Why Waiting Is Not Neutral: The Costs of Non-Enlargement
Debates about EU enlargement tend to focus on the risks of admitting countries before they are ready. In her recent paper, Marta Szpala broadens the debate by examining what prolonged delay means for both candidate countries and the European Union itself. Tirana Times spoke with Szpala about how prolonged uncertainty …
Fake Social Media Accounts Target Albania Protest Supporters
Prime Minister Edi Rama has blamed social media algorithms for fuelling the so-called Flamingo Revolution protests, but data obtained by BIRN shows that hundreds of fake accounts have been created to push the government’s own narrative and denigrate the protesters. Original post Here
Za Fest Celebrates Its 10th Edition in Shkodra
The 10th edition of Za Fest begins today in Shkodra, bringing music, art, and culture to the city under the direction of festival founder and singer-songwriter Vlashent Sata. Organizers launched Za Fest in 2017 to promote Albanian culture through music, art, literature, and other creative forms. The festival first took …
EU Urges Political Parties to Avoid Pressure on Kosovo Judicial Council
The European Union Office in Kosovo has urged all political parties to avoid pressuring the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) and its members while they make decisions. The EU office said in a social media statement that Kosovo and the European Union rely on an independent, impartial, and apolitical judiciary to …
Navigation suspended in Vlora and Saranda due to rough sea conditions
TIRANA, July 24 – Port authorities in Vlora and Saranda have suspended navigation for small vessels, tourist boats and fishing vessels due to worsening sea conditions along the Albanian coast. The Port Captaincies said the measure will remain in force until 06:00 on July 25, 2026. The General Maritime Directorate …
Kumbaro: 5,478 Free Learning Packages Reach Albanian Children in Diaspora
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced that authorities have successfully distributed 5,478 free learning packages to Albanian children in 18 diaspora countries. The packages include textbooks for all three levels of Albanian language and culture education. Kumbaro said the Center for Diaspora Publications and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs …
RTSH to continue supporting Albanian sports achievements, says Director General Eni Vasili
TIRANA, July 24 – The Albanian Ski Federation organized the gala event “Ski Excellence Night” to present the achievements of the 2025–2026 season, which it described as one of the most successful periods for Albanian winter sports. The event was broadcast by the Albanian Public Radio Television (RTSH). The season’s …
Government and Socialist lawmakers hold review meeting
TIRANA, July 24 – The Albanian government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group are holding a meeting this Friday at the Palace of Brigades. The participants are discussing government work, political developments and upcoming objectives. Prime Minister Edi Rama chaires the meeting. He is expected to address government priorities and …
Cloudy Friday with local rain and storm risk
TIRANA, July 24 – Albania will experience unstable weather conditions on Friday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The country will see periods of cloudiness, with clouds becoming more pronounced at midday and in the afternoon. Local light rain is expected across most areas. Meanwhile, short thunderstorms with lightning and …
Ibrahimaj: New Business Registrations Rise 7.5% in First Half of 2026
Albania registered 11,567 new businesses during the first half of 2026, up by 806 from the same period last year. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj announced the figures today, saying they reflect growing confidence in Albania’s business environment and stronger interest in launching new economic activities. “Entrepreneurship continues to …
Gjirokastër Castle welcomed visitors from many countries, mainly across Europe, throughout September 2026. Polish, Spanish, Italian, German and French tourists topped the visitor list, while Albanian visitors ranked sixth. The strong international interest highlights the castle’s historical, cultural and tourism value. The cultural heritage site offers visitors both insights into …
Kosova presidential deadline expires as Democratic Party conditions votes on Specialist Chambers law
The constitutional deadline for electing Kosova’s president expires today. Political parties have failed to reach consensus. As a result, the country faces the possibility of new parliamentary elections. Democratic Party of Kosova (PDK) leader Bedri Hamza met Prime Minister and Self-Determination Movement (LVV) leader Albin Kurti late Monday. The meeting …
Electronic payments could generate annual savings of up to ALL 38.7 billion in Albania, according to a joint study by the World Bank and Bank of Albania. The findings were presented at the 10th Conference of Mediterranean Central Banks in Tarragona, Spain. Bank of Albania First Deputy Governor Holta Zaçaj …
Albania is expected to experience unstable atmospheric conditions on Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with long periods of sunshine. Meanwhile, light to moderate passing clouds will develop over hilly and mountainous areas around midday and in the afternoon. Winds will mainly blow …
The State Police has prepared a security plan for tonight’s Albania-San Marino match at Air Albania Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45. From 17:00 until the end of the match, the State Police and Tirana Municipal Police will restrict vehicle traffic on several roads near the stadium. The measures aim …
French media outlet Ulysse.com highlights Albania as a growing tourist destination attracting millions of visitors. Reporter Luc Rongier describes the country’s beaches, mountains and historic cities in a feature on Albania’s tourism growth. According to Ulysse.com, Albania welcomed 11.9 million tourists in 2025. The figure marked a 3.3% increase from …
“The Lion King” will soon take the stage at the Puppet Theatre in a unique production. The show will mark the first production of its kind in Albania. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports announced the upcoming performance. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the production will …
Five joint scientific research projects between Albanian and Turkish universities have been selected for funding under the 2026–2028 Albania–Türkiye Bilateral Call. The projects will give new impetus to cooperation in scientific research and innovation. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced that the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (AKKSHI) and …
Academy of Sciences marks 135th anniversary of Osman Myderrizi’s birth with scholarly memorial event
The Academy of Sciences of Albania held a scholarly memorial event to mark the 135th anniversary of the birth of Osman Myderrizi. The event focused on his life, work and contributions to linguistics, literature, history and Albanian national culture. The Academy’s Permanent Commission on Linguistics and Literature organized the event. …
Defence ministers from six Adriatic and Ionian countries met in Venice to discuss stronger regional cooperation in defence and security. The participating countries were Albania, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia. The ministers focused on the increasingly complex strategic environment. They also discussed ways to strengthen regional coordination and joint …