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Vikena Kamenica, for the first time as a director with “Misa a Buenos Aires”

A work not usually seen on the stage of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania, which delicately intertwines Catholic liturgical, sacred music with the sensual sounds of Argentine tango, is also known as a “tango mass.” “Misa a Buenos Aires” by Martín Palmeri, entirely unique in its …

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Election of Kosovo’s president, Kurti: Going to elections is not an option, we are open to solutions

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, has stated that going to early parliamentary elections is not an option. At today’s government meeting, Kurti emphasized that the election of the president is a constitutional duty of the people’s elected representatives. “This requires willingness to find a solution, readiness for compromise, …

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Himara, EU negotiations and his origin, Rama interview for Greek media

Prime Minister Edi Rama has given an interview to the Greek media outlet “Kathimerini” a few days before his participation in the 11th Delphi Economic Forum (April 22–25). In this interview, he spoke extensively about Greek-Albanian relations, economic developments in Albania, the property issue in Himara, as well as recent …

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Hoxha meets Commissioner Kos in Brussels: Sustainable reforms toward the EU

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, met in Brussels with the European Union Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. Minister Hoxha stated that the focus of the meeting was the advanced process of accession negotiations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the current momentum and continuing forward with consistency …

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Caught in the act with Molotov cocktails, decision issued for 11 arrested from the PD protest

The Tirana Court has issued its decision for the 11 protesters who were caught with Molotov cocktails during the rally of the Democratic Party of Albania. The decision ordered the measure “arrest in prison” for 5 of them, while 6 individuals were assigned the measure “obligation to appear.” Specifically, those …

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Kosovo declares Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization

The Government of Kosovo has designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization during a meeting held on Monday in Pristina. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that “through this decision, Kosovo strengthens its stance in defense of international security, democratic values, and human rights.” “This is a …

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Rental income rises, reaching around €400 million in 2025

Renting out property is becoming an increasingly profitable source of income in Albania. Official data from the Ministry of Finance of Albania show that revenue from income tax on rents reached €60 million in 2025, up from €55 million in 2024—an increase of 8.5%. This tax corresponds to total rental …

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Meeting with agrotourism representatives, Rama: Support for small and medium-sized enterprises

Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting on Monday afternoon with representatives of the agrotourism sector in Tirana. Rama was accompanied at the meeting by the political leader of the region, Ogerta Manastirliu. During his speech, Rama presented the program “Double Your Enterprise.” He emphasized that this project will be …

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Albulena Haxhiu authorizes participation of the Kosovo Security Force in an international operation in Gaza

The Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, has authorized the deployment of the Kosovo Security Force to an international peacekeeping operation, as part of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms. Albulena Haxhiu, following approval by the Assembly of Kosovo, today authorized the deployment of …

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On Autocracy, Hungary, and the Cost of Crying Wolf

by Nikola Kedhi Tirana Times, April 20, 2026 – On the evening of April 12, 2026, Viktor Orbán, Europe’s most scrutinized, most condemned, most exhaustively theorized leader, conceded defeat in a parliamentary election. Péter Magyar’s Tisza party had won over 53 percent of the vote. The man whom the European …

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European Socca Finals come to Albania

Albania will host the European Socca Championship for the first time. The event marks an important moment for minifootball in the country. Jurgen Demneri called it a major achievement and a great chance to promote Albania internationally. Albania joined Socca in 2023. The team reached the World Cup quarterfinals and …

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Rama: “Double Your Business” targets SMEs, not large companies

Prime Minister Edi Rama said the “Double Your Business” program will not be available to large companies. It will target startups and small and medium-sized enterprises. Rama met agrotourism representatives in Tirana. He discussed the “Mountain Package” and new support programs for small businesses. He said the national program will …

News
Mountain Package: 36 municipalities identify 304 priority zones

The Mountain Package covers 36 municipalities. Authorities identified 304 priority zones. Minister Ervin Demo said individuals with historically used land can apply. Farmers who have worked these lands for years can also benefit. Municipalities play a key role. They define priority areas and support applications. Authorities will publish maps on …

News
Rama: Investment in human capital is vital for businesses

Prime Minister Edi Rama stressed the importance of investing in human capital. He spoke at a meeting with agrotourism representatives in Tirana. Rama urged businesses not to cut spending on staff. He said companies should pay workers well and make them feel valued. He added that human capital is essential …

News
BBC: The quirky holiday spots on trend for 2026 – Albania among Europe’s rising destinations

TIRANA, April 20 – A new wave of travel interest is reshaping European tourism in 2026, with industry observers pointing to a growing preference for smaller, less commercial destinations across the continent. In a broader overview of emerging holiday trends, the BBC highlights several countries gaining attention from international travellers, …

News
Albania’s EU path built on concrete results, Hoxha says after meeting Commissioner Kos

TIRANA, April 20 – Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos to discuss progress in the country’s European Union accession process. Hoxha said talks focused on the pace of negotiations and the need to maintain current momentum. He described Albania’s EU path as based on …

News
Western Balkans risk losing over €700 million in EU Growth Plan funds, sources say

TIRANA, April 20 – European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has warned Western Balkan countries they risk losing more than €700 million in funding under the EU Growth Plan if reforms stall, according to sources cited by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. A letter sent on April 17 to regional capitals …

News
PM Rama tells Greek ‘Kathimerini’ nationalism reflects lack of maturity, addresses ties with Greece

TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said nationalism often reflects a lack of maturity in an interview with Kathimerini ahead of his visit to Greece for the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama discussed bilateral relations with Greece, including property issues in the southern coastal region of Himara. He …

News
Albanian delegation holds talks in Italian parliament to boost bilateral ties

TIRANA, April 20 – An Albanian parliamentary delegation held meetings in the Italian Senate as part of a two-day visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation. Members of the delegation met Italian senator Raffaele De Rosa to discuss economic ties, parliamentary cooperation, and Albania’s European Union accession process. Talks …

News
Saranda prepares for increased tourist flows, expands free public beach access

TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian authorities said the coastal city of Saranda is preparing for the upcoming tourist season with expanded public beach access and new infrastructure. Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja inspected recent investments alongside local officials, including the mayor of Saranda. Officials said designated public beaches will offer free …

News

European Socca Finals come to Albania

Albania will host the European Socca Championship for the first time. The event marks an important moment for minifootball in the country. Jurgen Demneri called it a major achievement and a great chance to promote Albania internationally. Albania joined Socca in 2023. The team reached the World Cup quarterfinals and …

News

Rama: “Double Your Business” targets SMEs, not large companies

Prime Minister Edi Rama said the “Double Your Business” program will not be available to large companies. It will target startups and small and medium-sized enterprises. Rama met agrotourism representatives in Tirana. He discussed the “Mountain Package” and new support programs for small businesses. He said the national program will …

News

Mountain Package: 36 municipalities identify 304 priority zones

The Mountain Package covers 36 municipalities. Authorities identified 304 priority zones. Minister Ervin Demo said individuals with historically used land can apply. Farmers who have worked these lands for years can also benefit. Municipalities play a key role. They define priority areas and support applications. Authorities will publish maps on …

News

Rama: Investment in human capital is vital for businesses

Prime Minister Edi Rama stressed the importance of investing in human capital. He spoke at a meeting with agrotourism representatives in Tirana. Rama urged businesses not to cut spending on staff. He said companies should pay workers well and make them feel valued. He added that human capital is essential …

News

BBC: The quirky holiday spots on trend for 2026 – Albania among Europe’s rising destinations

TIRANA, April 20 – A new wave of travel interest is reshaping European tourism in 2026, with industry observers pointing to a growing preference for smaller, less commercial destinations across the continent. In a broader overview of emerging holiday trends, the BBC highlights several countries gaining attention from international travellers, …

News

Albania’s EU path built on concrete results, Hoxha says after meeting Commissioner Kos

TIRANA, April 20 – Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos to discuss progress in the country’s European Union accession process. Hoxha said talks focused on the pace of negotiations and the need to maintain current momentum. He described Albania’s EU path as based on …

News

Western Balkans risk losing over €700 million in EU Growth Plan funds, sources say

TIRANA, April 20 – European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos has warned Western Balkan countries they risk losing more than €700 million in funding under the EU Growth Plan if reforms stall, according to sources cited by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. A letter sent on April 17 to regional capitals …

News

PM Rama tells Greek ‘Kathimerini’ nationalism reflects lack of maturity, addresses ties with Greece

TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said nationalism often reflects a lack of maturity in an interview with Kathimerini ahead of his visit to Greece for the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama discussed bilateral relations with Greece, including property issues in the southern coastal region of Himara. He …

News

Albanian delegation holds talks in Italian parliament to boost bilateral ties

TIRANA, April 20 – An Albanian parliamentary delegation held meetings in the Italian Senate as part of a two-day visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation. Members of the delegation met Italian senator Raffaele De Rosa to discuss economic ties, parliamentary cooperation, and Albania’s European Union accession process. Talks …

News

Saranda prepares for increased tourist flows, expands free public beach access

TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian authorities said the coastal city of Saranda is preparing for the upcoming tourist season with expanded public beach access and new infrastructure. Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja inspected recent investments alongside local officials, including the mayor of Saranda. Officials said designated public beaches will offer free …