U.S. Senate clears way for Eric Wendt vote as new ambassador to Albania
TIRANA, July 31 – The US Senate approved a procedural resolution that allows a group vote on 74 nominations from the American administration, including Eric Wendt’s candidacy for ambassador to Albania, according to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website. The resolution passed with 50 votes in favor and 47 against, …
Himara beaches inspected to protect public spaces
TIRANA, July 31 – Authorities continue inspections along coastal areas to ensure the proper use of public spaces and compliance with beach management standards. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the National Coastline Agency and municipalities are carrying out inspections in Himara to protect public beach areas. Meanwhile, …
Public Safety Local Council in Elbasan discusses measures against online misinformation and digital violence
TIRANA, July 31 – Online misinformation and digital violence against children were the focus of the latest meeting of the Public Safety Local Council in Elbasan. Local institutions and partners discussed measures under the School Safety Package 2026-2027. They also presented the “Raporto Tani” (Report Now) application, which aims to …
Gonxhja: Tirana Becomes Albania’s Tourism Capital as Cross-Border Tourism Gains Importance
Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania is reshaping its tourism policies to improve service quality and extend the tourist season throughout the year. He explained that the country is following the National Tourism Strategy and introducing new measures to strengthen sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, Gonxhja highlighted cultural tourism as a …
Water supply company introduces 24/7 support and new communication channels
TIRANA, July 31 – Tirana Water Supply and Sewerage Company (UKT) has improved its customer services by introducing 24/7 support and four new communication channels for citizens. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video on social media highlighting the company’s updated services. He said the water supply company now provides …
Tirana Mosaic enters digital era with 3D reconstruction and gigapixel technology
TIRANA, July 31 – Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja visited the Tirana Mosaic archaeological site, where authorities presented a new digital space combining restoration, scientific research and digital technology. The project transforms the Tirana Mosaic into a modern interpretation space where history meets new technologies. Digital tools will …
Armed Forces receive first 40 tactical vehicles made in Albania
TIRANA, July 31 – The Albanian Armed Forces received the first 40 NATO-standard tactical vehicles produced in Albania by Timak Defence. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi attended the handover ceremony and described the delivery as an important milestone for Albania’s defense industry. He said the vehicles strengthen the operational capabilities of …
New tactical vehicles strengthen Armed Forces’ operational capabilities
TIRANA, July 31 – The Albanian Armed Forces received the first 40 military tactical vehicles produced in Albania by Timak Defence under NATO standards. Prime Minister Edi Rama, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi, Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, KAYO company administrator Ardi Veliu and Timak Defence entrepreneur …
Vlora clears illegally occupied public beach areas
TIRANA, July 31 – Vlora Municipal Police launched an operation today to clear public beach areas that had been illegally occupied, restoring access for residents and holidaymakers. The police said the operation followed the expiration of all deadlines for voluntary compliance. Authorities had repeatedly notified the businesses involved before taking …
Hoxha: Albania Increases Sports Budget by 32%, New Sponsorship Law Expected This Autumn
Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Endrit Hoxha announced a 32% increase in the sports budget. He said the government is prioritizing elite athletes, sports infrastructure and international competitions. The increased funding marks a major step for Albanian sport. It will support athletes and improve training conditions. Moreover, Albania …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania is stepping up work on its European Union integration process, with more than 20 draft laws already prepared for Chapters 16 and 29. Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj said the first half of 2026 brought heavy workloads and strategic tasks, but EU integration remained a …
Albania faces another potentially costly international dispute after losing several arbitration cases in recent years that have exposed the state to hundreds of millions of euros in compensation and related liabilities. Tirana Times, August 10, 2026 – Albania is no stranger to costly international arbitration. Over the past decade, the …
TIRANA, August 10 – High passenger and vehicle flows continue at Albania’s ports and border crossing points (BCP-s) during the peak tourist season. Thousands of people and vehicles have entered and left the country in recent hours. At the Port of Vlora, around 2,700 passengers are expected today on 3 …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.4% in July 2026, from 2.5% in July 2025. Consumer prices also increased by 0.2% from June. According to INSTAT data, food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation at 1.18 percentage points. The group covering housing, …
TIRANA, August 10 – Tradition, history and local cuisine came together at the 7th edition of “Mokra n’Fest”, held near the stone bridge in Golikë, Pogradec. The festival brought together local residents, visitors and emigrants who returned to their hometowns. An artisan fair and traditional food highlighted local products, including …
TIRANA, August 10 – Durrës Port recorded high passenger traffic during the first 10 days of August, as the summer travel season reached its peak. According to the Durrës Port Authority, 75,962 passengers travelled through the port between August 1 and 10. Most of the traffic involved arrivals, with 51,259 …
TIRANA, August 10 – Durrës remains a popular choice for foreign tourists spending their summer holidays in Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video today featuring visitors from Germany, the Netherlands, England, the Czech Republic, Italy and other countries. Rama said the city’s sea, history, culture and Albanian hospitality …
TIRANA, August 10 – Problem loans in Albania’s banking system fell again in June. They accounted for 3.7% of total lending, down from 3.77% in May. According to Bank of Albania statistics, this marks the lowest level since 2007. The ratio also fell by 0.31 percentage points from June 2025. …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania faces a high wildfire risk this afternoon and tomorrow, with temperatures reaching 40°C. The Institute of Geosciences (IGJEO) has placed 5 counties under a high-risk warning for forest fires. The warning covers Lezha, Durrës, Tirana, Elbasan and Fier. IGJEO expects a moderate risk in Shkodër, …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s civil aviation sector is recording new highs in 2026 as summer tourism drives passenger and flight traffic. Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi visited the public company Albcontrol today, to review measures for managing the increased air traffic. Albcontrol Director Dritan Isaku said the organisation …