Rama Attends Plenary Session as Parliament Approves Penal Amnesty with 84 Votes
Prime Minister Edi Rama joined the resumed plenary session of Parliament on Thursday afternoon, during which lawmakers approved the penal amnesty bill. Before the vote, tensions arose in the chamber, and acting Speaker Niko Peleshi ordered the removal of Opportunity Party MP Agron Shehaj from the session after he repeatedly …
Rama Present in Parliament as Protesters Change Route and March Toward Assembly
Citizens continued their protest this Thursday, marking the 19th consecutive day of demonstrations. Unlike previous days, protesters did not march toward the Prime Minister’s Office. Instead, they changed their route and headed toward the Parliament building, where a plenary session is currently taking place. A few minutes earlier, Prime Minister …
European Parliament Calls for the Use of Albanian in State Exams in North Macedonia
The European Parliament has adopted an amendment calling for a resolution to the issue of using the Albanian language in state examinations in North Macedonia, including the Bar Exam. In the approved text, Members of the European Parliament urge state institutions to address the issue as soon as possible, ensuring …
Sami Frashëri, intellectual who devoted his life to the national cause
TIRANA, June 18 – Sami Frashëri passed away on June 18, 1904, after dedicating his life to the patriotic cause. Frashëri was an intellectual, journalist, lexicographer, playwright, and one of the leading ideologues of the Albanian National Renaissance. He is widely regarded as one of the most prominent thinkers of …
Velipoja opens tourism season with reduced beach equipment fees, public spaces expanded
TIRANA, June 18 – Velipoja opens the summer tourist season. The report comes from the Albanian news agency (ATSH). Marseda Qefalia reports from Velipoja. The municipality introduces reduced tariffs for umbrellas and sunbeds in public beach areas. At the same time, Velipoja stands as the northernmost beach in Albania. It …
Kakavija border crossing to Greece increases capacity ahead of summer travel surge
TIRANA, June, 18 – Authorities at the Kakavija border crossing to Greece increased operational capacity to manage higher traffic during the summer season. Border and customs services also intensified their work to facilitate the movement of travellers. The measures include additional active checkpoints during peak hours. Meanwhile, teams reorganised vehicle …
NATO Defence ministerial meets in Brussels, Albanian Defence Minister highlights defence investment
TIRANA, June 18 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attended the meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels. Participants discussed the Alliance’s key priorities for strengthening security and collective defence across the Euro-Atlantic area. Meanwhile, ministers highlighted the importance of maintaining unity among allies. The meeting also focused on increasing operational …
Finance and Legal Professionals Fuel Money-Laundering in Western Balkans: Report
A new report warns that weak oversight of lawyers, notaries, accountants and auditors helps facilitate money-laundering across the Western Balkans through real estate fraud and complex financial arrangements. Original post Here
Albania attends NATO ministerial in Brussels as alliance focuses on military capability growth
TIRANA, June 18 – The NATO Defence Ministers’ meeting takes place in Brussels at NATO headquarters. Albania takes part in the ministerial. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attends the meeting. At the same time, the agenda focuses on security and strategic developments within the Alliance. It also addresses strengthening military capabilities. …
Private producers surpass Albanian Power Corporation in electricity generation during first four months of 2026
TIRANA, June 18 – Private producers and concessionaires generated more than half of Albania’s electricity output during the first four months of 2026, according to data from the Energy Regulatory Authority (ERE). The figures show that private operators surpassed the Albanian Power Corporation for the first time. Meanwhile, net domestic …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj attended the farewell ceremony for King Harald V of Norway in Oslo, joining monarchs and world leaders in paying tribute to the late Norwegian king. The ceremony took place at Oslo Cathedral following a solemn procession from the Royal Palace. Representatives from several countries attended the …
A high-level NATO delegation visited the Port of Durres on Wednesday to assess its port capacities and strategic role in regional security and logistics. The delegation was led by the Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples. Representatives of the Albanian Armed Forces and Naval Force Commander Rear Admiral …
Albanian citizens can now rate consular services online as part of a new initiative aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of services. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced the new evaluation system on Wednesday. Starting today, citizens can scan a QR code at any location where …
The Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has approved a new Country Programme for Albania for 2027–2031. The five-year programme will support Albania’s development. It will also accelerate reforms and advance the country’s European Union integration process. The programme has three main priorities. First, it will promote …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” on Wednesday. The Italian news agency ANSA and the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies (ABNA) organized the conference. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Central European Initiative (CEI) also supported the event. …
Tirana Times, September 09, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has uncovered new evidence in its widening investigation of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, increasing pressure on one of the most powerful figures of the governing Socialist Party. SPAK said Wednesday that a special …
The Institute of GeoSciences (IGJEO) warns of a high fire risk this afternoon and tomorrow in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier counties. Meanwhile, other parts of the country will face a moderate risk. However, the high-risk level will affect only localised areas in some counties. These include northeastern Lezhë, northeastern Tirana …
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Michel Tarran, said in Pogradec that the territorial reform remains under discussion and that no final decision has been made so far. Asked about the consultation process, Tarran stressed that the OSCE does not impose a specific model for territorial organization. He …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …
The lek strengthened against major foreign currencies in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday, compared with the previous day. According to the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Albania, the euro fell by 0.05 lek, to 92.02 lek, while the US dollar dropped by 0.19 lek, to …