Alis sends Albania to Eurovision 2026 Grand Final
TIRANA, May 14 – Albania has secured a place in the Grand Final of Eurovision 2026 after Alis qualified from the second semi-final in Vienna with the song “Nân”. Alis delivered an emotional performance that combined Albanian musical elements with a modern stage presentation, earning Albania one of the 10 …
OSCE democratic institutions office says political finance draft strengthens transparency
TIRANA, May 14 – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights published an interim urgent opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. The office said the draft creates a detailed framework for regulating political financing, while calling for further clarifications …
Tourism minister looks at preparations in Jala and Dhërmi ahead of summer season
TIRANA, May 14 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja looked at preparations on the beaches of Jala and Dhërmi ahead of the new summer season. He reviewed readiness measures and ongoing work along the coastal areas. Gonxhja said operators and local authorities still need to complete several …
Defense Minister meets NATO Joint Force Command Naples Commander Admiral, focuses on regional security and hybrid threats
TIRANA, May 14 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met today in Tirana with Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, during an official visit to Albania. Opening the talks, Nufi underlined that the visit reflects the strong partnership between the Albanian Armed Forces and NATO Allies, …
President Begaj meets NATO Joint Force Command Naples Commander Admiral Wikoff, reaffirms defence cooperation and NATO commitment
TIRANA, May 14 – President Bajram Begaj met in Tirana with Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, praising his leadership in what he described as a complex geopolitical environment. Opening the meeting, Begaj highlighted the key role of the Naples-based command in maintaining security, peace …
Eurovision 2026: PM Rama calls for strong support as Albania prepares for tonight’s performance by Alis
TIRANA, May 14 – Albania turns its attention to Vienna tonight as Eurovision 2026 enters its second semi-final, with artist Alis set to perform the song “Nân”. Prime Minister Edi Rama called on the public and the Albanian diaspora to support the country’s entry. He urged voters to choose number …
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos to visit Prishtina on Friday
TIRANA, May 14 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will visit Prishtina on Friday. The trip marks her first visit to Kosova since she took office in 2024. She arrives on Thursday evening from London, where she holds two meetings earlier in the day. Kos will hold three …
Kosova marks 27th anniversary of Qyshk massacre
TIRANA, May 14 – Kosova on Wednesday marked the 27th anniversary of the Qyshk massacre, one of the crimes committed during the 1998–1999 war. Serbian forces killed 44 Albanian men in the village on May 14, 1999. The attack ranks among the many massacres reported during the conflict in Kosova. …
“Youth Tech Center” opens in Lushnjë for young innovators
A new space dedicated to young people passionate about technology and innovation has opened in the city of Lushnjë. The center is called “Youth Tech” and is located near the city museum. It has already attracted strong interest from local youth. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared moments from the center …
Foreign minister says Albania on track for European Union membership by 2030
TIRANA, May 14 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha told parliament on Wednesday that Albania remains on track for European Union membership by 2030 if the current pace of reforms continues. He made the remarks during discussions on a draft resolution on Albania’s European integration process. Hoxha said European Union support …
Members of Albania’s parliamentary Committee on Human Rights held meetings in Montenegro with Energy and Mining Minister Admir Šahmanović and European Affairs Minister Maida Gorčević. Committee Chair Jorida Tabaku discussed stronger bilateral cooperation, focusing on energy, natural gas, energy infrastructure and data centers. She said Albania should remain a reliable …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
*]: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 …
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 …
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, …
*]: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, …
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 …