Albania’s Diverse Fruit Production: From Korçë Apples to Berat Figs
Albania has a diverse fruit production map, with different regions specializing in different crops. Korçë remains one of the country’s leading apple-producing areas. The municipality produced around 17,700 tonnes of apples in 2025. Maliq followed with about 17,200 tonnes, while Devoll produced nearly 13,000 tonnes. Elbasan leads the country in …
Gjirokastër Castle Welcomes 161,000 Visitors in Seven Months, Up 13%
Gjirokastër Castle continues to attract growing numbers of visitors. Between January and July 2026, the historic site welcomed 161,274 visitors, marking a 13% increase from the same period last year. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the figures. He said the castle continues to attract visitors because of …
Albanian Olympic Committee delegation attends election of new Mediterranean Games chief
TIRANA, August 21 – Albanian Olympic Committee President Fidel Ylli and Secretary General Gerti Shima took part in the election of Francesco Purromuto as the new president of the International Committee of Mediterranean Games. The election took place in Taranto ahead of the opening of the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. …
Albania’s National Cinematography Center Opens Call for Debut Feature Films
The National Cinematography Center (QKK) has opened applications for its “First Feature Film” category. The call targets Albanian filmmakers and emerging talents who want to bring their first feature-length projects to the big screen. QKK aims to support new filmmakers with original ideas and distinctive stories. The initiative gives young …
Albanian Football Federation chief Duka highlights competition and young talent as new season begins
TIRANA, August 21 – The new Abissnet Superiore season starts today on RTSH. The 88th edition of Albania’s top football division opens with Vllaznia against Skënderbeu at Loro Boriçi Stadium at 21:00. Albanian Football Federation President Armand Duka says the new season will bring stronger competition and new opportunities for …
Zelensky Visit to Belgrade: What Could He Learn from Israeli Experience
by Edward P. Joseph Tirana Times, August 21, 2026 – At the NATO Summit in Ankara last month, I had the high honor of meeting President Zelensky. Had I known he was heading soon to Belgrade, I would have shared critical advice with his advisors. Besieged by an aggressor like …
‘Return Hubs’ for Migrants Anticipated in Balkans for ‘Era of Deportations’
As the EU awaits final approval for plans to set up ‘return hubs’ in third countries for migrants awaiting deportation, it’s predicted that Balkan countries could end up hosting such holding centres despite concerns about human rights violations. Original post Here
Waste Money Wasted: The Millions of Euros Behind Albania’s Ghost Incinerators
BIRN dissects the accusations against 12 individuals standing trial for allegedly siphoning millions of euros in public money supposed to be spent on solving Tirana’s long-standing garbage problem. Original post Here
Egnatia Draw 0–0 with Lillestrøm, Europa League Tie Remains Open
Albanian champions Egnatia drew 0–0 with Norway’s Lillestrøm in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off. Egnatia played the match at Arena Egnatia. The Rrogozhina side defended well and created several chances. Gruda came closest to scoring in the second half. His header hit the crossbar. Egnatia missed …
Farewell to Rezana Çeliku, an Actress Remembered for Her Talent and Kindness
Albanian actress Rezana Çeliku has died, leaving behind family, friends, colleagues and admirers who remember her with deep affection. Her relatives announced the sad news. They described Çeliku as a warm, kind and exceptional person. Although she did not appear in many film productions, she made a lasting impression in …
More than 200 minors have been arrested or charged amid protests in Albania, while the Ombudsperson and rights organisations report allegations of police violence and breaches of safeguards designed to protect children. Original post Here
Adea Pirdeni took office as Albania’s Minister of Public Administration after swearing an oath before President Bajram Begaj today. On October 19, 2026, Begaj signed two decrees concerning Pirdeni’s appointment. Decree No. 521 ended her tenure as Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption. Decree No. 522 appointed her …
Albania’s Electricity Distribution Operator has signed a contract to build a new underground power substation in central Tirana. The facility will have an installed capacity of 200 megavolt-amperes and three underground floors. The project will be the first of its kind in Albania and the Balkan region. The operator’s administrator, …
The European People’s Party (EPP) has called for respect for peaceful protest in Albania. In a statement on X, the centre-right political group said authorities must uphold this right. It called for immediate, thorough and independent investigations into allegations of excessive, unlawful or disproportionate use of force. It also stressed …
Albania’s Abissnet Superiore will resume this weekend with five matches scheduled for October 24 and 25 as teams continue their battle for the season’s goals. Saturday’s action will begin at 13:30, with Partizani facing Skënderbeu at Vora Stadium and Laçi hosting Vora. Two more matches will kick off at 18:30, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has commented on last week’s protests. He said the right to protest was undeniable, but violence was an unjustifiable crime. In a message on social media, Rama said he wanted to explain one aspect of what he described as days of psychological terror against the capital …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu says the digitalization of enforcement services aims to improve access to court decisions and reduce waiting times at service counters. He stressed that winning a court case is only the first step; authorities must also enforce the ruling. Data published by the ministry show that 22 …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has claimed that violence at recent protests in Albania was planned months in advance. He said the State Police now holds information about the people and groups allegedly involved. In a statement shared on social media, Rama said he had recognised the protesters’ right to demand …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has expressed Albania’s full support for Lana Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates as a candidate for United Nations secretary-general. In a post on X, he described her candidacy as an opportunity for a fresh start for the international organization. Rama said he had met Nusseibeh …
Albania’s parliament has passed a new Copyright Law aimed at strengthening protections for Albanian creators and aligning the country with European standards. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the law introduces stricter rules for digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook and TikTok. Platforms must obtain authorization to use copyrighted …