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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
US State Department reacts to Vucic’s statements on Ibër: Normalisation of relations is essential
TIRANA, August 12 – The US State Department has reacted to statements about a possible change in the course of the Ibër River. The department told Radio Free Europe that peace and stability in the Western Balkans remain US priorities. A State Department spokesperson said normalisation of relations between Serbia …
Edi Rama described some of the student protesters involved in unrest in Tirana as extremists who have been manipulated by foreign powers, causing critics to warn that such harsh rhetoric may further inflame tensions. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama said student protests were being used to conceal acts of violence. He stressed that the problem was not students or citizens exercising their constitutional right to protest, but violent acts. Rama spoke during a meeting at the Ministry of Education with Minister Mirela Kumbaro and Tirana …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said a team of psychologists would support children and families affected by violent protests. She made the announcement during a meeting at the Ministry of Education with Prime Minister Edi Rama and Tirana high school principals. Kumbaro thanked school leaders for maintaining parents’ trust. She said …
Albania will have clear skies throughout Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Dry and stable westerly air masses will bring settled weather across the country throughout the day. Winds will blow from the southwest to southeast at an average speed of 6 metres per second. Along the coast, gusts …
The Bank of Albania said citizens’ deposits and savings remain safe despite damage to some bank branches and ATMs during recent youth protests. It also confirmed that payment services continue to operate normally. In a public statement, the central bank said it was closely monitoring recent developments. It stressed that …
Albania marks October 20 the 126th anniversary of the death of Naim Frashëri, a leading figure of the Albanian National Renaissance and the country’s national poet. Frashëri was born on May 25, 1846, in Frashër, Përmet. His literary work focused on the Albanian language, national identity, freedom and unity. His …
Seven Albanian companies are showcasing olive oil and medicinal and aromatic plants at SIAL Paris 2026, one of the world’s largest food fairs. The event runs from October 17 to 21 at the Paris Nord Villepinte exhibition centre. The companies are exhibiting at the Albanian Pavilion in Hall 4, Stand …
Kosova Assembly Speaker Albulena Haxhiu, who belongs to the Self-Determination Movement, denied that her party had called on its supporters to join the protests in Tirana. She said the party could not be held responsible for its supporters’ individual decisions. Haxhiu stressed that public support for the movement did not …
Health Minister Klodiana Spahiu stressed the need to protect minors during a visit to the University Trauma Hospital. She urged parents, guardians, social workers and other professionals to listen to minors and address their concerns. Spahiu said minors had the right to express their views but also needed adult care …
The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble has announced the postponement of all performances scheduled for this week. The theatre said all previously purchased tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates. It will announce the new dates at a later time. The decision follows recent events in …