Strik: Albania Must Enforce EU Standards in Protected Areas
Following the conclusion of a fact-finding mission in the Vjosa-Narta protected area, European Parliament rapporteur Tineke Strik called on Albanian authorities to fully enforce European Union standards for construction in protected zones and to intensify efforts against corruption. At a press conference, Strik said Albania must respect EU legislation and …
AI Robot Forms Albanian Eagle Gesture at Ruhr Innovation Summit
Prime Minister Edi Rama is in Germany on an official visit to the state of North Rhine-Westphalia. During the Ruhr Summit, one of Europe’s key events on innovation, entrepreneurship, and technology, Rama shared a video showing an artificial intelligence robot forming the Albanian eagle symbol with its hands. The summit …
Summer health centre in Castle-museum quarter serves tourists and residents in Berat
TIRANA, July 1 – The Ministry of Health and Social Protection reports that summer health centres continue to operate across Albania’s tourist areas. They provide medical services for holidaymakers without interruption. The ministry highlights work at the summer health centre in the Kala museum quarter in Berat. Medical staff serve …
Albanian National Ensemble to Perform for First Time in London
Albania’s cultural heritage will take center stage in London as the National Ensemble of Songs and Dances prepares for its first-ever performance in the United Kingdom. The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet announced that the ensemble will perform on 6 July at the Shaw Theatre in London. The show …
Negotiations, over 29% of revenues-to-GDP in 2026 from efficiency gains
TIRANA, July 1 – Albania continues progress in EU accession talks under Chapter 16 (Taxation) and Chapter 29 (Customs), with authorities focusing on legal alignment, technical systems and stronger administrative capacity. Ratification of the protocol on illicit tobacco trade remains a key closing requirement. Reporting to the Parliamentary Committee on …
Ankara NATO summit must be “implementation and delivery summit”
TIRANA, July 1 – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance summit due next week in Ankara should focus on implementation and delivery, with defence spending, support for Ukraine and defence industrial production set as top priorities. Rutte said allies must concentrate on fulfilling commitments made at last year’s …
Environment minister tells MEPs any Zvërnec project will undergo full environmental assessment
TIRANA, July 1 – Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj met a delegation of European Parliament members on Tuesday to discuss the proposed Narta–Zvërnec project. The delegation included Tineke Strik, Daniel Freund, Cristina Guarda, Jutta Paulus and Anna Strolenberg. During the meeting, Jaupaj said no final project proposal has reached the competent …
New copyright bill aligns Albania with European Union rules
TIRANA, July 1 – Albania’s new copyright bill will strengthen the protection of creators and rights holders in the digital environment while aligning national legislation with European Union rules, Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Martin Kajo said on Tuesday. Speaking at a conference on digital and audiovisual piracy organised by …
From UNESCO cities to the Ionian coast: Italian media highlights 15 wonders of Albania, writes ‘Idealista’
TIRANA, July 1 – Italian media outlet “Idealista” has highlighted 15 key destinations across Albania, presenting the country as an increasingly attractive European tourism hub where history, nature, and coastal landscapes meet. The article notes that Albania combines Roman amphitheatres, Ottoman-era bazaars, and modern urban life within a short travel …
Ireland assumes European Union Council presidency, President Begaj welcomes enlargement focus
TIRANA, July 1 – President Bajram Begaj welcomed Ireland as it begins its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. In a message published on Wednesday, Begaj wished Ireland success during its term at the helm of the Council. He said Albania was encouraged that European Union enlargement …
Tirana Times, July 8, 2026 – NATO’s Ankara Summit, held on July 7 and 8, marked less a moment of new strategic doctrine than a shift from political pledges to implementation. The central message was clear: the Alliance is moving into a phase where defence spending, industrial capacity, support for Ukraine …
TIRANA, July 8 – According to projections by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European economy is expected to maintain moderate growth rates during the remaining years of this decade. For the 2027–2031 period, the eurozone economy is forecast to expand by an average of 1.2% annually, while the European …
TIRANA, July 8 – During these hot July days, many foreign tourists fill the streets of Shkodër. Their travel gear and backpacks easily identify them as nature and adventure tourism enthusiasts. Many visitors use Shkodër as a starting point to explore some of northern Albania’s most popular mountain destinations. Meanwhile, …
TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Wednesday that the next NATO Summit will take place in Tirana, following the conclusion of the Alliance’s meeting in Ankara. PM dismissed speculation that Albania would not host the summit. He said the country had moved beyond a time when …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro highlighted the achievements of this year’s teacher qualification process, with more than 4,000 educators across Albania completing professional training programs. Kumbaro congratulated the teachers who participated in the qualification process, describing their commitment as an important step toward improving teaching quality and strengthening the education system. …
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressed his support for Kosovo’s European future, saying he hopes the country will become part of the European family one day. “I hope that Kosovo will become part of the European family one day, yes,” Jetten told Euronews Albania. Jetten made the statement while attending …
TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the official reception for heads of state and government hosted by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the NATO Summit in Ankara. Rama shared images from the reception on social media. He described the event …
TIRANA, July 8 – Three fire outbreaks affected the Porto Palermo area in Himarë Municipality overnight, putting emergency structures on alert. According to official information, authorities received the alert around 23:00. Firefighters immediately sent a fire engine and a water tanker to the scene. Meanwhile, the entire firefighting service was …
Spanish media outlet El Generacional has listed Albania among the most affordable travel destinations in Europe this summer, alongside countries such as Romania, Portugal and Bulgaria. According to the article, Albania attracts visitors with its combination of crystal-clear beaches, rich cultural heritage and affordable travel costs, making it an ideal …
TIRANA, July 8 – Albania has significantly increased its defence and security investments as part of its commitments as a NATO member. The additional funding supports the modernization of the Armed Forces and the strengthening of defence capabilities. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj published data on defence spending trends, showing that …