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Russia Requested the Withdrawal of Diplomats From Kyiv, Hoxha: Threatening Embassies Is Not Diplomacy

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha reacted in a post on X regarding Russia’s request for foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv. Hoxha emphasized that threatening embassies is not diplomacy and clearly expressed Albania’s decision to continue supporting Ukraine. “Albania considers Russia’s announcement calling on diplomatic personnel and foreign …

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Meeting of Electoral Reform Commission with Venice Commission Delegation on Political Party Financing! Gjiknuri Reveals Details

The co-chair of the Special Commission on Electoral Reform, Damian Gjiknuri, announced this Thursday that together with his colleague Oerd Bylykbashi, he held a meeting with a delegation of representatives from the Venice Commission. The delegation consisted of members Veronika Bilkova, Oliver Kask, and Saša Zagorc, as well as DGI …

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Kurti Reveals the Main Duties of Kosovo’s Gendarmerie: It Will Fill the Gap Between the Police and the Army

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti spoke this Thursday during a press conference about the creation of Kosovo’s gendarmerie. During his remarks, Kurti stated that the gendarmerie will be responsible for securing Kosovo’s land, water, and air borders. He added that the gendarmerie will also be tasked with preventing cross-border smuggling …

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Transforming friendship into a strategic partnership: the common challenge for Italy and Albania 

Tirana Times, May 28, 2026 – The importance, depth and complexity of relations between Albania and Italy can never be overstated. Just over one year after he assumed the diplomatic post of Ambassador of Italy to Albania, Tirana Times editor in chief Jerina Zaloshnja carried out this interview with ambassador …

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German Ambassador Bergner: Justice reform is key for public expectations and EU integration

TIRANA, May 28 – The Centre for the Study of Democracy and Governance and the German Embassy in Albania held a discussion table with experts on justice reform and public perception. The focus was progress in the reform and citizens’ expectations. German Ambassador Karl Bergner said Albanian institutions have made …

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Two debut call-ups and returns as Maran names Albania squad

TIRANA, May 28 – Albania will play two friendly matches against Israel on 3 June at 20:00 at the “Air Albania” stadium and against Luxembourg on 6 June at 20:00 at the same venue. Head coach Rolando Maran has announced his first squad since taking charge of the national team. …

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Acting Tirana Mayor Ristani inspects “Streets for Children” project, expansion planned to 40 schools

TIRANA, May 28 – Acting Mayor of Tirana Anuela Ristani inspected the road block near “Gustav Mayer” school and Kindergarten 26. The site forms part of the “Streets for Children” project that transforms public spaces for children, parents and the community. Ristani said the project will expand to 40 additional …

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Albania ranks fourth in Europe for startup ecosystem growth, jumps eight places globally

TIRANA, May 28 – The 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Report by StartupBlink ranked Albania 75th in the world. The report recorded annual ecosystem growth of 71.1%. StartupBlink ranked Albania as the fourth fastest-growing startup ecosystem in Europe. The country climbed eight places in the global ranking. The report described this …

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National Business Center and InfoCamere agree cooperation to modernise Trade Register

TIRANA, May 28 – The National Business Center and InfoCamere agreed steps to deepen cooperation. The focus covers modernisation of the Albanian Trade Register and expansion of digital services for business. Meanwhile, a delegation from the National Business Center visited Padova on an official working trip. Director General Etugert Llazi …

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MSN Ranks Albania Among Europe’s Best Hidden Destinations for 2026

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:ff0eaaec-9d7c-4391-8477-ac5d7aae2b86-13″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:ff0eaaec-9d7c-4391-8477-ac5d7aae2b86-13″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-28″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Albania has been ranked among the six best hidden destinations in Europe for 2026, according to MSN. The article highlights Albania as one of the few places in Europe where travelers can still enjoy authentic experiences away from overcrowded tourist …

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Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

News
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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

News
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 …

News

Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …