PM Rama says Zvërnec protests misrepresented by international media
TIRANA, June 7 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said protests against a proposed investment in Zvërnec have been exaggerated by international media, arguing that no approved project currently exists. In a message addressed to international news organizations, including CNN International, Rama said the latest protest drew about 2,000 participants. …
Kosova votes as citizens elect 120-seat parliament
TIRANA, June 7 – Voters in Kosova headed to the polls on Saturday to elect the 11th legislature of the 120-seat parliament. The Central Election Commission distributed voting materials across all 38 municipalities. A total of 23 political parties and three coalitions are competing, with 917 candidates running for office. …
Spring Festival names 12 finalists after opening night
TIRANA, June 7 – The Spring Festival returned to the Albanian stage after a 23-year break. It selected 12 finalists on its opening night, in a show marked by nostalgia, live orchestration and competition. The event took place at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. It brought together emerging …
Lake Shkodër receives UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status
TIRANA, June 6 – Lake Shkodër has received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, gaining international recognition for one of Albania’s most important natural assets. Meanwhile, Shkodër Mayor Benet Beci describes the decision as a source of pride for the city and for communities living around the lake. He says the designation …
Spring Festival returns to RTSH as 20 artists compete on opening night
TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to the Albanian Public Radio and Television tonight after a long absence. Twenty artists will take the stage in the opening show, which will feature special guests and a mix of classic and contemporary music. Meanwhile, the festival’s hosts, singer Bleona Qereti …
PM Rama: Iran Is Behind Tirana Protests
The prime minister casts the widening unrest as a “hybrid war,” citing antisemitic narratives, claims about resettling Palestinians and AI-manipulated content. Tirana Times, June 6, 2026 — Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused Iran of standing behind the growing protests in Tirana against the proposed Zvërnec tourism project, shifting the …
Western Balkans – EU summit in Montenegro pushes for faster enlargement and reforms
TIRANA, June 6 – European Union and Western Balkan leaders meet in Tivat for the Western Balkans–EU summit. They focus on speeding up enlargement and advancing reforms across candidate countries. Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa says enlargement remains merit-based, but he adds that the process must become faster and …
Nik Xhelilaj and Bleona Qereti host revived RTSH’s Spring Festival
TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to Albania after two decades. It takes place on June 6 and 7 at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana. The event brings together established and emerging artists. Organisers present the festival as a revival of a major cultural …
Rama: Sazan Island Remains State Property, Not for Privatization
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Sazan Island will remain property of the Albanian state. He stressed that it will not be privatized. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Vlora, Rama said Sazan is a national asset. Therefore, any development project will be carried out in partnership …
EU Leaders: Albania Next in Line After Montenegro for Membership
Albania received strong support from European Union leaders at the summit in Tivat, Montenegro. EU officials said the country is moving in the right direction toward membership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU’s goals are clear. She stated that Montenegro is expected to join the EU …
State Department says removing Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha’s designation, imposed in 2021 over alleged corruption, serves US ‘national interest’. Original post Here
TIRANA, June 12 – The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Evis Sala, initiated school-based sessions of the National Council for Child Rights and Protection. The initiative brings students from primary and secondary education directly into policy discussions across several cities. The first out-of-institution meeting took place at the “Petro …
TIRANA, June 12 – Archaeologists have uncovered previously unknown mosaics in Elbasan. The discovery came during excavations under the project “The Roman-Byzantine Quarter outside the Walls of Castrum Scampis – The Early Christian Basilica Extra Muros.” The findings reveal an earlier phase of the Early Christian basilica outside the walls …
Lëpusha, located in the heart of the Albanian Alps in Malësi e Madhe, is emerging as one of Albania’s most attractive mountain tourism destinations. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos of the area and highlighted its growing tourism potential and agrotourism development. He described Lëpusha as one of the “tourism …
TIRANA, June 12 – President Bajram Begaj attended an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Adriatic-Ionian Euroregion. He praised the initiative for strengthening cooperation among countries and communities across the region. During his address, Begaj said the anniversary reflected the value of an idea that had delivered tangible results …
Selenicë hosted the first edition of the school folklore festival “Brez pas brezi” today in Gjorm, Brataj administrative unit. More than 100 students from schools in Gjorm, Kotë, Armen, Selenicë, Vllahinë, and Sevaster took part in the festival. They performed traditional songs and dances from the Labëria region and highlighted …
TIRANA, June 12 – Albania’s Ombudsman, Endrit Shabani, met officials at the U.S. Department of State this week. He held talks with the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, which prepares the annual U.S. human rights reports. The participants discussed stronger cooperation on human rights, independent monitoring, and the …
TIRANA, June 12 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha extended greetings on Kosova Liberation Day. In his message, Hoxha said June 12 marks one of the defining moments in Kosova’s modern history. He described the date as the end of a painful period of violence, repression and …
TIRANA, June 12 – Albania’s General Directorate of Taxes and the Tax Administration of Kosova have reaffirmed their commitment to stronger strategic cooperation. The effort aims to modernize tax administration and improve institutional efficiency. As part of the initiative, Albania’s Director General of Taxes, Ilir Binaj, paid a working visit …
The National Center for Traditional Activities opened the exhibition “Vazhdimësi” in Tirana, highlighting craftsmanship as both art and living cultural heritage. The exhibition focuses on Albanian handicrafts as one of the most authentic forms of cultural heritage and artistic creation. Curator Erilda Selaj, also director of the National Center for …