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Foreign Minister: Protests in Albania Are Not a Concern for the EU, Freedom of Expression at a High Level

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha stated that Albania is experiencing a high level of freedom of expression and that the protests taking place in the country do not currently constitute a concern for European Union member states. Asked by journalist Flora McCarthy from Dublin whether Ireland, which …

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U.S. State Department Responds to Euronews Albania on Berisha’s ‘Non Grata’ Status

The Press Office of the U.S. Department of State has responded to an inquiry from Euronews Albania regarding reports circulating on Thursday morning that the United States had revoked the “non grata” designation imposed on Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha. In response to a question from journalist Thimi Samarxhiu, the …

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Berisha’s Return and Albania’s Unfinished Transition

Washington’s reported lifting of the U.S. travel ineligibility measure against Albania’s former president and prime minister reopens one of the most controversial chapters in U.S.-Albanian relations at a moment when Albania’s streets are demanding an end to the old post-communist order. Tirana Times, June 11, 2026 – For Sali Berisha, …

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Public beach areas remain accessible in Jala Beach in Himara

TIRANA, June 11 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared images from Jala Beach in Himara, highlighting the public beach areas available to visitors. Inspection teams from the National Coastline Agency carried out field monitoring along the beach. The checks confirmed that public beach spaces remained available …

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FM Hoxha in Bulgaria: EU enlargement is a strategic investment in Europe’s security

TIRANA, June 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha joined a discussion in Bulgaria at the invitation of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). The event focused on the European Union enlargement process and the future of the Western Balkans within the bloc. Participants examined the …

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21st Edition of “Xinxifilo” Puppet Theatre Festival Brings Joy Across Albania

The 21st edition of the Puppet Theatre Festival “Xinxifilo” continues in Albania. The festival brings joy, imagination, and artistic education to children. First, the festival builds a strong tradition. It has run for 21 years. It connects children with theatre and culture. Then, this year’s edition brings together artists, creators, …

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Lushnja event showcases biological plant protection and sustainable farming practices

TIRANA, June 11 – New agricultural practices and technologies took centre stage during a Field Day event at the Agricultural Technology Transfer Centre in Lushnja. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla and Lushnja Mayor Eriselda Sefa attended the event. Farmers presented demonstrations on biological plant protection methods during …

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European Union praises Albania’s progress in reform and pre-accession programmes

TIRANA, June 11 – The European Union and the Albanian government held annual monitoring meetings in Tirana on June 9 and 10. Participants reviewed the implementation of European Union financial assistance and assessed progress on key reform programmes. Officials examined support provided through the Reform and Growth Facility and the …

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“World Cup Nights” brings sport and entertainment to RTSH 1 throughout FIFA World Cup 2026

TIRANA, June 11 – RTSH 1 launches “World Cup Nights,” a new daily programme dedicated to FIFA World Cup 2026. The show will air every evening from June 11 to July 19. Hygerta Sako and Kristo Thoma will host the programme. Viewers can follow the broadcast on RTSH 1 from …

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Kosova election vote count enters diaspora ballot phase

TIRANA, June 11 – Election authorities in Kosova completed the count of candidate votes in more than 80 percent of polling stations in the parliamentary election. Preliminary results show the Self-Determination Movement leading with around 43 percent of the vote. Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Albin Kurti secured more …

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German Media Highlights Albania as a Rising European Destination for 2026

A German media outlet has described Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive emerging travel destinations for 2026. According to Baden24, Albania is gaining increasing international attention thanks to its turquoise waters, unspoiled coastline, and affordable prices. As a result, many travelers now view the country as an appealing alternative …

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Parliament Speaker Peleshi: Vetting subjected justice system to strongest scrutiny

TIRANA, June 17 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi described the justice reform as one of the deepest and most ambitious reforms ever undertaken by the Albanian state during a ceremony marking the conclusion of the Vetting process. In his address, Peleshi said the event closes an important chapter in the …

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Edi Rama’s Sculpture Featured at Art Basel 2026

Visitors to Art Basel 2026 will see a public artwork by Albanian Prime Minister and artist Edi Rama. His bronze sculpture, Untitled (2026), is on display in the “Parcours” public art section at the end of Clarastrasse, overlooking the Rhine River. According to The Art Newspaper, Rama presents a new …

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Venice Commission: Party finance platform boosts transparency but needs stronger legal safeguards

TIRANA, June 17 – The Venice Commission published its opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. It described the reform as an important step toward modernizing the political finance system. At the same time, it called for further improvements to ensure legal clarity, proportionality, and effective implementation. The …

News
U.S. Senate confirms Eric Wendt as ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, June 17 – The U.S. Senate confirmed retired Lieutenant General Eric Wendt as the next U.S. ambassador to Albania with 51 votes in favour and 47 against. The full Senate vote followed approval by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where Wendt secured majority support from committee members. Authorities now …

