Judicial reform enters phase of consolidation of European standards
TIRANA, May 8 – Minister of Justice Toni Gogu reported today to the National Council for European Integration on progress in Chapter 23 “Judiciary and Fundamental Rights”. He said judicial reform is entering a consolidation phase of European standards. He also said Albania fulfilled 14 interim benchmarks during 2025–February 2026. …
French ambassador: Negotiations continue, result is close
TIRANA, May 8 – French Ambassador to Albania Catherine Suard said Albania’s EU accession negotiations continue without interruption in an interview for “Klan News”. Reform momentum remains strong, she said, with judicial reform and the opening of negotiation clusters as key areas. She also underlined the need for reforms across …
“Otello” Premieres at National Theatre with a Strong Cast
Othello will premiere soon at the National Theatre of Albania under the direction of Qëndrim Rijani. The production brings together a well-known cast of Albanian actors, including Arben Derhemi, Viktor Zhusti, Lulzim Zeqja, Linda Jarani, Donald Shehu, Luli Bitri, Artan Imami, and others. The play is based on Shakespeare’s tragedy, …
Fuel prices fall again, diesel down by 3 ALL, petrol by 1 ALL
TIRANA, May 8 – The Transparency Board decided new reductions in fuel prices in the country. Diesel drops by 3 ALL per litre and will be sold at 193 ALL per litre. Petrol falls by 1 ALL per litre and will be sold at 179 ALL per litre. The decision …
Zucchero to Perform Live in Tirana in 2026 World Tour Stop
Zucchero will perform in Tirana on July 21, 2026, as part of his “Overdose D’Amore Gold – World Tour 2026”. The concert will take place at the Pista Olimpike e Vrapit and will bring blues, rock, and soul music to the Albanian capital. Meanwhile, the announcement was shared by Blendi …
Nexhmije Pagarusha, icon of Albanian music
TIRANA, May 7 – Nexhmije Pagarusha, one of the most iconic figures in Albanian music, was born 93 years ago in the village of Pagarusha in Malisheva of Kosova. Her career lasted more than five decades and moved between folk and operatic music, shaped by a distinctive soprano voice. “Baresha” …
More than 200 artists to perform during 10-day VjosArt festival in Albania
TIRANA, May 7 – More than 200 artists from Albania and across the region will perform during the 2026 edition of the VjosArt festival. The 10-day event combines art, tourism and environmental awareness along the Vjosa River. The festival will take place from May 21 to May 31 across several …
Albania, Kosovo Strengthen Defense Cooperation
Ermal Nufi met with Gegë Lleshi on Wednesday to discuss closer cooperation in defense and security. During the meeting, both sides highlighted their shared commitment to expanding cooperation in military education, joint training, and exercises. In addition, they discussed cooperation in civil protection and emergency management. Nufi stressed that Kosovo …
Demo Meets Austrian Delegation on EU Integration Cooperation
Ervin Demo welcomed Monika Zach and an Austrian delegation in Tirana on Wednesday. The delegation included 14 mayors and around 60 senior local government representatives. The group was led by Johannes Pressl. During the meeting, both sides discussed the role of local government in the European integration process. In addition, …
EU Calls for Quick Government Formation in Kosovo
Eva Palatova called for the rapid formation of a new government in Kosovo following the June 7 elections. Speaking during Europe Day activities in Prishtina, Palatova also urged political parties to reach a compromise on electing the country’s president. She stressed that the future government should have a strong parliamentary …
President Bajram Begaj visited the Presheva Valley, where he met with local leaders, including municipal mayors Ardita Sinani and Arbër Bajaziti, the only Albanian member of Serbia’s Parliament, Shaip Kamberi, and the head of the Albanian National Council, Enkel Rexhepi. The meetings focused on the concerns of Albanians in the …
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania has begun preparations to host the next NATO Summit in Tirana, which could take place in 2027. Speaking to Top Channel during the NATO Summit in Ankara, Hoxha described the event as an important milestone for both the Alliance and Albania. Furthermore, he said …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi described Albania’s selection to host the next NATO Summit as a historic moment for the country. In a social media post, Nufi said the decision reflects the trust that NATO allies have placed in Albania. Furthermore, he said the decision recognizes Albania’s strong commitment to Euro-Atlantic …
Albania has entered a new and decisive stage on its path toward European Union membership, Socialist Party parliamentary group leader and EU–Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee co-chair Taulant Balla said in Strasbourg. Speaking at the opening session of the 21st meeting of the committee, Balla described the moment as …
Albania presented its experience in civil service recruitment and selection systems during a regional workshop organised by OECD/SIGMA in Paris. Representatives from the Department of Public Administration (DAP), alongside officials from Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership countries, participated in the workshop titled “Strengthening recruitment and selection systems in the civil …
Kosovo will benefit from €206.4 million in European Union funding, according to acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The EU’s IPA Committee approved Kosovo’s proposed projects under the IPA 2026 and IPA 2027 programmes, worth €180.5 million. In addition, three grants from the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF), totaling €25.9 million, …
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 …