PM Rama unveils EUR 1.5 billion plan for a new phase of urban development in Albania
TIRANA, July 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” programme, an ambitious development initiative that aims to further transform Albania’s urban landscape with a EUR 1.5 billion funding target. According to Rama, the new programme responds to a new stage of Albania’s development, where citizens have …
PM Rama: Albania has entered a new phase of development
TIRANA, July 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has entered a new phase of development, where improved standards have increased citizens’ expectations for better services and greater dignity in daily life. During the presentation of the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” programme, Rama said society’s new demands should not be …
Birth Tourism on Tourist Visas: U.S. Embassy Warns Albanians They May Be Denied Future Visa Renewals
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has issued a warning to Albanian citizens who travel to the United States on tourist visas to give birth and use the Medicaid program to cover their medical expenses. In a post shared on Instagram, the Embassy stated that this practice could affect their eligibility …
‘Urban Renaissance 2.0’: Rama Unveils €1.5 Billion Program, Electric Buses Planned for All Municipalities
Prime Minister Edi Rama on Friday unveiled the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” program, which foresees €1.5 billion in investments aimed at transforming Albania’s urban infrastructure and public services. One of the program’s main pillars is the modernization of public transport. Rama announced that a joint company will be established between the …
Defense Minister Nufi Reveals Who Will Set the Date for the NATO Summit in Tirana
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi, in an interview with Euronews Albania’s Thimi Samarxhiu, spoke about Tirana’s selection as the host city for a future NATO Summit. He said the summit is expected to take place in 2027 or early 2028, stressing that the final date will be decided by NATO heads …
Ombudsman on Protests: My Duty Is to Identify Cases Where Citizens’ Rights Are Violated
Albania’s Ombudsman, Endri Shabani, was in Vlora on Friday to present the Ombudsman’s 2025 Annual Report. Speaking to the media, Shabani said the purpose of the institution’s visit was to hear citizens’ complaints and concerns firsthand. According to Shabani, the majority of complaints in Vlora relate to property issues and …
Rama: Urban Renaissance Has Fulfilled Its Mission, Now It’s Time for the Next Phase
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s Urban Renaissance program has fulfilled its original mission, announcing a new stage of urban development during the presentation of the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” initiative. Rama described the new program as the beginning of a fresh phase of national development, arguing that the original Urban …
Diana Gellçi’s Question to Reinier de Graaf: What Would You Say Today?
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Diana Gellçi’s Question to Reinier de Graaf: What Would You Say Today? appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
‘Cancel It!’: State Cash for Kanye West Show Sparks Outrage in Albania
The government’s use of 4.2 million euros from its emergency reserve to finance the controversial rapper’s concert – after earlier pledging to spend nothing – has angered its critics. Original post Here
Kumbaro: Bënja Thermal Baths attract growing numbers of tourists as infrastructure upgrades continue
The Bënja Thermal Baths near Përmet continue to attract large numbers of domestic and international visitors seeking relaxation in the area’s thermal waters, unspoiled nature and the scenic Langarica Canyon. Minister Mirela Kumbaro said authorities are continuing to improve infrastructure and services alongside the growing number of tourists. She said …
div:has([data-free-thinking-preview-answer=true])+:is(.text-message,.relative:has(>.text-message))]:-mt-2 grow”> Tirana is strengthening its position as one of Southern Europe’s fastest-growing urban destinations, combining a vibrant city atmosphere, a rich cultural and culinary scene, and easy access to Albania’s coastal attractions. Italian newspaper Il Resto del Carlino has ranked the Albanian capital among four affordable destinations recommended for …
Albania’s EU accession negotiations took centre stage at an interparliamentary conference in Tirana. The event focused on reforms and membership obligations. It also examined the role of parliaments in European integration. The conference, titled “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Accession,” brings together lawmakers and officials from across Europe. …
Ahead of National Cultural Heritage Day, the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Berat presented an open-air exhibition featuring the city’s rich cultural heritage. The exhibition showcases views of traditional Berat homes, places of worship and icons created by Onufri, the Çetiri brothers and anonymous painters. The organizers placed the …
Several villages in Korçë are creating new spaces to produce, promote and sell traditional local products as part of the “Taste Routes” project. Mayor Sotiraq Filo said the Albanian Development Fund and the Municipality of Korçë are implementing the project together. The initiative aims to give new functions to village …
Prime Minister Edi Rama will attend the Euronews Tourism Summit in Brussels today, September 29. The summit brings together policymakers, industry leaders, investors, and experts. They will discuss the trends shaping the future of tourism. Topics include changing traveller expectations, digital innovation, and sustainable development. Rama’s participation offers an opportunity …
Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla met today with Anton Hofreiter, Chair of the German Bundestag’s Committee on European Union Affairs. The meeting focused on Albania’s European integration process. They also discussed progress in the EU accession negotiations and close cooperation with Germany in support of Albania’s path to …
Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi met today with Anja Karliczek, Chair of the German Bundestag’s Parliamentary Committee on Tourism. He also welcomed members of the German delegation visiting Albania. During the meeting, both sides praised the strong political and economic ties between Albania and Germany. They also highlighted …
The European Commission is drawing up proposals that would give the four leading EU candidates a clearer, step-by-step path to membership. The plans target Montenegro, Ukraine, Moldova and Albania, according to two senior Commission officials who spoke to POLITICO. The officials work on the draft proposals and spoke anonymously about …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with representatives of the joint IMF and World Bank mission as Albania completed its Financial Sector Assessment Program, or FSAP. The Albanian authorities requested the assessment, while the Bank of Albania coordinated the process domestically. Senior officials from the Financial Supervisory Authority, the …
The Lezhë coast attracted more holidaymakers during the 2026 summer season, with visits to the beaches of Shëngjin and Tale increasing by 14% compared with last year. According to data from the Municipality of Lezhë, August recorded the highest number of visitors during the season. The number of holidaymakers increased …