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US-Albania Joint Training for Black Hawk Medical Evacuation Missions

The US and Albanian Armed Forces held a joint training exercise at Farka Air Base and the Land Forces Command. The exercise focused on medical evacuation missions. According to the US Embassy in Tirana, the teams prepared UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for MedEvac missions. They equipped the cabins with the …

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A Government Memorandum and Some Unanswered Economic Questions

By Zef Preçi Tirana Times, September 14, 2026 – According to media reports in recent days, Albania and the U.S. company Argent LNG have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to assess the possibility of building a major onshore liquefied natural gas storage and regasification terminal on the Albanian coast. …

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Albania and Croatia: Young People Build a Common European Future

The Union of Student Councils and the Embassy of Croatia in Albania, in cooperation with the “Support for EU Integration” (EUIS) project, held a discussion in Tirana today on the role of young people in building a common European future. Croatian Ambassador to Albania Zlatko Kramarić, President of the Union …

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Agreement with European Academy of Law to Strengthen Public Procurement Capacity

The Centralized Purchasing Operator (OBP) and the European Academy of Law (ERA) have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the professional skills of public procurement officials and align Albanian practices with European Union standards. OBP Director Jonaid Myzyri signed the agreement, which provides for ERA support in assessing the training …

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Jaupaj: Saudi Investors Show Interest in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Tourism

Albania aims to attract new investments in the green economy, renewable energy, waste and water management, and sustainable tourism. Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj met today with Prince Naif bin Abdullah bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a delegation of investors from Saudi Arabia and partner countries. The meeting …

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Begaj Received by UAE President, Focus on Investment and Bilateral Cooperation

President Bajram Begaj paid an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, marking the first visit by an Albanian president to the country. The visit reaffirmed Albania and the UAE’s commitment to strengthening their future-oriented partnership. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received President Begaj during the visit. …

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Balla in Kavajë: PISA 2025 Results Motivate Albania to Reach European Education Standards

Socialist Party political leader for Tirana County Taulant Balla congratulated students, teachers and parents on the start of the new school year during a visit to a school in Kavajë. At the “Charles Telford Erickson” vocational high school in Golem, Kavajë, Balla described Albania’s PISA 2025 results as good news …

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Marinas, Sailing and Sports Tourism Attract International Investors in Albania

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja met today with Prince Naif bin Abdullah bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a delegation of investors from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria. They discussed investment opportunities and strategic partnerships in Albania. The talks focused on development projects in tourism, culture …

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Rama in Naples for Inauguration of Albania’s Honorary Consulate

Prime Minister Edi Rama traveled to Italy today to attend the inauguration of Albania’s Honorary Consulate in Naples. Honorary Consul Giuseppe Lettieri will lead the consulate, which will cover the Campania region. It will serve as a reference point for the Albanian community and support the delivery of consular services. …

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New school year, State Police Director General: We will ensure students’ journey is safe

State Police Director General Skender Hita on Monday wished all students well on the start of the new school year. Hita stressed that the State Police will work to ensure that students’ journey is safe. He emphasized that when it comes to children’s safety, there will be no compromise and …

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Inaugural edition of Albanian Music Nights kicks off with world premieres by Albanian composers

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …

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Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …

News
Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …

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Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland

TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …

News
Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …

News
DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …

News
Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …

News
European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …

News
Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match

TIRANA, Nov 12  /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …

News
Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security

The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …

News

Inaugural edition of Albanian Music Nights kicks off with world premieres by Albanian composers

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Albanian chamber music has captivated audiences with the inaugural edition of the Albanian Music Nights festival. The festival’s opening night introduced a full house of art enthusiasts to new music through five world premieres. The concert included performances of “Folk Game for Five” by Hajg …

News

Transport associations oppose VAT hike, warn of higher ticket prices from 2027

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Exempting public transport from the VAT increase and including it in the reduced 6% VAT scheme were among the demands put forward by the Urban and Intercity Transport Association during discussions on the 2027 Fiscal Package. Sector representatives warned that the planned increase in VAT from 20% …

News

Mateu Boçi wins European championship; PM Rama praises achievement for Albanian chess

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Tirana Sports Club chess player Mateu Boçi has been crowned the U-16 European Champion, winning gold at the European Youth Chess Championship in Hersonissos, Crete. Prime Minister Edi Rama praised this achievement by the young Albanian chess player today, describing it as wonderful news for …

News

Excitement mounts in Tirana ahead of Albania’s Nations League showdown with Finland

TIRANA, November 12 /ATSH/ – The red-and-black spirit is taking over Tirana as Albania prepares to face Finland. Fans have filled the streets of the capital, creating a wave of enthusiasm in support of the national team, which takes to the pitch today at 20:45. The “Air Albania” Stadium is …

News

Works to begin tomorrow between former Eagle Square and Limuth Underpass, traffic diversions on Tirana–Durrës motorway

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Albanian Road Authority announced that work is ongoing on the project to complete outstanding works and improve the appearance of the road section between the former Eagle Square and the Limuth Underpass, focusing on finalising infrastructure elements and enhancing the route’s overall appearance. As part of …

News

DP launches candidate selection process for local elections, nominations open until 30 November

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ The Democratic Party (DP) has officially launched the process of selecting its candidates for the local elections scheduled for 9 May 2027. DP leader Sali Berisha and Secretary-General Flamur Noka have signed the guideline setting out the criteria and procedures for nominating candidates for mayoral positions. The …

News

Heavy rainfall and thunderstorms forecast in several districts, civil protection on alert

TIRANA, Nov 12 /ATA/ Moderate to locally very heavy showers, accompanied by thunderstorms, are expected this afternoon across the Shkodër and Kukës districts. The Institute of Geosciences and the Military Meteorological Service forecast heavy to locally very heavy rainfall tomorrow, 13 November, in the districts of Lezhë, Durrës, Vlorë and Gjirokastër. …

News

European Political Community Summit: Edi Rama shares a group photo alongside European leaders

TIRANA, November 12 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media today from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing European leaders and high-level officials descending an escalator together. At the center of the photo, Prime Minister Rama stands alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The …

News

Police step up security measures ahead of Albania–Finland match

TIRANA, Nov 12  /ATA/ Police are stepping up security measures ahead of today’s Albania–Finland match at the Air Albania Stadium, which kicks off at 20:45. Officers are implementing a security plan to maintain public order and ensure the safety of supporters and the public before, during and after the match. …

News

Tirana Observatory Releases New Issue on EU Enlargement and European Security

The Spring 2026 edition brings together international scholars, diplomats and policy experts to examine European integration, geopolitical challenges, diplomacy and Albania’s foreign relations. TIRANA, Albania – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has released the latest issue of Tirana Observatory, its quarterly academic journal of foreign policy and international relations, …