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Brussels meeting: FM Hoxha says EU enlargement is a strategic choice for peace and stability

TIRANA, May 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in an informal meeting between EU foreign ministers and counterparts from the Western Balkans, held at the invitation of EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas. At the meeting, Hoxha said Albania …

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EU Condemns Attacks Against Ambassador Gonzato

European Union condemned the statements made by Sali Berisha against EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato. In a social media post, the EU Delegation in Tirana shared a statement from a European Union spokesperson. The statement described the remarks against Ambassador Gonzato as unacceptable. The EU strongly condemned the personal attacks made …

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Rama: Albania Closer Than Ever to EU Membership

Edi Rama declared that Albania has entered a key stage in its European Union integration process. First, he said the country is closer than ever to joining the EU. Then, he stated that the European Commission report confirms Albania is ready to enter the chapter-closing phase of negotiations. Meanwhile, Rama …

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EU Ambassadors in Albania Reaffirm Support for Gonzato

German Embassy in Tirana expresses strong support for EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato. First, EU ambassadors in Albania publish a joint statement on Europe Day. Then, they reaffirm their full confidence in Gonzato and his team. Meanwhile, they highlight professionalism, integrity, and dedicated service. In addition, they share the message through …

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Edi Rama said Albania will strengthen the role of municipalities in the European Union accession process. He presented the new program “EU4Municipalities II,” supported by the European Union. Then, he said the initiative aims to modernize local governance across the country.  He spoke during his “Flasim” podcast about the importance …

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Rama: World Law Congress in Tirana Shows Justice Transformation

Tirana hosted the opening session of the World Law Congress, one of the most important international platforms on the rule of law. First, Edi Rama said the event marks a historic moment for Albania. Then, he described the congress as proof of an “epochal transformation” in the country’s justice system. …

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Kosovo to Host EU Commissioner for Enlargement Next Week

Marta Kos will visit Pristina on May 15 for her first official trip to Kosovo since taking office. First, EU sources confirm that the visit will take place next week, pending official announcement. Then, officials note that she has already visited all other Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership countries involved …

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Sheshi “Italia” Transforms into Stage for Morricone Tribute Night

Sheshi “Italia” in Tirana turned into a large stage of artistic emotion as the music of Ennio Morricone filled the city during a special Europe Day concert. First, the event titled “Morricone Conducts Morricone” brought conductor Andrea Morricone on stage, who led the RTSH Symphony Orchestra in performing some of …

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From a Unique Story of Bravery to the Dangers of Holocaust Denial

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post From a Unique Story of Bravery to the Dangers of Holocaust Denial appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here

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Rama: Albania Has Fulfilled Its Homework for EU Integration

Speaking on his podcast this Sunday, Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Albania is closer than ever to the European Union, adding that the objective is achievable with commitment and determination. He stressed that the European Commission and the member states are currently in a phase of discussing the Commission’s …

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Albania Closes First EU Chapters, Hard Tests Ahead

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 …

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Government approves procedure for public announcement of underwater cultural discoveries

The Albanian government has approved a new procedure for the public announcement of cultural heritage assets discovered at sea, strengthening the protection and preservation of the country’s underwater cultural heritage. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said Albania’s location along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, together with its …

News
Ksamil attracts visitors with crystal-clear waters and warm hospitality

TIRANA, July 16 – Ksamil continues to rank among Albania’s most popular summer destinations, attracting visitors from around the world with its crystal-clear waters, small islands and Mediterranean scenery. Many tourists describe the resort as an ideal place to relax. They praise the clear sea, stunning coastal views and peaceful …

News
Albanian Infrastructure Minister Karakaçi and Irish counterpart discuss energy and aviation cooperation

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Infrastructure and Energy Minister, Enea Karakaçi, met Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, to discuss closer bilateral cooperation. Karakaçi said the meeting focused on renewable energy. He highlighted battery development as a key area for future cooperation. He added that Ireland’s …

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Agritourism “Nëna Dashuri” in Dibër welcomes visitors from around the world

The agritourism destination “Nëna Dashuri” in Dibër has become a popular attraction for local and international visitors by combining Albanian hospitality, traditional cuisine, and fresh farm products. Prime Minister Edi Rama recently shared images from the guesthouse in Peshkopi, highlighting its journey from a small family business into a successful …

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New waste strategy aims to align Albania with European Union standards

TIRANA, July 16 – An inter-institutional working group held its first meeting to review Albania’s National Strategy and Action Plan for Integrated Waste Management, as well as the National Sectoral Waste Plan. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said the revised strategy would align the objectives of the European Union Waste Framework …

