Albania on course for European Union membership by 2030
TIRANA, June 26 – Former French President François Hollande said Albania remains on course to join the European Union by 2030. He made the remarks in an interview with Top Channel. Hollande recalled that France recognized Albania as a candidate country during his presidency. Meanwhile, he said Albania has made …
In Albania, Public Sector Political Hires are Undermining Democracy
The current protests reflect frustration with a clientelist system that rewards party loyalty over merit and uses the public administration to distribute privileges and resources to supporters. Original post Here
PM Rama: Ukraine is rebuilding Europe’s courage at reconstruction conference
TIRANA, June 27 – Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Poland, which brings together heads of state and government, international financial institutions, business representatives and civil society organisations from around the world. The conference aims to strengthen international support for Ukraine and mobilise …
Bënja Spa Rehabilitation Continues, Boosting Tourism Potential
Work on the rehabilitation of the Bënja thermal baths continues steadily. The project aims to improve tourist infrastructure, organize visitor services, and protect the area’s unique natural values. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment clarified that the destination remains under development. Therefore, recently published images show temporary construction stages rather than …
Territorial Reform Aims to Strengthen Municipalities and Balance Development
The Special Commission on Administrative-Territorial Reform held its eleventh public hearing in Korça. The meeting gathered local stakeholders to discuss proposals for Albania’s new territorial reform. Speaking at the hearing, Arbjan Mazniku said that ten years after the 2014 reform, it is time to evaluate its results and identify improvements. …
Rama Meets Ukrainian Prime Minister Svyrydenko in Poland
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama met Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko in Gdańsk, Poland, on Wednesday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026. Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, also attended the talks. During the meeting, the leaders discussed ways to strengthen …
Cyprus EU Presidency Backs Albania’s EU Path, Hoxha Says in Nicosia Visit
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha visited Nicosia, Cyprus, where he held a series of high-level meetings focused on EU integration and bilateral cooperation. First, Hoxha met with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and advancing Albania’s European agenda. In addition, he …
Peleshi Meets Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican, Reaffirms Strong Albania–Holy See Relations
Niko Peleshi met Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. The meeting reaffirmed strong relations between Albania and the Holy See. Both sides emphasized shared values and cooperation. They highlighted peace, dialogue, and mutual respect. Peleshi presented a symbolic gift from Albania. The gesture expressed friendship and appreciation toward the Holy …
Begaj: Scientific Research Is Key for Albania’s European Path
Bajram Begaj attended an international scientific conference in Tirana focused on the importance of toponymy in shaping Albanian cultural identity. The event was organized by the Institute of Anthropology under the Academy of Sciences. Researchers and academics discussed how place names reflect language, history, and identity. Begaj said that scientific …
A stronger Union for the Mediterranean for a stronger Mediterranean
By H.E. Ambassador Nasser Kamel, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean. Tirana Times, June 25, 2026 – They say no man ever steps in the same river twice. The universe is in a constant state of flux: such is my sentiment as I reflect on my mandate at the Union for the …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said economic growth has increased financial support for citizens. He referred to state budget figures for the first 7 months of the year. During this period, the government spent ALL 841 million more than a year earlier on economic assistance, people with disabilities and their caregivers. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the transformed Koman road, on social media today. The road connects the Vau i Dejës and Koman hydroelectric power plants. Rama highlights its setting in the spectacular landscape of northern Albania. The reconstruction began in February last year. The project received around ALL …
A small but valuable photo collection has joined the Albanian Telegraphic Agency’s (ATA) archives. The collection brings back images of Tirana in February 1991, during one of the most turbulent periods of Albania’s transition from communist rule. Photographer Petrit Kozeli took the images while working in Tirana. The original photographs …
The Albanian manufacturing sector is seeking tax and financial measures to offset rising costs and encourage investment in technology. During consultations on the 2027 Fiscal Package, the Albanian Manufacturing Association submitted several proposals to the authorities. One calls for aligning the tax-free threshold with the minimum wage. Economic specialist Florian …
The Ethnographic Museum in Gjirokastër used traditional clothing today to present the city’s history and traditions. The activity introduced visitors to clothing elements from the area and their meaning across generations. Tourists praised the clothing and its detailed craftsmanship. They said the garments also offered insights into local culture and …
Interest in swimming remains high among children in Saranda. Around 60 children of different age groups currently train with the city’s swimming team, according to coach Edmond Vasi. Vasi said children’s participation supports physical development, discipline and self-confidence. He said the team includes children aged 14 and under, including 12 …
The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble (TKOBAP) will open its doors to the public on September 15 as part of “Open Opera – A Day at the Theatre.” The event will give visitors a chance to explore the theatre beyond the stage. They will discover the spaces, …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Yohei Wakabayashi to discuss international and regional security developments. They also discussed opportunities to strengthen bilateral defence and security cooperation. Nufi said Albania considers Japan an important partner. He said the two countries can expand cooperation through expert exchanges, stronger …
Albania, Greece and North Macedonia aim to advance their joint bid to nominate the Lake Prespa region for UNESCO World Heritage status. The region spans all three countries. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja discussed the initiative with Greece’s new ambassador to Albania, Lambrini Komini. Albania welcomes the proposal …
Tickets for Albania’s two UEFA Nations League matches at Air Albania Stadium can now also be bought in person. Albania will face Belarus on September 26 and San Marino on October 6. The Albanian Football Federation said fans can buy tickets online through the official ebileta.al platform. They can also …