A New U.S. Ambassador for a Changing Partnership?
Eric Wendt presents credentials in Tirana as Albania and the United States look to the next phase of their strategic relationship Tirana Times, September, 27, 2026 – Eric P. Wendt, a retired U.S. Army lieutenant general and former commander of NATO’s Special Operations Headquarters, has formally taken up his post …
Gazmend Freitag Named “Painter of the Year 2025” in Gjirokastër
Kosovo-born, Austria-based artist honored for a career that has turned memory, displacement and identity into a bridge between cultures Tirana Times, September 29, 2026 – Kosovo-born Albanian painter Gazmend Freitag, who has built his artistic career in Austria, has been awarded the title “Painter of the Year 2025”, receiving the distinction …
More Resorts Planned in Protected Area at Heart of Albanian Protests
Authorities have approved three new permits for tourist complexes in a protected area in Zvernec – where a project backed by Jared Kushner triggered the ‘Flamingo Revolution’ protests. Original post Here
Albania and Italy deepen strategic security partnership
*]: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:4c373d13-a52f-4222-9521-ffa1122dc669-40″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4c373d13-a52f-4222-9521-ffa1122dc669-40″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> div:has([data-free-thinking-preview-answer=true])+:is(.text-message,.relative:has(>.text-message))]:-mt-2 grow”> Albania’s Minister of the Interior, Ervin Demo, met Italian Ambassador Marco Alberti on Tuesday to discuss strengthening the strategic partnership between the two countries in the field of security. In a post on social media, Demo said the cooperation …
Rama: Albania is attracting luxury tourism investors
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is attracting investors who can expand luxury tourism and generate higher revenues for the country. He spoke at the Euronews Tourism Summit 2026 in Brussels, where he discussed the future of tourism, investment and Albania’s growing potential. Rama argued that tourism built mainly on …
Albania’s Archives Expand International Cooperation with Palestine
Albania’s General Directorate of Archives is expanding its international partnerships through new contacts with archival institutions abroad. Director General Auron Rrokaj hosted the Ambassador of the State of Palestine to Albania, Rana Abu Sibae, to discuss potential cooperation between Albania’s General Directorate of Archives and the Palestinian Archives Institute. The …
Albanian and Kosovan Ballet Companies to Share the Stage for the First Time
The ballet companies of Albania and Kosovo will perform together on the same stage for the first time, marking a significant cultural milestone for both countries. The production “Neighbours / From Motherland”, created by choreographers Brigel Gjoka and Rauf “RubberLegz” Yasit, will open the fifth edition of the International Dance …
Exhibition Highlights Shared Architectural Heritage of the Lake Shkodra Region
An exhibition showcasing the traditional architecture of communities around Lake Shkodra opened on Albania’s National Cultural Heritage Day, highlighting the shared history, craftsmanship and architectural identity of regions connected by the lake. The exhibition, titled “Traditional Architecture Along the Lake Shkodra Basin,” is the result of a collaboration between the …
Durrës Amphitheatre Enters New Phase of Conservation and Research
The Ancient Amphitheatre of Durrës has entered a new phase of conservation and archaeological research as authorities step up efforts to preserve one of Albania’s most important cultural heritage sites. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the start of the Conservation and Archaeological Excavation Plan, an initiative …
Croatian Comedy ‘Coffee at Noon’ Takes the Stage in Tirana
“Coffee at Noon,” a comedy by Croatian playwright Miro Gavran, took the stage at the Kujtim Spahivogli National Experimental Theatre in Tirana as part of Croatian Cultural Week. The play, performed by Mladena Gavran and Vedran Komerički, tells the story of a mother and her son and follows their relationship …
Five joint scientific research projects between Albanian and Turkish universities have been selected for funding under the 2026–2028 Albania–Türkiye Bilateral Call. The projects will give new impetus to cooperation in scientific research and innovation. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced that the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (AKKSHI) and …
Academy of Sciences marks 135th anniversary of Osman Myderrizi’s birth with scholarly memorial event
The Academy of Sciences of Albania held a scholarly memorial event to mark the 135th anniversary of the birth of Osman Myderrizi. The event focused on his life, work and contributions to linguistics, literature, history and Albanian national culture. The Academy’s Permanent Commission on Linguistics and Literature organized the event. …
Defence ministers from six Adriatic and Ionian countries met in Venice to discuss stronger regional cooperation in defence and security. The participating countries were Albania, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia. The ministers focused on the increasingly complex strategic environment. They also discussed ways to strengthen regional coordination and joint …
Parliament held today the “Green Week” plenary session, chaired by Speaker Niko Peleshi. The session focused on issues that lawmakers identified during meetings with constituents in their electoral districts. During the proceedings, MPs brought citizens’ concerns and requests to Parliament. They discussed issues that directly affect the daily lives of …
Prof. Dr. Agron Lufi (1947–2026), a renowned architect, professor and researcher, has died at the age of 79. For more than five decades, he contributed to education, scientific research, architecture and urban planning in Albania. The Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism and the Polytechnic University of Tirana expressed their condolences …
New magistrate candidates began the new academic year today at the School of Magistrates in Tirana. During the opening ceremony, EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa stressed the importance of the rule of law as Albania advances toward EU membership. Addressing the new candidates, Moreira de Sousa said …
The United States has reaffirmed its role as Albania’s leading defence partner. The US Embassy in Tirana said Ambassador Eric Wendt discussed stronger defence cooperation and enhanced security capabilities during a meeting with Defence Minister Ermal Nufi. The meeting focused on strengthening operational readiness through Albania’s 25-year partnership with the …
The fight against transnational crime, drug trafficking and illegal migration took center stage at a meeting between US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt and SPAK chief Klodian Braho. Wendt also met with Joni Keta, head of the National Bureau of Investigation. The US Embassy in Tirana said the meetings focused …
Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted a US congressional delegation at the Prime Minister’s Office, where US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt also attended. Rama shared footage from the meeting on social media. Earlier, a delegation from the US House of Representatives, led by Congressman Vern Buchanan, chairman of the Committee …
The United States Ambassador to Tirana, Eric Wendt, met with the leadership of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), with discussions focusing on challenges related to transnational crime, drug trafficking, and illegal migration. In a social media post, the US Embassy in Tirana said these issues are …