New copyright bill aligns Albania with European Union rules
TIRANA, July 1 – Albania’s new copyright bill will strengthen the protection of creators and rights holders in the digital environment while aligning national legislation with European Union rules, Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Martin Kajo said on Tuesday. Speaking at a conference on digital and audiovisual piracy organised by …
From UNESCO cities to the Ionian coast: Italian media highlights 15 wonders of Albania, writes ‘Idealista’
TIRANA, July 1 – Italian media outlet “Idealista” has highlighted 15 key destinations across Albania, presenting the country as an increasingly attractive European tourism hub where history, nature, and coastal landscapes meet. The article notes that Albania combines Roman amphitheatres, Ottoman-era bazaars, and modern urban life within a short travel …
Ireland assumes European Union Council presidency, President Begaj welcomes enlargement focus
TIRANA, July 1 – President Bajram Begaj welcomed Ireland as it begins its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. In a message published on Wednesday, Begaj wished Ireland success during its term at the helm of the Council. He said Albania was encouraged that European Union enlargement …
Albania Promotes “eTransport” Platform to Improve Public Transport Access for Citizens and Tourists
Albania is expanding its digital public transport services as the summer tourist season increases travel demand across the country. The General Director of the Road Transport Services Directorate (DPSHTRR), Kreshnik Bajraktari, has launched an intensive information campaign in the field to promote the eTransport platform. The initiative aims to provide …
PM Rama meets North Rhine-Westphalia premier to discuss investment and Albania’s EU membership
TIRANA, July 1 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met Hendrik Wüst during his visit to Bochum, Germany. Rama said the talks focused on expanding cooperation between Albania and North Rhine-Westphalia, one of Germany’s leading economic and industrial regions. He identified investment, digital technology, vocational education, and Albania’s European Union membership …
“Shtëpia e Midhjeve” ranks second at TEA Awards 2026 in gastronomy category
“Shtëpia e Midhjeve” (The House of Mussels), a culinary destination located near Saranda, has ranked second in the “TEA’s Gastronomy Award” category at the TEA Awards 2026 ceremony. The National Tourism Agency says this recognition places “Shtëpia e Midhjeve” among the most highly rated gastronomic destinations based on visitor reviews …
United States Chargé d’Affaires in Prishtina highlights partnership with Kosova at U.S. independence anniversary event
TIRANA, July 1 – United States Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati reaffirmed Washington’s support for Kosova during an event marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. Prattipati said the partnership between the United States and Kosova rests on shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to security and opportunity. She …
Frang Bardhi remembered as Albania’s first lexicographer
TIRANA, July 1 – Albanian humanist Frang Bardhi passed away on July 1, 1643. He was a lexicographer, historian, folklorist, ethnographer and senior Catholic cleric. Bardhi was born in 1606 in Kallmet, Zadrima. He completed his studies at the religious college in Loreto, Italy, in 1628. He later earned a …
FM Hoxha says EU enlargement is strategic necessity for Europe
TIRANA, July 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said EU enlargement is a strategic necessity for Europe’s security, stability and competitiveness during a conference in Luxembourg on EU support for the Western Balkans, held by the European Court of Auditors. The Albanian chief diplomat said the Western Balkans and the …
EU4Culture Program Concludes After Restoring 23 Cultural Heritage Sites in Albania
The EU4Culture program has officially ended in Albania after restoring and revitalizing 23 cultural heritage sites across the country. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) implemented the project, which the European Union funded with a total budget of €40 million. The program ran from October 2020 to June …
President Bajram Begaj attended the final stage of the “Arber Shield 2026” exercise in Bizë. The Light Infantry Battalion Group completed the exercise and received a “Mission Capable” certification under NATO standards. Speaking at the ceremony, Begaj praised the Armed Forces for their high level of training, discipline and professionalism. …
SPAK Chief Klodjan Braho attended the 42nd Conference of the FBI National Academy Associates European Chapter (FBINAA European Chapter) today. Braho said Albania has made progress in investigating and tackling organized crime. Interior Minister Ervin Demo, State Police Director General Skënder Hita, heads of law enforcement agencies, FBINAA International President …
Prime Minister Edi Rama discussed Albania’s European Union integration process during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama said Albania has entered a new phase of its EU accession talks. He said the country has opened all negotiating chapters and now aims to start closing them. He said …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met with the Albanian community in Michigan. He highlighted the diaspora’s role and Albania’s growing presence on the international stage. Rama also spoke about the upcoming NATO Summit in Tirana. He said hosting the summit reflects Albania’s growing role within the alliance. “Albania will host the …
The European Union’s new Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, has held her first official meeting with the head of the Special Prosecution Office, Klodian Braho. The meeting focused on strengthening the fight against organised crime and high-level corruption, with the aim of consolidating the rule of law in …
A 15-year-old Albanian boy has died in Italy after being hit by a car while riding his bicycle. Manuel Korreshi, who lived in Castegnero Nanto, was struck by a vehicle along the Riviera Berica, near Ponte di Barbarano. The teenager was taken to San Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza, but despite …
Prime Minister Edi Rama began his several-day visit to the United States with a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan, ahead of his participation in events related to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In his remarks, Rama focused on the role of the diaspora, European integration, …
Once again this Monday, numerous citizens and activists took to the streets for the latest protest, which has now entered its 114th day. As they do every afternoon, protesters initially gathered in Skanderbeg Square after 6:30 p.m., chanting slogans including: “Your end has come,” “A new Albania,” “Rama resign,” and …
By Genc Pollo Tirana Times, September 21, 2026 – At Thessaloniki in June 2003, the European Union made a promise that sounded historic and irreversible. The heads of state and government declared that the future of the Western Balkans lay within the European Union. The phrase “EU perspective” was Brussels …
Prime Minister Edi Rama described the Hague verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders as a painful moment for Kosovo and Albanians. He spoke during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama said he struggled to find the right words. He said the Hague decision felt like …