Germany Reaffirms Strong Support for Albania’s EU Membership
Ferit Hoxha met with Günter Krichbaum during his visit to Luxembourg. The two officials discussed Albania’s path toward European Union membership. They also reviewed the current momentum of the EU enlargement process. Furthermore, Hoxha said they exchanged views on the opportunities created by the renewed focus on enlargement across Europe. …
The False Civil Society and the Real One
In Albania, real civic society is no longer in donor-funded conference rooms. It is in the streets. By Mrika Temali Tirana Times, June 16, 2026 – Thirty-five years after the fall of communism, Albania offers a bitter paradox. The European Union, Western governments and international foundations have spent millions indeed …
UEFA Inspects Albania’s Stadiums Ahead of EURO U-21 2027
UEFA representatives continued inspections in Albania as preparations advance for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027, which Albania will co-host. First, UEFA experts visited stadiums over a four-day inspection tour. They assessed technical and operational readiness for the tournament. They focused on lighting systems, backup generators, security measures, and other …
Housing prices continue to rise as tourism drives property market demand
TIRANA, June 16 – Housing prices in Albania continued to rise during 2025. At the same time, transaction volumes fell in the second half of the year. The Bank of Albania said the trend requires more time and data to determine whether it reflects a slowdown or a correction after …
Fuel prices cut, diesel at 180 ALL per litre, petrol at 168 ALL per litre
TIRANA, June 16 – The Transparency Board has decided to reduce fuel prices in Albania. It cut diesel by 3 ALL per litre and petrol by 2 ALL per litre. Under the decision, diesel will sell at a maximum retail price of 180 ALL per litre. The board set the …
Albania U-19 Draw Armenia and Cyprus in Euro 2027 Qualifiers
Albania’s U-19 national team learned its opponents for the second round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2027 qualifiers. UEFA held the draw in Nyon, Switzerland. It placed Albania U-19 in Group 6 of League B. First, Albania will face Armenia and Cyprus in the group stage. The team will …
US signals “adjustment of contribution” to KFOR mission
TIRANA, June 16 – The United States is expected to adjust its contribution to NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosova. The move comes as part of a broader review of the Alliance’s military presence in the country. A US European Command (EUCOM) official told Radio Free Europe that the decision follows …
Speaker Peleshi in Netherlands, support reaffirmed for faster EU negotiation process
TIRANA, June 16 – Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi has paid an official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where he met Speaker of the House of Representatives Thom van Campen, Senate President Mei Li Vos, and members of the European Affairs Committee. The visit comes at …
PM Rama to attend Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, focus on investment and EU path
TIRANA, June 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will take part in the Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, one of the key platforms for economic and political dialogue between Germany and Eastern European countries. The Media and Information Agency said Rama will also meet members of the committee’s board …
Israeli photographer captures Vjosa river landscapes in Albania
TIRANA, June 16 – Natural landscapes across Albania continue to attract visitors from around the world. Unspoiled rivers, mountains, and rural scenery are shaping growing interest among photographers who seek less-explored Mediterranean destinations. Iris from Israel is among them. She is a photographer with more than 40 years of professional …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with US Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker on the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum. Hoxha said the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. The two officials discussed ways to deepen bilateral cooperation …
Today marks one year since the death of People’s Artist Dhimitër Anagnosti (1936–2025), one of the most influential figures in Albanian cinema. Born in Vuno, Himara, Anagnosti graduated in cinematography from the Moscow Film Institute in 1960. He began his career as a cinematographer at the “New Albania” Film Studio. …
President Bajram Begaj congratulated Albanian weightlifter Briken Calja today after his gold-medal performance at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Begaj praised Calja’s achievement and highlighted his new Mediterranean record. “Congratulations, Briken! Albania is proud of you,” Begaj wrote in his message. He also described the achievement as “a new record …
Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed Albanian heavyweight boxer Nelson Hysa to his office today. Rama met Hysa after the boxer successfully defended his WBO title against Norwegian fighter Thomas Narmo. During the meeting, Rama asked Hysa about the fight and his career in the ring. Hysa spoke about the challenge, …
On September 1, 1912, Shkodra opened Albania’s first public cinema, known as the “Grand-Kino Skioptiko-Electric Theatre.” Austrian entrepreneur Jozef Shtauber launched the initiative. Meanwhile, renowned Shkodra painter Kolë Idromeno supported the project and offered space in his home for the screenings. The cinema continued showing films until 1914. However, the …
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari has signed an order that changes the age limits for joining the Albanian State Police. The new rules open more opportunities for applicants. They target young people, experienced professionals and employees from other security institutions. The decision follows requests from citizens who contacted the minister through …
The Ministry of Defense has provided the latest update on the wildfire situation across the country. According to the update issued at 09:00 on September 1, 2026, a total of 27 wildfires were reported over the past 24 hours, of which 4 remain active, while another 4 are under monitoring. …
Islam Selmani is the Mediterranean karate champion after winning gold at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. In the final of the up to 60 kg category, he defeated Turkish karate athlete Burak Ozdemir 1-0. The bout was closely contested, with Selmani scoring the only point. This is Kosovo’s seventh medal …
Albanian weightlifter Briken Calja has won the gold medal at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, setting a new record in the process. President of the Republic Bajram Begaj praised the Albanian athlete’s achievement in a post on social media. “Congratulations to our weightlifter, Briken Calja, on winning the gold medal …
The Municipal Police have continued their operation to clear public spaces of illegally placed barriers used to reserve parking spaces. During Tuesday’s operation, officers focused on the residential blocks near “Pranvera” Square and the area around the former police district headquarters, where various obstacles were removed. Concrete blocks, metal structures, …