Gonxhja: Preparations Underway for a “Unforgettable Experience” at Kanye West Concert
Authorities in Albania are intensifying preparations for the upcoming concert of American rapper Kanye West in Tirana, scheduled for July 11. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said teams are working on the ground to deliver a safe and memorable experience for attendees. First, officials from the Ministry, …
Finance Minister Malaj: Albania a regional leader in economic growth and stability
TIRANA, June 16 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said Albania continues to rank among the most stable economies in the region. He said the country combines economic growth with the lowest inflation rate in the Western Balkans. Malaj referred to Eurostat harmonised inflation data for April 2026. The data show …
“Le Figaro”: Albania leads French tourists’ preferences for summer holidays
TIRANA, June 16 – According to an article published by the French daily “Le Figaro”, Albania is emerging as one of the most attractive Mediterranean destinations for French tourists seeking summer holiday alternatives. The report, written by Sevin Rey – Sahin, highlights Albania alongside Slovenia and Montenegro as increasingly popular …
Clear weather expected, temperatures rise up to 34°C
TIRANA, June 16 – The Military Meteorological Service said on Tuesday that Albania will be under stable atmospheric conditions. Weather is forecast to remain clear across most of the country. Light and passing cloud cover is expected, mainly during midday and afternoon hours. In eastern mountainous areas, cloud cover may …
Cultural heritage sites exceed 400,000 visitors in five months
TIRANA, June 16 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said cultural heritage remains one of Albania’s strongest success stories. He referred to the steady rise in visitor numbers at heritage sites. From January to May 2026, cultural institutions and heritage centres recorded 424,082 visitors. The figure includes …
Arts and Education Conference Highlights Research, AI, and Cultural Cooperation
The University of Arts in Tirana held the second International Conference on Arts and Education. The event brought together about 105 participants from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Italy, and Greece. Researchers presented around 95 scientific papers. First, participants shared studies across multiple fields. These included music, cultural heritage, education, …
Defence Minister Nufi meets senior US official, highlights cooperation with United States
TIRANA, June 16 – Minister of Defence Ermal Nufi met in Washington with Mary Beth Morgan, acting director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The meeting took place during his official visit to the United States. In a social media post, Nufi said the discussion focused on advancing projects of …
President Begaj visits Uzbekistan, calls for deeper bilateral cooperation
TIRANA, June 16 – President of the Republic Bajram Begaj is on an official visit to Uzbekistan at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The visit marks the first official trip by an Albanian president to Uzbekistan since diplomatic relations started in 1993. Meanwhile in Tashkent, President Mirziyoyev welcomed the …
“The Flamingo Revolution” Goes Beyond Kushner and the Birds
By Jezerca Tigani Tirana Times, June 15, 2026 – Every time I visit Albania, the conversation is always the same — not about politics, elections, the new airport, or the promise of membership in the European Union. It is about leaving. For several years now, the country has been gripped …
Albania Signs Three Council of Europe Conventions on Rule of Law, Democracy, and Human Rights
Albania signed three important conventions at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg, strengthening its commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, Justice Minister Toni Gogu said. He stated that the first convention focuses on the use of artificial intelligence. According to him, technology must remain under …
TIRANA, September 1 – Economic confidence in Albania improved in August, led by construction, while trade and services also recorded gains, according to the Bank of Albania. The Economic Sentiment Indicator rose by 1.8 points and stood 7.4 points above its historical average. Construction recorded the strongest increase, with confidence …
TIRANA, September 1 – The number of public beach areas increased by 67% across Albania this tourist season. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the increase in a social media post. The total area of public beach stations also grew by more than 10%. Gonxhja said the expansion …
TIRANA, September 1 – British newspaper Metro highlights the Albanian Alps as a rare mountain destination with dramatic landscapes, quiet trails and low costs. Reporter Sadie Whitelocks describes the region as an alternative to the crowded Dolomites. The article follows a 7-day hiking challenge across the mountains of Albania, Kosova …
TIRANA, September 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha took part in the European Forum Alpbach in Austria at the invitation of Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. He joined a panel focused on Europe’s ability to act in a rapidly changing world. Hoxha said Albania’s present and future are closely linked …
TIRANA, September 1 – Tourist boat trips on Kukës Lake have drawn strong interest during the summer season, the first year of the service. Visitors have used the tours to explore the lake and the area’s natural attractions. According to boat operator Edmond Bytyçi, requests came from visitors from several …
TIRANA, September 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha took part in a panel on “Enlargement as Europe’s Future Geopolitical Tool” at the Bled Strategic Forum, alongside European Commissioner Marta Kos. Hoxha said enlargement should remain a merit-based process and stressed the importance of credibility and maintaining the pace of negotiations. …
TIRANA, September 1 – The Ministry of Defence reported 27 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Four fires remain active, while authorities are monitoring 4 others. Firefighters deployed 432 operational personnel and 43 vehicles, with support from 70 military personnel and 3 Air Force helicopters. Today, authorities plan …
TIRANA, September 1 – Albanian referee Emanuela Rusta will officiate another major European fixture. She will referee the second leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League between Paris Saint-Germain and Frankfurt. The match will take place on September 2 at 18:30 at the PSG Campus …
Albania’s history of protecting Jewish people during World War II took center stage at a documentary exhibition held today at the General Directorate of Archives. The exhibition highlighted how Albanian families sheltered Jewish people fleeing Nazi persecution and antisemitic terror. A group of history teachers from Albania and Kosovo attended …
TIRANA, September 1 – The US Embassy in Tirana praised Albania for repatriating 5 Albanian citizens from Syria. The group included 2 women and 3 children. The embassy described the operation as an important step for the families and for global security. It said the returnees would receive support for …