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Tax Administration Reopens the Process: Parents Rejected for Education Expense Deductions Can Reapply Through DIVA

Parents whose applications for compensation through the deduction of their children’s education expenses were rejected will now have the opportunity to reapply through the DIVA declaration system. The Tax Administration has announced that it has reopened the system for submitting the required documentation. Individuals whose applications were rejected due to …

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Will the Strategic Investments Law Be Repealed? Rama: We Will Approve a New Draft Law

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced that the government will repeal the Strategic Investments Law. He made the statement during a press conference with journalists from European Union member states. The head of government said that the law has fulfilled its purpose and is no longer necessary. He noted that …

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Day 10 of Protests in Tirana: Activists and Citizens Gather in Front of the Prime Minister’s Office

This Tuesday at 6:00 PM, representatives of civil society, activists, and citizens gathered once again in Skanderbeg Square, marking the tenth day of protests over the issue of protected areas. From there, they continued to call for the government’s resignation, chanting slogans such as “Albania belongs to Albanians” and “Rama …

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Fier, Rama to Protesters: Accountability Is Found at the Table, Not by Demanding the Government’s Resignation

The Socialist Party branch in Fier today celebrated the 35th anniversary of its founding during an event held at the Archaeological Park of Apollonia. Hundreds of Socialist Party supporters attended the event, including prominent figures from the party as well as Prime Minister Edi Rama. During his speech, Rama addressed …

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EU-Western Balkans Summit 2026: New Impetus for the Enlargement Debate?

By Odeta Barbullushi and Marina Vulovic Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – A new proposal on enlargement was tabled by the French President Emmanuel Macron and the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, on June 5, 2026. Its timing could not be more strategic: …

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Kushner’s Sazan Island Project Under Scrutiny

As Albania faces growing protests over protected coastal areas, a draft government decision to transfer Sazan Island from the Defence Ministry raises new questions over transparency, public assets and strategic investments. Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – Albania’s debate over strategic investments along its coastline has entered a new and …

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Letter from Brussels: Getting Creative about EU Enlargement in the Balkans

A new Franco-German proposal is heralding a possible new approach to the European bloc’s enlargement process – and leaving the door open for Kosovo. But it was Serbia’s president who grabbed the headlines at the latest EU-Balkans summit. Original post Here

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Digitrips/L’Écho: Albania ranked most affordable Mediterranean destination in ticket price barometer

TIRANA, June 9 – Albania stands out as one of the most attractive summer 2026 destinations, not only for its coastline and landscapes but also for increasingly competitive travel costs, Anna Duplantis writes in an article published by the French media outlet “Ulysse”. In addition, a price barometer by Digitrips …

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Switzerland strong supporter of vocational education and training reforms in Albania

TIRANA, June 9 – Swiss Ambassador to Albania Ruth Huber said Switzerland strongly supports reforms that place vocational education and training at the centre of social and economic development in Albania. She made the statement during the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education and Training, where participants discussed reform results. …

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PM Rama: Tourism success boosts foreign investment, rejects claims on cheap labour and environmental harm

TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s success in tourism has triggered growing interest from foreign capital and international businesses to invest in the country. He made the remarks during the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education and Training. Meanwhile, Rama rejected claims that foreign investors come …

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Sokrat Vata testifies in court and admits to killing the young Portuguese man: I apologize to his family!

Euronews journalist Eni Ferati has obtained the testimony given before the Saranda Court by Sokrat Vata, the suspect in the killing of a 21-year-old Portuguese tourist, Luis Miguel Varela Mendes in Ksamil. Vata admitted responsibility for the killing but gave his account of the circumstances, claiming that amid the mass …

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Excavations in Zubin Potok completed

The excavation and exhumation of human remains at three locations in Mala Kaludra and Jabuka, in Zubin Potok, where three mass graves have been confirmed, have been completed, Kosovo’s Government Commission on Missing Persons announced. The excavations began in late July in villages in northern Kosovo, and authorities have confirmed …

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President Begaj in Italy, welcomed by Mattarella and Meloni; supports Albania’s athletes at the Mediterranean Games

President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has visited Italy, where he attended the opening ceremony of the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games in support of the Albanian team of athletes. During the visit, President Begaj was welcomed by his Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, as well as by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia …

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Rama to gather government cabinet in Pogradec

Prime Minister Edi Rama will gather his government cabinet for a two-day meeting in Pogradec on August 23 and 24. The meeting will be held in a “retreat” format, with ministers expected to report on the work carried out so far and present their priorities for the coming months. The …

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Fires in Mirdita, mayor: Situation among the most dangerous we have faced

The Mayor of Mirdita, Albert Melyshi, spoke to the media about the wildfire situation in the municipality, describing it as serious and dangerous. He said the village of Tenë is currently the worst-affected area, where the first evacuations have also taken place. According to Melyshi, some of the fires are …

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Cërrik Municipal Council meets, right-wing councillors oppose merger with Elbasan