News
Kurti: Kosovo considers using US liquefied natural gas in the future

Kosovo is exploring the possibility of using liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States in the future, acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on Wednesday. Kurti made the statement during the foundation ceremony for a 105-megawatt solar park in Rahovec, southwestern Kosovo. He said Kosovo aims to use coal …

News
Artificial intelligence in filmmaking sparks debate on regulation and innovation

TIRANA, July 16 – The integration of artificial intelligence into the film industry and the need for a legal framework for its use topped the agenda at a roundtable organised by Albania’s National Center of Cinematography during the International AI Film Festival. Film professionals, including director Fatmir Koçi, Professor Shpend …

News
Tirana opens forest access routes to strengthen wildfire response

TIRANA, July 16 – Authorities have started opening forest access routes across Tirana County to improve wildfire response during the summer fire season. The Tirana Prefecture and the Tirana Agency of Parks and Recreation are clearing existing former military tracks to allow fire engines to reach forested areas more quickly. …

News
Vllaznia exit European campaign after defeat against Kosova’s Malisheva

TIRANA, July 16 – Vllaznia of Shkodër have ended their UEFA Conference League campaign after losing 5-0 to Malisheva in the second leg of the first qualifying round. The match took place at the “Zahir Pajaziti” Stadium in Podujeva. Malisheva overturned the result from the first leg and secured qualification …

News

Albania Closes First EU Chapters, Hard Tests Ahead

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 …

News

Government approves procedure for public announcement of underwater cultural discoveries

The Albanian government has approved a new procedure for the public announcement of cultural heritage assets discovered at sea, strengthening the protection and preservation of the country’s underwater cultural heritage. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said Albania’s location along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, together with its …

News

Ksamil attracts visitors with crystal-clear waters and warm hospitality

TIRANA, July 16 – Ksamil continues to rank among Albania’s most popular summer destinations, attracting visitors from around the world with its crystal-clear waters, small islands and Mediterranean scenery. Many tourists describe the resort as an ideal place to relax. They praise the clear sea, stunning coastal views and peaceful …

News

Albanian Infrastructure Minister Karakaçi and Irish counterpart discuss energy and aviation cooperation

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Infrastructure and Energy Minister, Enea Karakaçi, met Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, to discuss closer bilateral cooperation. Karakaçi said the meeting focused on renewable energy. He highlighted battery development as a key area for future cooperation. He added that Ireland’s …

News

Agritourism “Nëna Dashuri” in Dibër welcomes visitors from around the world

The agritourism destination “Nëna Dashuri” in Dibër has become a popular attraction for local and international visitors by combining Albanian hospitality, traditional cuisine, and fresh farm products. Prime Minister Edi Rama recently shared images from the guesthouse in Peshkopi, highlighting its journey from a small family business into a successful …

News

New waste strategy aims to align Albania with European Union standards

TIRANA, July 16 – An inter-institutional working group held its first meeting to review Albania’s National Strategy and Action Plan for Integrated Waste Management, as well as the National Sectoral Waste Plan. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said the revised strategy would align the objectives of the European Union Waste Framework …

News

Kurti: Kosovo considers using US liquefied natural gas in the future

Kosovo is exploring the possibility of using liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States in the future, acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on Wednesday. Kurti made the statement during the foundation ceremony for a 105-megawatt solar park in Rahovec, southwestern Kosovo. He said Kosovo aims to use coal …

News

Artificial intelligence in filmmaking sparks debate on regulation and innovation

TIRANA, July 16 – The integration of artificial intelligence into the film industry and the need for a legal framework for its use topped the agenda at a roundtable organised by Albania’s National Center of Cinematography during the International AI Film Festival. Film professionals, including director Fatmir Koçi, Professor Shpend …

News

Tirana opens forest access routes to strengthen wildfire response

TIRANA, July 16 – Authorities have started opening forest access routes across Tirana County to improve wildfire response during the summer fire season. The Tirana Prefecture and the Tirana Agency of Parks and Recreation are clearing existing former military tracks to allow fire engines to reach forested areas more quickly. …

News

Vllaznia exit European campaign after defeat against Kosova’s Malisheva

TIRANA, July 16 – Vllaznia of Shkodër have ended their UEFA Conference League campaign after losing 5-0 to Malisheva in the second leg of the first qualifying round. The match took place at the “Zahir Pajaziti” Stadium in Podujeva. Malisheva overturned the result from the first leg and secured qualification …