President Begaj highlights historic value of Albania–Holy See ties, invites Pope Leo XIV to visit
TIRANA, May 26 – President Bajram Begaj said Albania’s relations with the Holy See carry major historical value after meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. He made the remarks in a social media post following the meeting. He also published photos from the encounter. Begaj described the meeting with …
Rama: Albania Set to Complete Opening Phase of EU Membership Talks
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania expects to complete the opening phase of European Union membership negotiations on Tuesday in Brussels. Rama spoke at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Durrës on Monday. He said Albania has opened all negotiation chapters in record time. He added that the country …
Greek Minister Dendias: Greek Minority Builds Friendship Between Albania and Greece
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias visited Tirana on Monday and met Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. The two officials discussed the wider geopolitical situation in the region. Dendias also spoke about Himarë, which he said is linked to his family origins. He said the Greek ethnic minority remains a bridge …
Rama: Albania’s Economy Grows to 27 Billion Euros
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s economic growth reflects the country’s broader transformation. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Durrës, Rama said Albania’s economic output has increased from less than 10 billion euros to 27 billion euros. He said the average salary has reached 912 euros. The …
Rama: Socialist Party Has Always Defended National Interest
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Socialist Party has never stepped back when it comes to Albania’s national interest. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Durrës, Rama said protecting the national interest has been part of the party’s identity since its founding. He described the Socialist Party …
Rama: Socialist Party Brought Stability and Moved Albania Closer to the EU
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Socialist Party guaranteed stability and brought Albania closer to the European Union over the past 35 years. Speaking at the anniversary event in Durrës, Rama called the milestone an important moment for reflection and celebration. He thanked party members for their contribution through the …
Malaj: Stronger Business Dialogue Key to Competitiveness and Formalization
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met tourism businesses in Durrës on Monday to discuss sector challenges and cooperation with tax authorities. Malaj said stronger dialogue with businesses remains essential to improve competitiveness and further formalize the tourism sector. He added that these efforts will bring more value to Albania’s economy. He …
Balla Meets Law Students: European Integration Enters Decisive Phase
Taulant Balla met law students from European Law Students’ Association in Tirana on Sunday. The meeting took place within the National Council for European Integration. Balla said Albania has entered a decisive stage in the EU integration process. He pointed to the upcoming 8th Intergovernmental Conference with the European Union …
Nufi Meets Dendias: Focus on Cooperation and Regional Security
Ermal Nufi met Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias in Tirana on Monday. The two ministers discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security. They agreed to continue close dialogue between the two countries. They reaffirmed support for stability in the Western Balkans. They described regional security as a strategic priority …
Tourist Numbers Increase by 8.8%: More Than 700,000 Foreign Visitors Entered Albania in April
Albania continues to record growth in entries and exits across its territory during the month of April. According to data published by INSTAT, more than 1.4 million Albanian and foreign citizens entered the country in April 2026, marking an increase compared to the same period a year earlier. The data …
Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …
TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …
TIRANA, August 7 – New amendments to Albania’s Road Code entered into force today. The changes introduce stricter measures for traffic violations to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Drivers who repeatedly operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol will permanently lose their driving licence. The new rules also …
TIRANA, August 7 – Cërrik and Maliq municipalities have started public consultations on the new territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46. Cërrik Municipality said it launched the process after receiving a notification from Parliament. The consultation period on the draft …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania continues to make progress in implementing reforms linked to European integration and has received financial support under the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. According to the EU-funded platform “WEBALKANS_eu”, Albania has made strong and sustainable progress. The platform said the country has …
TIRANA, August 7 – The Executive Committee of the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) has approved the participation of Elite Youth Academy teams in the Abissnet Superiore U-16 and U-17 championships for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 seasons. The decision aims to strengthen youth football development and create more opportunities for young …
TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi shared footage today from the firefighting operation in the Mount Dajti area and praised the commitment and sacrifice of personnel working on the ground. Nufi said in a social media post that emergency structures and Armed Forces personnel provide protection for citizens, …
TIRANA, August 7 – Foreign tourists visiting Durrës during the summer season have praised the city’s beaches, hospitality, affordable prices and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, England, the Czech Republic and the Dominican Republic said they had a positive experience and considered Durrës an attractive destination for …
TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has a clear path toward European Union membership in an interview with the Financial Times, which examined the European Union’s renewed enlargement agenda. Rama said the country is in one of the strongest positions in its modern history. He added …
TIRANA, August 7 – Business turnover across Albania’s main economic sectors increased by ALL 127 billion during the first half of 2026, reflecting stronger economic activity, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said. Malaj said business turnover rose by 7% compared with the same period in 2025. He added that the figures …