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TKOB Brings a Full Cultural Program in May, from “Carmen” to National Ensemble Shows

The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania presents a rich cultural program throughout May in Tirana. The month opens with the ballet “Carmen,” staged from May 4 to May 10. The production features the return of Anbeta Toromani in the lead role, alongside Luca Curreli and Alessandro Macario. …

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Cultural Events, Concerts and Tourism Season Opening Mark a Busy Week in Albania

Tirana hosts a full week of cultural and artistic events across theaters, galleries, and music venues. The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania presents performances including “Carmen” and concerts by violinist Tedi Papavrami. Exhibitions continue at several venues. The “S.T.I.L.L” exhibition by Brook Velos runs at Catalyst Institute. …

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Port of Durrës handles 10 cargo vessels at start of week

TIRANA, May 5 – The start of the week has brought high operational activity at the Port of Durrës. The port has scheduled 10 cargo vessels for handling, mainly carrying raw materials for the construction sector. According to the Port Authority of Durrës, six vessels are currently under processing. Two …

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SIGMA report on public administration reform says Albania consolidates governance reforms

TIRANA, May 5 – The SIGMA initiative, a joint programme of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union on governance and public administration reform, has assessed Albania positively in its latest report. It said Albania stands out in several key areas with more consolidated practices. …

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Exploited for Profit: Call Centre Fraud Schemes ‘Criminalise Albanian Youth’

Call centres specialising in online financial fraud have become a growth industry in Albania, attracting young people to criminal activity with the lure of quick money. Original post Here

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Kurti and Kallas Stress Positive Momentum in Kosovo–Serbia Dialogue

Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti meets EU High Representative Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan. They discuss the political situation in the region and key security issues. Kurti stresses the importance of alignment with the European Union. He highlights Kosovo’s path toward EU …

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Superiore Week 35 Set for Wednesday with Crucial Clashes

Week 35 of the Abissnet Superiore takes place on Wednesday. All five matches kick off at 16:00.KF Tirana hosts KF Vllaznia Shkodër at Selman Stërmasi. Both teams push for victory in a classic showdown. Defending champions KF Egnatia face FK Partizani Tirana at Arena Egnatia. Both sides aim to return …

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Fuel Price: Parliamentary Committee Approves 20% Excise Duty Cut

TIRANA, May 5 – The Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration approved a normative act today. The act cuts excise duty by 20% when international hydrocarbon prices rise and increase retail fuel costs. Deputy Minister of Finance Andi Mehmeti addressed the meeting. He said tensions in the Middle East …

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Weather: Clear Skies with Occasional Light Cloud Cover

TIRANA, May 5 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will face relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Tuesday. The weather will start with clear skies and light to moderate cloud cover. From midday, cloud cover will increase to moderate and at times dense levels. Late in the evening, isolated and …

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“Chase Travel”: Albanian Riviera among top summer destinations for 2026

TIRANA, May 5 – The Albanian Riviera has emerged as one of the most attractive alternatives for international travellers for summer 2026. Traditional Western European destinations now face overcrowding and high prices, Betsy Blumenthal writes in Chase Travel. The US travel magazine includes the Albanian Riviera in its main travel …

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Faces of Protest: Meet the Albanians Taking to Tirana’s Streets

Prime Minister Edi Rama claims the daily protests shaking Tirana are misguided or manipulated from outside. BIRN spoke with some of the most dedicated protesters to find out more about their hopes for environmental and democratic changes. Original post Here

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Saudi Ambassador Meets Head of Albania–Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group

Tirana Times, July 6,2026 – Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Turki bin Ibrahim Al-Madi, received Albanian MP Baldi Çomo, Chairman of the Albania–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Eriol Mile for talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation. According to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Tirana, the …

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Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and OSCE Strengthen Cooperation to Promote Equality

The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and the OSCE Presence in Albania agreed to strengthen their institutional cooperation during a meeting between Commissioner Genta Tafa (Bungo) and OSCE Ambassador Michel Tarran. The two sides discussed joint initiatives to prevent and address hate speech while promoting equality, respect, and non-discrimination. They …

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Albania Launches New Public Administration Reforms to Advance EU Integration

Albania has unveiled a new package of initiatives aimed at modernizing its public administration and strengthening its preparedness for European Union membership. During Public Administration Week, Minister of State for Public Administration Adea Pirdeni emphasized that the government will prioritize investment in human capital, improve institutional performance, and align Albania’s …

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Prime Minister Rama Hosts Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani

Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and his delegation to the Prime Minister’s Office in Tirana. The visit marks Talabani’s first official trip to Albania and reflects efforts to strengthen relations between Albania and the Kurdistan Region. Prime Minister Rama …

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France Praises Albania’s Progress in Democratic Reforms and EU Integration Path

The Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi received Pierre-Alexandre Anglade, Chair of the Committee on European Affairs in the French National Assembly, along with members of the delegation, in Tirana. During the meeting, both sides highlighted the strong relations between Albania and France and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation within …

News
Albania Reaffirms Commitment to EU Reforms in Talks with French Parliamentary Delegation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha received a delegation from the European Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, led by Pierre-Alexandre Anglade, in Tirana. The two sides discussed current developments in the EU enlargement process and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum and credibility in the accession …

News
Rama: Adaptability key for Albania’s garment industry amid EU integration process

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlights the importance of transformation and adaptability for Albania’s fason industry during the presentation of the national program preparing businesses for European Union integration. Rama presents leather-processing entrepreneur Etleva Laro’s company as an example of a business that successfully adapted to new economic challenges. He says …

News
Balla and Hoxhaj discuss Kosovo justice, EU integration, and regional security

Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla meets with Kosovo MP and former Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj at the Albanian Parliament to discuss key regional issues. During the meeting, Balla and Hoxhaj address the legal proceedings against former Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) leaders in The Hague, emphasizing the importance of …

News
Medieval Center of Berat: A Journey Through the City’s Ottoman Past

Berat attracts large numbers of tourists, and visitors often outnumber locals in its historic quarters such as Mangalem, Gorica, and the Castle area. First, the article shows how tourism now shapes daily life in the city, while residents themselves continue to rediscover parts of their cultural heritage. Next, the restored …

News

Faces of Protest: Meet the Albanians Taking to Tirana’s Streets

Prime Minister Edi Rama claims the daily protests shaking Tirana are misguided or manipulated from outside. BIRN spoke with some of the most dedicated protesters to find out more about their hopes for environmental and democratic changes. Original post Here

News

Saudi Ambassador Meets Head of Albania–Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group

Tirana Times, July 6,2026 – Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Turki bin Ibrahim Al-Madi, received Albanian MP Baldi Çomo, Chairman of the Albania–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Eriol Mile for talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation. According to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Tirana, the …

News

Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and OSCE Strengthen Cooperation to Promote Equality

The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and the OSCE Presence in Albania agreed to strengthen their institutional cooperation during a meeting between Commissioner Genta Tafa (Bungo) and OSCE Ambassador Michel Tarran. The two sides discussed joint initiatives to prevent and address hate speech while promoting equality, respect, and non-discrimination. They …

News

Albania Launches New Public Administration Reforms to Advance EU Integration

Albania has unveiled a new package of initiatives aimed at modernizing its public administration and strengthening its preparedness for European Union membership. During Public Administration Week, Minister of State for Public Administration Adea Pirdeni emphasized that the government will prioritize investment in human capital, improve institutional performance, and align Albania’s …

News

Prime Minister Rama Hosts Kurdistan Region Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani

Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed Qubad Talabani, Deputy Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, and his delegation to the Prime Minister’s Office in Tirana. The visit marks Talabani’s first official trip to Albania and reflects efforts to strengthen relations between Albania and the Kurdistan Region. Prime Minister Rama …

News

France Praises Albania’s Progress in Democratic Reforms and EU Integration Path

The Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi received Pierre-Alexandre Anglade, Chair of the Committee on European Affairs in the French National Assembly, along with members of the delegation, in Tirana. During the meeting, both sides highlighted the strong relations between Albania and France and reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation within …

News

Albania Reaffirms Commitment to EU Reforms in Talks with French Parliamentary Delegation

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha received a delegation from the European Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly, led by Pierre-Alexandre Anglade, in Tirana. The two sides discussed current developments in the EU enlargement process and stressed the importance of maintaining momentum and credibility in the accession …

News

Rama: Adaptability key for Albania’s garment industry amid EU integration process

Prime Minister Edi Rama highlights the importance of transformation and adaptability for Albania’s fason industry during the presentation of the national program preparing businesses for European Union integration. Rama presents leather-processing entrepreneur Etleva Laro’s company as an example of a business that successfully adapted to new economic challenges. He says …

News

Balla and Hoxhaj discuss Kosovo justice, EU integration, and regional security

Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla meets with Kosovo MP and former Foreign Minister Enver Hoxhaj at the Albanian Parliament to discuss key regional issues. During the meeting, Balla and Hoxhaj address the legal proceedings against former Kosovo Liberation Army (UÇK) leaders in The Hague, emphasizing the importance of …

News

Medieval Center of Berat: A Journey Through the City’s Ottoman Past

Berat attracts large numbers of tourists, and visitors often outnumber locals in its historic quarters such as Mangalem, Gorica, and the Castle area. First, the article shows how tourism now shapes daily life in the city, while residents themselves continue to rediscover parts of their cultural heritage. Next, the restored …