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Rama: Uncontrolled Development Threatens Theth’s Luxury Tourism Potential

Prime Minister Edi Rama warned that uncontrolled development could harm Theth’s tourism future. During a meeting with residents of Theth about the Mountain Package, Rama said the government removed illegal structures to protect the village’s identity and natural beauty. He said rapid intervention prevented further damage and helped preserve Theth …

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Rama: Theth Will Develop Through Quality Projects, Existing Buildings Legalized

Prime Minister Edi Rama assured residents of Theth that the area will develop through quality projects, while authorities have legalized all existing buildings. During a meeting with residents about the Mountain Package, Rama explained the government’s actions regarding the demolition of illegal constructions in Theth several months ago. He said …

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US Seeks Concrete Steps from Kosovo to Resume Strategic Dialogue

The United States expects Kosovo to take concrete steps to create the conditions needed to resume the strategic dialogue between the two countries. The US Embassy in Pristina said the process depends on establishing appropriate conditions and ensuring that Kosovo’s institutions are fully functional. Washington also highlighted the importance of …

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EU Ambassador Gonzato Receives “Benemerenti” Grand Medal for His Contribution to Albania–EU Relations

Albania awarded European Union Ambassador Silvio Gonzato the Grand Star of the “Benemerenti” Medal in recognition of his contribution to strengthening Albania–EU relations during his mandate. At the ceremony, Gonzato thanked the Albanian people and highlighted the country’s progress toward European integration. He said the European Union represents more than …

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Martin Camaj, a key figure of Albanian literature and Albanology

*]: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:b965c3ae-2c15-4065-89ce-7199e95487d8-95″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:b965c3ae-2c15-4065-89ce-7199e95487d8-95″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-38″ data-turn=”assistant”> Today marks the 101st anniversary of the birth of Martin Camaj, one of the most important figures in Albanian literature and Albanology. Martin Camaj was an Albanian folklorist, linguist, poet, and writer. Throughout his career, he became a major figure in …

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“The Drunken City”: Tasos’ 45 Pastel Works Reveal the Soul of Pogradec

The Pogradec Art Gallery has opened an exhibition by renowned Albanian painter Anastas Kostandini, known as Taso, titled “The Drunken City”. The exhibition presents 45 pastel works that capture the identity, memories and spirit of Pogradec. It will remain open to art lovers until the end of July. Kostandini, one …

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Beyond Diplomacy: Ambassador Elissa Golberg on the Future of Canada–Albania Ties

Tirana Times, July 21, 2026 – Relations between Albania and Canada have expanded steadily in recent years, from growing trade and new bilateral agreements to closer cooperation within NATO and the launch of the first direct flight between the two countries. In an interview with Tirana Times, Canada’s Ambassador to Albania, …

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Europe Warns of Declining Press Freedom in Kosovo

*]: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:8c64583c-a703-4b61-8781-824378c77044-67″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8c64583c-a703-4b61-8781-824378c77044-67″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> Press freedom in Kosovo has entered a clear period of decline, according to a report by partner organizations of the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists. The report links the decline to political interference, …

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“Flamuri i Arbërit” Magazine Marks 143 Years of History

On July 20, 1883, the monthly political, social, cultural and literary magazine “Flamuri i Arbërit” was first published in Corigliano Calabro, Italy. Jeronim De Rada, one of the most important figures of 19th-century Albanian literature and the Arbëresh community, founded the magazine. Known as the “father of Albanian journalism,” De …

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Pogradec enjoys strong summer tourism boom

Pogradec is enjoying a strong summer tourist season. The lakeside city continues to attract large numbers of visitors from Albania and abroad. Local authorities say tourist arrivals have risen sharply in July. Visitors choose Pogradec for its cool climate, scenic lake, and quality tourist services. The Municipality’s Tourism Directorate also …

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Can Albania Follow Hungary’s Example in Scrutinizing Officials’ Wealth?

By Zef Preci Tirana Times, September 30, 2026 – For more than two decades, Albania has had legislation requiring senior public officials to declare their assets and financial interests. Yet persistent concerns over unexplained wealth suggest that the central issue is no longer simply whether officials submit asset declarations. The …

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Albania’s Arms Industry Faces International Trafficking Probe

Investigators examine weapons deals, state-linked defense companies and the role of businessman Ron Yeffet after allegations of international arms trafficking surfaced in recordings released by former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj. Tirana Times, October 03, 2026 – A series of searches by Albania’s special prosecutors has opened a potentially significant …

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Albania lose 2-1 to Finland in Nations League

Albania lost 2-1 to Finland at Helsinki Olympic Stadium in a Nations League League C Group 1 match. Rey Manaj put Albania ahead in the fourth minute with a header from Kristjan Asllani’s corner. Goalkeeper Etrit Berisha then made a mistake in the 22nd minute and had to intervene outside …

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Albania electricity distribution losses fall to 15.6% in 2026

Electricity distribution losses in Albania fell to 15.6% in the first eight months of 2026, according to data from the Electricity Distribution System Operator. The figure marks a continued improvement from 18.93% in 2023, 17.93% in 2024 and 16.96% in 2025. Regional data also show lower losses. Fier recorded the …

