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Oil imports increased in March; high prices did not curb demand

Oil imports in March 2026 recorded an increase compared to the same period a year earlier, signaling an expansion in domestic consumption despite high fuel prices in the market. According to the data, 53,600 tons of oil were imported in March 2026, up from 52,100 tons in March 2025. This …

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Albanian Journalists Union honors figures of the media

The Albanian Journalists Union organized this morning an awards ceremony for journalists as part of a joint event with VerbumlandiArtAps. The event was attended by a delegation from Italy, as well as representatives from across the Albanian-speaking region, turning the gathering into an important cultural and media occasion. In his …

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Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania elects His Grace Ignat as the new Bishop of Amantia

The Holy Synod of the Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania, under the presidency of His Beatitude, the Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania, Archbishop Joan of Albania, convened today, April 28, 2026, and unanimously elected Archimandrite Ignat (Todri) as Bishop of the Holy Episcopate of Amantia, who, according to …

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HPC and HJC hold joint meeting, focus on backlog cases and increasing efficiency

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”6d2626d7-9cca-4d1f-a2eb-71626c323e8a” data-testid=”conversation-turn-17″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The High Prosecutorial Council of Albania held this Tuesday its first joint meeting of 2026 with the High Judicial Council of Albania, dedicated to discussing issues related to the ethical and professional evaluation process and improving efficiency in handling backlog cases. …

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Southern Albania sees economic shift driven by cultural tourism

TIRANA, April 28 – A leading international tourism magazine (TTW) reports that southern Albania is undergoing a significant economic transformation driven by cultural tourism. It describes the region as one of the richest areas in the Balkans for historical and cultural heritage. Cities such as Berat, Gjirokastër, Saranda and Përmet …

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Abissnet Superiore on RTSH: Half the teams under relegation pressure as calculations become complex

TIRANA, April 28 – Three rounds remain in the regular season of the Abissnet Superiore, broadcast on RTSH. Nine points are still available. The race for fourth place is effectively a Dinamo–Partizani duel and is likely to be decided in their direct clash in the final round. Meanwhile, the relegation …

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“Green Vjosa” marks new step to protect biodiversity of Europe’s last wild river

TIRANA, April 28 – Authorities presented the “Green Vjosa” project in Përmet as a new step to protect biodiversity along the Vjosa River, described as Europe’s last wild river. The initiative focuses on environmental protection and sustainable development in areas along the river. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj and Germany’s Federal …

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No sustainable backlog reduction without fully staffed courts, says Supreme Court head

TIRANA, April 28 – Supreme Court President Sokol Sadushi took part in a joint meeting of the High Judicial Council and the High Prosecutorial Council focused on the ethical and professional evaluation of magistrates and measures to reduce the backlog. Sadushi said the evaluation process is not a formal procedure. …

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Energy security a top priority, Karakaçi says after agreement with US and Greece

TIRANA, April 28 – Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said energy security is a key state priority. He described it as a core element of economic stability and national resilience. He spoke at a meeting in Tirana where Albania signed an agreement with the United States and Greece on …

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$6 billion gas deal highlights Albania’s strategic role in region and Europe

TIRANA, April 28 – U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle described Albania as a steadfast partner of the United States. She said the country holds strong strategic importance for the Balkans and Southeast Europe. She spoke at the Prime Minister’s Office during the signing of an energy security agreement between …

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Albania and European Commission to sign agreement on EU staff exchanges in September

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania will sign an agreement with the European Commission in September to allow Albanian public officials to work for fixed periods at European Union institutions, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said. Pirdeni said the initiative will strengthen the skills of Albania’s …

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Government allocates €65 mln support package for local authorities

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s government will provide an additional €65 million to strengthen local government capacity and improve public services across the country. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the funding forms part of the 2026 budget amendments approved through a normative act. The package supports investment in basic …

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Electronic communications authority completes 10 of 11 parliamentary recommendations

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s Electronic and Postal Communications Authority has completed 10 of 11 recommendations issued by Parliament while continuing to align the country’s electronic communications legislation with European Union rules. Speaking before Parliament’s Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, the authority’s chairman, Gentian Sala, said the …

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Foreign minister Hoxha: Public administration undergoing deep transformation toward European Union standards

TIRANA, July 3 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania’s public administration is undergoing a deep transformation. He linked the process to preparations for European Union membership. He spoke at the third edition of Public Administration Week. The event carried the theme “Public Service for a European Albania.” He said …

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PM Rama: National Flight School opens, training and certification also for NATO and Kosova pilots

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the opening of the National Flight School. He described it as an ambitious project for the modernization of the Armed Forces. He said the initiative was initially met with humour and scepticism. However, Rama added that the project has now become …

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From the Nile to the Balkans

By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, July 3, 2026 – If you sit by the banks of the Nile on a quiet afternoon and allow its serene flow to guide your thoughts, you realize that the water remembers not only the lands it traverses, but also the people who shaped …

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Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here

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ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases

TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …

News
Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …

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Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht

TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …

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Albania and European Commission to sign agreement on EU staff exchanges in September

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania will sign an agreement with the European Commission in September to allow Albanian public officials to work for fixed periods at European Union institutions, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said. Pirdeni said the initiative will strengthen the skills of Albania’s …

News

Government allocates €65 mln support package for local authorities

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s government will provide an additional €65 million to strengthen local government capacity and improve public services across the country. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the funding forms part of the 2026 budget amendments approved through a normative act. The package supports investment in basic …

News

Electronic communications authority completes 10 of 11 parliamentary recommendations

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania’s Electronic and Postal Communications Authority has completed 10 of 11 recommendations issued by Parliament while continuing to align the country’s electronic communications legislation with European Union rules. Speaking before Parliament’s Committee on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development, the authority’s chairman, Gentian Sala, said the …

News

Foreign minister Hoxha: Public administration undergoing deep transformation toward European Union standards

TIRANA, July 3 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania’s public administration is undergoing a deep transformation. He linked the process to preparations for European Union membership. He spoke at the third edition of Public Administration Week. The event carried the theme “Public Service for a European Albania.” He said …

News

PM Rama: National Flight School opens, training and certification also for NATO and Kosova pilots

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the opening of the National Flight School. He described it as an ambitious project for the modernization of the Armed Forces. He said the initiative was initially met with humour and scepticism. However, Rama added that the project has now become …

News

From the Nile to the Balkans

By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, July 3, 2026 – If you sit by the banks of the Nile on a quiet afternoon and allow its serene flow to guide your thoughts, you realize that the water remembers not only the lands it traverses, but also the people who shaped …

News

Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here

News

ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases

TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …

News

Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …

News

Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht

TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …