Ten winners announced in Tish Daija Music Creativity Competition
The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble announced the 10 winners of the Tish Daija Music Creativity Competition in the “Chamber Music” and “A Cappella Choir” categories. The competition marks the 100th anniversary of composer Tish Daija’s birth. With support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, …
Health minister Spahiu in Kurbin calls for stronger coordination between primary and hospital care
Health and Social Welfare Minister Klodiana Spahiu visited the Laç Health Centre in Kurbin. She called for stronger coordination between primary healthcare and hospital services to provide faster care closer to residents. Spahiu said better coordination between health structures would improve patient referrals. She also stressed the importance of direct …
German electronic music artist Sam Shure, Albanian artists bring Berlin energy to Tirana
German Cultural Week 2026 brought music, contemporary art, exhibitions, traditions and German gastronomy to Tirana from October 2 to 6. The five-day programme offered audiences in the Albanian capital opportunities to experience different aspects of German culture. The activities also created spaces for cultural exchange between the two countries. Meanwhile, …
‘Wonders of Arbëria’ brings Albanian tradition to opera stage
“Wonders of Arbëria” returns to the stage of Albania’s National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble. The performance features the National Ensemble of Folk Songs and Dances in cooperation with the ‘Gurra e Kurbinit’ ensemble. Arbëria is the historical name used for Albania during the Middle Ages. The show …
Albania inflation rises to 2.9% in September, driven by transport and food
Albania’s annual inflation rate rose to 2.9% in September 2026, up from 2.4% in the same month last year. Consumer prices also increased by 0.4% from August. According to Consumer Price Index data published on October 8, food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation. They accounted …
New vehicle possession certificate service launched online in e-Albania official platform
A new online service allows taxpayers in Albania to obtain a vehicle possession certificate through e-Albania. The government services platform is available in Albanian and English. Applicants no longer need to visit an office in person. The General Directorate of Taxation has published the steps for applying online. After completing …
Justice minister Toni Gogu, EU commissioner Michael McGrath discuss reform and integration
Justice Minister Toni Gogu met European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath to discuss justice reform and Albania’s path towards European Union membership. The talks focused on strengthening the rule of law and consolidating Albania’s justice reform. Gogu said they also discussed the …
Albania and Turkey defence ministers meet in Ankara to strengthen strategic partnership
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met his Turkish counterpart Yaşar Guler in Ankara on Thursday to discuss stronger strategic cooperation in defence and security. They also discussed concrete projects in areas of mutual interest. Nufi said Albania and Turkey share a consolidated partnership based on strong historical and human ties and …
Albania and Bulgaria foreign ministers discuss Trans-European Transport Corridor VIII
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha attended a conference on Trans-European Transport Corridor VIII in Sofia, Bulgaria, organised by Bulgarian Foreign Minister Velislava Petrova. The conference followed a ministerial meeting that Albania hosted in Tirana in February. Hoxha said the Tirana meeting established a shared political vision for the corridor. He …
High Justice Inspector Meets OSCE Ambassador: Focus on Cooperation to Strengthen the Justice System
High Justice Inspector Artur Metani welcomed the Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, for a working meeting. During the meeting, discussions focused on cooperation between the Office of the High Justice Inspector and the OSCE Presence in recent years, ongoing projects, as well as initiatives and …
European Commissioner Michael McGrath has described Albania as one of the leading countries in the EU accession process. “Albania belongs in the EU,” he said in a social media post after meeting Prime Minister Edi Rama. He pledged continued EU support but stressed that important work remains. The meeting focused …
Albania has reached an advanced stage in its bid to join the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). Prime Minister’s Office officials shared updates on the visit of DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya, which supports the accession process. The visit highlights Albania’s digital transformation achievements, outlines the next steps toward membership and reinforces …
Constitutional Court President Fiona Papajorgji met European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath during his first visit to Albania. They discussed the court’s work, institutional capacity and the implementation of its decisions. The talks also focused on strengthening judicial reform and safeguarding the …
Albania has taken a step toward expanding green finance and directing investment into sustainable activities. The Bank of Albania presented the final draft of the National Green Activities Classification with support from the European Investment Bank. Second Deputy Governor Natasha Ahmetaj said the framework will influence how banks and investors …
German Ambassador to Kosovo Rainer Rudolph said Kosovo can now pursue its European agenda more actively after resolving its institutional crisis. He spoke at a reception marking German Unity Day. Rudolph said stable institutions will allow Kosovo to renew its focus on European integration. He warned that the process will …
European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, has stated that Albania is one of the frontrunners in the European Union accession process. In a social media post following his meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama, McGrath stressed that Albania “belongs in the EU”, …
The Osman Taka Dance has been included in Albania’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja, while Prime Minister Edi Rama also commented on the decision, describing the dance as one of the expressions of Cham identity and tradition. …
Albania’s garment manufacturing industry is facing increasingly serious difficulties. From around 65,000 employees previously working in the manufacturing sector, the workforce has now fallen to approximately 40,000, while nearly 150 garment factories have shut down in recent years. The alarm was raised in Elbasan during a meeting between the Albanian …
The election of respected academic Justina Shiroka-Pula averts another political crisis and highlights Kosovo’s tradition of female leadership and religious coexistence, while offering new prospects for political stability and international engagement. Tirana Times, October 08, 2026 — The election of Justina Shiroka-Pula as Kosovo’s new president has brought an end …
OSCE Presence in Albania Ambassador Michel Tarran met High Inspector of Justice Artur Metani to discuss recent developments in the judicial system and issues related to the inspector’s mandate. According to the OSCE Presence, the talks focused on the role of the High Inspector of Justice in ensuring accountability in …