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“EU is closer to us”, Rama: Growth plan, key platform for integration

In the joint media conference with Commissioner Varhelyi, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the EU is now closer to the Western Balkans. Rama estimated that the economic growth plan is a key platform to accelerate European integration. “Welcome to Tirana, all of you who come from the region. I …

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Rama: All WB countries said “yes” to possibility of cooperation, investments in arms production

Prime Minister Edi Rama, commented Thursday the declaration of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy for potential joint arms production. In the press conference with the EU Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi at the end of the Growth and Convergence for the Western Balkans Summit, Rama said that “Albania does not …

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Regional summit on the growth and convergence plan to take place Thursday

Another Summit will take place on Thursday in Albania. The Regional Summit on the Growth and Convergence Plan with have a focus on the integration of the Western Balkans towards the European Union, as well as the implementation of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. This summit will also …

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Summit on the EU’s economic growth plan for the region, Western Balkan leaders gathers in Tirana

Today the leaders of the Western Balkan countries and the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, will gather for the regional summit on the European Union’s economic growth plan for the region. The EU’s plan for the Western Balkans aims at the economic advancement of the region, accelerating necessary reforms, …

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Rama: Let’s take the necessary steps near the union, otherwise we will fail

Prime Minister Edi Rama, in the opening speech of the summit between the EU and the Western Balkans on the new growth plan, emphasized that the union must find new ways to help the region. He emphasized that the necessary steps must be taken to join the union, otherwise we …

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Rama: In June we apply for the euro payment area

In June, Albania intends to apply to the common euro payments area. The statement was made by Prime Minister Rama, during his speech at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tirana. In his speech, Rama said that Albania will work hard to carry out this exercise, as he considered, not easy. …

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NAPOKON …. SË FUNDI… КОНЕЧНО

By Marko Čadež As of 1 March this year, citizens of Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia will FINALLY be able to live and work in any of the three countries as in their own. In boring bureaucratic words “The Agreement on the Conditions for Free Access to the Labor Market …

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In Tirana summit, Ukrainian President Zelensky thanks Albania for support, seeks joint munitions production

TIRANA, Feb. 28, 2024 – Making his first visit to Albania, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Balkan nations, and Albania in particular, for support in countering Russian aggression in his country, calling specifically for cooperation in munitions production, which Ukraine urgently needs in its fight against Russia.  He made the …

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Rama-Zelensky discuss over potential joint arms production

The Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama and Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with each-other even for a possibility of joint arms production. Ukrainian President, Zelenskyy said after the meeting that since the first days of the full-scale invasion, Albania has supported Ukraine in our struggle for freedom and territorial integrity. …

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Rama: Zelensky’s presence is a reminder that Putin has not succeeded

Prime Minister Edi Rama has again expressed Albania’s support for Ukraine, regarding its war against Russia. During his speech at the Summit for Ukraine in Tirana, Rama declared that Zelensky’s presence is a reminder that Russian President Vladimir Putin has not succeeded. “This is a war that neither Ukraine nor …

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Albania’s EU bid faces IBAR delay

Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Albania’s path toward European Union membership has entered a more uncertain phase as discussions over a key assessment report remain unfinished, exposing a gap between technical progress in reforms and the political consensus required among member states to move forward. At the center of …

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Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy

By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …

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Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens

Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …

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Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth

From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …

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Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë

Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …

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Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games

Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …

News
Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”

The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …

News
Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …

News
Edi Rama: No Compromise on Food Safety for EU Integration

Edi Rama said there will be no compromise on food safety. He spoke in Berat with olive oil producers. First, he highlighted food safety as a key condition for EU integration. He said standards must match those of the European Union. Then, he warned producers. He said non-compliant products will …

News
Delina Ibrahimaj said investment and cooperation in agro-processing are key for exports and EU integration

She spoke during a visit to an olive oil processing business. Edi Rama and other cabinet members were present. First, she stressed higher standards in production. She said agriculture and agro-processing must improve to enter the EU market. Then, she highlighted a new model of cooperation. Over 70 olive oil …

News

Albania’s EU bid faces IBAR delay

Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Albania’s path toward European Union membership has entered a more uncertain phase as discussions over a key assessment report remain unfinished, exposing a gap between technical progress in reforms and the political consensus required among member states to move forward. At the center of …

News

Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy

By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …

News

Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens

Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …

News

Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth

From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …

News

Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë

Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …

News

Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games

Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …

News

Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”

The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …

News

Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …

News

Edi Rama: No Compromise on Food Safety for EU Integration

Edi Rama said there will be no compromise on food safety. He spoke in Berat with olive oil producers. First, he highlighted food safety as a key condition for EU integration. He said standards must match those of the European Union. Then, he warned producers. He said non-compliant products will …

News

Delina Ibrahimaj said investment and cooperation in agro-processing are key for exports and EU integration

She spoke during a visit to an olive oil processing business. Edi Rama and other cabinet members were present. First, she stressed higher standards in production. She said agriculture and agro-processing must improve to enter the EU market. Then, she highlighted a new model of cooperation. Over 70 olive oil …