarily Offline from May 15–18, Official Announcement Released

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”a00c6105-4df6-47e8-ab6a-0d8acb53edf9″ data-turn-id-container=”a00c6105-4df6-47e8-ab6a-0d8acb53edf9″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-5″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The e-Albania portal has announced that it will be temporarily out of service due to a process of technical updates and optimization of its technological infrastructure. *]: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:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> According to the official …

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Elections in Kosovo: Deadline for Submitting Candidate Lists for MPs Ends Tonight

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”855176b5-d8e8-4353-a12c-093cd4fd79b1″ data-turn-id-container=”855176b5-d8e8-4353-a12c-093cd4fd79b1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-25″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Political parties in Kosovo have until this Tuesday to submit the lists of parliamentary candidates with whom they will compete in the snap elections scheduled for June 7. *]: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:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-12″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-12″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-26″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The spokesperson …

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Czech Tourists Choose the Shkumbin River: Albania an Ideal Destination for Nature Adventures

Adventure tourists from the Czech Republic have chosen the Shkumbin River and Albania’s natural landscapes for an active holiday filled with packrafting, camping, and exploring mountainous areas. Visitors praise the scenery, hospitality, and authenticity which, according to them, make Albania an ideal destination for adventure tourism. The group of Czech …

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OSCE representative: Free and independent journalism is the foundation of democratic society, weak media undermines national security

TIRANA, May 18 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Braathu spoke at a media freedom conference. He said free, independent and secure journalism represents a foundation for society and democracy. He also said ethical and transparent journalism is essential for any democratic system. He stressed that free …

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Shkodër Historical Museum Welcomes Many Visitors in a Warm Atmosphere

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the Shkodër Historical Museum, showing it filled with local and foreign visitors. He described the museum as having a lively and pleasant atmosphere. The museum began its organization in 1947 under the name “People’s Museum” and was fully established in 1949. It was …

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FM Hoxha: Safer environment for media professionals essential for stronger democratic institutions

TIRANA, May 18 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the 11th OSCE South East Europe Media Conference in Tirana. The event is titled “Strengthening Journalism as a Public Good” and focuses on media freedom and journalist safety. He said Albania remains committed to strengthening …

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PM Rama announces e-Albania 2.0 platform: New step in digital transformation of public services, easier access for persons with disabilities

TIRANA, May 18 – e-Albania 2.0 introduces a redesigned platform for public services in Albania. It enables easier access for citizens. It also improves usability for persons with disabilities. In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the platform. He described it as a new step in the digital …

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Albania participates in insurance supervision meeting in Warsaw

TIRANA, May 18 – Albania took part in the 25th meeting of the Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe Insurance Supervision Initiative in Warsaw, Poland. The meeting brought together supervisory authorities from across the region. The delegation of the Albanian Financial Supervisory Authority included Merita Gurabardhi, Aranit Muja and Lusjana …

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Forensic Science Institute becomes full member of European forensic network

TIRANA, May 18 – The Forensic Science Institute took part for the first time as a full member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes in Zurich, Switzerland. The meeting gathered directors of European forensic science institutes. Institute Director Perlat Çullaj presented the institute’s role and development. He outlined …

News
Minister Gonxhja: Museum Week brings together culture, history and art

TIRANA. May 18 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the “Museum Week 2026” initiative in a social media post. He said the event will take place from 18 to 24 May across Albania. During the week, museums, archaeological parks and cultural heritage sites will open their …

News
Defense Minister Nufi at Civil Emergencies Support Base: We ensure faster response across the country

TIRANA, May 18 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Civil Emergencies Support Base. He met Armed Forces personnel engaged in emergency response operations. The visit focused on wildfire preparedness ahead of the summer season. Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Arben Kingji attended the event. National Civil Protection …

News
President Begaj meets Higher Security and Defence Course, says Western Balkans stability key to regional security

TIRANA, May 18 – President Bajram Begaj met participants of the Higher Security and Defence Course held at the Armed Forces Defence and Security College. He praised the college for organising the programme. He also highlighted the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding among participants. In addition, he stressed the …

News
OTP Bank Albania inaugurates new Private Banking premises in Tirana

Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – OTP Bank Albania has inaugurated new premises dedicated to the Private Banking segment, unveiling an exclusive space designed for clients seeking personalized service and advanced financial standards. Located in the heart of Tirana, the premises have been designed in line with OTP Group standards, …

News

OSCE representative: Free and independent journalism is the foundation of democratic society, weak media undermines national security

TIRANA, May 18 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Braathu spoke at a media freedom conference. He said free, independent and secure journalism represents a foundation for society and democracy. He also said ethical and transparent journalism is essential for any democratic system. He stressed that free …

News

Shkodër Historical Museum Welcomes Many Visitors in a Warm Atmosphere

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the Shkodër Historical Museum, showing it filled with local and foreign visitors. He described the museum as having a lively and pleasant atmosphere. The museum began its organization in 1947 under the name “People’s Museum” and was fully established in 1949. It was …

News

FM Hoxha: Safer environment for media professionals essential for stronger democratic institutions

TIRANA, May 18 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the 11th OSCE South East Europe Media Conference in Tirana. The event is titled “Strengthening Journalism as a Public Good” and focuses on media freedom and journalist safety. He said Albania remains committed to strengthening …

News

PM Rama announces e-Albania 2.0 platform: New step in digital transformation of public services, easier access for persons with disabilities

TIRANA, May 18 – e-Albania 2.0 introduces a redesigned platform for public services in Albania. It enables easier access for citizens. It also improves usability for persons with disabilities. In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the platform. He described it as a new step in the digital …

News

Albania participates in insurance supervision meeting in Warsaw

TIRANA, May 18 – Albania took part in the 25th meeting of the Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe Insurance Supervision Initiative in Warsaw, Poland. The meeting brought together supervisory authorities from across the region. The delegation of the Albanian Financial Supervisory Authority included Merita Gurabardhi, Aranit Muja and Lusjana …

News

Forensic Science Institute becomes full member of European forensic network

TIRANA, May 18 – The Forensic Science Institute took part for the first time as a full member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes in Zurich, Switzerland. The meeting gathered directors of European forensic science institutes. Institute Director Perlat Çullaj presented the institute’s role and development. He outlined …

News

Minister Gonxhja: Museum Week brings together culture, history and art

TIRANA. May 18 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the “Museum Week 2026” initiative in a social media post. He said the event will take place from 18 to 24 May across Albania. During the week, museums, archaeological parks and cultural heritage sites will open their …

News

Defense Minister Nufi at Civil Emergencies Support Base: We ensure faster response across the country

TIRANA, May 18 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Civil Emergencies Support Base. He met Armed Forces personnel engaged in emergency response operations. The visit focused on wildfire preparedness ahead of the summer season. Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Arben Kingji attended the event. National Civil Protection …

News

President Begaj meets Higher Security and Defence Course, says Western Balkans stability key to regional security

TIRANA, May 18 – President Bajram Begaj met participants of the Higher Security and Defence Course held at the Armed Forces Defence and Security College. He praised the college for organising the programme. He also highlighted the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding among participants. In addition, he stressed the …

News

OTP Bank Albania inaugurates new Private Banking premises in Tirana

Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – OTP Bank Albania has inaugurated new premises dedicated to the Private Banking segment, unveiling an exclusive space designed for clients seeking personalized service and advanced financial standards. Located in the heart of Tirana, the premises have been designed in line with OTP Group standards, …