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Clear weather expected, temperatures rise up to 34°C

TIRANA, June 16 – The Military Meteorological Service said on Tuesday that Albania will be under stable atmospheric conditions. Weather is forecast to remain clear across most of the country. Light and passing cloud cover is expected, mainly during midday and afternoon hours. In eastern mountainous areas, cloud cover may …

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Cultural heritage sites exceed 400,000 visitors in five months

TIRANA, June 16 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said cultural heritage remains one of Albania’s strongest success stories. He referred to the steady rise in visitor numbers at heritage sites. From January to May 2026, cultural institutions and heritage centres recorded 424,082 visitors. The figure includes …

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Arts and Education Conference Highlights Research, AI, and Cultural Cooperation

The University of Arts in Tirana held the second International Conference on Arts and Education. The event brought together about 105 participants from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Italy, and Greece. Researchers presented around 95 scientific papers. First, participants shared studies across multiple fields. These included music, cultural heritage, education, …

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Defence Minister Nufi meets senior US official, highlights cooperation with United States

TIRANA, June 16 – Minister of Defence Ermal Nufi met in Washington with Mary Beth Morgan, acting director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The meeting took place during his official visit to the United States. In a social media post, Nufi said the discussion focused on advancing projects of …

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President Begaj visits Uzbekistan, calls for deeper bilateral cooperation

TIRANA, June 16 – President of the Republic Bajram Begaj is on an official visit to Uzbekistan at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The visit marks the first official trip by an Albanian president to Uzbekistan since diplomatic relations started in 1993. Meanwhile in Tashkent, President Mirziyoyev welcomed the …

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“The Flamingo Revolution” Goes Beyond Kushner and the Birds

By Jezerca Tigani Tirana Times, June 15, 2026 – Every time I visit Albania, the conversation is always the same — not about politics, elections, the new airport, or the promise of membership in the European Union. It is about leaving. For several years now, the country has been gripped …

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Albania Signs Three Council of Europe Conventions on Rule of Law, Democracy, and Human Rights

Albania signed three important conventions at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg, strengthening its commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, Justice Minister Toni Gogu said. He stated that the first convention focuses on the use of artificial intelligence. According to him, technology must remain under …

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Spahiu: Reforms Remain Key Priority for EU Integration

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Klodiana Spahiu said that reforms remain a top priority for Albania’s European Union integration process. She made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the French Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Jean-François Rapin. First, both sides highlighted the strong relations between Albania and …

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VanHorn: Investors Need Trust as Albania Ensures a Level Playing Field

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn said investors need trust, clear rules, and equal competition conditions as Albania advances its foreign investment screening framework. She made the remarks during a presentation by the American Chamber of Commerce on Foreign Direct Investment. First, VanHorn described Albania’s FDI screening framework as a …

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Hita Honors Two U.S. Diplomats for Strengthening Albania–U.S. Cooperation

The Albanian State Police held a ceremony at its General Directorate to honor two U.S. diplomats at the end of their missions in Albania. Police Director General Skënder Hita recognized the contributions of Deputy Chief of Mission Kathryn Hammond and Regional Security Officer Jonathan Ellis. First, Hita praised both diplomats …

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Rama: “We have no role or technical capacity to disable social media accounts”

Prime Minister Edi Rama has rejected claims that the government intervened to deactivate or restrict the social media accounts of people linked to the ongoing protest. In a post on X, Rama said the government has no role in decisions made by social media platforms. He also stressed that state …

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UNICEF approves new 2027–2031 program for Albania, focusing on child protection and skills

UNICEF’s Executive Board has approved a new country program for Albania for 2027–2031. UNICEF Albania and the Albanian government jointly developed the program. The five-year program sets shared priorities and a roadmap to improve children’s well-being, protection and development across the country. According to UNICEF Albania, the program will focus …

News
Jaupaj: Albania accelerates alignment of environmental legislation with the EU

Albania aims to complete the alignment of its environmental legislation with European Union rules by September 2027, as part of negotiations on Chapter 27. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said in a television interview that the process covers around 90 EU directives and regulations. Albania must incorporate these rules into around …

News
Hoxha meets EU Commissioner Kos: Albania determined to maintain momentum in EU accession talks

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in Dublin on Thursday. Hoxha held the meeting on the sidelines of the General Affairs Council, which is taking place in Dublin. “It was a pleasure to meet and discuss with EU Commissioner for Enlargement …

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Green economy: Albania advances legal framework in line with EU standards

Albania is advancing its legal framework to support a greener and more sustainable economy through ecodesign, as part of its efforts to align with European Union legislation. As part of the European Integration Partnership Platform, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy held a meeting with the Ministry of Economy and …

News
Jorgji: National Film Festival will bring artists together, not just screen films

