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Kanye West welcomed by Edi Rama, Albanian PM shares footage of meeting

One of the world’s best-known rappers, Kanye West, was welcomed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who shared footage of their meeting on social media. The video shows Rama introducing the American artist to aspects of Albania’s culture and history. West arrived in Albania ahead of his concert scheduled for …

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Hoxha tells young people in Jalë: EU membership requires your involvement – Europe starts at home

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha, together with Prime Minister Edi Rama, took part in an open discussion with 150 young activists from Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro at #RinCamp2026. Albania’s EU accession process and the country’s progress towards membership were among the key topics discussed during the panel organised by the National …

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K’cimi dancing of Tropojë – Gazmend Freitag

by Monika Grill Tirana Times, July 11, 2026 – “K’cimi i Tropoja” – the dance that endured over centuries and kept the Albanian identity alive, has been officially declared part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. “K’cimi i Tropoja” refers to a traditional …

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Kanye West concert in Tirana today, road restrictions announced

Tirana, July 11 – International artist Kanye West will perform today in Tirana. The concert will take place at Eagle Stadium, a venue built specifically in the Kashar area. To ensure public safety and manage traffic, Tirana Police has announced temporary road restrictions around the event area. From 07:00 to …

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Justice reforms bring Albania closer to European Union membership

Tirana, July 11 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu said justice system reforms and the implementation of the National Reform Agenda under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans are concrete steps toward Albania’s European Union membership. Gogu said a strong, independent and accountable justice system remains a key pillar of …

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Rama: Albania will close first three EU negotiation chapters at July 14 conference

Albania moves closer to the European Union as it prepares for the 9th Intergovernmental Conference with the EU on July 14 in Brussels. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Albania will provisionally close the first three negotiation chapters, marking a major milestone in the country’s EU accession process. The conference …

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Italian media “The Wom Travel” names Albanian Riviera among Europe’s most authentic destinations

Italian travel magazine “The Wom Travel” has ranked Albania among the 10 most authentic and least crowded destinations in Europe for summer 2026, highlighting the country’s untouched nature, cultural heritage and affordable travel options. According to the publication, Albania has strengthened its position on Europe’s tourism map by offering visitors …

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Vila 31 x Art Explora brings literature, cinema, workshops and electronic music to Tirana

Vila 31 x Art Explora is turning into a creative hub for cultural exchanges, artistic performances and public activities throughout July. The program includes literary talks, film screenings, live performances and children’s workshops, offering visitors new opportunities to engage with art and creativity. From July 17 to 19, Art Explora …

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106 years since the founding of the National Library of Albania

Albania celebrates 106 years since the establishment of the National Library of Albania, founded on July 10, 1920. The library began with the collection of the Albanian Literary Commission, which moved to the Ministry of Education in 1920. After its foundation, the institution worked to expand its collection and strengthen …

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“Telegraph”: Albania becomes one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations

British newspaper “Telegraph” highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive travel destinations. The country attracts visitors with its crystal-clear waters, natural landscapes, affordable prices and growing popularity on social media. A few years ago, Albania was still a little-known destination. Today, more tourists are discovering the Albanian Riviera, historic …

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Albania open Nations League campaign with win over Belarus

Albania opened their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Belarus at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana on Saturday. Kristjan Asllani put Albania ahead from the penalty spot in the 34th minute, before Ernest Muçi doubled the lead shortly before half-time after an assist from Elseid Hysaj. …

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‘SHISH’ case, European Union: We have full confidence in SPAK

The European Union has sent a clear message from Brussels regarding Albania’s justice system, expressing confidence in and support for SPAK in the investigation and prosecution of organized crime. The statement came in response to questions concerning the case of former SHISH director Vlora Hyseni, who has been placed under …

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President Begaj welcomes new U.S. Ambassador Eric Wendt: An irreplaceable partnership

President of the Republic Bajram Begaj welcomed the new U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, at the Presidency this Saturday, where the ambassador officially presented his Letters of Credence, marking the start of his diplomatic mandate in the country. During the ceremony, the Head of State wished Ambassador Wendt success …

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“The General” Officially Takes Up Role as U.S. Ambassador to Albania — Who Were His 10 Predecessors?

