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Gonxhja: Territorial Reform Should Strengthen Municipalities

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja called for stronger municipalities and improved local governance, stressing that effective local administration is essential for tourism development. In a television interview, Gonxhja said tourism depends heavily on how well municipalities manage public services and local infrastructure. “Tourism is directly affected by the …

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Vengu: US Loan Agreement Secures $302 Million for a Stronger Albanian Defence

Former Defence Minister and Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu said the loan agreement with the United States marks the largest defence financing package in Albania’s history. The agreement will finance the purchase of US-made military systems, equipment and weapons. Speaking in a television interview, Vengu said the agreement provides $302 …

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Italy’s EUSAIR Presidency Focuses on Western Balkans’ EU Integration

Italy launched its 2026–2027 Presidency of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) with a focus on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the European integration of the Western Balkans. During the opening meeting in Rome, participants highlighted the strategic importance of the Adriatic-Ionian region in addressing …

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114th Anniversary of the Raising of the Albanian Flag at Guri i Kamjes

Pogradec commemorated the 114th anniversary of the Albanian flag raising at Guri i Kamjes, a historic event for the regions of Gorë, Mokër and Opar. On July 28, 1912, Kapedan Kajo Babeni led hundreds of fighters from Mokër and Opar in their fight against Ottoman rule. Shahin Matraku and other …

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US State Department: Albania Remains Target of Cyberattacks from Iran and Russia

Albania continues to face cyberattacks from state-backed actors, including Iran and Russia, according to the latest security report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) of the US Department of State. The report says Albania has also experienced ransomware attacks carried out by cybercriminal groups. In 2026, Iran launched attacks …

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Albania Joins WHO Call to Eliminate Hepatitis B and C

*]: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:bf07789e-c33b-4efe-873c-9eadd6ea0ed5-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:bf07789e-c33b-4efe-873c-9eadd6ea0ed5-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> “Let’s Break the Barriers” is the theme of World Hepatitis Day 2026. Health experts are urging people to get tested and take preventive measures against hepatitis, commonly known as jaundice. They warn that viral hepatitis remains a major public health challenge …

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Young Man Killed After Crane Collapses at Construction Site in Pristina, Another Injured

A man in his 20s has died after a crane collapsed at a construction site in Pristina. Another person was injured and is receiving treatment at the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (QKUK). The fatality was confirmed by Enis Pllana, spokesperson for the Kosovo Police in the Pristina region. “As …

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2,400 farmers apply for VAT refund, payments to start in August

TIRANA, July 28 – The General Director of Taxes, Ilir Binaj, said farmers are using the 10% VAT refund scheme without major problems. He expects applications to increase as the tax administration expands information campaigns and training sessions across the country. At a joint press conference with Finance Minister Petrit …

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President Begaj discusses stronger strategic partnership with Croatian foreign minister

TIRANA, July 28 – President Bajram Begaj met with Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic-Radman to discuss relations between Albania and Croatia. The two officials focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the countries. During the meeting, they highlighted Croatia’s continued support for Albania’s European integration. They …

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Kosova acting president Haxhiu discusses NATO membership with Admiral Wikoff

TIRANA, July 28 – Kosova Acting President Albulena Haxhiu met Admiral George Wikoff, commander of the NATO Allied Joint Force Command Naples. The officials discussed the security situation in Kosova, cooperation with the Kosova Force, and coordination with NATO. According to a social media statement, Haxhiu thanked Admiral Wikoff for …

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Rama: Malësia e Madhe and Përmet, from Places Without Hope to Destinations in the New Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama has highlighted Malësia e Madhe and Përmet as examples of Albania’s transformation over the past decade, reflecting on the changing image and potential of these two areas in the latest episode of his “Flasim” podcast. According to Rama, a decade ago, both areas were perceived as …

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PM Rama Reveals His Dream After Leaving Office as Prime Minister

Prime Minister Edi Rama has revealed one of the wishes he hopes to fulfill after leaving office, admitting that he dreams of putting an end to his constant presence on social media. During the latest episode of his “Flasim” podcast, while speaking with his guests, Rama openly expressed his envy …

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Albania Condemns Houthi Attack on Saudi Arabia, Minister Hoxha Calls for Accountability

Albania has condemned the latest attack by the Houthi group against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which resulted in casualties, expressing solidarity with the Saudi people and authorities. The statement was made by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha in a post on the social media platform X. …

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Rama Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia: Tehran and Sponsors of Terror Must Be Held Accountable

Prime Minister Edi Rama has condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. In a statement published on the social media platform X on Sunday, Rama expressed Albania’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people, calling for …

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President Begaj in Dibër: “Oda Dibrane” Unites Albanians Across Borders

President of the Republic Bajram Begaj visited Dibër, where he attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his speech, the head of state praised the festival’s role in preserving national identity and strengthening ties between Albanians at home and abroad. During his visit, …

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Saudi Arabia and the New Strategic Balance in the Middle East

The Middle East faces a historic choice: to remain trapped in rivalries that define security through the weakening of adversaries, or to build a regional order based on sovereignty, cooperation and diplomacy. By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, October 09, 2026 – The greatest danger facing the Middle East today …

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Europe Needs Proof, Not Promises

By Enrico Letta  Delivery as the defining challenge Thank you. I am genuinely pleased to be here, and I will tell you why I rearranged my agenda to make it. When I saw the title of this event — “Proof, Not Promises”, I understood immediately that this is the title …

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EU Ambassador: Energy and Transport Links Bring Albania Closer to EU Market

EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said energy and transport links play a key role in economic growth and Albania’s integration with the European market. She made the remarks after meeting Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi. Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Albania in …

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EU Approves October 13 Conference to Advance Albania’s Accession Talks

EU member states have approved an intergovernmental conference with Albania on October 13 in Luxembourg, paving the way for the provisional closure of Chapter 20 on Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) approved the meeting after reviewing Albania’s progress on business development and industrial reforms. Chapter …

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Rama: Countdown Begins Toward Albania’s Historic EU Membership Goal

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has moved closer to its historic goal of joining the European Union after the bloc gave the green light to close negotiations on Chapter 20, which covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. In a social media post, Rama said the latest development strengthens Albania’s prospects …

News

Rama: Malësia e Madhe and Përmet, from Places Without Hope to Destinations in the New Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama has highlighted Malësia e Madhe and Përmet as examples of Albania’s transformation over the past decade, reflecting on the changing image and potential of these two areas in the latest episode of his “Flasim” podcast. According to Rama, a decade ago, both areas were perceived as …

News

PM Rama Reveals His Dream After Leaving Office as Prime Minister

Prime Minister Edi Rama has revealed one of the wishes he hopes to fulfill after leaving office, admitting that he dreams of putting an end to his constant presence on social media. During the latest episode of his “Flasim” podcast, while speaking with his guests, Rama openly expressed his envy …

News

Albania Condemns Houthi Attack on Saudi Arabia, Minister Hoxha Calls for Accountability

Albania has condemned the latest attack by the Houthi group against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which resulted in casualties, expressing solidarity with the Saudi people and authorities. The statement was made by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha in a post on the social media platform X. …

News

Rama Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia: Tehran and Sponsors of Terror Must Be Held Accountable

Prime Minister Edi Rama has condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. In a statement published on the social media platform X on Sunday, Rama expressed Albania’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people, calling for …

News

President Begaj in Dibër: “Oda Dibrane” Unites Albanians Across Borders

President of the Republic Bajram Begaj visited Dibër, where he attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his speech, the head of state praised the festival’s role in preserving national identity and strengthening ties between Albanians at home and abroad. During his visit, …

News

Saudi Arabia and the New Strategic Balance in the Middle East

The Middle East faces a historic choice: to remain trapped in rivalries that define security through the weakening of adversaries, or to build a regional order based on sovereignty, cooperation and diplomacy. By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, October 09, 2026 – The greatest danger facing the Middle East today …

News

Europe Needs Proof, Not Promises

By Enrico Letta  Delivery as the defining challenge Thank you. I am genuinely pleased to be here, and I will tell you why I rearranged my agenda to make it. When I saw the title of this event — “Proof, Not Promises”, I understood immediately that this is the title …

News

EU Ambassador: Energy and Transport Links Bring Albania Closer to EU Market

EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said energy and transport links play a key role in economic growth and Albania’s integration with the European market. She made the remarks after meeting Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi. Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Albania in …

News

EU Approves October 13 Conference to Advance Albania’s Accession Talks

EU member states have approved an intergovernmental conference with Albania on October 13 in Luxembourg, paving the way for the provisional closure of Chapter 20 on Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) approved the meeting after reviewing Albania’s progress on business development and industrial reforms. Chapter …

News

Rama: Countdown Begins Toward Albania’s Historic EU Membership Goal

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has moved closer to its historic goal of joining the European Union after the bloc gave the green light to close negotiations on Chapter 20, which covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. In a social media post, Rama said the latest development strengthens Albania’s prospects …