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US State Department officially announces ratification of $302 million loan agreement for Albania

TIRANA, August 4-The US State Department has officially announced the ratification of a $302 million loan agreement under the Foreign Military Financing, or FMF, program. The agreement aims to strengthen Albania’s defense capabilities and deepen strategic security cooperation with the United States. According to the State Department’s official announcement, the …

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Sazan-Karaburun remains a top summer destination

TIRANA, August 4-Albania’s only national marine park, Sazan-Karaburun, continues to attract large numbers of local and foreign tourists this summer. The park’s crystal-clear waters, rich biodiversity, and natural beauty draw hundreds of visitors every day. Many explore the area on tourist boats and other vessels departing from the Port of …

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Government boosts support for elite athletes with additional 40 million lek fund

TIRANA, August 4-Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja says the Albanian government continues to strengthen its support for sport. He described funding for elite athletes as one of the government’s key priorities. Under the latest normative act, the government has approved an additional 40 million lek fund. The …

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Clear weather with high temperatures across Albania

TIRANA, August 4 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The country will have clear skies throughout the territory. Meanwhile, some temporary clouds may appear over mountainous areas from midday to afternoon. Winds will blow from the southeast to the southwest at …

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Fire in Hekal village in Mallakastër fully extinguished

TIRANA, August 4 – The fire that broke out in Hekal village, Mallakastër Municipality, has been fully extinguished, the National Civil Protection Agency said. The agency reported that the blaze affected an area covered with bushes and olive groves. Civil emergency teams and local firefighting services joined the operation. Meanwhile, …

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Voskopoja blends history, nature and hospitality for visitors

TIRANA, August 4 – The mountain village of Voskopoja in Korça continues to attract visitors from around the world. The destination has become a year-round tourist attraction. Once one of the most important cultural, artistic and historical centers in the Balkans, Voskopoja remains a symbol of Balkan and European heritage. …

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Market Surveillance Inspectorate ensures consumer protection

TIRANA, August 4 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj highlighted the role of the Central Market Surveillance Inspectorate (IQMT) in ensuring the safety of non-food products and protecting consumers. Ibrahimaj said all products that citizens use daily must meet safety requirements and comply with legal standards. She added that …

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High traffic at Gjirokastër border crossings as tourist flows continue

TIRANA, August 4- Heavy traffic has continued over the past 24 hours at border crossings in Gjirokastër County. Thousands of citizens and vehicles have entered and left Albania. Kakavijë remains the county’s busiest border crossing. Over the past 24 hours, officers processed 9,141 travelers. Of these, 5,209 entered Albania, while …

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Remains of 4 people found in Jabuka e Vogël in Kosova, suspected war victims

TIRANA, August 4 – The Government Commission for Missing Persons announced that authorities found and exhumed the remains of 4 people during excavations in Jabuka e Vogël village, in Zubin Potok Municipality. Initial assessments indicate that the remains may belong to victims of enforced disappearances during the war. Excavation activities …

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Conference League, Dinamo City faces Auda in Riga

TIRANA, August 4 – Dinamo City will face Latvian side Auda on Tuesday afternoon in the first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The match will take place in Riga at 18:00. The return leg will be played one week later at “Elbasan Arena”. Meanwhile, …

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Albania Gambles on Re-Legalising ‘Dangerous’ Online Sports Betting

The government is preparing to bring back online sports betting, seven years after a widespread gambling clampdown. But mental health experts warn that Albania is ill-equipped to deal with a rise in gambling addiction. Original post Here

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Fire situation improves in Priska, Tirana

TIRANA, August 13 – The fire situation in Priska has improved after firefighters and 2 helicopters worked to contain 3 fires that started on Wednesday evening. The fires emerged in Daias village, between Lundra and Priska. Ground and aerial operations helped stop the flames from spreading. Authorities continue to monitor …

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President Begaj urges caution over fires, thanks firefighters

TIRANA, August 13 – President Bajram Begaj urged citizens to remain cautious as high temperatures increase the risk of fires. He also expressed solidarity with firefighters and others fighting the flames. Begaj said firefighters, Armed Forces personnel and others fighting fires deserve public gratitude. He praised their courage and sacrifice …

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Hot weather continues with light rain

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania will experience relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Thursday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with moderate cloud cover at times. Clouds will become denser over mountainous areas around midday and during the afternoon, mainly in the east and southeast. …

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Orikum combines seaside holidays with ancient heritage

TIRANA, August 13 – Orikum, 15 km from Vlora, is one of Albania’s attractive coastal destinations. Its natural scenery, sea and history create a distinctive landscape. Crystal-clear waters, natural resources and historical heritage attract domestic and foreign tourists during August. Many visitors choose the area each year to enjoy its …

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Armed Forces support firefighting operation in Kruja

TIRANA, August 13 – The Armed Forces are supporting firefighting operations in Abaze neighbourhood in Kruja. Their teams are helping protect residents and property. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said the personnel are working with other emergency structures to contain the flames. He said the Armed Forces remain ready to support …

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A Quarter Century Since Ohrid: The Agreement That Gave North Macedonia Its Future

by Ferit Hoxha, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – There are moments in history when a country’s future is shaped by a single document. Such agreements are rare, but their impact can endure for generations. The Ohrid Framework Agreement is one such example. …

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Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

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Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

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25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

News

Albania Gambles on Re-Legalising ‘Dangerous’ Online Sports Betting

The government is preparing to bring back online sports betting, seven years after a widespread gambling clampdown. But mental health experts warn that Albania is ill-equipped to deal with a rise in gambling addiction. Original post Here

News

Fire situation improves in Priska, Tirana

TIRANA, August 13 – The fire situation in Priska has improved after firefighters and 2 helicopters worked to contain 3 fires that started on Wednesday evening. The fires emerged in Daias village, between Lundra and Priska. Ground and aerial operations helped stop the flames from spreading. Authorities continue to monitor …

News

President Begaj urges caution over fires, thanks firefighters

TIRANA, August 13 – President Bajram Begaj urged citizens to remain cautious as high temperatures increase the risk of fires. He also expressed solidarity with firefighters and others fighting the flames. Begaj said firefighters, Armed Forces personnel and others fighting fires deserve public gratitude. He praised their courage and sacrifice …

News

Hot weather continues with light rain

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania will experience relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Thursday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with moderate cloud cover at times. Clouds will become denser over mountainous areas around midday and during the afternoon, mainly in the east and southeast. …

News

Orikum combines seaside holidays with ancient heritage

TIRANA, August 13 – Orikum, 15 km from Vlora, is one of Albania’s attractive coastal destinations. Its natural scenery, sea and history create a distinctive landscape. Crystal-clear waters, natural resources and historical heritage attract domestic and foreign tourists during August. Many visitors choose the area each year to enjoy its …

News

Armed Forces support firefighting operation in Kruja

TIRANA, August 13 – The Armed Forces are supporting firefighting operations in Abaze neighbourhood in Kruja. Their teams are helping protect residents and property. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said the personnel are working with other emergency structures to contain the flames. He said the Armed Forces remain ready to support …

News

A Quarter Century Since Ohrid: The Agreement That Gave North Macedonia Its Future

by Ferit Hoxha, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – There are moments in history when a country’s future is shaped by a single document. Such agreements are rare, but their impact can endure for generations. The Ohrid Framework Agreement is one such example. …

News

Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

News

Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

News

25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …