Mecca Defense Pact Signals Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Shape a New Security Order
The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 – The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan represents more …
Albanian Court Puts Turkish Activist in Custody After Extradition Demand
Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here
“Fustanella” exhibition showcases Albanian cultural identity in Berat
TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …
Defense minister visits Italian shipyard to support Fincantieri Albania project
TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …
Power distributor strengthens grid for summer season in Lezha and Shëngjin
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …
Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …
Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …
SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku
Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …
Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road
TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …
New Road Code measures enter into force, stricter penalties for traffic violations
TIRANA, August 7 – New amendments to Albania’s Road Code entered into force today. The changes introduce stricter measures for traffic violations to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Drivers who repeatedly operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol will permanently lose their driving licence. The new rules also …
Tirana Times, October 17, 2026 – Vera Prokopieva is a nutrition scientist from Bulgaria who has studied food from three angles: as an anthropologist, as a cook in Copenhagen kitchens, and as a researcher at Stanford, working on clinical trials of food as medicine and on how fermented foods shape the gut …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu has reacted following an incident in which flames reached the Supreme Court, while reports indicated that the entrance to the Bank of Albania was also damaged. “Two independent institutions. Neither is a government office. Both serve the country and its citizens,” Gogu stressed. The minister condemned …
The Archbishop of Shkodër-Pult, Monsignor Giovanni Peragine, has reacted to the protests that have taken place in Albania in recent days, stressing that the country does not deserve to relive the painful wounds of its past. In a statement, he called on the authorities to listen to citizens, open the …
Kosovo’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Glauk Konjufca, said that Serbia’s territorial ambitions pose a serious threat to Kosovo’s sovereignty and regional stability. In an interview with Hungary Insider, Konjufca said that Serbia’s territorial ambitions must be understood through the connection between its political rhetoric and …
The General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, has provided an update on the number of police officers injured during the protests, stating that a total of 132 officers have been injured in Tirana, Shkodër and Lezhë. According to Hita, five police officers were injured today alone, one of …
The Ministry of Health has issued another update on the number of people admitted to hospital after being injured during the student protests in recent hours. According to the Ministry of Health, nine protesters, four police officers and one bystander have sought medical attention at the University Trauma Hospital (SUT). …
The University Hospital Centre of Tirana (QSUT) has updated its figures on the health conditions of people injured during the protest, covering the period from 5:00 p.m. until now. According to the statement, a total of 21 police officers and 13 protesters have sought medical assistance. Full statement: University Trauma …
Vera Prokopieva is a nutrition scientist from Bulgaria who has studied food from three angles: as an anthropologist, as a cook in Copenhagen kitchens, and as a researcher at Stanford, working on clinical trials of food as medicine and on how fermented foods shape the gut microbiome. Albania is living …
by Dr. Elez Bebiraj Tirana Times, October 17, 2026 – Albania is facing the most serious political crisis of Edi Rama’s thirteen years in power. Protesters demanding the prime minister’s resignation have attacked government buildings, clashed with police, and damaged public and private property. The unrest has spread from Tirana …
The Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, has met with the new US Ambassador, Eric Wendt. In a social media post, Kingji said that during the meeting, he expressed his gratitude for the United States’ continued support in the field of defence, …