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Mario Biondi Delivers Emotional Jazz Performance in Tirana Concert

The concert of Italian soul and jazz artist Mario Biondi took place on Monday evening at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania in Tirana, bringing strong emotions and high energy to the audience. Organizers held the event as part of the 20th anniversary of his hit “This …

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Rama: Independent Justice Is Key to Building a European State

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that justice reform and the independence of judicial institutions remain among the Socialist Party’s most important achievements. Speaking at an event marking the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Tirana, Rama reflected on the period when former Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano was imprisoned. …

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Rama: Socialist Party Has Always Defended Albania’s National Interest

Prime Minister Edi Rama said the ruling Socialist Party has consistently defended Albania’s national interest and urged citizens to support the country’s path toward membership in the European Union. Speaking at an event marking the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Tirana, Rama acknowledged that the party had made …

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Hoxha: Positive IBAR Assessment Reflects Albania’s Reform Progress Toward the EU

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha welcomed EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos and European Union officials at Albania’s Mission to the EU in Brussels on Monday. The meeting followed Albania’s positive assessment in the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR), which Hoxha said reflects the country’s transformative efforts on …

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Manastirliu: Tirana Drives Albania’s Journey Toward EU Membership

Ogerta Manastirliu said Tirana has been the driving force behind Albania’s progress toward the European Union, as the Socialist Party celebrated the 35th anniversary of its founding. Speaking at an event attended by party founders, members, supporters and leaders, Manastirliu praised the contribution of those who helped build and strengthen …

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Ivanka Trump Calls Sazan Development the ‘Project of a Lifetime’

Ivanka Trump called the planned tourism development on Sazan Island the most ambitious project of her career and described it as “the project of a lifetime.” Speaking on entrepreneur David Senra’s podcast, Trump discussed the project that her husband, Jared Kushner, is leading in Albania. Trump said she discovered Sazan …

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Hoxha and Van Hoof Discuss New Initiatives to Strengthen Albania–Belgium Relations

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Els Van Hoof to discuss ways to deepen cooperation between Albania and Belgium. During the meeting, Hoxha thanked Belgium for its continued support for the European Union enlargement process and for Albania’s EU membership bid. He also praised the constructive …

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Hoxha: Belgium’s New Embassy in Tirana Will Boost Bilateral Cooperation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha welcomed Belgium’s decision to open an embassy in Tirana, describing it as an important step that will strengthen relations between the two countries. During an official visit to Brussels, Hoxha met with Maxime Prévot. The two officials reaffirmed the strong partnership between …

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Rama: Supporting Socialist Party Means Supporting Albania’s Path to the EU

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that supporting the Socialist Party means supporting Albania’s integration into the European Union, while warning that there are political forces opposing this process. Speaking at a party event in Tirana, Rama said the Socialist Party’s mission is to bring Albania into the “crown of Europe,” …

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Ahmeti Responds to Kurti: Ohr Agreement Was Also the Cornerstone of the Ahtisaari Plan for Kosovo

The leader of the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI), Ali Ahmeti, has responded to acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti following criticism directed at the Democratic Union for Integration during its time in government. Kurti had suggested that DUI governed alongside a VMRO administration that was more hostile toward Albanians. Ahmeti …

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Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

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Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

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25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

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Lura National Park wildfire, around 220 forces deployed on the ground, air and ground operations underway

TIRANA, August 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today that operations to manage the wildfire in Lura National Park continue at high intensity. The fire affects the Runja area above Borie Lura village. In a social media statement, Nufi said all relevant structures remain engaged in the operation. They …

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New draft law changes defence and security procurement

TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …

News
The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics

Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …

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Apollonia Archaeological Park welcomes visitors from around the world

TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …

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Shkodër Art Gallery to resume rich artistic calendar in September

TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …

News
Perseid meteor shower to light up Tirana’s night sky

TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …

News
EU opposes Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River

TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …

News

Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

News

Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

News

25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

News

Lura National Park wildfire, around 220 forces deployed on the ground, air and ground operations underway

TIRANA, August 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today that operations to manage the wildfire in Lura National Park continue at high intensity. The fire affects the Runja area above Borie Lura village. In a social media statement, Nufi said all relevant structures remain engaged in the operation. They …

News

New draft law changes defence and security procurement

TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …

News

The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics

Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …

News

Apollonia Archaeological Park welcomes visitors from around the world

TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …

News

Shkodër Art Gallery to resume rich artistic calendar in September

TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …

News

Perseid meteor shower to light up Tirana’s night sky

TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …

News

EU opposes Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River

TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …