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Rama shares negative review of Rozafa Castle: Hopes prosecutors will act against ‘blackmailers’

Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again reacted to negative online reviews, this time sharing a video highlighting critical ratings of Rozafa Castle in Shkodra. The prime minister said such posts are harming Albania’s tourism sector and expressed hope that prosecutors will swiftly take action against those he described as individuals who …

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Rama on protests: Algorithm amplified negativity, ‘adding fuel to the fire’

Prime Minister Edi Rama met with young people in Jalë on Saturday, where he discussed the recent protests and the impact of social media algorithms. Rama said algorithms play a significant role in amplifying negativity, online noise and manipulated content, describing such videos as “fuel added to a fire” that, he argued, was started by …

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Kanye West welcomed by Edi Rama, Albanian PM shares footage of meeting

One of the world’s best-known rappers, Kanye West, was welcomed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who shared footage of their meeting on social media. The video shows Rama introducing the American artist to aspects of Albania’s culture and history. West arrived in Albania ahead of his concert scheduled for …

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Hoxha tells young people in Jalë: EU membership requires your involvement – Europe starts at home

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha, together with Prime Minister Edi Rama, took part in an open discussion with 150 young activists from Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro at #RinCamp2026. Albania’s EU accession process and the country’s progress towards membership were among the key topics discussed during the panel organised by the National …

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K’cimi dancing of Tropojë – Gazmend Freitag

by Monika Grill Tirana Times, July 11, 2026 – “K’cimi i Tropoja” – the dance that endured over centuries and kept the Albanian identity alive, has been officially declared part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. “K’cimi i Tropoja” refers to a traditional …

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Kanye West concert in Tirana today, road restrictions announced

Tirana, July 11 – International artist Kanye West will perform today in Tirana. The concert will take place at Eagle Stadium, a venue built specifically in the Kashar area. To ensure public safety and manage traffic, Tirana Police has announced temporary road restrictions around the event area. From 07:00 to …

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Justice reforms bring Albania closer to European Union membership

Tirana, July 11 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu said justice system reforms and the implementation of the National Reform Agenda under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans are concrete steps toward Albania’s European Union membership. Gogu said a strong, independent and accountable justice system remains a key pillar of …

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Rama: Albania will close first three EU negotiation chapters at July 14 conference

Albania moves closer to the European Union as it prepares for the 9th Intergovernmental Conference with the EU on July 14 in Brussels. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Albania will provisionally close the first three negotiation chapters, marking a major milestone in the country’s EU accession process. The conference …

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Italian media “The Wom Travel” names Albanian Riviera among Europe’s most authentic destinations

Italian travel magazine “The Wom Travel” has ranked Albania among the 10 most authentic and least crowded destinations in Europe for summer 2026, highlighting the country’s untouched nature, cultural heritage and affordable travel options. According to the publication, Albania has strengthened its position on Europe’s tourism map by offering visitors …

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Vila 31 x Art Explora brings literature, cinema, workshops and electronic music to Tirana

Vila 31 x Art Explora is turning into a creative hub for cultural exchanges, artistic performances and public activities throughout July. The program includes literary talks, film screenings, live performances and children’s workshops, offering visitors new opportunities to engage with art and creativity. From July 17 to 19, Art Explora …

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Gaza Mission, Nufi: Albania Stands Shoulder to Shoulder with US in Peace Efforts

The Albanian Parliament approved Albania’s participation in a peacekeeping mission as part of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. Following the parliamentary vote, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi described the decision as a step that turns Albania’s commitment to peace into a concrete contribution on the ground. “A decision that turns …

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Muçaj: Tirana-Durrës Railway and Airport Link to Become Operational by 2027

Albania aims to significantly expand its railway network in the coming years. The country plans to improve connections between Tirana, Durrës, the airport and regional transport corridors by 2030. Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enkelejda Muçaj said today that the Tirana-Durrës railway and the link to Tirana International Airport …

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Porto Romano Military Port: Abrazhda Receives Italian Delegation

An Italian military delegation, led by Major General Luigi Casali, paid an official visit to Albania as part of cooperation on the Porto Romano military port project. Deputy Defense Minister Blerina Abrazhda received the Italian delegation at the Ministry of Defense. During the visit, the delegation held a working meeting …

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Begaj Meets Dukaj: Albanians in Montenegro a Strong Bridge of Friendship Between the Two Countries

President Bajram Begaj met today with Montenegro’s Minister of Public Administration, Marash Dukaj. They discussed achievements and the role of the Albanian community in Montenegro. During the meeting, Begaj highlighted the Albanian community’s contribution at both local and central levels to Montenegro’s integration process. Begaj also described Albanians in Montenegro …

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Balla Meets Congressman Ritchie Torres in the Bronx, Home to Albanian-American Community

Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla met with U.S. Congressman Ritchie Torres during his visit to the United States. Torres represents New York’s 15th Congressional District, which includes parts of the Bronx, home to a large Albanian-American community. The Bronx also hosts institutions that help preserve Albanian language and …

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Greek Ambassador at COD: Tackling Stereotypes in Diplomacy and Society

