SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku
Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …
Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road
TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …
New Road Code measures enter into force, stricter penalties for traffic violations
TIRANA, August 7 – New amendments to Albania’s Road Code entered into force today. The changes introduce stricter measures for traffic violations to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Drivers who repeatedly operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol will permanently lose their driving licence. The new rules also …
Public consultations begin on new territorial map
TIRANA, August 7 – Cërrik and Maliq municipalities have started public consultations on the new territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46. Cërrik Municipality said it launched the process after receiving a notification from Parliament. The consultation period on the draft …
Albania advances in implementing EU Growth Plan
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania continues to make progress in implementing reforms linked to European integration and has received financial support under the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. According to the EU-funded platform “WEBALKANS_eu”, Albania has made strong and sustainable progress. The platform said the country has …
Football Federation approves Elite Youth Academy participation in youth championships
TIRANA, August 7 – The Executive Committee of the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) has approved the participation of Elite Youth Academy teams in the Abissnet Superiore U-16 and U-17 championships for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 seasons. The decision aims to strengthen youth football development and create more opportunities for young …
Defense Minister thanks firefighters battling wildfires
TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi shared footage today from the firefighting operation in the Mount Dajti area and praised the commitment and sacrifice of personnel working on the ground. Nufi said in a social media post that emergency structures and Armed Forces personnel provide protection for citizens, …
Foreign tourists praise Durrës for hospitality, beaches and affordable prices
TIRANA, August 7 – Foreign tourists visiting Durrës during the summer season have praised the city’s beaches, hospitality, affordable prices and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, England, the Czech Republic and the Dominican Republic said they had a positive experience and considered Durrës an attractive destination for …
Financial Times: PM Rama says Albania has clear path to EU membership
TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has a clear path toward European Union membership in an interview with the Financial Times, which examined the European Union’s renewed enlargement agenda. Rama said the country is in one of the strongest positions in its modern history. He added …
Business turnover rises by ALL 127 billion in first half of 2026
TIRANA, August 7 – Business turnover across Albania’s main economic sectors increased by ALL 127 billion during the first half of 2026, reflecting stronger economic activity, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said. Malaj said business turnover rose by 7% compared with the same period in 2025. He added that the figures …
Edi Rama accuses opposition of trying to ‘pull Albania down’ after a second night of violence saw government buildings and businesses attacked and set on fire amid clashes between student protesters and police. Original post Here
French media outlet Notre Temps has highlighted Albania as an attractive destination for summer 2027, offering visitors a mix of cultural heritage, mountain scenery and Mediterranean beaches. The coverage comes as Transavia opens bookings for its summer 2027 flights. The airline plans to launch a new route between Marseille and …
Albania is taking new steps to promote the cultural and natural heritage of Theth through specially designed tourist routes. In Shkodër, around 20 representatives from cultural heritage institutions, local government, civil society, academia and local guides from Theth took part in a knowledge-sharing session under the project “From Mountainscapes to …
The Agolli House Studio hosted a cultural evening to mark the 95th anniversary of the birth of renowned Albanian writer Dritëro Agolli. The event took place in the house where he wrote many of his works and coincided with the second anniversary of the museum’s opening to the public. For …
“Wonders of Arbëria” brought Albanian folklore, traditions and cultural heritage to the stage of the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble in a vibrant celebration of the country’s cultural identity. Artists from the National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble joined the Gurra e Kurbin Ensemble for an evening …
Protests by pupils and students continued today, with tensions escalating in Tirana. Demonstrators threw stones at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. Pupils and students have boycotted classes and taken to the streets in Tirana, Shkodra, Korça and Durrës. They are calling for change and marching through …
On the third day of protests, the State Police has urged pupils and parents to stay away from violence. It warned against involvement in situations that could endanger life and health. In a public message, police called on young people to leave areas where clashes are taking place. Parents were …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has told Reuters he will not resign over student-led protests that entered their third consecutive day. Police used water cannons to disperse demonstrators who smashed windows and damaged property in the capital. The unrest also forced parliament to cancel its plenary session. Students are protesting …
Albania’s average monthly disposable income per capita reached 56,487 lek in 2025, up 10.5% from the previous year. Meanwhile, indicators measuring poverty risk and material and social deprivation showed improvement, according to the country’s statistics agency. The 2025 Income and Living Conditions Survey, published by the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), …
More than 110 new and modernization projects worth over €15 billion will feature at Balkan Summit 2026. The event will take place in Pristina on October 19–20. The projects cover Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. Organizers aim to unite the three markets and attract international investors, financiers and development institutions, …