Albania on course for European Union membership by 2030
TIRANA, June 26 – Former French President François Hollande said Albania remains on course to join the European Union by 2030. He made the remarks in an interview with Top Channel. Hollande recalled that France recognized Albania as a candidate country during his presidency. Meanwhile, he said Albania has made …
In Albania, Public Sector Political Hires are Undermining Democracy
The current protests reflect frustration with a clientelist system that rewards party loyalty over merit and uses the public administration to distribute privileges and resources to supporters. Original post Here
PM Rama: Ukraine is rebuilding Europe’s courage at reconstruction conference
TIRANA, June 27 – Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Poland, which brings together heads of state and government, international financial institutions, business representatives and civil society organisations from around the world. The conference aims to strengthen international support for Ukraine and mobilise …
Bënja Spa Rehabilitation Continues, Boosting Tourism Potential
Work on the rehabilitation of the Bënja thermal baths continues steadily. The project aims to improve tourist infrastructure, organize visitor services, and protect the area’s unique natural values. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment clarified that the destination remains under development. Therefore, recently published images show temporary construction stages rather than …
Territorial Reform Aims to Strengthen Municipalities and Balance Development
The Special Commission on Administrative-Territorial Reform held its eleventh public hearing in Korça. The meeting gathered local stakeholders to discuss proposals for Albania’s new territorial reform. Speaking at the hearing, Arbjan Mazniku said that ten years after the 2014 reform, it is time to evaluate its results and identify improvements. …
Rama Meets Ukrainian Prime Minister Svyrydenko in Poland
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama met Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko in Gdańsk, Poland, on Wednesday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026. Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, also attended the talks. During the meeting, the leaders discussed ways to strengthen …
Cyprus EU Presidency Backs Albania’s EU Path, Hoxha Says in Nicosia Visit
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha visited Nicosia, Cyprus, where he held a series of high-level meetings focused on EU integration and bilateral cooperation. First, Hoxha met with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and advancing Albania’s European agenda. In addition, he …
Peleshi Meets Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican, Reaffirms Strong Albania–Holy See Relations
Niko Peleshi met Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. The meeting reaffirmed strong relations between Albania and the Holy See. Both sides emphasized shared values and cooperation. They highlighted peace, dialogue, and mutual respect. Peleshi presented a symbolic gift from Albania. The gesture expressed friendship and appreciation toward the Holy …
Begaj: Scientific Research Is Key for Albania’s European Path
Bajram Begaj attended an international scientific conference in Tirana focused on the importance of toponymy in shaping Albanian cultural identity. The event was organized by the Institute of Anthropology under the Academy of Sciences. Researchers and academics discussed how place names reflect language, history, and identity. Begaj said that scientific …
A stronger Union for the Mediterranean for a stronger Mediterranean
By H.E. Ambassador Nasser Kamel, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean. Tirana Times, June 25, 2026 – They say no man ever steps in the same river twice. The universe is in a constant state of flux: such is my sentiment as I reflect on my mandate at the Union for the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted immediately on Wednesday following the decision of the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague regarding the former KLA leaders. Rama shared a photo on Facebook with the word “SHAME” written in capital letters. The image shows a map of Europe surrounded by a circle of …
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj announced after the government meeting on Wednesday the decision to reactivate the Transparency Board for fuel prices. According to the minister, this mechanism will serve to reduce the excise tax and lower market prices, which have remained at high levels for more than …
President Bajram Begaj reacted on Wednesday to the sentencing of the former KLA leaders by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. He said that today’s decision brings deep sadness, adding that for Albanians, no one and nothing can tarnish the KLA. “Deep sadness over today’s decision. The determination to …
Rapid branch network expansion, high liquidity and stronger capital demonstrate the Bank’s sustainable development The American Bank of Investments (ABI Bank) closed the first half of 2026 with a sound financial position and indicators demonstrating stability, strong financing capacity and growing confidence in the Albanian market. ABI Bank is continuing …
The four former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) have been sentenced to a combined 81 years in prison by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague, following the conclusion of the first-instance judgment in the case against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. Former Kosovo …
Developments in Albania’s financial sector have drawn the attention of European media outlet Euractiv, which has highlighted the country’s digital banking transformation and its potential for closer integration with the wider European financial market. The article also features Jet Bank, presented as the first fully digital, branchless bank in the …
A monumental statue dedicated to Queen Teuta has been installed on the scenic Shëngjin-Velipojë route. The monument adds a new historical, cultural and tourism attraction to the area. Sculptor Julian Muçollari created the nearly nine-meter-high monument. Journalist Marin Mema inspired the concept. Historian Paulin Zefi, actors from Albanian-speaking territories and …
More than 5,300 children with disabilities receive support in Albanian schools, Deputy Health and Social Welfare Minister Ina Majko said as the new school year begins. Majko said support for children and their families includes dedicated services aimed at promoting inclusion in education. She highlighted assistant teachers, psychosocial services and …
Albania marks today the 84th anniversary of the Peza Conference, held on September 16, 1942, by representatives of Albanian antifascist forces seeking to establish a united front against the occupiers. The conference adopted several important decisions, including the creation of the National Liberation Antifascist Front. The front brought together antifascists …
The Trial Panel at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague has found former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi criminally responsible for war crimes. Presiding Judge Charles Smith presented the panel’s findings today during the first-instance judgment hearing. The panel found …