News
Kosova, European Commission review European Union financial and technical support

TIRANA, June 17 – Kosova and the European Commission held the annual meeting of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Monitoring Committee. Participants reviewed the implementation of European Union financial and technical support for Kosova. They also discussed reforms that support Kosova’s European integration path. The European Union has provided …

News
Saranda sees tourist surge as foreign visitors praise prices and services

TIRANA, June 17 – Saranda is experiencing a strong influx of tourists in the early summer season. Foreign visitors praise local offers, services, and relatively affordable prices. Beaches along the Ionian coast are already crowded in June. Many travelers choose the destination for its clear waters and natural scenery. Several …

News
Ibrahimaj: Startups Drive Albania’s Green and Digital Transformation

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj attended the “Green & Digital Innovation” event and highlighted the growing role of startups in transforming Albania’s economy. She said startups are helping drive innovation, technology, and sustainable development across the country. Moreover, Ibrahimaj noted that government support and cooperation with European partners are …

News
EU4Schools programme rebuilds 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities

TIRANA, June 17 – The European Union, the Albanian government and UNDP held the closing conference of the EU4Schools programme. The initiative repaired and rebuilt 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities affected by the 2019 earthquake. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro thanked all partners who contributed to the programme. She said …

News
Albanian Children’s Artwork to Be Showcased at International Art Event in Portugal

The National Center of Culture for Children (QKKF) will take part in the 27th International Meeting of Juvenile Art – Évora 2026 in Portugal. The center will represent Albania with 21 artworks created by children attending its painting course. The event is one of the most recognized international gatherings dedicated …

News

German Media Highlights Albania as a Rising European Destination for 2026

A German media outlet has described Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive emerging travel destinations for 2026. According to Baden24, Albania is gaining increasing international attention thanks to its turquoise waters, unspoiled coastline, and affordable prices. As a result, many travelers now view the country as an appealing alternative …

News

Parliament Speaker Peleshi: Vetting subjected justice system to strongest scrutiny

TIRANA, June 17 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi described the justice reform as one of the deepest and most ambitious reforms ever undertaken by the Albanian state during a ceremony marking the conclusion of the Vetting process. In his address, Peleshi said the event closes an important chapter in the …

News

Edi Rama’s Sculpture Featured at Art Basel 2026

Visitors to Art Basel 2026 will see a public artwork by Albanian Prime Minister and artist Edi Rama. His bronze sculpture, Untitled (2026), is on display in the “Parcours” public art section at the end of Clarastrasse, overlooking the Rhine River. According to The Art Newspaper, Rama presents a new …

News

Venice Commission: Party finance platform boosts transparency but needs stronger legal safeguards

TIRANA, June 17 – The Venice Commission published its opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. It described the reform as an important step toward modernizing the political finance system. At the same time, it called for further improvements to ensure legal clarity, proportionality, and effective implementation. The …

News

U.S. Senate confirms Eric Wendt as ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, June 17 – The U.S. Senate confirmed retired Lieutenant General Eric Wendt as the next U.S. ambassador to Albania with 51 votes in favour and 47 against. The full Senate vote followed approval by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, where Wendt secured majority support from committee members. Authorities now …

News

Kosova, European Commission review European Union financial and technical support

TIRANA, June 17 – Kosova and the European Commission held the annual meeting of the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA) Monitoring Committee. Participants reviewed the implementation of European Union financial and technical support for Kosova. They also discussed reforms that support Kosova’s European integration path. The European Union has provided …

News

Saranda sees tourist surge as foreign visitors praise prices and services

TIRANA, June 17 – Saranda is experiencing a strong influx of tourists in the early summer season. Foreign visitors praise local offers, services, and relatively affordable prices. Beaches along the Ionian coast are already crowded in June. Many travelers choose the destination for its clear waters and natural scenery. Several …

News

Ibrahimaj: Startups Drive Albania’s Green and Digital Transformation

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj attended the “Green & Digital Innovation” event and highlighted the growing role of startups in transforming Albania’s economy. She said startups are helping drive innovation, technology, and sustainable development across the country. Moreover, Ibrahimaj noted that government support and cooperation with European partners are …

News

EU4Schools programme rebuilds 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities

TIRANA, June 17 – The European Union, the Albanian government and UNDP held the closing conference of the EU4Schools programme. The initiative repaired and rebuilt 63 educational facilities in 11 municipalities affected by the 2019 earthquake. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro thanked all partners who contributed to the programme. She said …

News

Albanian Children’s Artwork to Be Showcased at International Art Event in Portugal

The National Center of Culture for Children (QKKF) will take part in the 27th International Meeting of Juvenile Art – Évora 2026 in Portugal. The center will represent Albania with 21 artworks created by children attending its painting course. The event is one of the most recognized international gatherings dedicated …