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Albania supports stronger regional defence and security cooperation

Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attended the Central European and Western Balkans Defence Cooperation (CEDC) Ministerial, which focused on strengthening regional cooperation in defence and security. The meeting brought together senior representatives of participating countries to discuss joint capabilities, common security challenges and threats, and coordination of policies and efforts within …

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House Arrest Ordered for Albania’s Intelligence Chief

Tirana Times, September 22, 2026 – Albania’s Special Court has ordered house arrest and suspension from office for Vlora Hyseni, director of the State Intelligence Service, SHISH, in an extraordinary development that has brought a major criminal investigation into the highest levels of the country’s security establishment. Hyseni is suspected of …

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Full Report: House Arrest Ordered for Albania’s Intelligence Chief

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Full Report: House Arrest Ordered for Albania’s Intelligence Chief appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here

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Albania to Adopt EU Disability Access Standards – But Will They Be Enforced?

Albania is moving to bring its disabled access standards into line with the EU’s own, but activists warn that without funding and effective enforcement, the new law could once again fail to deliver meaningful change. Original post Here

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Albania begin Nations League training camp, Qefalia replaces injured Pajaziti

The Albania national football team began preparations today for its next four UEFA Nations League matches. Head coach Rolando Maran led the first training session at the “House of Football” in Tirana. A total of 26 players took part in the session. Players who featured for their clubs over the …

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Roberto Ferrucci brings travel writing to Tirana

Italian writer Roberto Ferrucci led the “Travel Diary” workshop today at the “Sotir Kolea” Centre of the National Library in Tirana. The workshop focuses on travel writing. It explores how writers can use their experiences to describe places, encounters and personal stories. The Italian Cultural Institute in Tirana organised the …

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Albania signs Artemis Accords at NASA headquarters

Albania has joined the international community committed to peaceful, transparent and responsible space exploration after Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha signed the Artemis Accords. The ceremony took place at NASA headquarters in Washington. NASA Deputy Administrator Matt Anderson and US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Space and Environment Connor Tomlinson …

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Tuesday weather: Clear skies and strong coastal winds, temperatures up to 30C

Tuesday will bring stable weather conditions across Albania, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The country will see clear skies. Eastern mountain areas may have occasional light to moderate cloud cover. Temperatures will reach up to 30C. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the northeast to northwest at an average speed …

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Britannica traces Albania’s history from Illyria to Euro-Atlantic integration

The Encyclopaedia Britannica, a widely used reference publication, traces Albania’s history from ancient Illyria and the Roman period through Ottoman rule, independence, the two world wars, communism and the establishment of democracy. Its report also follows the country’s gradual orientation toward the West and Euro-Atlantic integration. The report highlights the …

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RTSH opens applications for 65th Festival of Song

RTSH has opened applications for the 65th Festival of Song. Albanian artists, composers and creators from Albania, Kosova and the diaspora can apply from September 22 to 27. The call targets creators and performers of Albanian popular music who want to compete in this year’s festival in December. Applicants must …

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Inaugural edition of Albanian Music Nights kicks off with world premieres by Albanian composers

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …

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Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …

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Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …

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Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland

TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …

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Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …

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DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …

News
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …

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European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …

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Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match

TIRANA, Nov 12  /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …

News
Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security

The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …

News

Inaugural edition of Albanian Music Nights kicks off with world premieres by Albanian composers

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …

News

Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …

News

Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …

News

Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland

TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …

News

Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …

News

DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …

News

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …

News

European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …

News

Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match

TIRANA, Nov 12  /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …

News

Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security

The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …