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North Macedonia Parliament Speaker Gashi urges policies to stop youth emigration

TIRANA, April 14 – North Macedonia Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi warned about rising youth emigration during the Fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana. He said governments must urgently design policies to stop the outflow of young people. At the opening of his remarks, Gashi described the trend as a demographic “bleeding” …

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Presheva Valley leader raises institutional concerns, calls diaspora vital national force

TIRANA, April 14 – Presheva Valley Albanian National Council head Enkel Rexhepi raised serious concerns over institutional challenges facing Albanians in southern Serbia during the Fourth Diaspora Summit. He described the diaspora as a “vital national force” for identity, development, and international representation. Speaking at a panel on diaspora and …

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Defence Minister Nufi praises Albania’s NATO mission staff during Brussels visit

TIRANA, April 14 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met military and civilian staff of Albania’s mission to NATO in Brussels and praised their role in representing the country within the alliance. He described their work as essential for maintaining Albania’s presence in NATO structures. During the meeting, he highlighted the …

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Democratic Union for Integration leader in North Macedonia warns over Albanian language rights in that country, cites risks to Ohrid Agreement

TIRANA, April 14 – Democratic Union for Integration leader Ali Ahmeti warned at the Diaspora Summit in Tirana that the status of the Albanian language in North Macedonia faces growing risks. He urged institutions and society to defend existing rights with determination. His remarks came in the wake of student …

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Diaspora engagement key to accelerating Albania’s EU integration

TIRANA, April 14 – State Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said Albania can accelerate its European Union integration through stronger diaspora engagement. She spoke during a panel at the Diaspora Summit in Tirana. At the session on international experience in public administration, she stressed the value of …

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President Begaj urges Albanian-language law exams, stresses rights during meeting with North Macedonia Parliament Speaker

TIRANA, April 14 – President Bajram Begaj met North Macedonia Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi in Tirana and focused on bilateral relations and the rights of Albanians. He placed particular emphasis on language rights and institutional representation. During the meeting, both sides reviewed cooperation between the two countries. They also discussed …

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Rama: Contract with Fincantieri for military ship production in Pashaliman

The Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He promoted major development and investment plans. First, he said Vlora transforms into a key tourism hub. He stressed that projects attract more visitors and investors. Moreover, he said Albania offers a safe environment for living and business. Therefore, he compared Vlora …

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Rama: Tourism interest rises, prices must follow long-term vision

Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He focused on tourism growth and investment strategy.First, he said tourism demand continues to grow. He added that Albania can attract visitors beyond the summer season. Moreover, he said investment interest is increasing. Therefore, he urged operators to use this opportunity. In addition, …

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PM Rama urges diaspora investment through “mountains package”, says Albania offers real profit opportunities

TIRANA, April 14 – Prime Minister Edi Rama called on the Albanian diaspora to invest in their homeland during the Fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana. He introduced the “Mountains Package” as a policy tool for rural development and investment. At the opening of his address, he described the initiative as …

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Speaker Peleshi says diaspora Albanians represent a global success model at fourth Diaspora Summit

TIRANA, April 14 – The Fourth Diaspora Summit continued at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana. Officials highlighted the role of Albanians abroad in national development and European integration. Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi described the gathering as important for Albania’s EU path. At the opening of his address, he …

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The False Civil Society and the Real One

In Albania, real civic society is no longer in donor-funded conference rooms. It is in the streets. By Mrika Temali Tirana Times, June 16, 2026 – Thirty-five years after the fall of communism, Albania offers a bitter paradox. The European Union, Western governments and international foundations have spent millions indeed …

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UEFA Inspects Albania’s Stadiums Ahead of EURO U-21 2027

UEFA representatives continued inspections in Albania as preparations advance for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027, which Albania will co-host. First, UEFA experts visited stadiums over a four-day inspection tour. They assessed technical and operational readiness for the tournament. They focused on lighting systems, backup generators, security measures, and other …

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Housing prices continue to rise as tourism drives property market demand

TIRANA, June 16 – Housing prices in Albania continued to rise during 2025. At the same time, transaction volumes fell in the second half of the year. The Bank of Albania said the trend requires more time and data to determine whether it reflects a slowdown or a correction after …

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Fuel prices cut, diesel at 180 ALL per litre, petrol at 168 ALL per litre

TIRANA, June 16 – The Transparency Board has decided to reduce fuel prices in Albania. It cut diesel by 3 ALL per litre and petrol by 2 ALL per litre. Under the decision, diesel will sell at a maximum retail price of 180 ALL per litre. The board set the …

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Albania U-19 Draw Armenia and Cyprus in Euro 2027 Qualifiers

Albania’s U-19 national team learned its opponents for the second round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2027 qualifiers. UEFA held the draw in Nyon, Switzerland. It placed Albania U-19 in Group 6 of League B. First, Albania will face Armenia and Cyprus in the group stage. The team will …

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US signals “adjustment of contribution” to KFOR mission

TIRANA, June 16 – The United States is expected to adjust its contribution to NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosova. The move comes as part of a broader review of the Alliance’s military presence in the country. A US European Command (EUCOM) official told Radio Free Europe that the decision follows …

News
Speaker Peleshi in Netherlands, support reaffirmed for faster EU negotiation process

TIRANA, June 16 – Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi has paid an official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where he met Speaker of the House of Representatives Thom van Campen, Senate President Mei Li Vos, and members of the European Affairs Committee. The visit comes at …

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PM Rama to attend Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, focus on investment and EU path

TIRANA, June 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will take part in the Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, one of the key platforms for economic and political dialogue between Germany and Eastern European countries. The Media and Information Agency said Rama will also meet members of the committee’s board …

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Israeli photographer captures Vjosa river landscapes in Albania

TIRANA, June 16 – Natural landscapes across Albania continue to attract visitors from around the world. Unspoiled rivers, mountains, and rural scenery are shaping growing interest among photographers who seek less-explored Mediterranean destinations. Iris from Israel is among them. She is a photographer with more than 40 years of professional …

News
Lezha and Bra sign twinning agreement

TIRANA, June 16 – The Municipality of Lezha and the Municipality of Bra in Italy signed a twinning agreement that aims to strengthen ties between the two communities and expand cooperation in several areas. Lezha Mayor Pjerin Ndreu and Bra Mayor Giovanni Fogliato signed the agreement in the presence of …

News

The False Civil Society and the Real One

In Albania, real civic society is no longer in donor-funded conference rooms. It is in the streets. By Mrika Temali Tirana Times, June 16, 2026 – Thirty-five years after the fall of communism, Albania offers a bitter paradox. The European Union, Western governments and international foundations have spent millions indeed …

News

UEFA Inspects Albania’s Stadiums Ahead of EURO U-21 2027

UEFA representatives continued inspections in Albania as preparations advance for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027, which Albania will co-host. First, UEFA experts visited stadiums over a four-day inspection tour. They assessed technical and operational readiness for the tournament. They focused on lighting systems, backup generators, security measures, and other …

News

Housing prices continue to rise as tourism drives property market demand

TIRANA, June 16 – Housing prices in Albania continued to rise during 2025. At the same time, transaction volumes fell in the second half of the year. The Bank of Albania said the trend requires more time and data to determine whether it reflects a slowdown or a correction after …

News

Fuel prices cut, diesel at 180 ALL per litre, petrol at 168 ALL per litre

TIRANA, June 16 – The Transparency Board has decided to reduce fuel prices in Albania. It cut diesel by 3 ALL per litre and petrol by 2 ALL per litre. Under the decision, diesel will sell at a maximum retail price of 180 ALL per litre. The board set the …

News

Albania U-19 Draw Armenia and Cyprus in Euro 2027 Qualifiers

Albania’s U-19 national team learned its opponents for the second round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2027 qualifiers. UEFA held the draw in Nyon, Switzerland. It placed Albania U-19 in Group 6 of League B. First, Albania will face Armenia and Cyprus in the group stage. The team will …

News

US signals “adjustment of contribution” to KFOR mission

TIRANA, June 16 – The United States is expected to adjust its contribution to NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosova. The move comes as part of a broader review of the Alliance’s military presence in the country. A US European Command (EUCOM) official told Radio Free Europe that the decision follows …

News

Speaker Peleshi in Netherlands, support reaffirmed for faster EU negotiation process

TIRANA, June 16 – Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi has paid an official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where he met Speaker of the House of Representatives Thom van Campen, Senate President Mei Li Vos, and members of the European Affairs Committee. The visit comes at …

News

PM Rama to attend Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, focus on investment and EU path

TIRANA, June 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will take part in the Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, one of the key platforms for economic and political dialogue between Germany and Eastern European countries. The Media and Information Agency said Rama will also meet members of the committee’s board …

News

Israeli photographer captures Vjosa river landscapes in Albania

TIRANA, June 16 – Natural landscapes across Albania continue to attract visitors from around the world. Unspoiled rivers, mountains, and rural scenery are shaping growing interest among photographers who seek less-explored Mediterranean destinations. Iris from Israel is among them. She is a photographer with more than 40 years of professional …

News

Lezha and Bra sign twinning agreement

TIRANA, June 16 – The Municipality of Lezha and the Municipality of Bra in Italy signed a twinning agreement that aims to strengthen ties between the two communities and expand cooperation in several areas. Lezha Mayor Pjerin Ndreu and Bra Mayor Giovanni Fogliato signed the agreement in the presence of …