Ancient Hellenistic Temple Discovered in Northern Albania
Archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a large Hellenistic temple at Bushat in northern Albania, providing new insights into Illyrian history. The excavation team from the University of Warsaw and the University of Tirana made the discovery during the latest research season at a site that many scholars believe was …
Albania Welcomes Over 3 Million Foreign Visitors in First Five Months of 2026
Blendi Gonxhja announced that Albania welcomed more than 3 million foreign visitors between January and May 2026. Speaking at Tirana International Airport, Gonxhja said connectivity drives tourism growth. He described the arrival of the first direct flight from Canada to Tirana as a historic milestone for both civil aviation and …
Rama: Direct Tirana–U.S. Route Nears Completion
Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the inaugural ceremony of the first direct flight between Tirana and Toronto, describing it as a new bridge connecting Albania and Canada. Speaking at Tirana International Airport, Rama said Albania has joined the map of transatlantic flights for the first time. He noted that what …
First Direct Tirana–Toronto Flight Takes Off, Albania Joins Transatlantic Air Map
Albania has entered the era of transatlantic flights with the launch of the first direct route between Tirana and Toronto. At the inauguration ceremony, Enea Karakaçi described the new service as a historic milestone for Albanian civil aviation and a major opportunity for tourism, business, and people-to-people connections between Albania …
Rama Highlights Traditional Hospitality at Kapllani Guesthouse in Berat
Prime Minister Edi Rama has praised Kapllani Guesthouse in Berat as a successful example of traditional hospitality and rural tourism development in Albania. In a social media post, Rama described the family-run guesthouse as a model of authentic tourism. The guesthouse welcomes both domestic and international visitors and offers traditional …
Albania and France Sign Film Co-Production Agreement
Albania and France have strengthened their cultural partnership through a new agreement on film co-production. The Albanian Council of Ministers approved the agreement with the French government, creating a new legal and financial framework to support joint film projects between the two countries. Under the agreement, co-produced works will receive …
Albania Secures $302 Million U.S. Loan for Military Financing
The Albanian government has approved a direct loan agreement with the United States under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) program. The agreement provides $302 million to support Albania’s defense modernization and strengthen its military capabilities. Under the deal, Albania’s Ministry of Finance will sign the agreement on behalf of the …
Rama: Albania Enters New Tourism Phase Focused on Higher-Spending Visitors
Prime Minister Edi Rama says Albania has completed an important phase of tourism transformation and must now move toward a new stage of development focused on higher revenues and higher-spending visitors. Speaking at the inauguration of the new Tirana–Toronto route at Tirana International Airport, Rama stressed that Albania should now …
Rama: Albania Enters New Tourism Phase Focused on Higher-Spending Visitors
Prime Minister Edi Rama says Albania has completed an important phase of tourism transformation and must now move toward a new stage of development focused on higher revenues and higher-spending visitors. Speaking at the inauguration of the new Tirana–Toronto route at Tirana International Airport, Rama stressed that Albania should now …
Albania Prepares for a Vibrant Weekend of Festivals, Concerts and Sports Events
Cities across Albania will host a wide range of cultural, entertainment, and sporting events this weekend, offering activities for residents and visitors of all ages. One of the highlights is the Wheat Festival in Fier, which takes place at the Archaeological Park of Apollonia on Friday evening. Now in its …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj attended the farewell ceremony for King Harald V of Norway in Oslo, joining monarchs and world leaders in paying tribute to the late Norwegian king. The ceremony took place at Oslo Cathedral following a solemn procession from the Royal Palace. Representatives from several countries attended the …
A high-level NATO delegation visited the Port of Durres on Wednesday to assess its port capacities and strategic role in regional security and logistics. The delegation was led by the Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples. Representatives of the Albanian Armed Forces and Naval Force Commander Rear Admiral …
Albanian citizens can now rate consular services online as part of a new initiative aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of services. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced the new evaluation system on Wednesday. Starting today, citizens can scan a QR code at any location where …
The Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has approved a new Country Programme for Albania for 2027–2031. The five-year programme will support Albania’s development. It will also accelerate reforms and advance the country’s European Union integration process. The programme has three main priorities. First, it will promote …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” on Wednesday. The Italian news agency ANSA and the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies (ABNA) organized the conference. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Central European Initiative (CEI) also supported the event. …
Tirana Times, September 09, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has uncovered new evidence in its widening investigation of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, increasing pressure on one of the most powerful figures of the governing Socialist Party. SPAK said Wednesday that a special …
The Institute of GeoSciences (IGJEO) warns of a high fire risk this afternoon and tomorrow in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier counties. Meanwhile, other parts of the country will face a moderate risk. However, the high-risk level will affect only localised areas in some counties. These include northeastern Lezhë, northeastern Tirana …
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Michel Tarran, said in Pogradec that the territorial reform remains under discussion and that no final decision has been made so far. Asked about the consultation process, Tarran stressed that the OSCE does not impose a specific model for territorial organization. He …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …
The lek strengthened against major foreign currencies in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday, compared with the previous day. According to the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Albania, the euro fell by 0.05 lek, to 92.02 lek, while the US dollar dropped by 0.19 lek, to …