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EU enlargement commissioner says Albania among leading candidates

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is among the leading candidates in the European Union enlargement process. In an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, she placed Albania and Montenegro at the front of the process, followed by Moldova and Ukraine. Kos said enlargement had achieved more …

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Albania U19 Come from Behind to Defeat Lithuania U19

Albania U19 secured a second consecutive victory over Lithuania U19, coming from behind to win 2-1 in a friendly match at the Vora Stadium. Lithuania took the lead in the first half, scoring from one of their few chances of the game. However, Albania responded strongly after the break and …

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International Dance Festival Tirana Opens with 17 Performances Across the City

The International Dance Festival Tirana (IDFT) will launch its fifth edition on October 3, bringing a rich program of contemporary dance, international artists and artistic companies to the Albanian capital through October 21. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the festival will feature 17 performances in nine …

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OSCE Highlights Importance of Inclusive Participation in Justice System

The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, met today with representatives of the Union of Judges, the National Association of Judges and the Association of Prosecutors of Albania to discuss recent developments in the country’s justice system. According to the OSCE Presence, the discussion focused on …

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Retro Car Tour Brings New Energy to Gjirokastër

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media today from “Gran Tour Albania,” an event that brought Italian collectors of vintage cars to the historic city of Gjirokastër. “Motoring enthusiasts and tourists added a new color to Gjirokastër in autumn,” Rama wrote alongside photos from the event. Rare vintage …

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Monograph on Usta Josif and Përmet’s Saze Tradition Presented in Tirana

The National Library in Tirana hosted the presentation of “Usta Josifi and the Saze of Përmet,” a new monographic study by author Niko Mihali dedicated to one of Albania’s richest musical traditions. The book explores the urban folk music tradition of Përmet and focuses on the life and contribution of …

News

Can Albania Follow Hungary’s Example in Scrutinizing Officials’ Wealth?

By Zef Preci Tirana Times, September 30, 2026 – For more than two decades, Albania has had legislation requiring senior public officials to declare their assets and financial interests. Yet persistent concerns over unexplained wealth suggest that the central issue is no longer simply whether officials submit asset declarations. The …

News

Albania’s Arms Industry Faces International Trafficking Probe

Investigators examine weapons deals, state-linked defense companies and the role of businessman Ron Yeffet after allegations of international arms trafficking surfaced in recordings released by former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj. Tirana Times, October 03, 2026 – A series of searches by Albania’s special prosecutors has opened a potentially significant …

News

Albania lose 2-1 to Finland in Nations League

Albania lost 2-1 to Finland at Helsinki Olympic Stadium in a Nations League League C Group 1 match. Rey Manaj put Albania ahead in the fourth minute with a header from Kristjan Asllani’s corner. Goalkeeper Etrit Berisha then made a mistake in the 22nd minute and had to intervene outside …

News

Albania electricity distribution losses fall to 15.6% in 2026

Electricity distribution losses in Albania fell to 15.6% in the first eight months of 2026, according to data from the Electricity Distribution System Operator. The figure marks a continued improvement from 18.93% in 2023, 17.93% in 2024 and 16.96% in 2025. Regional data also show lower losses. Fier recorded the …

News

EU enlargement commissioner says Albania among leading candidates

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is among the leading candidates in the European Union enlargement process. In an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, she placed Albania and Montenegro at the front of the process, followed by Moldova and Ukraine. Kos said enlargement had achieved more …

News

Albania U19 Come from Behind to Defeat Lithuania U19

Albania U19 secured a second consecutive victory over Lithuania U19, coming from behind to win 2-1 in a friendly match at the Vora Stadium. Lithuania took the lead in the first half, scoring from one of their few chances of the game. However, Albania responded strongly after the break and …

News

International Dance Festival Tirana Opens with 17 Performances Across the City

The International Dance Festival Tirana (IDFT) will launch its fifth edition on October 3, bringing a rich program of contemporary dance, international artists and artistic companies to the Albanian capital through October 21. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the festival will feature 17 performances in nine …

News

OSCE Highlights Importance of Inclusive Participation in Justice System

The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, met today with representatives of the Union of Judges, the National Association of Judges and the Association of Prosecutors of Albania to discuss recent developments in the country’s justice system. According to the OSCE Presence, the discussion focused on …

News

Retro Car Tour Brings New Energy to Gjirokastër

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media today from “Gran Tour Albania,” an event that brought Italian collectors of vintage cars to the historic city of Gjirokastër. “Motoring enthusiasts and tourists added a new color to Gjirokastër in autumn,” Rama wrote alongside photos from the event. Rare vintage …

News

Monograph on Usta Josif and Përmet’s Saze Tradition Presented in Tirana

The National Library in Tirana hosted the presentation of “Usta Josifi and the Saze of Përmet,” a new monographic study by author Niko Mihali dedicated to one of Albania’s richest musical traditions. The book explores the urban folk music tradition of Përmet and focuses on the life and contribution of …