Lower Selca Illyrian tombs attract tourists and researchers
TIRANA, April 3 – The Royal Illyrian Tombs of Lower Selca attract scholars and tourists each year. They are located in the Mokra region, between Pogradec and Korça in southeastern Albania. The site is one of the Balkans’ most significant archaeological complexes. It was discovered accidentally during the communist era. …
Interior minister Lamallari says US embassy advisory standard, police boost security measures
TIRANA, April 3 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari confirmed that Albanian police have increased security measures at critical sites for some time. He spoke during a press briefing addressing the US embassy’s recent security advisory. Lamallari said the embassy notice is standard and mirrors similar alerts in other countries, including …
Photo Archive: Foreign Tourists During the Communist Era
Before the 1990s, Albania did not treat tourism as a strong economic sector. The government mainly used it as propaganda to show foreign visitors the achievements of the communist state. During the regime, few foreigners entered Albania. The government strictly controlled visits after World War II. Officials monitored not only …
Rector of Elbasan University elected president of Balkan Universities Alliance for 2028
TIRANA, April 3 – Elbasan University “Aleksandër Xhuvani” has achieved a major international milestone. Its rector, Professor Elvira Fetahu, has been elected president of the Balkan Universities Alliance for 2028. The university described the election as a significant achievement. It highlights the institution’s growing role in strengthening academic cooperation across …
Interior minister Besfort Lamallari: EU membership is a security and geopolitical project
TIRANA, April 3 – Albania continues alignment with the European family, focusing on justice, freedom, and security. The Ministry of Interior outlined concrete steps and results under Chapter 24. Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said EU membership is not only an economic and social project. He described it as a security …
Kosova approves temporary measures to prevent rise in basic goods prices
TIRANA, April 3 – Kosova’s government has approved a draft law introducing temporary measures on essential products during market instability. The initiative aims to prevent price increases for basic goods during global crises. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the law responds to repeated price shocks and market uncertainty. He stressed …
Albanian heritage celebrated at NBA game Chicago Bulls vs Indiana Pacers
TIRANA, April 3 – On 1 April, the United Center in Chicago hosted a unique cultural event during the NBA game between the Chicago Bulls and Indiana Pacers. The event, Night of Albanian Heritage, was organised by the Albanian-American community in Illinois. The community said the event marked a first …
Local government minister Demo meets UN coordinator to strengthen municipal cooperation
TIRANA, April 3 – State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo met United Nations Resident Coordinator Ingrid MacDonald. They discussed cooperation on local governance in Albania. The meeting focused on ongoing reforms. Both sides reviewed existing cooperation between Albanian institutions and the United Nations. They focused on building the capacities …
Lamallari with CoE Delegation: Real Chance to Finalize Albania’s EU Integration
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari met today with the delegation of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. Lamallari briefed the delegation on Albania’s progress in implementing recommendations and strengthening democratic standards. “Albania has also made steady progress toward the EU. We have concrete reforms and results recognized by international …
Osmani Hosts Farewell Reception; EU Official Thanks Her for Cooperation
President Vjosa Osmani hosted a farewell reception as she left office. Among the guests was Eva Palatova, acting head of the EU office in Kosovo. The EU office in Kosovo said Palatova attended the reception and thanked Osmani for her years of cooperation. “As Kosovo’s most trusted partner, the EU …
by Elez Biberaj Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – One year after Prime Minister Edi Rama swept to a fourth consecutive term, Albania finds itself in a profoundly different place than the triumphant narrative he projected. The government that claimed unrivaled authority now faces the most sustained civic uprising in …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, to discuss Albania’s progress and prospects on its path toward European Union membership. During the meeting, the two officials reviewed developments in Albania’s EU integration process. They also exchanged …
Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, met in Vienna with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker during an official visit to Austria. Kurti thanked Austria for its long-standing support for Kosovo since the 1990s. He also highlighted Austria’s role in state-building efforts and its contribution through the NATO-led KFOR mission. Furthermore, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected claims that a planned Zvërnec project involves political backing from the White House or former U.S. President Donald Trump. He addressed journalists from EU member states at a press conference. He said public debate distorts the facts and focuses on family connections. Furthermore, he said …
The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of composer Tonin Harapi, recognizing him as one of the most important figures in Albanian national music. He was born on June 9, 1926, in Shkodër. He grew up in a rich musical environment. He learned …
Prime Minister Edi Rama responded to a statement by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who claimed that over 100,000 Albanian citizens protested a tourism investment project in Zvërnec. Rama reacted on the social media platform “X.” He said no approved project, construction permit, or final development plan exists. Furthermore, he said …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Albania guarantees the right to protest and allows citizens to demonstrate freely. He spoke at a press conference with EU journalists at the Prime Minister’s Office. Furthermore, he addressed recent protests against the Zvërnec investment project. He said a violent incident involving a security …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met in Dublin with Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee. He said both sides reaffirmed excellent bilateral relations between Albania and Ireland. Furthermore, Hoxha said the two countries held constructive discussions on strengthening political dialogue. They also agreed to …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi held an official visit in Athens, where he met the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis. Furthermore, the visit took place as part of Albania’s parliamentary diplomacy tour with key strategic partners in Europe and the region. During the meeting, both sides praised the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the planned shipbuilding project in Pashaliman will create major employment opportunities and strengthen vocational education in Albania. He spoke at the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education. He said the project will initially create 400 jobs and later expand to 800. Furthermore, Rama highlighted an …