Gonxhja: Territorial Reform Should Strengthen Municipalities
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja called for stronger municipalities and improved local governance, stressing that effective local administration is essential for tourism development. In a television interview, Gonxhja said tourism depends heavily on how well municipalities manage public services and local infrastructure. “Tourism is directly affected by the …
Vengu: US Loan Agreement Secures $302 Million for a Stronger Albanian Defence
Former Defence Minister and Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu said the loan agreement with the United States marks the largest defence financing package in Albania’s history. The agreement will finance the purchase of US-made military systems, equipment and weapons. Speaking in a television interview, Vengu said the agreement provides $302 …
Italy’s EUSAIR Presidency Focuses on Western Balkans’ EU Integration
Italy launched its 2026–2027 Presidency of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) with a focus on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the European integration of the Western Balkans. During the opening meeting in Rome, participants highlighted the strategic importance of the Adriatic-Ionian region in addressing …
114th Anniversary of the Raising of the Albanian Flag at Guri i Kamjes
Pogradec commemorated the 114th anniversary of the Albanian flag raising at Guri i Kamjes, a historic event for the regions of Gorë, Mokër and Opar. On July 28, 1912, Kapedan Kajo Babeni led hundreds of fighters from Mokër and Opar in their fight against Ottoman rule. Shahin Matraku and other …
US State Department: Albania Remains Target of Cyberattacks from Iran and Russia
Albania continues to face cyberattacks from state-backed actors, including Iran and Russia, according to the latest security report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) of the US Department of State. The report says Albania has also experienced ransomware attacks carried out by cybercriminal groups. In 2026, Iran launched attacks …
Albania Joins WHO Call to Eliminate Hepatitis B and C
*]: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:bf07789e-c33b-4efe-873c-9eadd6ea0ed5-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:bf07789e-c33b-4efe-873c-9eadd6ea0ed5-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> “Let’s Break the Barriers” is the theme of World Hepatitis Day 2026. Health experts are urging people to get tested and take preventive measures against hepatitis, commonly known as jaundice. They warn that viral hepatitis remains a major public health challenge …
Young Man Killed After Crane Collapses at Construction Site in Pristina, Another Injured
A man in his 20s has died after a crane collapsed at a construction site in Pristina. Another person was injured and is receiving treatment at the University Clinical Centre of Kosovo (QKUK). The fatality was confirmed by Enis Pllana, spokesperson for the Kosovo Police in the Pristina region. “As …
2,400 farmers apply for VAT refund, payments to start in August
TIRANA, July 28 – The General Director of Taxes, Ilir Binaj, said farmers are using the 10% VAT refund scheme without major problems. He expects applications to increase as the tax administration expands information campaigns and training sessions across the country. At a joint press conference with Finance Minister Petrit …
President Begaj discusses stronger strategic partnership with Croatian foreign minister
TIRANA, July 28 – President Bajram Begaj met with Croatian Minister of Foreign and European Affairs Gordan Grlic-Radman to discuss relations between Albania and Croatia. The two officials focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between the countries. During the meeting, they highlighted Croatia’s continued support for Albania’s European integration. They …
Kosova acting president Haxhiu discusses NATO membership with Admiral Wikoff
TIRANA, July 28 – Kosova Acting President Albulena Haxhiu met Admiral George Wikoff, commander of the NATO Allied Joint Force Command Naples. The officials discussed the security situation in Kosova, cooperation with the Kosova Force, and coordination with NATO. According to a social media statement, Haxhiu thanked Admiral Wikoff for …
Student-led demonstrations turn into violent confrontations, with attacks on state institutions and luxury buildings amid allegations of systemic corruption, police brutality and a deepening political crisis. Tirana Times, October 14, 2026 – Albania’s capital descended into scenes resembling a war zone Wednesday as anti-government protesters attacked state institutions, set fires …
Student-led protests in Albania have escalated into violent clashes with police, drawing international attention and raising fresh questions about government accountability, corruption and the future of young people. The demonstrations began with demands for better university conditions, lower education costs and greater financial support for students. However, they soon expanded …
Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi condemned attacks on Parliament and public institutions during a violent protest in Tirana. He described the acts of vandalism and destruction as unacceptable. In a social media statement, Peleshi stressed that violence serves no cause and harms the public interest and society. He also rejected attempts …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro urged students to reject violence as protests entered their second day. She expressed deep concern over attacks on the Education Ministry and other public institutions. “Physical clashes and property destruction must never replace words, arguments and dialogue,” Kumbaro said. The minister defended students’ right to protest …
The US Embassy in Tirana issued a security alert on Tuesday, warning American citizens that violent protests could spread near government buildings. The embassy said a demonstration on Durrës Street, near Skanderbeg Square, turned violent after protesters threw stones. It warned that unrest could spread to nearby areas and government …
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Albania (KISH) condemned the removal of the Vatican flag during a protest in Tirana on Tuesday, calling the act unacceptable. In a public statement, the conference said protesters had targeted the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Tirana. Several demonstrators removed the Vatican flag …
The German Embassy has shared the position of the European Union Delegation to Albania regarding the ongoing student protests in Tirana. The German Embassy has expressed the same position as the EU Delegation, which voiced concern over escalating tensions between law enforcement officers and young protesters and called on all …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced during a government meeting that a proposal to establish a working group tasked with drafting, coordinating and harmonising a state strategy regarding appeal proceedings at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague had been approved. Kurti stated that the first-instance verdict against the four …
The British Embassy in Tirana has reacted following clashes on the second day of protests outside the Ministry of Education. In a statement published on the Ministry’s official Facebook page, the embassy stressed that the right to protest does not justify the use of violence or damage to public and …
Former Defence Minister Piro Vengu has reacted following acts of violence reported for the second consecutive day during protests outside the Ministry of Education. In a social media post, Vengu stated that students have the right to protest and express their concerns, but stressed that violence and vandalism serve no …