Lake Shkodër receives UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status
TIRANA, June 6 – Lake Shkodër has received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, gaining international recognition for one of Albania’s most important natural assets. Meanwhile, Shkodër Mayor Benet Beci describes the decision as a source of pride for the city and for communities living around the lake. He says the designation …
Spring Festival returns to RTSH as 20 artists compete on opening night
TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to the Albanian Public Radio and Television tonight after a long absence. Twenty artists will take the stage in the opening show, which will feature special guests and a mix of classic and contemporary music. Meanwhile, the festival’s hosts, singer Bleona Qereti …
PM Rama: Iran Is Behind Tirana Protests
The prime minister casts the widening unrest as a “hybrid war,” citing antisemitic narratives, claims about resettling Palestinians and AI-manipulated content. Tirana Times, June 6, 2026 — Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused Iran of standing behind the growing protests in Tirana against the proposed Zvërnec tourism project, shifting the …
Western Balkans – EU summit in Montenegro pushes for faster enlargement and reforms
TIRANA, June 6 – European Union and Western Balkan leaders meet in Tivat for the Western Balkans–EU summit. They focus on speeding up enlargement and advancing reforms across candidate countries. Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa says enlargement remains merit-based, but he adds that the process must become faster and …
Nik Xhelilaj and Bleona Qereti host revived RTSH’s Spring Festival
TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to Albania after two decades. It takes place on June 6 and 7 at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana. The event brings together established and emerging artists. Organisers present the festival as a revival of a major cultural …
Rama: Sazan Island Remains State Property, Not for Privatization
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Sazan Island will remain property of the Albanian state. He stressed that it will not be privatized. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Vlora, Rama said Sazan is a national asset. Therefore, any development project will be carried out in partnership …
EU Leaders: Albania Next in Line After Montenegro for Membership
Albania received strong support from European Union leaders at the summit in Tivat, Montenegro. EU officials said the country is moving in the right direction toward membership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU’s goals are clear. She stated that Montenegro is expected to join the EU …
Rama: No Strategic Investor Status Requested for Zvërnec Project
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said that no request for strategic investor status has been submitted for the Zvërnec project. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Vlora, Rama rejected criticism of strategic investments. He said that when his government took office, Vlora lacked major …
EU Supports 22 Journalists to Strengthen Independent Media in Albania
The European Union in Albania has supported 22 journalists and media professionals from across the country. Through short-film projects, they highlighted the stories and challenges faced by some of the most vulnerable groups in Albanian society. The initiative was implemented in cooperation with the organizations Albanian Women in Audiovisual and …
Rama: Zvërnec Project Will Turn Vlora into a Global Destination
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the planned tourism resort in Zvërnec will transform Vlora into a destination of global importance. During a meeting with local residents, Rama highlighted the project’s expected economic impact. He said the investment would attract further development and increase interest in real estate, apartments, and …
TIRANA, August 25 – Canadian travel media Travelweek has published an article by Tim Johnson on Tirana’s rapid transformation. The report describes the capital as a modern and dynamic city that is attracting growing international tourism. Johnson highlights the changes around Skanderbeg Square. Modern buildings, public spaces, restaurants and renovated …
TIRANA, August 25 – Albania faces growing pollution and road-safety risks from its ageing vehicle fleet, according to the World Bank. The country’s motorization rate has increased by 122% over the past 10 years. Of the vehicles registered in Albania, 91% are more than 10 years old. The rest have …
Albania is taking steps to give traditional and locally made products greater value in domestic and European markets through stronger geographical protection. A new legal framework aims to protect the names, quality and reputation of products linked to specific regions. The initiative forms part of Albania’s industrial property reform and …
TIRANA, August 25 – Albania recorded 31 wildfires over the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Defence. Three fires remain active, while authorities are monitoring 6 others. A total of 370 operational personnel and 22 firefighting vehicles have joined efforts to manage the situation. The Armed Forces have …
TIRANA, August 25 – The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination has updated Albania’s Unified List of Projects of National Importance. The list includes 118 projects with a projected investment value of 14.8 billion euros. The projects support the country’s strategic development priorities and aim to provide a …
Shkodra has received the “Green Destinations Bronze Award”, recognizing the city’s efforts to promote sustainable and responsible tourism. The international certification highlights Shkodra’s commitment to protecting its natural environment, cultural heritage and local communities while developing tourism. The award adds Shkodra to a growing global network of destinations focused on …
TIRANA, August 25 – Dardha village in Korça remains a popular tourist destination throughout the year. Visitors come for its natural surroundings, climate and traditional character. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the picturesque village on social media today. The photos show Dardha surrounded by green forests and visitors …
TIRANA, August 25 – Albania Under-21 beat Kosova 3-1 today in their second Group B match of the football tournament at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Bode opened the scoring in the 51st minute. Valentin Daja doubled Albania’s lead in the 74th minute. Arlind Leshi added a third goal from …
The Divjakë-Karavasta National Park continues to attract visitors with its rich biodiversity, wetlands and rare bird species. In 2026, the park remains an important destination for nature tourism and birdwatching in Albania. At the heart of the Karavasta Lagoon lies the Pelican Island, an important nesting site for the Dalmatian …
TIRANA, August 25 – Former US Congressman Joe DioGuardi has urged Kosova’s parliamentary parties to elect the country’s president. He warned that failure to do so could create major problems for Kosova and affect stability in the Balkans. DioGuardi made the remarks after receiving Kosova citizenship. DioGuardi said he had …