“Double Your Entrepreneurship”, Finance Minister Malaj: 250 mln euro loan and sovereign guarantee for SMEs
TIRANA, May 13 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said small and medium-sized enterprises form a key pillar of the Albanian economy. He made the statement at the signing ceremony for the partnership between the state, the banking system, and businesses under the “Double Your Entrepreneurship” programme. He said SMEs account …
“Clean Trails, Protected Forests”, youth join initiative on Kune Island
TIRANA, May 13 – The national programme “Clean Trails, Protected Forests” continued across the country with a focus on environmental protection and maintenance of tourist trails. This time, a group of students from Lezha joined the initiative on Kune Island. They responded to calls for broader civic engagement, as authorities …
Eurovision 2026 Bulku: Today we will hold the main rehearsal, it will be a serious and dignified competition
TIRANA, May 13 – The 70th Eurovision Song Contest opened on Tuesday in Vienna. Albania will compete in the second semi-final on May 14. Speaking live on “Mirëmëngjes Shqipëri” [Good Morning Albania], Rajmonda Bulku, part of the Albanian delegation supporting singer Alis, said the team will hold its main rehearsal …
Acting Kosovan FM Konjufca meets EU Special Envoy Sorensen, backs mutual recognition in Serbia dialogue
TIRANA, May 13 – Kosova remains committed to concluding dialogue with Serbia through mutual recognition, acting Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca said. He confirmed the position after a meeting in Brussels with Kosova chief negotiator Agron Bajrami and EU Special Envoy Peter Sorensen. Further, Konjufca said the talks focused on a …
Sejko: Cybersecurity Is Key Pillar for Financial Stability
Gent Sejko spoke at the Albania–Israel Cybersecurity Summit and stressed the growing importance of cyber protection for financial stability and national security. He said cyber risk has become part of daily reality as geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change increase exposure to attacks. Sejko noted that digital transformation and the …
Metro: Albania Tops Europe’s Budget-Friendly Holiday Destinations
Albania ranks among Europe’s top affordable summer destinations, according to the UK newspaper Metro. The article highlights Albania’s coastline, nature, and low prices. It compares the country favorably with Spain and Greece. Journalist Alice Murphy says families now spend more carefully. As a result, many tourists choose cheaper destinations. She …
SME and agriculture financing initiative, central bank governor Sejko: 907 billion ALL credit to private sector
TIRANA, May 13 – A new partnership was signed on Tuesday at the Bank of Albania between the state, the banking system and Albanian businesses under the national programme “Double Your Entrepreneurship”, aimed at financing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The initiative targets business support and economic growth. It also …
Italian PM Meloni thanks PM Rama over migration protocol as Italy and Albania reaffirm cooperation framework
TIRANA, May 13 – Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni thanked Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama following recent public discussion on the migration cooperation agreement between the two countries. The exchange followed media coverage of remarks linked to an interview by Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha in foreign outlets. Hoxha later said …
Peleg: Albania-Israel Partnership Brings Innovation to Agriculture
Prime Minister Edi Rama, Israeli Ambassador Galit Peleg, and Agriculture Minister Andis Salla visited the experimental farm at the “Mihal Shahini” vocational school in Cërrik. MASHAV developed the project to support education, training, and innovation in agriculture. Ambassador Peleg said the project represents more than an agricultural investment. She called …
Mazniku: Municipalities Must Deliver Better Services
Arbjan Mazniku spoke at a public hearing on territorial reform in Fier. He said municipalities still face major challenges in efficiency and service delivery. Mazniku stressed that local governments must provide equal and quality services for all citizens. “The main challenge remains the efficiency of municipal functions and the real …
By Diana Gellci Ph.D. Tirana Times, July 16, 2026 – Beyond entertainment, spectacles produce powerful symbolism. Indeed, symbolic effects often outweigh political, economic, and even coercive ones. Symbolism remains one of the most potent forms of power. When Kanye West arrived in Tirana, he brought with him something that cannot …
TIRANA, July 16 – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the draft law on the agriculture census will provide a key tool for shaping public policies and support schemes in the sector. Presenting the bill in Parliament, Salla said Albania’s agricultural sector has changed significantly since the last census. He highlighted …
The National Center of Cinematography brought together film professionals to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the audiovisual industry and why Albania needs a clear legal framework for its use. During a roundtable held as part of the International AI Film Festival, filmmakers and experts, including director Fatmir Koçi, …
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s National Library has opened an exhibition titled “World Literature Championship” at the “Sotir Kolea” center, inviting visitors to explore a different kind of competition during the final days of the World Football Championship. The exhibition presents some of the greatest authors of world literature and …
TIRANA, July 16 – Albanian champions Egnatia have reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Moldova’s champions Petrocub 6-1 in the return leg at the “Arena Egnatia”. The Rrogozhina-based team had drawn 1-1 in the first leg away from home. However, Egnatia delivered a dominant …
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania has submitted the third reporting cycle of its Reform Agenda to the European Commission under the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF). The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) submitted the report, which includes 38 reform measures across 5 policy areas. Meanwhile, the …
TIRANA, July 16 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato said the Justice Reform must become irreversible as Albanian justice institutions reviewed the progress of the 2024–2030 Cross-Sectoral Justice Strategy. The Ministry of Justice organised the discussion with the participation of heads of justice institutions. The EU Delegation in …
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Parliament reviewed an agreement with Germany that will support a €13.5 million food safety project for 2026–2030, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said on Thursday. Salla presented the bill ratifying the 2025 Technical Cooperation Agreement with Germany. He said the agreement provides the …
TIRANA, July 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s “Smart City” project marks a new stage in strengthening public security through artificial intelligence. Speaking at the project’s Command and Control Center, Rama said the system is now entering implementation and will gradually expand across the country. He said artificial …
TIRANA, July 16 – The Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, arrived at the Port of Durrës for the first time with about 650 passengers on board. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the ship’s arrival on social media. He said company representatives praised …