Albania Highlights EU Progress, International Engagement and New Development Initiatives
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album highlighting the week’s key events. First, he attended the Coalition of the Willing Summit on Ukraine in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. He also joined France’s National Day ceremony and reaffirmed Albania’s strong partnership with its Euro-Atlantic allies. …
The United States Helped Build SPAK. Now SPAK Must Do Its Job
Tirana Times, July 18, 2026 – For years, the U.S. and the EU invested significant political capital, funding, and diplomatic pressure into helping Albania build one of the most ambitious anti-corruption institutions in the Balkans: the Special Anti-Corruption Structure, known as SPAK. SPAK was created to do what previous institutions …
European Commission: Albania Advances Judicial Reform, but Challenges Remain
The European Commission says Albania continued to implement judicial reform and the Cross-Sector Justice Strategy throughout 2026. First, Albania completed the vetting process for all judges and prosecutors after authorities finalized the appeals phase. Consequently, the process further strengthened judicial independence, accountability, and integrity across the justice system. In addition, …
Rama: Tourism and Foreign Investments Bring €8.5 Billion into Albania’s Economy
Prime Minister Edi Rama said tourism and foreign investments currently bring €8.5 billion into Albania’s economy. Speaking at an event promoting the national program “Double Your Business,” Rama highlighted the growth of tourism and its impact on economic development. According to him, tourists now fill the streets of Tirana in …
Art Park Opens in Kinostudio, Creating a New Cultural Hub in Tirana
A new space dedicated to art, culture, and community has become part of Tirana’s urban landscape. The Art Park in Kinostudio has transformed the former film studio area into a new meeting point for residents, artists, and visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing large numbers …
Korça ensemble represents Albania at World Cultures Festival in France
TIRANA, July 17 – The Artistic Ensemble “Skanderbeg” from Korça represented Albania at the 59th edition of the International “Festival des Cultures du Monde” in Chambéry, France. The festival brought together folklore and cultural groups from different parts of the world. The Albanian ensemble presented traditional costumes, music and dances, …
Minister of Economy and Innovation presents support scheme for small and medium businesses
TIRANA, July 17 – Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj presented the sovereign scheme “Double your business”, which aims to help Albanian companies access financing and increase investment, productivity and competitiveness in European markets. Ibrahimaj said the initiative responds to the real needs of businesses and supports the development …
Small and medium businesses to receive financing of up to ALL 250 million
TIRANA, July 17 – The Albanian government has launched the national program “Double Your Enterprise” to support small and medium-sized businesses through financing opportunities that aim to increase investment, employment and economic development. At the program’s presentation, Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko said the institution had worked for a …
Kosova parliament session expected in early August
TIRANA, July 17 – Kosova’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu said the constitutive session of the country’s parliament will take place in early August. She explained that the constitutional deadline expires on August 7. Haxhiu added that the Constitution gives the president 30 days to call the session. Meanwhile, she said …
Albania advances EU integration process as enlargement gains momentum
TIRANA, July 17 – European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania has effectively started closing negotiation chapters for the first time in its accession process, as the bloc prepares for a new phase of enlargement. Speaking at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels, Kos said EU enlargement …
Rozafa Castle in Shkodër is undergoing restoration and redevelopment as part of a project to strengthen the tourism and cultural potential of the Shkodër Archaeological Park. Work has started at the lower section of the castle, where workers are building a parking area to address a long-standing issue for visitors. …
Representatives of the United States Coast Guard visited Durrës Port under the International Port Security Program to review measures and procedures for port security. The delegation received a briefing on the port’s security situation, the implementation of standards under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and cooperation among …
Albania’s State Police Director General Skënder Hita held a series of meetings with senior law enforcement officials from partner countries during the European Police Chiefs Convention. The talks focused on strengthening police cooperation, information sharing and operational coordination. Hita met the directors general of the state police forces of Italy, …
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj took part in the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome, Italy. He presented Albania’s priorities for a more sustainable water future in Europe and the Mediterranean together with representatives of the European Commission and the Union for the Mediterranean. At the panel on a new European vision …
Vuno village on the Albanian Riviera has officially been declared a Historic Centre by a decision of Albania’s Council of Ministers. The decision strengthens institutional protection for the village’s architectural and historical heritage while creating new opportunities for tourism and the local economy. Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo described the decision …
More than 100 Albanian hotel projects will go before international investors and hotel operators on October 2 in Tirana. The Albanian Investment Development Agency will host the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 for the first time. The event will take place at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The forum …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said five architectural proposals would compete in an international competition for the redevelopment of the “Taiwan” building in Tirana’s Rinia Park. He made the statement while presenting the Tirana Fountain Tower project. Rama said the capital now has different needs and ambitions from those of previous …
Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs welcomed the agreement among Albanian political parties and entities in the Presheva Valley to run on a joint list in Serbia’s October 25, 2026 parliamentary elections. The ministry congratulated the Albanian political actors in the Presheva Valley for what it described as responsibility, …
The Saint Quiricus and Julitta Monastery in Dhuvjan, Dropull, Gjirokastër Region, is undergoing restoration with support from the World Monuments Fund. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja inspected the current phase of the project. The project also includes trail signs linking the area’s monuments. Gonxhja said the work will …
UEFA has appointed an Irish refereeing team for Saturday’s Finland-Albania match. Rob Hennessy will serve as the referee. The 35-year-old Hennessy has held international status since 2017. In addition to officiating matches in the Irish league, he has refereed two UEFA Conference League games this season. Saturday’s match will be …