Culture and diplomacy took center stage at the “Diplomacy and Culture – Greece” meeting, organized by the Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD). Greek Ambassador to Albania Elina Komini attended the event as a guest. The meeting explored the role of culture and diplomacy in strengthening international relations and overcoming …

News
Marie Kraja: The Soprano with the Crystal-Clear Voice and TKOB Founder

The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet today commemorated the 115th anniversary of the birth of “People’s Artist” Marie Kraja, describing her as one of the most prominent voices in Albanian opera and one of the founding figures of the institution. Marie Kraja was born on Sept. 24, 1911. She …

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“Unbounded Voices”: Photo Exhibition in Tirana Celebrates Women of the Balkans

Agence France-Presse (AFP) has brought “Unbounded Voices: Women of the Balkans – Strength & Legacy” to Tirana. The photography exhibition opened today at Vila 31 x Art Explora with support from L’Oréal Group. The exhibition brings together intimate portraits of nine women from across the Balkans. Their stories explore daily …

News
Pirdeni Meets EU Ambassador: Focus on Public Administration Reform and Fight Against Corruption

Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni met today with European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa. During the meeting, Pirdeni and Ambassador Moreira de Sousa discussed the next steps in Albania’s EU accession negotiations, public administration reform and the fight against corruption. Pirdeni highlighted …

News
Former Intelligence Chief Accused of Blackmailing Leading Investigative Journalist

Vlora Hyseni’s public accusation against Klodiana Lala has triggered an unusually broad reaction from journalists’ organizations and opposition politicians, while raising a deeper question: was Albania’s intelligence service collecting information on investigative journalists, and could such information have been used to intimidate them? Tirana Times, September 24, 2026 – Klodiana …

News

Gaza Mission, Nufi: Albania Stands Shoulder to Shoulder with US in Peace Efforts

The Albanian Parliament approved Albania’s participation in a peacekeeping mission as part of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. Following the parliamentary vote, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi described the decision as a step that turns Albania’s commitment to peace into a concrete contribution on the ground. “A decision that turns …

News

Muçaj: Tirana-Durrës Railway and Airport Link to Become Operational by 2027

Albania aims to significantly expand its railway network in the coming years. The country plans to improve connections between Tirana, Durrës, the airport and regional transport corridors by 2030. Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enkelejda Muçaj said today that the Tirana-Durrës railway and the link to Tirana International Airport …

News

Porto Romano Military Port: Abrazhda Receives Italian Delegation

An Italian military delegation, led by Major General Luigi Casali, paid an official visit to Albania as part of cooperation on the Porto Romano military port project. Deputy Defense Minister Blerina Abrazhda received the Italian delegation at the Ministry of Defense. During the visit, the delegation held a working meeting …

News

Begaj Meets Dukaj: Albanians in Montenegro a Strong Bridge of Friendship Between the Two Countries

President Bajram Begaj met today with Montenegro’s Minister of Public Administration, Marash Dukaj. They discussed achievements and the role of the Albanian community in Montenegro. During the meeting, Begaj highlighted the Albanian community’s contribution at both local and central levels to Montenegro’s integration process. Begaj also described Albanians in Montenegro …

News

Balla Meets Congressman Ritchie Torres in the Bronx, Home to Albanian-American Community

Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla met with U.S. Congressman Ritchie Torres during his visit to the United States. Torres represents New York’s 15th Congressional District, which includes parts of the Bronx, home to a large Albanian-American community. The Bronx also hosts institutions that help preserve Albanian language and …

News

Greek Ambassador at COD: Tackling Stereotypes in Diplomacy and Society

Culture and diplomacy took center stage at the “Diplomacy and Culture – Greece” meeting, organized by the Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD). Greek Ambassador to Albania Elina Komini attended the event as a guest. The meeting explored the role of culture and diplomacy in strengthening international relations and overcoming …

News

Marie Kraja: The Soprano with the Crystal-Clear Voice and TKOB Founder

The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet today commemorated the 115th anniversary of the birth of “People’s Artist” Marie Kraja, describing her as one of the most prominent voices in Albanian opera and one of the founding figures of the institution. Marie Kraja was born on Sept. 24, 1911. She …

News

“Unbounded Voices”: Photo Exhibition in Tirana Celebrates Women of the Balkans

Agence France-Presse (AFP) has brought “Unbounded Voices: Women of the Balkans – Strength & Legacy” to Tirana. The photography exhibition opened today at Vila 31 x Art Explora with support from L’Oréal Group. The exhibition brings together intimate portraits of nine women from across the Balkans. Their stories explore daily …

News

Pirdeni Meets EU Ambassador: Focus on Public Administration Reform and Fight Against Corruption

Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni met today with European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa. During the meeting, Pirdeni and Ambassador Moreira de Sousa discussed the next steps in Albania’s EU accession negotiations, public administration reform and the fight against corruption. Pirdeni highlighted …

News

Former Intelligence Chief Accused of Blackmailing Leading Investigative Journalist

Vlora Hyseni’s public accusation against Klodiana Lala has triggered an unusually broad reaction from journalists’ organizations and opposition politicians, while raising a deeper question: was Albania’s intelligence service collecting information on investigative journalists, and could such information have been used to intimidate them? Tirana Times, September 24, 2026 – Klodiana …