The Albanian National Film Festival will return after a 14-year break. The festival aims to reconnect Albanian cinema with the public and create new opportunities for artists and filmmakers. The National Center of Cinematography (QKK) supports the event, while Ilir Butka leads its artistic direction. Iceberg Communication joins the festival …

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PM Rama: “Prania Besnike” (Committed Presence) to bring citizens’ concerns into institutional channels

TIRANA, September 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that “Prania Besnike” (Committed Presence) will take place every Friday at 17:00 across Albania. He said the initiative aims to make listening to citizens a condition and responding to their concerns an institutional duty. Speaking to the Socialist Party parliamentary group …

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Education Minister Kumbaro: New free textbooks for primary school students

TIRANA, September 3 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced the start of textbook distribution for the new school year. For the first time, all primary school students from first to fifth grade will receive new textbooks free of charge. Kumbaro said the measure would ease the financial burden on families. …

News
At the Plane Tree, at the Hunters’ Club…

Gjirokastër has places that history preserves. People also keep them alive through memory. Near the famous plane tree in the city’s Bazaar, the Hunters’ Club became a well-known part of local life after 1947. The building had once housed the Prefecture café. Later, the hunters’ association moved its offices there. …

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“Daily Express”: British travel expert chooses Albania for an autumn getaway: “Absolutely wonderful”

Albania is quickly emerging as a top destination for autumn holidays. The country offers beaches, history, hospitality and affordable prices. British travel expert Simon Calder has highlighted Albania for its natural beauty, reasonable prices and the warm hospitality of its people. He described the country as “absolutely wonderful.” Calder selected …

News

Rama: “We have no role or technical capacity to disable social media accounts”

Prime Minister Edi Rama has rejected claims that the government intervened to deactivate or restrict the social media accounts of people linked to the ongoing protest. In a post on X, Rama said the government has no role in decisions made by social media platforms. He also stressed that state …

News

UNICEF approves new 2027–2031 program for Albania, focusing on child protection and skills

UNICEF’s Executive Board has approved a new country program for Albania for 2027–2031. UNICEF Albania and the Albanian government jointly developed the program. The five-year program sets shared priorities and a roadmap to improve children’s well-being, protection and development across the country. According to UNICEF Albania, the program will focus …

News

Jaupaj: Albania accelerates alignment of environmental legislation with the EU

Albania aims to complete the alignment of its environmental legislation with European Union rules by September 2027, as part of negotiations on Chapter 27. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said in a television interview that the process covers around 90 EU directives and regulations. Albania must incorporate these rules into around …

News

Hoxha meets EU Commissioner Kos: Albania determined to maintain momentum in EU accession talks

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in Dublin on Thursday. Hoxha held the meeting on the sidelines of the General Affairs Council, which is taking place in Dublin. “It was a pleasure to meet and discuss with EU Commissioner for Enlargement …

News

Green economy: Albania advances legal framework in line with EU standards

Albania is advancing its legal framework to support a greener and more sustainable economy through ecodesign, as part of its efforts to align with European Union legislation. As part of the European Integration Partnership Platform, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy held a meeting with the Ministry of Economy and …

News

Jorgji: National Film Festival will bring artists together, not just screen films

The Albanian National Film Festival will return after a 14-year break. The festival aims to reconnect Albanian cinema with the public and create new opportunities for artists and filmmakers. The National Center of Cinematography (QKK) supports the event, while Ilir Butka leads its artistic direction. Iceberg Communication joins the festival …

News

PM Rama: “Prania Besnike” (Committed Presence) to bring citizens’ concerns into institutional channels

TIRANA, September 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that “Prania Besnike” (Committed Presence) will take place every Friday at 17:00 across Albania. He said the initiative aims to make listening to citizens a condition and responding to their concerns an institutional duty. Speaking to the Socialist Party parliamentary group …

News

Education Minister Kumbaro: New free textbooks for primary school students

TIRANA, September 3 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced the start of textbook distribution for the new school year. For the first time, all primary school students from first to fifth grade will receive new textbooks free of charge. Kumbaro said the measure would ease the financial burden on families. …

News

At the Plane Tree, at the Hunters’ Club…

Gjirokastër has places that history preserves. People also keep them alive through memory. Near the famous plane tree in the city’s Bazaar, the Hunters’ Club became a well-known part of local life after 1947. The building had once housed the Prefecture café. Later, the hunters’ association moved its offices there. …

News

“Daily Express”: British travel expert chooses Albania for an autumn getaway: “Absolutely wonderful”

Albania is quickly emerging as a top destination for autumn holidays. The country offers beaches, history, hospitality and affordable prices. British travel expert Simon Calder has highlighted Albania for its natural beauty, reasonable prices and the warm hospitality of its people. He described the country as “absolutely wonderful.” Calder selected …