Over 817,000 passengers pass through Tirana airport in March
Tirana International Airport (TIA) recorded over 817,000 passengers and 4,708 flights in March, connecting to 80 destinations across 27 countries. The data show strong travel demand and continued growth in air traffic through Tirana. The most requested destinations were Milan, London, Rome, Pisa, and Bologna, reflecting high travel flows between …
Former Finance Minister Arben Malaj warns of structural risks to growth in Albania
TIRANA, April 30 – A World Bank report forecasts a slowdown in Albania and the Western Balkans, raising concerns over growth prospects and social welfare. Speaking on “Mirëmëngjes Shqipëri” (“Good Morning Albania”), former Finance Minister Arben Malaj said international institutions projected continued growth but also highlighted structural weaknesses in the …
Abissnet Superiore on RTSH: Round 34 scheduled entirely for Saturday at 16:00
TIRANA, April 31 – All matches from round 34 of the Abissnet Superiore, broadcast on RTSH, take place on Saturday at 16:00. The league also schedules the final two rounds of the regular season on the same day and time next week, on Wednesday and Sunday. League leaders Elbasani face …
Fuel prices increase by 5 ALL, diesel reaches 208 ALL/litre and petrol 185 ALL/litre
TIRANA, April 30 – The Transparency Board has raised fuel prices by 5 ALL for both diesel and petrol in its decision dated 30 April 2026. Diesel now costs 208 ALL/litre, up from 203 ALL. Petrol is set at 185 ALL/litre. The Board also set wholesale limits. Diesel may not …
“Tourism Development Pole” project transforms former government residence in Sarandë
The Council of Ministers approves amendments to transfer the “Government Residence” property in Sarandë to the municipality. Authorities include the site in the “Tourism Development Pole of Sarandë” project. They design it as an Eco-Smart campus stretching from Qafa e Gjashtës to the former residence area. The government removes restrictions …
Golem substation upgrade strengthens coastal energy supply
TIRANA, April 30 – Energy and Infrastructure Minister Enea Karakaçi inspects the Golemi electricity substation in Golem, Kavaja, as part of ongoing investments to improve power supply in coastal and tourist areas. He says the upgrade doubles capacity from 31.5 MW to 80 MW and will secure long-term supply for …
PM Rama reacts to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development report on Media and Information Agency, praises communication role
TIRANA, April 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to a report published by SIGMA under the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which evaluates Albania’s Media and Information Agency (MIA). The report highlights the creation of the Media and Information Agency as a structure within the Prime …
EU-funded project boosts nature tourism in Elbasan and Funar
Elbasan expands nature tourism with the second phase of the EU IPA Cross-Border project. The Council of the Municipality approves the creation of the Dopaj–Funar hiking trail and new orientation signage. Mayor Gledian Llatja presents the project as part of a broader strategy to develop nature and adventure tourism in …
Finance Minister Malaj reports positive fiscal performance in first quarter of 2026
TIRANA, April 30 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj reported a positive and stable fiscal and economic performance during the first three months of 2026. He said key indicators showed higher budget revenues, improved fiscal administration, stronger tax compliance, as well as growth in employment and business activity. He attributed the …
“Reporters Without Borders” publish media freedom report
TIRANA, April 30 – “Reporters Without Borders” has published its latest report on media freedom in Albania. The report highlights pressure on press freedom and media independence. It links this pressure to conflicts of interest between business and politics, an incomplete legal framework, and political influence over media regulation. The …
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania will sign an agreement with the European Commission in September to allow Albanian public officials to work for fixed periods at European Union institutions, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said. Pirdeni said the initiative will strengthen the skills of Albania’s …
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s government will provide an additional €65 million to strengthen local government capacity and improve public services across the country. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the funding forms part of the 2026 budget amendments approved through a normative act. The package supports investment in basic …
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s Electronic and Postal Communications Authority has completed 10 of 11 recommendations issued by Parliament while continuing to align the country’s electronic communications legislation with European Union rules. Speaking before Parliament’s Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, the authority’s chairman, Gentian Sala, said the …
TIRANA, July 3 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania’s public administration is undergoing a deep transformation. He linked the process to preparations for European Union membership. He spoke at the third edition of Public Administration Week. The event carried the theme “Public Service for a European Albania.” He said …
TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the opening of the National Flight School. He described it as an ambitious project for the modernization of the Armed Forces. He said the initiative was initially met with humour and scepticism. However, Rama added that the project has now become …
By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, July 3, 2026 – If you sit by the banks of the Nile on a quiet afternoon and allow its serene flow to guide your thoughts, you realize that the water remembers not only the lands it traverses, but also the people who shaped …
While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here
TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …
TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …