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El País: The Timeless Charm of Tourist Albania

The Spanish newspaper El País highlights Albania as a rising Mediterranean destination that still preserves authenticity despite rapid tourism growth. It describes Albania as no longer a secret, with the Albanian Riviera attracting more visitors each year and repeating mistakes seen in other Mediterranean hotspots. The article emphasizes the country’s …

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Government promotes cooperation model for grain farmers in Durrës

TIRANA, May 29 – Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla and Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako presented a new agricultural cooperation model for grain, corn and wheat farmers in Durrës. The initiative aims to strengthen farmer organisation and improve competitiveness in the agricultural sector. Salla said the model allows farmers …

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Scientific Conference Focuses on Water Resources in Albanian-Speaking Regions

A two-day international scientific conference opened in Pristina on Thursday. The event focuses on “Water as a Source of Energy and Environmental Protection: Balance Towards a Sustainable Future.” The conference comes through cooperation between the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo and the Academy of Sciences of Albania. Moreover, …

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e-Albania 2.0 improves digital independence and business efficiency

TIRANA, May 29 – Albania advanced its digital transformation with the presentation of Albanian Digital Solution Sh.A. on Thursday. The initiative supports e-government development and expands digital public services. Meanwhile, Agjencia Kombëtare e Shoqërisë së Informacionit Director Igli Tafa said technical teams drive the country’s digital ecosystem. Tafa said specialists …

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Strategic Italy: Where Is Albania?

by Albert Rakipi, Ph.D. In April 2026, Fincantieri, one of Italy’s foremost industrial and defense champions, signed an agreement with the Albanian company KAYO to produce vessels at the Pashaliman shipyard. Prime Minister Rama presented the project as part of a strategic partnership, noting that the new company would produce …

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President Begaj’s Eid Visit Signals Warmer Albania-Saudi Ties

Albania’s president attended a high-level Eid al-Adha ceremony in Saudi Arabia, in a visit seen as strengthening Tirana’s relations with a key Arab and Muslim world power. Tirana Times,  May 29, 2026 – Albanian President Bajram Begaj was received by Saudi Arabia’s leadership during an official Eid al-Adha state ceremony hosted …

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Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani: Western Balkans EU enlargement is a strategic investment, process must be accelerated

TIRANA, May 29 – Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said European Union enlargement towards the Western Balkans represents a strategic investment and must be accelerated. Meanwhile, Tajani said Italy supports the launch of a process that will bring Ukraine into the European Union. He also said other candidate countries must not …

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Rama: Socialist Party Moves Albania Closer to EU on 35th Anniversary

Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama joined the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary celebration in Korça on Wednesday. He highlighted Albania’s latest step toward European Union membership after the recent intergovernmental conference with the EU. Rama said the Socialist Party moved Albania one step higher on its path to …

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Government Launches “Smart City” Program for Smarter Urban Management

The Albanian government launched the “Smart City” program to support the development of smarter cities across the country. State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo presented the initiative on Wednesday. He said the program will connect different systems already used by municipalities. The goal is to improve urban management and …

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Western Balkans Parliamentary Officials Meet in Tirana to Strengthen Regional Cooperation and EU Integration

General secretaries from the parliaments of the Western Balkans, Austria and Slovenia met in Tirana on Wednesday. The forum focused on regional cooperation, parliamentary diplomacy and European Union integration. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Agron Gjekmarkaj and Secretary General Genci Gjonçaj opened the meeting. They stressed the importance of parliamentary cooperation …

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Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

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Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

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25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

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Lura National Park wildfire, around 220 forces deployed on the ground, air and ground operations underway

TIRANA, August 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today that operations to manage the wildfire in Lura National Park continue at high intensity. The fire affects the Runja area above Borie Lura village. In a social media statement, Nufi said all relevant structures remain engaged in the operation. They …

News
New draft law changes defence and security procurement

TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …

News
The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics

Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …

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Apollonia Archaeological Park welcomes visitors from around the world

TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …

News
Shkodër Art Gallery to resume rich artistic calendar in September

TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …

News
Perseid meteor shower to light up Tirana’s night sky

TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …

News
EU opposes Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River

TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …

News

Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

News

Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

News

25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

News

Lura National Park wildfire, around 220 forces deployed on the ground, air and ground operations underway

TIRANA, August 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today that operations to manage the wildfire in Lura National Park continue at high intensity. The fire affects the Runja area above Borie Lura village. In a social media statement, Nufi said all relevant structures remain engaged in the operation. They …

News

New draft law changes defence and security procurement

TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …

News

The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics

Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …

News

Apollonia Archaeological Park welcomes visitors from around the world

TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …

News

Shkodër Art Gallery to resume rich artistic calendar in September

TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …

News

Perseid meteor shower to light up Tirana’s night sky

TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …

News

EU opposes Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River

TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …