Vengu: US Loan Agreement Secures $302 Million for a Stronger Albanian Defence
Former Defence Minister and Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu said the loan agreement with the United States marks the largest defence financing package in Albania’s history. The agreement will finance the purchase of US-made military systems, equipment and weapons. Speaking in a television interview, Vengu said the agreement provides $302 …
Italy’s EUSAIR Presidency Focuses on Western Balkans’ EU Integration
Italy launched its 2026–2027 Presidency of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) with a focus on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the European integration of the Western Balkans. During the opening meeting in Rome, participants highlighted the strategic importance of the Adriatic-Ionian region in addressing …
114th Anniversary of the Raising of the Albanian Flag at Guri i Kamjes
Pogradec commemorated the 114th anniversary of the Albanian flag raising at Guri i Kamjes, a historic event for the regions of Gorë, Mokër and Opar. On July 28, 1912, Kapedan Kajo Babeni led hundreds of fighters from Mokër and Opar in their fight against Ottoman rule. Shahin Matraku and other …
US State Department: Albania Remains Target of Cyberattacks from Iran and Russia
Albania continues to face cyberattacks from state-backed actors, including Iran and Russia, according to the latest security report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) of the US Department of State. The report says Albania has also experienced ransomware attacks carried out by cybercriminal groups. In 2026, Iran launched attacks …
Albania Joins WHO Call to Eliminate Hepatitis B and C
*]: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:bf07789e-c33b-4efe-873c-9eadd6ea0ed5-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:bf07789e-c33b-4efe-873c-9eadd6ea0ed5-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> “Let’s Break the Barriers” is the theme of World Hepatitis Day 2026. Health experts are urging people to get tested and take preventive measures against hepatitis, commonly known as jaundice. They warn that viral hepatitis remains a major public health challenge …
Young Man Killed After Crane Collapses at Construction Site in Pristina, Another Injured
A man in his 20s has died after a crane collapsed at a construction site in Pristina. Another person was injured and is receiving treatment at the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (QKUK). The fatality was confirmed by Enis Pllana, spokesperson for the Kosovo Police in the Pristina region. “As …
2,400 farmers apply for VAT refund, payments to start in August
TIRANA, July 28 – The General Director of Taxes, Ilir Binaj, said farmers are using the 10% VAT refund scheme without major problems. He expects applications to increase as the tax administration expands information campaigns and training sessions across the country. At a joint press conference with Finance Minister Petrit …
President Begaj discusses stronger strategic partnership with Croatian foreign minister
TIRANA, July 28 – President Bajram Begaj met with Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic-Radman to discuss relations between Albania and Croatia. The two officials focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the countries. During the meeting, they highlighted Croatia’s continued support for Albania’s European integration. They …
Kosova acting president Haxhiu discusses NATO membership with Admiral Wikoff
TIRANA, July 28 – Kosova Acting President Albulena Haxhiu met Admiral George Wikoff, commander of the NATO Allied Joint Force Command Naples. The officials discussed the security situation in Kosova, cooperation with the Kosova Force, and coordination with NATO. According to a social media statement, Haxhiu thanked Admiral Wikoff for …
Karakaçi Inspects Tirana Bypass Works: Connecting Motorways While Avoiding City Traffic
*]: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:bf07789e-c33b-4efe-873c-9eadd6ea0ed5-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:bf07789e-c33b-4efe-873c-9eadd6ea0ed5-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi, together with the Director of the Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH), Ami Kozeli, inspected construction works on the Tirana Bypass, where more than 30% of the physical works have been completed so far. Karakaçi described …
European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, was received by SPAK chief Klodian Braho for a meeting. During the meeting, discussions focused on the Criminal Procedure Code, political rhetoric directed at SPAK, and the continuation of cooperation with the European Union. The post …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted on social media platform X, just hours after Parliament approved the new administrative-territorial reform with 85 votes in favour. The reform will reduce the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46. In his statement, Rama described the vote as another step towards …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi has spoken from Korça about the administrative reform and the changes envisaged for the municipality under the new territorial map. According to Peleshi, the merger of the municipalities of Korça and Maliq will create a new administrative unit covering 1,462 square kilometres, making it the …
Interior Minister Ervin Demo described the territorial reform as a means of creating stronger municipalities, improving public services and bringing institutions closer to citizens. In a post on his Facebook page, Demo stated that “our goal is to establish local government with greater autonomy, but also greater responsibility for the …
The General Director of the State Police, Senior Director Skënder Hita, participated in a roundtable discussion in North Macedonia on the continuation and expansion of the Joint Task Force Against Irregular Migration. During his speech, Hita emphasised that irregular migration is closely linked to the activities of criminal groups, human …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced that the Ministry of Public Administration will be established next week, a new institution which, according to him, will play an important role in modernising the state administration and advancing Albania’s European integration process. During his speech, the Prime Minister argued that public administration …
Controversial reform of local government dissolving smaller municipalities into larger units passes after stormy debate, with protesters demonstrating outside parliament. Original post Here
Trump’s son-in-law rejects allegations of preferential treatment, outlines plans for a €4 billion investment and addresses environmental concerns over the Zvërnec development. Tirana Times, October 09, 2026 – Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, has issued his first extensive public defense of a controversial luxury tourism development …
As patients increasingly arrive at surgeries armed with diagnoses drawn from artificial intelligence chatbots, doctors fear their authority is being undermined – and that people may suffer as a result of AI-generated errors. Original post Here
The 131st day of protests took a different turn this Thursday, as demonstrators moved from Skanderbeg Square towards Parliament, unlike previous gatherings held near the Prime Minister’s Office. The relocation of the protest comes on a day when Parliament is expected to vote on the territorial reform proposed by the …