President Begaj extends Easter wishes, calls for spread of faith and hope
TIRANA, April 12 – President Bajram Begaj extended Easter greetings to Orthodox believers, marking the celebration with a message of faith, hope, and renewal. In a social media post, he wished that the light of God’s presence spreads everywhere and illuminates lives with belief and joy. He accompanied the message …
Prime Minister Rama extends Orthodox Easter greetings to believers
TIRANA, April 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama extended Easter greetings to Orthodox believers, marking the celebration with a message shared on social media. In his post, he wished followers a blessed morning and a happy Orthodox Easter. His message comes as believers across Albania celebrate one of the most …
Easter celebration in Dhërmi features drone and fireworks display
TIRANA, April 12 – Dhërmi turned into a festive scene on Easter Eve, as hundreds of Orthodox believers gathered to celebrate the Holy Day. The coastal village hosted large crowds who joined prayers and candlelit rituals marking one of the most important dates in the Orthodox calendar. The atmosphere combined …
Albania’s EU bid faces IBAR delay
Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Albania’s path toward European Union membership has entered a more uncertain phase as discussions over a key assessment report remain unfinished, exposing a gap between technical progress in reforms and the political consensus required among member states to move forward. At the center of …
Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy
By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …
Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens
Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …
Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth
From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …
Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë
Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …
Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games
Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …
Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”
The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …
Albania signed three important conventions at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg, strengthening its commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, Justice Minister Toni Gogu said. He stated that the first convention focuses on the use of artificial intelligence. According to him, technology must remain under …
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Klodiana Spahiu said that reforms remain a top priority for Albania’s European Union integration process. She made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the French Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Jean-François Rapin. First, both sides highlighted the strong relations between Albania and …
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn said investors need trust, clear rules, and equal competition conditions as Albania advances its foreign investment screening framework. She made the remarks during a presentation by the American Chamber of Commerce on Foreign Direct Investment. First, VanHorn described Albania’s FDI screening framework as a …
The Albanian State Police held a ceremony at its General Directorate to honor two U.S. diplomats at the end of their missions in Albania. Police Director General Skënder Hita recognized the contributions of Deputy Chief of Mission Kathryn Hammond and Regional Security Officer Jonathan Ellis. First, Hita praised both diplomats …
Deputy Foreign Minister Megi Fino said Chapter 31 remains one of the most advanced areas in Albania’s EU accession negotiations. She spoke during a hearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. She serves as chief negotiator for Chapter 31 and co-negotiator for Chapter 30. First, Fino said …
Prince Lekë Dukagjini died on June 15, 1481. He left behind a lasting legacy linked to the “Kanun,” Albania’s customary law system. First, the Kanun developed over a long historical period. However, Lekë Dukagjini’s name became strongly associated with it due to its widespread use and influence in northern Albania. …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said Albania continues to deliver strong economic results. As a result, the country ranks among the region’s best performers in both economic growth and inflation control. According to the latest statistics, Albania recorded an inflation rate of 2.8% in April 2026. This figure was lower …
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania has assured the European Commission that the €1.4 billion tourism project linked to Jared Kushner will fully comply with EU environmental standards. The Albanian government pledged to carry out a full environmental impact assessment. It also committed to following all EU rules on …
Albania’s Customs Administration is advancing the implementation of the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS), a major step toward integration with the European Union’s Common Transit Convention. To support the process, customs authorities are conducting dedicated training sessions for system users. In these activities, representatives of the company developing the platform, …
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania’s new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) screening mechanism will strengthen economic security and increase investor confidence. She made the remarks during the event “Albania’s Foreign Direct Investment Screening Framework,” organized by AmCham Albania in cooperation with Center for International Private Enterprise. The …