Antonio Costa Begins Western Balkans Tour; Visits Tirana on June 2, Meets Rama and Begaj
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The President of the European Council, Antonio Costa, will embark on a diplomatic tour of the six Western Balkan countries ahead of the EU–Western Balkans Summit, where he will hold meetings with regional leaders and co-chair the high-level summit on …
Foreign Tourists Enchanted by Himara, with the Sea and Nature Remaining the Main Attractions
Himara continues to be a favorite destination among foreign tourists. Visitors mainly come from Greece, the United Kingdom, and Denmark, as well as from many other countries around the world as part of their tours across Albania. During their stay in Himara, tourists say they have been captivated by the …
Violence Against Protesters in Zvërnec: Rama Praises State Police Response to “A Gang of Brainless Thugs”
Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to the clashes that occurred a day earlier in the Zvërnec area, where residents protesting the construction of a resort were reportedly assaulted by security guards employed by a private company. In a post on X, Rama stated that he would speak the following …
U.S. Senate to Decide on June 4 Regarding Eric Wendt, Nominee for Ambassador to Albania
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0981fa6a-3e79-4791-b704-0147d0641e3c-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee is expected to hold a key session on June 4 regarding the nomination of retired General Eric Wendt, who has been nominated by the President of the United States to serve as the next …
Kurti After Meeting with Hoxha: Kosovo–Albania Cooperation Is Not a Choice but a National Duty
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, shared photos and details on Facebook from his meeting this Sunday with Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha. During the meeting, Kurti emphasized that relations between Kosovo and Albania are excellent and that cooperation between the two countries is essential. According to him, coordination …
Violence Against Protesters in Zvërnec: Lamallari Calls for Criminal Prosecution of Security Guards, Says Police Indifference Was Unjustifiable
Minister of Interior Besfort Lamallari has reacted to the clashes that took place a day earlier between local residents and private security guards employed by the company planning to invest in the Zvërnec area. In a statement posted on his Facebook page, Lamallari called for those responsible for the violence to face criminal prosecution. …
Edi Rama: Socialist Party Has Always Put Albania’s National Interest First
Edi Rama said on Friday that the Socialist Party remains the only political force with a clear commitment to Albania’s national interest. He made the remarks during an event in Dibër marking the party’s 35th anniversary. Rama said the party made a clear break from the past when it was …
Ermal Nufi Meets NATO Deputy Secretary General, Reaffirms Albania’s Role in Regional Stability
Ermal Nufi met on Friday with Radmila Šekerinska. They discussed security in the Western Balkans. They also reviewed Albania’s role in NATO and preparations for upcoming alliance summits. During the meeting, Nufi reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to remain a constructive force in Southeast Europe. He said Albania will continue to support …
Building Permits Rise in Albania, Over 20 Billion Lekë Worth of Approved Projects
Construction activity in Albania increased in the first quarter of 2026. A total of 322 building permits were approved. This marks a 24.8% rise compared to the same period in 2025. INSTAT reported that planned construction area also increased. It reached 377,000 square meters, up 12.5% year on year. The …
Orikum Main Boulevard Transformed with New Green Spaces and Public Areas
The town of Orikum is ready to welcome visitors this summer with a newly transformed main boulevard. Edi Rama shared images of the project on social media. He said the investment is changing both the urban landscape and daily life in the coastal town. The project adds more public spaces …
Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …
TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …
TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …
TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …
TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …
TIRANA, August 12 – The US State Department has reacted to statements about a possible change in the course of the Ibër River. The department told Radio Free Europe that peace and stability in the Western Balkans remain US priorities. A State Department spokesperson said normalisation of relations between Serbia …
TIRANA, August 12 – NATO’s mission in Kosova, KFOR, met Serbian List President Zlatan Elek on Tuesday. The meeting followed the party’s opposition to a gradual reduction of KFOR’s presence on the main bridge over the Ibër River in Mitrovica. Elek requested the meeting at KFOR headquarters in Film City …
TIRANA, August 12 – Jeronim De Rada published “Songs of Milosao” in Naples 190 years ago. The work appeared in August 1836. It is also considered a lyrical masterpiece of the Albanian National Renaissance. De Rada had completed the work in October 1834. He also wrote its preface at that …
TIRANA, August 12 – A fire in Lura National Park has entered its second day. The flames are advancing towards inhabited areas. Around 140 personnel are now involved in the operation. Two Canadair aircraft are also supporting the operation from the air. Dibër Mayor Rahim Spahiu reported the large fire …
Moon will pass in front of the Sun and create a partial solar eclipse. Some parts of Europe will see a total eclipse. However, Tirana will see only a partial phase. According to astronomical data for Tirana, the eclipse will begin at 19:31. It will reach its maximum 10 minutes …