Eric Wendt has officially taken office as the United States Ambassador to Albania, bringing a confirmed ambassador back to the helm of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Tirana after nearly three years. This Saturday, Wendt presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj, officially beginning his mandate in Albania. He succeeds …

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US Embassy Welcomes New Ambassador Eric Wendt

The new United States Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, officially presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj this Saturday. In an official statement, the US Embassy in Tirana welcomed the new ambassador, noting that during his meeting with President Begaj, the strong strategic partnership between the two countries was reaffirmed. …

News
Athens: Three Albanians Missing in Building Rubble After Explosion

Florin Hoxha, Florida Hoxha and Eris Cani are the three Albanians reported missing beneath the rubble of a building that collapsed following a powerful explosion in the Plaka area of Athens. Florin Hoxha and Florida Hoxha are brother and sister, while Eris Cani is Florida Hoxha’s husband. They are among …

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119th Day of Protest, Citizens Gather Outside Prime Minister’s Office

Citizens and activists took to the streets this Saturday for another protest, which has now entered its 119th day. As they have done every afternoon, after 6:30 p.m., protesters initially gathered in Skanderbeg Square, chanting slogans such as: “Your time is up,” “A New Albania,” and “Rama, resign.” After gathering …

News
Japanese ambassador: 80 projects support communities across Albania

Japan has supported 80 projects across Albania through grants under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects programme, Ambassador Kikuko Kato told the Albanian Telegraphic Agency. The projects address basic needs and directly support local communities, including through public hospitals, schools, local authorities and non-governmental organisations. Kato said Japan …

News
Albania opens Nations League campaign against Belarus

Albania will host Belarus at Air Albania Stadium on Saturday in its opening match of the Nations League. Kick-off is at 20:45. The game also marks Italian coach Rolando Maran’s first official match in charge of the national team. Maran said he had seen commitment and motivation from the players …

News
US Ambassador Wendt presents credentials to President Begaj

New US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt formally began his diplomatic mission on Saturday. He presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj at the Palace of Brigades. The two also held a private meeting. Wendt has more than 34 years of service in the US military, much of it with …

News

Albania open Nations League campaign with win over Belarus

Albania opened their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Belarus at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana on Saturday. Kristjan Asllani put Albania ahead from the penalty spot in the 34th minute, before Ernest Muçi doubled the lead shortly before half-time after an assist from Elseid Hysaj. …

News

‘SHISH’ case, European Union: We have full confidence in SPAK

The European Union has sent a clear message from Brussels regarding Albania’s justice system, expressing confidence in and support for SPAK in the investigation and prosecution of organized crime. The statement came in response to questions concerning the case of former SHISH director Vlora Hyseni, who has been placed under …

News

President Begaj welcomes new U.S. Ambassador Eric Wendt: An irreplaceable partnership

President of the Republic Bajram Begaj welcomed the new U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, at the Presidency this Saturday, where the ambassador officially presented his Letters of Credence, marking the start of his diplomatic mandate in the country. During the ceremony, the Head of State wished Ambassador Wendt success …

News

“The General” Officially Takes Up Role as U.S. Ambassador to Albania — Who Were His 10 Predecessors?

Eric Wendt has officially taken office as the United States Ambassador to Albania, bringing a confirmed ambassador back to the helm of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Tirana after nearly three years. This Saturday, Wendt presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj, officially beginning his mandate in Albania. He succeeds …

News

US Embassy Welcomes New Ambassador Eric Wendt

The new United States Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, officially presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj this Saturday. In an official statement, the US Embassy in Tirana welcomed the new ambassador, noting that during his meeting with President Begaj, the strong strategic partnership between the two countries was reaffirmed. …

News

Athens: Three Albanians Missing in Building Rubble After Explosion

Florin Hoxha, Florida Hoxha and Eris Cani are the three Albanians reported missing beneath the rubble of a building that collapsed following a powerful explosion in the Plaka area of Athens. Florin Hoxha and Florida Hoxha are brother and sister, while Eris Cani is Florida Hoxha’s husband. They are among …

News

119th Day of Protest, Citizens Gather Outside Prime Minister’s Office

Citizens and activists took to the streets this Saturday for another protest, which has now entered its 119th day. As they have done every afternoon, after 6:30 p.m., protesters initially gathered in Skanderbeg Square, chanting slogans such as: “Your time is up,” “A New Albania,” and “Rama, resign.” After gathering …

News

Japanese ambassador: 80 projects support communities across Albania

Japan has supported 80 projects across Albania through grants under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects programme, Ambassador Kikuko Kato told the Albanian Telegraphic Agency. The projects address basic needs and directly support local communities, including through public hospitals, schools, local authorities and non-governmental organisations. Kato said Japan …

News

Albania opens Nations League campaign against Belarus

Albania will host Belarus at Air Albania Stadium on Saturday in its opening match of the Nations League. Kick-off is at 20:45. The game also marks Italian coach Rolando Maran’s first official match in charge of the national team. Maran said he had seen commitment and motivation from the players …

News

US Ambassador Wendt presents credentials to President Begaj

New US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt formally began his diplomatic mission on Saturday. He presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj at the Palace of Brigades. The two also held a private meeting. Wendt has more than 34 years of service in the US military, much of it with …