“Shtëpia e Midhjeve” ranks second at TEA Awards 2026 in gastronomy category
“Shtëpia e Midhjeve” (The House of Mussels), a culinary destination located near Saranda, has ranked second in the “TEA’s Gastronomy Award” category at the TEA Awards 2026 ceremony. The National Tourism Agency says this recognition places “Shtëpia e Midhjeve” among the most highly rated gastronomic destinations based on visitor reviews …
United States Chargé d’Affaires in Prishtina highlights partnership with Kosova at U.S. independence anniversary event
TIRANA, July 1 – United States Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati reaffirmed Washington’s support for Kosova during an event marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. Prattipati said the partnership between the United States and Kosova rests on shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to security and opportunity. She …
Frang Bardhi remembered as Albania’s first lexicographer
TIRANA, July 1 – Albanian humanist Frang Bardhi passed away on July 1, 1643. He was a lexicographer, historian, folklorist, ethnographer and senior Catholic cleric. Bardhi was born in 1606 in Kallmet, Zadrima. He completed his studies at the religious college in Loreto, Italy, in 1628. He later earned a …
FM Hoxha says EU enlargement is strategic necessity for Europe
TIRANA, July 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said EU enlargement is a strategic necessity for Europe’s security, stability and competitiveness during a conference in Luxembourg on EU support for the Western Balkans, held by the European Court of Auditors. The Albanian chief diplomat said the Western Balkans and the …
EU4Culture Program Concludes After Restoring 23 Cultural Heritage Sites in Albania
The EU4Culture program has officially ended in Albania after restoring and revitalizing 23 cultural heritage sites across the country. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) implemented the project, which the European Union funded with a total budget of €40 million. The program ran from October 2020 to June …
Apolonia Archaeological Park declared immovable cultural heritage, new management plan approved
TIRANA, July 1 – The Council of Ministers declared the Apolonia Archaeological Park an immovable cultural heritage asset, also approving its boundary definition, zoning, and a new protection and management plan. The Albanian government said the new status applies in line with the official zoning map and coordinates set in …
The Cost of Non Enlargement: Why the EU Cannot Afford to Leave the Western Balkans Behind
Tirana Times, June 29, 2026 – For years, the debate on European Union enlargement has been dominated by the presumed costs of admitting new members: institutional complexity, financial burdens, political resistance and the challenges of integrating countries still undergoing democratic and rule of law reforms. Yet a more strategic question …
The Strategic Price of Non-Enlargement
By Albert Rakipi Tirana Times, June 30, 2026 – For more than two decades, the Western Balkans have lived inside the promise of European integration. In Albania, support for membership in the European Union has often remained above 90 percent. I have sometimes described this support as almost “totalitarian.” Yet …
Albanian PM’s Response to Protests Causing Unease Within His Own Party
Faced with unprecedented anti-government protests, Edi Rama has chosen to go on the offensive, to the public unease of several MPs and ex-officials from his own Socialist Party. Original post Here
€65 Million Allocated to Strengthen Local Government and Urban Transport in Albania
Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo has announced that the Albanian government has allocated €65 million to strengthen local authorities and improve public services. Speaking after a Council of Ministers meeting, Demo said the funding, approved through a normative act, aims to boost municipal capacity and enhance infrastructure …
TIRANA, July 1 – The Ministry of Health and Social Protection reports that summer health centres continue to operate across Albania’s tourist areas. They provide medical services for holidaymakers without interruption. The ministry highlights work at the summer health centre in the Kala museum quarter in Berat. Medical staff serve …
Albania’s cultural heritage will take center stage in London as the National Ensemble of Songs and Dances prepares for its first-ever performance in the United Kingdom. The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet announced that the ensemble will perform on 6 July at the Shaw Theatre in London. The show …
TIRANA, July 1 – Albania continues progress in EU accession talks under Chapter 16 (Taxation) and Chapter 29 (Customs), with authorities focusing on legal alignment, technical systems and stronger administrative capacity. Ratification of the protocol on illicit tobacco trade remains a key closing requirement. Reporting to the Parliamentary Committee on …
TIRANA, July 1 – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance summit due next week in Ankara should focus on implementation and delivery, with defence spending, support for Ukraine and defence industrial production set as top priorities. Rutte said allies must concentrate on fulfilling commitments made at last year’s …
TIRANA, July 1 – Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj met a delegation of European Parliament members on Tuesday to discuss the proposed Narta–Zvërnec project. The delegation included Tineke Strik, Daniel Freund, Cristina Guarda, Jutta Paulus and Anna Strolenberg. During the meeting, Jaupaj said no final project proposal has reached the competent …
TIRANA, July 1 – Albania’s new copyright bill will strengthen the protection of creators and rights holders in the digital environment while aligning national legislation with European Union rules, Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Martin Kajo said on Tuesday. Speaking at a conference on digital and audiovisual piracy organised by …
TIRANA, July 1 – Italian media outlet “Idealista” has highlighted 15 key destinations across Albania, presenting the country as an increasingly attractive European tourism hub where history, nature, and coastal landscapes meet. The article notes that Albania combines Roman amphitheatres, Ottoman-era bazaars, and modern urban life within a short travel …
TIRANA, July 1 – President Bajram Begaj welcomed Ireland as it begins its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. In a message published on Wednesday, Begaj wished Ireland success during its term at the helm of the Council. He said Albania was encouraged that European Union enlargement …
Albania is expanding its digital public transport services as the summer tourist season increases travel demand across the country. The General Director of the Road Transport Services Directorate (DPSHTRR), Kreshnik Bajraktari, has launched an intensive information campaign in the field to promote the eTransport platform. The initiative aims to provide …
TIRANA, July 1 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met Hendrik Wüst during his visit to Bochum, Germany. Rama said the talks focused on expanding cooperation between Albania and North Rhine-Westphalia, one of Germany’s leading economic and industrial regions. He identified investment, digital technology, vocational education, and Albania’s European Union membership …