The Cërrik Municipal Council met to set the schedule for public hearings as part of the Administrative-Territorial Reform. From the beginning of the meeting, right-wing councillors voiced their opposition to the proposed merger of Cërrik with Elbasan, while left-wing councillors also appeared unclear about their position. Cërrik Mayor Florenc Doka …

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“Kosovo is Serbia”, Partizan Belgrade fans provoke during match in Spain

A provocative incident was reported in Spain during the Conference League match between Getafe and Partizan Belgrade, where the visiting fans repeatedly chanted “Kosovo is Serbia”. Around 6,000 fans were present at the stadium, while the political chants by Serbian supporters could be heard throughout the match. Meanwhile, some of …

News
“Ah Theth” Festival Begins with Music, Sports and Adventure in the Albanian Alps

Theth welcomes the “Ah Theth” festival this weekend. The festival combines music, sports, adventure and tradition. It takes place from August 21 to 23. The event features two nights and three days of activities. Visitors can enjoy events from sunset to sunrise amid the spectacular landscapes of the Albanian Alps. …

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Karakaçi: Albania Reaches Over 600 MW in New Renewable Energy Capacity

Albania has reached its target of more than 600 MW in new renewable energy capacity ahead of schedule. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said the energy sector reforms are producing concrete results. He said the government is modernizing the legal framework and aligning it with European Union standards. …

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Over 824,000 Visitors Explore Albania’s Cultural Heritage Sites

Albania’s cultural heritage sites recorded a strong increase in visitors during the first seven months of 2026. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja released the figures for January–July 2026. A total of 824,340 local and foreign visitors explored these destinations. The figure marks an 80% increase compared with …

News

Sokrat Vata testifies in court and admits to killing the young Portuguese man: I apologize to his family!

Euronews journalist Eni Ferati has obtained the testimony given before the Saranda Court by Sokrat Vata, the suspect in the killing of a 21-year-old Portuguese tourist, Luis Miguel Varela Mendes in Ksamil. Vata admitted responsibility for the killing but gave his account of the circumstances, claiming that amid the mass …

News

Excavations in Zubin Potok completed

The excavation and exhumation of human remains at three locations in Mala Kaludra and Jabuka, in Zubin Potok, where three mass graves have been confirmed, have been completed, Kosovo’s Government Commission on Missing Persons announced. The excavations began in late July in villages in northern Kosovo, and authorities have confirmed …

News

President Begaj in Italy, welcomed by Mattarella and Meloni; supports Albania’s athletes at the Mediterranean Games

President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has visited Italy, where he attended the opening ceremony of the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games in support of the Albanian team of athletes. During the visit, President Begaj was welcomed by his Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, as well as by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia …

News

Rama to gather government cabinet in Pogradec

Prime Minister Edi Rama will gather his government cabinet for a two-day meeting in Pogradec on August 23 and 24. The meeting will be held in a “retreat” format, with ministers expected to report on the work carried out so far and present their priorities for the coming months. The …

News

Fires in Mirdita, mayor: Situation among the most dangerous we have faced

The Mayor of Mirdita, Albert Melyshi, spoke to the media about the wildfire situation in the municipality, describing it as serious and dangerous. He said the village of Tenë is currently the worst-affected area, where the first evacuations have also taken place. According to Melyshi, some of the fires are …

News

Cërrik Municipal Council meets, right-wing councillors oppose merger with Elbasan

The Cërrik Municipal Council met to set the schedule for public hearings as part of the Administrative-Territorial Reform. From the beginning of the meeting, right-wing councillors voiced their opposition to the proposed merger of Cërrik with Elbasan, while left-wing councillors also appeared unclear about their position. Cërrik Mayor Florenc Doka …

News

“Kosovo is Serbia”, Partizan Belgrade fans provoke during match in Spain

A provocative incident was reported in Spain during the Conference League match between Getafe and Partizan Belgrade, where the visiting fans repeatedly chanted “Kosovo is Serbia”. Around 6,000 fans were present at the stadium, while the political chants by Serbian supporters could be heard throughout the match. Meanwhile, some of …

News

“Ah Theth” Festival Begins with Music, Sports and Adventure in the Albanian Alps

Theth welcomes the “Ah Theth” festival this weekend. The festival combines music, sports, adventure and tradition. It takes place from August 21 to 23. The event features two nights and three days of activities. Visitors can enjoy events from sunset to sunrise amid the spectacular landscapes of the Albanian Alps. …

News

Karakaçi: Albania Reaches Over 600 MW in New Renewable Energy Capacity

Albania has reached its target of more than 600 MW in new renewable energy capacity ahead of schedule. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said the energy sector reforms are producing concrete results. He said the government is modernizing the legal framework and aligning it with European Union standards. …

News

Over 824,000 Visitors Explore Albania’s Cultural Heritage Sites

Albania’s cultural heritage sites recorded a strong increase in visitors during the first seven months of 2026. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja released the figures for January–July 2026. A total of 824,340 local and foreign visitors explored these destinations. The figure marks an 80% increase compared with …