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Culture and Arts Events Mark Final Week of May Across Albania

This week features a wide range of cultural and artistic events across Albania. The “TK Rin Art 2026” theater festival continues in Tirana and runs until June 5. It brings together school theater performances from across the capital. In Elbasan, the Skampa Theatre hosts the 30th edition of the Youth …

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EU official: Cadastre reform key to European integration and Western Balkan economic growth

TIRANA, May 26 – The EU Chargé d’Affaires in Albania, Andre Rizzo, underlined the importance of cadastral reform and digital transformation at a regional conference on Western Balkan digitalisation and EU integration. He described the EU accession process as one of the most significant challenges for the region. In addition, …

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Tirana hosts regional conference on digital transformation, PM Rama announces cadastral reform

TIRANA, May 26 – Albania hosted a regional conference in Tirana, bringing together Western Balkan countries around a shared vision for digital transformation, legal certainty on property, and European integration. At the conference, Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has opened all negotiation chapters with the European Union. In addition, …

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Scientific book series by academic Rexhep Meidani promoted

TIRANA, May 26 – An international scientific conference titled “From the gigaworld to elementary particles, everything moves and self-organises: this is physics” was held at the Academy of Sciences. The event marked the promotion of a series of scientific works by academic Rexhep Meidani. The publications focus on space, time, …

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Prosecutor highlights cooperation with European law enforcement agencies

TIRANA, May 26 – Prosecutor Vladimir Mara on Tuesday praised cooperation with the Bari Anti-Mafia Directorate and law enforcement agencies across Europe in operations targeting criminal groups. Speaking during a joint press conference with the Bari Anti-Mafia Directorate, Mara focused on a joint investigation that targeted a criminal group involved …

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Albania joins International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation

TIRANA, May 26 – Albania has officially joined the International Council for Game and Wildlife Conservation, Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj announced on Tuesday. He said Albania joined countries that promote biodiversity protection through responsible and sustainable wildlife management. In addition, he confirmed the country’s commitment to a modern and science-based …

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Pope Leo XIV receives President Bajram Begaj at the Vatican

TIRANA, May 26 – Pope Leo XIV received President of the Republic of Albania Bajram Begaj in an audience at the Vatican. The meeting focused on bilateral relations and developments in the Western Balkans. Meanwhile, President Begaj also held talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy …

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Albania and EU hold today eighth intergovernmental accession conference in Brussels

TIRANA, May 26 – Albania and the European Union will hold the eighth Intergovernmental Conference on accession negotiations in Brussels today. The meeting is expected to advance reforms under Cluster 1 “Fundamentals”. The conference will confirm Albania’s fulfilment of interim benchmarks. It will also define final benchmarks for the cluster, …

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Stable weather conditions, temperatures up to 35 degrees Celsius

TIRANA, May 26 – The Meteorological Military Service said Albania will experience relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Tuesday. The weather will feature clear skies. It will also include occasional moderate cloud cover over eastern mountainous areas during midday and afternoon hours. Meanwhile, local rainfall is expected in eastern and southern …

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FM Hoxha in Lithuania says parliamentary cooperation key for EU path

TIRANA, May 26 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha held talks in Vilnius with Remigijus Motuzas, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Parliament. The meeting focused on inter-parliamentary cooperation and support for Albania’s EU integration process. Meanwhile, Hoxha highlighted the role of parliamentary diplomacy …

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“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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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%. …

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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, …

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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 …

News
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 …

News
Public consultations begin on new territorial map

TIRANA, August 7 – Cërrik and Maliq municipalities have started public consultations on the new territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46. Cërrik Municipality said it launched the process after receiving a notification from Parliament. The consultation period on the draft …

News
Albania advances in implementing EU Growth Plan

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania continues to make progress in implementing reforms linked to European integration and has received financial support under the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. According to the EU-funded platform “WEBALKANS_eu”, Albania has made strong and sustainable progress. The platform said the country has …

News

“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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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%. …

News

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, …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

Public consultations begin on new territorial map

TIRANA, August 7 – Cërrik and Maliq municipalities have started public consultations on the new territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46. Cërrik Municipality said it launched the process after receiving a notification from Parliament. The consultation period on the draft …

News

Albania advances in implementing EU Growth Plan

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania continues to make progress in implementing reforms linked to European integration and has received financial support under the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. According to the EU-funded platform “WEBALKANS_eu”, Albania has made strong and sustainable progress. The platform said the country has …