“Fustanella” exhibition showcases Albanian cultural identity in Berat
TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …
Defense minister visits Italian shipyard to support Fincantieri Albania project
TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …
Power distributor strengthens grid for summer season in Lezha and Shëngjin
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …
Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …
Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …
SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku
Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …
Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road
TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …
New Road Code measures enter into force, stricter penalties for traffic violations
TIRANA, August 7 – New amendments to Albania’s Road Code entered into force today. The changes introduce stricter measures for traffic violations to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Drivers who repeatedly operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol will permanently lose their driving licence. The new rules also …
Public consultations begin on new territorial map
TIRANA, August 7 – Cërrik and Maliq municipalities have started public consultations on the new territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46. Cërrik Municipality said it launched the process after receiving a notification from Parliament. The consultation period on the draft …
Albania advances in implementing EU Growth Plan
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania continues to make progress in implementing reforms linked to European integration and has received financial support under the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. According to the EU-funded platform “WEBALKANS_eu”, Albania has made strong and sustainable progress. The platform said the country has …
The moralistic reaction to leaked tapes of women filmed secretly in intimate acts shows Albania is still struggling to accept women as sexual beings – while also failing legally to protect victims of non-consensual exposure. Original post Here
An anti-government protest led by students demanding better educational conditions escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and police in the Albanian capital. Original post Here
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs has condemned acts of vandalism at the Apostolic Nunciature in Tirana on Tuesday, including the removal of the Holy See’s flag. The ministry stressed that diplomatic missions must remain inviolable and retain their dignity under national law and international law. It also said …
The US Army will rotate troops from the 2nd Cavalry Regiment and support units from the 1st Infantry Division into Kosovo to support NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR). The incoming troops will replace the Florida Army National Guard’s 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team. The rotation will also bring in elements of …
Albania aims to conclude agreements to avoid double taxation with all 27 European Union member states as it aligns its tax legislation and practices with European standards. Deputy Finance Minister Andi Memeti outlined the objective during a parliamentary committee discussion on ratifying an agreement with Lithuania. He said these agreements …
The National Territorial Council has cleared the way for the new Kavaja Market in the city centre. French architect Manuelle Gautrand designed the project to introduce a contemporary architectural concept to the urban space. The development covers 3,130 square metres of land, with a building area of 1,405 square metres. …
Kosovo President Justina Shiroka-Pula met on Tuesday with the families of former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi, who face trial at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. Shiroka-Pula stood by the families and acknowledged the hardship they face. She pledged …
Students from several universities boycotted classes on Tuesday and gathered outside the Ministry of Education to protest for a second consecutive day. The boycott involved students from the University of Medicine, the Agricultural University, the Polytechnic University, the Faculty of Law, the Faculty of Economics and the Faculty of Philology. …
President Bajram Begaj met Michael Granoff, chairman of the board of the Albanian-American Development Foundation, and other board members at the Brigades Palace. Begaj praised the foundation’s contribution to economic development. He stressed the importance of continuing its projects in education, tourism, cultural heritage and agriculture, as well as efforts …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu responded to the violence during Tuesday’s protest outside the Ministry of Education. In a Facebook post accompanying footage from the demonstration, he said violence, calls for chaos and attacks on institutions and businesses were not solutions. Gogu stressed that the right to protest is fundamental and …