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Easter celebration in Dhërmi features drone and fireworks display

TIRANA, April 12 – Dhërmi turned into a festive scene on Easter Eve, as hundreds of Orthodox believers gathered to celebrate the Holy Day. The coastal village hosted large crowds who joined prayers and candlelit rituals marking one of the most important dates in the Orthodox calendar. The atmosphere combined …

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Albania’s EU bid faces IBAR delay

Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Albania’s path toward European Union membership has entered a more uncertain phase as discussions over a key assessment report remain unfinished, exposing a gap between technical progress in reforms and the political consensus required among member states to move forward. At the center of …

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Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy

By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …

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Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens

Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …

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Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth

From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …

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Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë

Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …

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Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games

Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …

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Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”

The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …

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Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …

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Edi Rama: No Compromise on Food Safety for EU Integration

Edi Rama said there will be no compromise on food safety. He spoke in Berat with olive oil producers. First, he highlighted food safety as a key condition for EU integration. He said standards must match those of the European Union. Then, he warned producers. He said non-compliant products will …

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Public beach areas remain accessible in Jala Beach in Himara

TIRANA, June 11 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared images from Jala Beach in Himara, highlighting the public beach areas available to visitors. Inspection teams from the National Coastline Agency carried out field monitoring along the beach. The checks confirmed that public beach spaces remained available …

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FM Hoxha in Bulgaria: EU enlargement is a strategic investment in Europe’s security

TIRANA, June 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha joined a discussion in Bulgaria at the invitation of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). The event focused on the European Union enlargement process and the future of the Western Balkans within the bloc. Participants examined the …

News
21st Edition of “Xinxifilo” Puppet Theatre Festival Brings Joy Across Albania

The 21st edition of the Puppet Theatre Festival “Xinxifilo” continues in Albania. The festival brings joy, imagination, and artistic education to children. First, the festival builds a strong tradition. It has run for 21 years. It connects children with theatre and culture. Then, this year’s edition brings together artists, creators, …

News
Lushnja event showcases biological plant protection and sustainable farming practices

TIRANA, June 11 – New agricultural practices and technologies took centre stage during a Field Day event at the Agricultural Technology Transfer Centre in Lushnja. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla and Lushnja Mayor Eriselda Sefa attended the event. Farmers presented demonstrations on biological plant protection methods during …

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European Union praises Albania’s progress in reform and pre-accession programmes

TIRANA, June 11 – The European Union and the Albanian government held annual monitoring meetings in Tirana on June 9 and 10. Participants reviewed the implementation of European Union financial assistance and assessed progress on key reform programmes. Officials examined support provided through the Reform and Growth Facility and the …

News
“World Cup Nights” brings sport and entertainment to RTSH 1 throughout FIFA World Cup 2026

TIRANA, June 11 – RTSH 1 launches “World Cup Nights,” a new daily programme dedicated to FIFA World Cup 2026. The show will air every evening from June 11 to July 19. Hygerta Sako and Kristo Thoma will host the programme. Viewers can follow the broadcast on RTSH 1 from …

News
Kosova election vote count enters diaspora ballot phase

TIRANA, June 11 – Election authorities in Kosova completed the count of candidate votes in more than 80 percent of polling stations in the parliamentary election. Preliminary results show the Self-Determination Movement leading with around 43 percent of the vote. Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Albin Kurti secured more …

News
European Commission officials meet High Judicial Council in Tirana to discuss justice reform

TIRANA, June 11 – The High Judicial Council met representatives of the European Commission in Tirana during an official visit to Albania. High Judicial Council Chairman Ilir Rusi took part in the meeting together with council members Klodian Kurushi and Irena Plaku. Valentina Superti led the European Commission delegation. She …

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The Heart Of A Patriot That Beats For The People

by Dr. Jorgji Kote Tirana Times, June 11, 2026 – ”Heart of a patriot” is the new book dedicated to Binali Yildirim, an outstanding political  leader and personality in the modernization of Turkish state and society during the last 25 years; co-founder and former leader of the Party for Justice and Development …

News
Albania Has Already Changed

By Lutfi Dervishi Tirana Times, June 11, 2026 – From the very beginning, this movement has been placed under immense pressure. The questions : “Who is behind it?” and “Will it become a political party?” are not innocent. They are meant to shift attention away from the real reasons behind …

News

Public beach areas remain accessible in Jala Beach in Himara

TIRANA, June 11 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared images from Jala Beach in Himara, highlighting the public beach areas available to visitors. Inspection teams from the National Coastline Agency carried out field monitoring along the beach. The checks confirmed that public beach spaces remained available …

News

FM Hoxha in Bulgaria: EU enlargement is a strategic investment in Europe’s security

TIRANA, June 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha joined a discussion in Bulgaria at the invitation of the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR). The event focused on the European Union enlargement process and the future of the Western Balkans within the bloc. Participants examined the …

News

21st Edition of “Xinxifilo” Puppet Theatre Festival Brings Joy Across Albania

The 21st edition of the Puppet Theatre Festival “Xinxifilo” continues in Albania. The festival brings joy, imagination, and artistic education to children. First, the festival builds a strong tradition. It has run for 21 years. It connects children with theatre and culture. Then, this year’s edition brings together artists, creators, …

News

Lushnja event showcases biological plant protection and sustainable farming practices

TIRANA, June 11 – New agricultural practices and technologies took centre stage during a Field Day event at the Agricultural Technology Transfer Centre in Lushnja. Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla and Lushnja Mayor Eriselda Sefa attended the event. Farmers presented demonstrations on biological plant protection methods during …

News

European Union praises Albania’s progress in reform and pre-accession programmes

TIRANA, June 11 – The European Union and the Albanian government held annual monitoring meetings in Tirana on June 9 and 10. Participants reviewed the implementation of European Union financial assistance and assessed progress on key reform programmes. Officials examined support provided through the Reform and Growth Facility and the …

News

“World Cup Nights” brings sport and entertainment to RTSH 1 throughout FIFA World Cup 2026

TIRANA, June 11 – RTSH 1 launches “World Cup Nights,” a new daily programme dedicated to FIFA World Cup 2026. The show will air every evening from June 11 to July 19. Hygerta Sako and Kristo Thoma will host the programme. Viewers can follow the broadcast on RTSH 1 from …

News

Kosova election vote count enters diaspora ballot phase

TIRANA, June 11 – Election authorities in Kosova completed the count of candidate votes in more than 80 percent of polling stations in the parliamentary election. Preliminary results show the Self-Determination Movement leading with around 43 percent of the vote. Party leader and prime ministerial candidate Albin Kurti secured more …

News

European Commission officials meet High Judicial Council in Tirana to discuss justice reform

TIRANA, June 11 – The High Judicial Council met representatives of the European Commission in Tirana during an official visit to Albania. High Judicial Council Chairman Ilir Rusi took part in the meeting together with council members Klodian Kurushi and Irena Plaku. Valentina Superti led the European Commission delegation. She …

News

The Heart Of A Patriot That Beats For The People

by Dr. Jorgji Kote Tirana Times, June 11, 2026 – ”Heart of a patriot” is the new book dedicated to Binali Yildirim, an outstanding political  leader and personality in the modernization of Turkish state and society during the last 25 years; co-founder and former leader of the Party for Justice and Development …

News

Albania Has Already Changed

By Lutfi Dervishi Tirana Times, June 11, 2026 – From the very beginning, this movement has been placed under immense pressure. The questions : “Who is behind it?” and “Will it become a political party?” are not innocent. They are meant to shift attention away from the real reasons behind …