Albania’s Recurrent Gasification Mirage
Before Albania can have gasification, it will need to have a functioning economy, a population wealthy enough to afford the costs of central heating and cooling, schools, kindergartens and nurseries equipped with air conditioning, and a substantial industrial base capable of consuming a volume of gas large enough to justify …
Kanye West concert plan sparks controversy in Albania
Event raises concerns over antisemitism row, reported €50 million temporary stadium, wider European backlash and criticism from Jewish communities. TIRANA, May 11, 2026 – The planned concert of American rapper and producer Kanye West in Albania on July 11 has triggered growing public debate, with human rights activists and the …
Albania and Netherlands reaffirm partnership in politics, security and European affairs
TIRANA, May 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels. The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations between Albania and the Netherlands. They confirmed a high level of cooperation and expressed …
European Union to disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro, says Kos
TIRANA, May 11 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the European Union will disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro under the Growth Plan. Meanwhile, she stated that implementation of the Growth Plan is progressing well. She confirmed that nearly 200 million euros will be released …
PM Rama: Only 12% of public tenders have single bidders, Albania below EU average
TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has reached an advanced stage of progress in public procurement and in its position within European Union accession negotiations. Speaking at a joint press conference with Reida Kashta (Shahollari), head of the Public Procurement Agency and negotiator for Chapter 5 …
Upper Grabova: The Hidden “Twin” of Voskopoja in Mount Valamara
Grabova e Sipërme sits hidden in the highlands between Gramsh and Korçë, on the slopes of Mount Valamara. First, the village stands at about 1,250 meters above sea level and preserves a striking natural landscape shaped by mountain waters and deep valleys. Then, its stone houses and traditional architecture reflect …
Tirana International Airport on track for record year, 13.3 million passengers projected
TIRANA, May 11 – Tirana International Airport continued strong growth in 2026, confirming its position as one of the fastest-expanding airports in the region. Airport management data shows around 3.3 million passengers handled in the first four months of the year. This figure marks a 10.4% increase compared to the …
Travel + Leisure: Albania Emerges as Europe’s Hidden Coastal Gem
Travel + Leisure highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive and still underexplored destinations. First, the article describes the Albanian Riviera as a strong alternative to the French Côte d’Azur, thanks to its clear waters, historic villages, and ancient ruins. Then, writer Ada Calhoun shares her one-week journey through …
Public procurement key chapter in EU negotiations, Albania advancing global agreement talks
TIRANA, May 11 – Public Procurement Agency Director General and Chapter 5 negotiator Reida Kashta said public procurement stands as one of the key chapters in Albania’s European Union integration process. She said the EU places it within the new negotiation methodology under the fundamental cluster. Kashta made the remarks …
Eurovision 2026: Alis draws attention at opening ceremony on turquoise carpet parade
TIRANA, May 11 – The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 turquoise carpet turned into a parade of colours, emotions, and international presentations, with 35 countries taking part in the opening event attended by global media and fans. At the same time, Albania joined the ceremony with Alis Kallaçi as this year’s …
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced from Theth that construction of the Dukagjin road will begin within the next two weeks. Speaking with local residents, Rama said preparing the project required time and careful planning. He stressed that infrastructure projects depend on the country’s economic growth and available financial resources. Rama …
Members of Albania’s parliamentary Committee on Human Rights held meetings in Montenegro with Energy and Mining Minister Admir Šahmanović and European Affairs Minister Maida Gorčević. Committee Chair Jorida Tabaku discussed stronger bilateral cooperation, focusing on energy, natural gas, energy infrastructure and data centers. She said Albania should remain a reliable …
Prime Minister Edi Rama warned that uncontrolled development could harm Theth’s tourism future. During a meeting with residents of Theth about the Mountain Package, Rama said the government removed illegal structures to protect the village’s identity and natural beauty. He said rapid intervention prevented further damage and helped preserve Theth …
Prime Minister Edi Rama assured residents of Theth that the area will develop through quality projects, while authorities have legalized all existing buildings. During a meeting with residents about the Mountain Package, Rama explained the government’s actions regarding the demolition of illegal constructions in Theth several months ago. He said …
The United States expects Kosovo to take concrete steps to create the conditions needed to resume the strategic dialogue between the two countries. The US Embassy in Pristina said the process depends on establishing appropriate conditions and ensuring that Kosovo’s institutions are fully functional. Washington also highlighted the importance of …
Albania awarded European Union Ambassador Silvio Gonzato the Grand Star of the “Benemerenti” Medal in recognition of his contribution to strengthening Albania–EU relations during his mandate. At the ceremony, Gonzato thanked the Albanian people and highlighted the country’s progress toward European integration. He said the European Union represents more than …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:b965c3ae-2c15-4065-89ce-7199e95487d8-95″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:b965c3ae-2c15-4065-89ce-7199e95487d8-95″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-38″ data-turn=”assistant”> Today marks the 101st anniversary of the birth of Martin Camaj, one of the most important figures in Albanian literature and Albanology. Martin Camaj was an Albanian folklorist, linguist, poet, and writer. Throughout his career, he became a major figure in …
The Pogradec Art Gallery has opened an exhibition by renowned Albanian painter Anastas Kostandini, known as Taso, titled “The Drunken City”. The exhibition presents 45 pastel works that capture the identity, memories and spirit of Pogradec. It will remain open to art lovers until the end of July. Kostandini, one …
Tirana Times, July 21, 2026 – Relations between Albania and Canada have expanded steadily in recent years, from growing trade and new bilateral agreements to closer cooperation within NATO and the launch of the first direct flight between the two countries. In an interview with Tirana Times, Canada’s Ambassador to Albania, …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8c64583c-a703-4b61-8781-824378c77044-67″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8c64583c-a703-4b61-8781-824378c77044-67″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> Press freedom in Kosovo has entered a clear period of decline, according to a report by partner organizations of the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists. The report links the decline to political interference, …