The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics
Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …
Apollonia Archaeological Park welcomes visitors from around the world
TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …
Shkodër Art Gallery to resume rich artistic calendar in September
TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …
Perseid meteor shower to light up Tirana’s night sky
TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …
EU opposes Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River
TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …
US State Department reacts to Vucic’s statements on Ibër: Normalisation of relations is essential
TIRANA, August 12 – The US State Department has reacted to statements about a possible change in the course of the Ibër River. The department told Radio Free Europe that peace and stability in the Western Balkans remain US priorities. A State Department spokesperson said normalisation of relations between Serbia …
KFOR chief: Troops may increase if security in Kosova is at risk
TIRANA, August 12 – NATO’s mission in Kosova, KFOR, met Serbian List President Zlatan Elek on Tuesday. The meeting followed the party’s opposition to a gradual reduction of KFOR’s presence on the main bridge over the Ibër River in Mitrovica. Elek requested the meeting at KFOR headquarters in Film City …
190 years since the publication of De Rada’s “Songs of Milosao”
TIRANA, August 12 – Jeronim De Rada published “Songs of Milosao” in Naples 190 years ago. The work appeared in August 1836. It is also considered a lyrical masterpiece of the Albanian National Renaissance. De Rada had completed the work in October 1834. He also wrote its preface at that …
Fire in Lura National Park enters second day, flames advance towards inhabited areas
TIRANA, August 12 – A fire in Lura National Park has entered its second day. The flames are advancing towards inhabited areas. Around 140 personnel are now involved in the operation. Two Canadair aircraft are also supporting the operation from the air. Dibër Mayor Rahim Spahiu reported the large fire …
Partial solar eclipse over Tirana; Moon to cover the Sun for 13 minutes
Moon will pass in front of the Sun and create a partial solar eclipse. Some parts of Europe will see a total eclipse. However, Tirana will see only a partial phase. According to astronomical data for Tirana, the eclipse will begin at 19:31. It will reach its maximum 10 minutes …
Petro Zheji (1929–2015) ranks among Albania’s most distinguished translators. During the communist era, he helped introduce major works of world literature to Albanian readers, alongside prominent translators such as Mitrush Kuteli, Jusuf Vrioni, Klio Evangjeli and Vedat Kokona. His translations covered a wide range of literary traditions, including German, Spanish, …
Albania’s State Police has dismissed social media reports claiming that Serbian police officers have joined its ranks. The force described the allegations as false and malicious. The police said the claims seek to exploit nationalist sentiment, stir tensions and undermine public trust. It warned that such allegations could fuel conflict …
Albania features among 10 European destinations recommended for autumn holidays in a selection published by French media outlet Ulysse. The list highlights places where visitors can enjoy nature, beaches and cultural attractions in October. In an article by Luc Rongier, Albania appears alongside Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, southern France, Croatia, …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama today condemned violence during three days of protests in Tirana. Speaking outside a private business gutted by fire, he blamed the opposition and alleged that foreign forces also sought to destabilize Albania. He claimed these actors wanted to obstruct the country’s path towards European Union …
Durrës Port recorded significant growth in commercial activity during the first eight months of 2026. Data from the Durrës Port Authority show increases in both vehicle and container handling compared with the same period last year. The port handled a total of 15,827 vehicles between January and August 2026. This …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry and eight business associations have condemned violence and property damage during recent protests in the capital. They have urged authorities to take concrete measures to protect public order and safety. In a joint statement, the organizations expressed concern over attacks on public institutions, …
Egnatia began its historic UEFA Conference League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Danish side Midtjylland at Elbasan Arena on Thursday. Gruda scored for the Albanian side, which claimed its first point in the competition’s league phase. Egnatia took the lead in the 26th minute when Gruda headed home a …
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Masked protesters continued to clash with police in Tirana on Thursday. They damaged public spaces and private businesses as unrest spread across the capital. After vandalizing businesses on Elbasan Street, masked youths set a kiosk ablaze on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Flames engulfed the structure and sent thick smoke into …
President Bajram Begaj has called on citizens and all parties involved in the recent protests to reject violence and prioritize dialogue. He stressed that Albania needs calm, responsibility and cooperation. In a message to the public, Begaj said he had followed both the protesters’ demands and the acts of violence …