Tedi Papavrami: “I never lost my connection with Albania”
Renowned violinist Tedi Papavrami said he has never lost his connection with Albania, despite the difficult and contradictory chapters of his life linked to the country. Papavrami spoke during a ceremony at the Prime Minister’s Office in Tirana, where Prime Minister Edi Rama presented him with the “Star of the …
BBC highlights Albania’s “Nan” among most emotional entries in Eurovision 2026
TIRANA, May 11 – BBC has published an extensive guide to the 35 competing songs in Eurovision Song Contest 2026 and has given special attention to Albania’s entry “Nan” by Alis. The British broadcaster placed Albania in its category of songs with culturally rich lyrics and described “Nan” as one …
Ervin Demo meets Greek ambassador to deepen bilateral cooperation
Albania’s Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo held an official meeting with Greece’s ambassador to Albania, Lambrini Komini. During the talks, Demo highlighted the strong good-neighbourly relations between Albania and Greece. He stressed the importance of strengthening bilateral cooperation in areas of shared interest. He said the partnership …
Delina Ibrahimaj: Albania takes active role in regional labour market reforms
Delina Ibrahimaj attends the Western Balkans employment conference in Berlin under the Berlin Process. She joins ministers and international partners. Germany’s Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs organizes the event. The conference launches the Joint Action Plan for Employment and Social Policies for the Western Balkans. The plan strengthens …
Regional conference in Tirana on inclusive governance in rural and mountain areas
Representatives from Albania, Italy, and Portugal gather in Tirana and discuss inclusive governance in rural and mountain areas. They exchange experiences and share best practices on civic engagement and democratic participation. The conference “Mountain Voices for Engaged and Sustainable Democracy” (MOVES) takes place in Tirana and brings together local and …
Hoxha: Sweden a valued partner for Albania’s reform agenda
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha meets Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard in Brussels. The meeting takes place during the EU Foreign Affairs Council session. First, Hoxha confirms excellent relations between Albania and Sweden. He also highlights their partnership as NATO allies. In addition, both sides exchange views …
Malaj: Strengthening internal audit is a priority of public financial management reform
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj attends the “Strengthening Internal Audit” conference in Tirana. The Institute of Internal Auditors Albania organizes the event. Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko and IIA Global President Anthony Pugliese also attend. Malaj says internal audit is a key pillar of good governance, transparency, and financial integrity. …
Albania’s Recurrent Gasification Mirage
Before Albania can have gasification, it will need to have a functioning economy, a population wealthy enough to afford the costs of central heating and cooling, schools, kindergartens and nurseries equipped with air conditioning, and a substantial industrial base capable of consuming a volume of gas large enough to justify …
Kanye West concert plan sparks controversy in Albania
Event raises concerns over antisemitism row, reported €50 million temporary stadium, wider European backlash and criticism from Jewish communities. TIRANA, May 11, 2026 – The planned concert of American rapper and producer Kanye West in Albania on July 11 has triggered growing public debate, with human rights activists and the …
Albania and Netherlands reaffirm partnership in politics, security and European affairs
TIRANA, May 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels. The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations between Albania and the Netherlands. They confirmed a high level of cooperation and expressed …
TIRANA, July 16 – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the draft law on the agriculture census will provide a key tool for shaping public policies and support schemes in the sector. Presenting the bill in Parliament, Salla said Albania’s agricultural sector has changed significantly since the last census. He highlighted …
The National Center of Cinematography brought together film professionals to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the audiovisual industry and why Albania needs a clear legal framework for its use. During a roundtable held as part of the International AI Film Festival, filmmakers and experts, including director Fatmir Koçi, …
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s National Library has opened an exhibition titled “World Literature Championship” at the “Sotir Kolea” center, inviting visitors to explore a different kind of competition during the final days of the World Football Championship. The exhibition presents some of the greatest authors of world literature and …
TIRANA, July 16 – Albanian champions Egnatia have reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Moldova’s champions Petrocub 6-1 in the return leg at the “Arena Egnatia”. The Rrogozhina-based team had drawn 1-1 in the first leg away from home. However, Egnatia delivered a dominant …
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania has submitted the third reporting cycle of its Reform Agenda to the European Commission under the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF). The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) submitted the report, which includes 38 reform measures across 5 policy areas. Meanwhile, the …
TIRANA, July 16 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato said the Justice Reform must become irreversible as Albanian justice institutions reviewed the progress of the 2024–2030 Cross-Sectoral Justice Strategy. The Ministry of Justice organised the discussion with the participation of heads of justice institutions. The EU Delegation in …
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Parliament reviewed an agreement with Germany that will support a €13.5 million food safety project for 2026–2030, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said on Thursday. Salla presented the bill ratifying the 2025 Technical Cooperation Agreement with Germany. He said the agreement provides the …
TIRANA, July 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s “Smart City” project marks a new stage in strengthening public security through artificial intelligence. Speaking at the project’s Command and Control Center, Rama said the system is now entering implementation and will gradually expand across the country. He said artificial …
TIRANA, July 16 – The Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, arrived at the Port of Durrës for the first time with about 650 passengers on board. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the ship’s arrival on social media. He said company representatives praised …
The provisional closure of three negotiating chapters represents an important milestone for Albania. Yet the Brussels conference also showed that the country’s further progress will depend on difficult reforms concerning the rule of law, environmental protection and the implementation of European standards. Tirana Times, July 16, 2026 – Albania provisionally …