Are Europe’s Star Architects Helping Launder Albania’s Criminal Economy?
The Albanian Files suggests that international architecture may have served not only as design, but as a prestigious façade for opaque money, captured institutions and one-man rule. Tirana Times, June 29, 2026 – A glossy architectural volume meant to celebrate Albania’s transformation has unexpectedly become one of the most revealing …
TKOBAP Polyphony Group Performs at Piccolo Opera Festival 2026 in Italy
The Albanian iso-polyphony group from the National Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances (TKOBAP) performed at the Piccolo Opera Festival 2026 in Italy. As a result, Albanian traditional music reached an international audience. The group presented Albania’s rich iso-polyphonic heritage, which is recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage. In …
Tirana International Airport adds direct flights to Gothenburg
TIRANA, June 30 – Tirana International Airport has expanded its route network by adding direct flights to Gothenburg. The airport said Norwegian Air Shuttle will operate the route. The new service will offer passengers an additional travel option for tourism, business and family visits. Meanwhile, the new route strengthens air …
Shkodër Art Gallery brings artworks to city streets through digital exhibitions
TIRANA, June 30 – Shkodër Art Gallery presents its collection in public spaces this summer. The gallery places digital exhibitions across the city for visitors and residents. The works include paintings created over different years. Albanian painters and young artists contribute to the collection. The exhibits appear through barcode access. …
Albania Women’s Basketball Team Finishes Runner-Up at European Small Countries Championship
The Albanian women’s national basketball team finished second at the European Championship for Small Countries. As a result, they won the silver medal after losing the final to Malta 72–55. The final took place at the “Karagaç” sports hall in Peja. From the start, Malta controlled the game. They built …
190th anniversary of first publication of The Songs of Milosao
TIRANA, June 30 – Albania marks the 190th anniversary of the first publication of The Songs of Milosao, the masterpiece of Jeronim De Rada that is widely regarded as the foundation of Albanian Romanticism. First published in Naples on June 30, 1836, the work introduced a new artistic and national …
Jonid Jorgji becomes member of European Film Academy
TIRANA, June 30 – The National Center of Cinematography announced Jonid Jorgji as a member of the European Film Academy. It confirmed his selection in an official statement. In addition, the institution described the appointment as recognition of his contribution and vision in the audiovisual sector. It framed the membership …
Albania U-21 to compete at Taranto 2026 Mediterranean games
TIRANA, June 30 – Albania’s U-21 national football team will compete at the Mediterranean Games “Taranto 2026” in Italy. The event runs from 23 August to 1 September 2026. The International Committee of the Mediterranean Games organizes the competition. The football tournament features eight national teams. Organizers split the teams …
Italian Foreign Minister says Western Balkans EU membership should be accelerated
TIRANA, June 30 – Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy will work to accelerate European Union membership for Western Balkan countries during the Dubrovnik Forum in Croatia. He said Albania and Montenegro are ready for membership. He also said other countries in the region should move forward so most …
97 years since adoption of statute of Albanian Orthodox Autocephalous Church
TIRANA, June 30 – Albania marked 97 years since the adoption of the Statute of the Albanian Orthodox Autocephalous Church on June 30, 1929. The development followed the country’s independence in 1912. Religious institutions also moved toward separation from traditional external dependencies shaped by political and administrative conditions. In the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to the 2030 Agenda and European Union integration. He described both as part of a single transformation process. In a video message for the 2026 Sustainable Development Goals Moment, Rama said poverty had fallen from 23.7% in 2018 to 19%. He also said …
More than 9.4 million foreign visitors entered Albania in the first eight months of 2026, up 5.3% from the same period last year. Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said more than 2.4 million foreign tourists visited Albania in August alone, marking a 2% annual increase. Meanwhile, Gonxhja said Albania must turn …
Surrounded by the green landscapes of northern Albania and waters flowing toward the Adriatic Sea, the Buna River remains one of the country’s most distinctive natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video of the Buna River on social media today, highlighting the natural beauty of one of northern …
Korça has come alive with the sounds of serenades during the third edition of the “Serenights Festival.” The four-day celebration brings one of the city’s best-loved traditions back to its streets, squares and iconic venues. The festival began last night and will run through September 20. It features a music …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa met today with Justice Minister Toni Gogu to discuss justice reform and Albania’s priorities in the European integration process. Moreira de Sousa stressed the importance of strengthening public trust in the justice system. She described it as essential to Albania’s future in …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti traveled to New York today, where he will hold meetings with world leaders, according to his office. The meetings will take place during the High-Level Week of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Kurti will promote …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa met with Finance Minister Petrit Malaj to discuss the Finance Ministry’s role in Albania’s European Union accession process. In a social media post, Moreira de Sousa stressed the importance of the ministry’s role in managing EU funds and preparing Albania for the …
September is showing that Albania’s tourist season continues beyond the summer months, with many visitors choosing to explore the country in early autumn. Saranda remains one of the preferred destinations for travelers. Today, the “Seven Seas Navigation” cruise ship arrived at the port with 457 tourists from different countries, who …
Albanian Ambassador to France Dritan Tola met with INTERPOL President Lucas Philippe in Paris to discuss cooperation between Albania and the international police organization. During the meeting, Ambassador Tola congratulated Philippe on the new momentum and dynamism he has brought to the organization since taking office. He also reaffirmed Albania’s …
Ervin Demo has taken office as Minister of Interior after being sworn in at the Presidency. In the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, outgoing Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari formally handed over his duties to Demo. Koçiu shared images on social media from Demo’s first moments as Interior Minister. …