US State Department reacts to Vucic’s statements on Ibër: Normalisation of relations is essential
TIRANA, August 12 – The US State Department has reacted to statements about a possible change in the course of the Ibër River. The department told Radio Free Europe that peace and stability in the Western Balkans remain US priorities. A State Department spokesperson said normalisation of relations between Serbia …
KFOR chief: Troops may increase if security in Kosova is at risk
TIRANA, August 12 – NATO’s mission in Kosova, KFOR, met Serbian List President Zlatan Elek on Tuesday. The meeting followed the party’s opposition to a gradual reduction of KFOR’s presence on the main bridge over the Ibër River in Mitrovica. Elek requested the meeting at KFOR headquarters in Film City …
190 years since the publication of De Rada’s “Songs of Milosao”
TIRANA, August 12 – Jeronim De Rada published “Songs of Milosao” in Naples 190 years ago. The work appeared in August 1836. It is also considered a lyrical masterpiece of the Albanian National Renaissance. De Rada had completed the work in October 1834. He also wrote its preface at that …
Fire in Lura National Park enters second day, flames advance towards inhabited areas
TIRANA, August 12 – A fire in Lura National Park has entered its second day. The flames are advancing towards inhabited areas. Around 140 personnel are now involved in the operation. Two Canadair aircraft are also supporting the operation from the air. Dibër Mayor Rahim Spahiu reported the large fire …
Partial solar eclipse over Tirana; Moon to cover the Sun for 13 minutes
Moon will pass in front of the Sun and create a partial solar eclipse. Some parts of Europe will see a total eclipse. However, Tirana will see only a partial phase. According to astronomical data for Tirana, the eclipse will begin at 19:31. It will reach its maximum 10 minutes …
French article: Bookings from France to Albania rise by 288%
TIRANA, August 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a French article on social media about the growing interest among foreign tourists in Albania. Marie-Flamine Lavergne wrote the article. She examined the factors that are turning Albania into one of Europe’s most sought-after tourist destinations. According to the article, …
Clear skies across Albania on Wednesday, strong coastal winds, temperatures up to 40°C
TIRANA, August 12 – The Military Meteorological Service says Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. Skies will remain clear across the country, with only limited and passing cloud cover over mountainous areas in the north and east. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the northwest to northeast at an …
State Minister Dhuka responds to Serbian counterpart: Let us leave the ghosts of “Greater Albania” and “Greater Serbia” behind
TIRANA, August 11 – Albania’s State Minister and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka responded today to Serbian European Integration Minister Nemanja Starović over the debate surrounding the Ibër River. In a social media post, Dhuka said that the river flows forward and history does the same. As a lawyer, she said …
Foreign Minister Hoxha responds to Serbian counterpart: Region’s future should be built through dialogue
TIRANA, August 11 – Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha responded on Tuesday to Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric’s statement on the Ibër River. Hoxha stressed the need for dialogue, trust and practical cooperation in the region. Hoxha welcomed the calmer tone of Duric’s closing message. He …
Velipoja Beach draws large numbers of domestic and foreign tourists
TIRANA, August 11 – Velipoja Beach remains one of Albania’s most popular summer destinations. The beach stretches for more than 14 km and attracts large numbers of domestic and foreign visitors this season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the Velipoja coastline on social media today. He highlighted the …
TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …
TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …
TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …
TIRANA, August 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today that operations to manage the wildfire in Lura National Park continue at high intensity. The fire affects the Runja area above Borie Lura village. In a social media statement, Nufi said all relevant structures remain engaged in the operation. They …
TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …
Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …
TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …
TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …
TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …
TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …