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Albania Turns Away Tanker Linked to Russia’s Shadow Fleet

Durres decision puts sanctions enforcement under scrutiny after vessel had previously called at Albanian port. Tirana Times, September 01, 2026 – Albania’s decision to deny entry to a tanker identified by Ukrainian military intelligence as part of Russia’s so-called shadow fleet marks more than an isolated maritime enforcement action. It …

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La Stampa: Italy trains its future nurses in Albania

Italy’s Piedmont region faces a shortage of around 6,000 nursing professionals. Regional authorities are now seeking both short-term and long-term solutions. Italian newspaper La Stampa reported on the region’s efforts to address the growing healthcare workforce gap. Piedmont Health Councillor Federico Riboldi recently visited Uzbekistan after an earlier mission to …

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Abissnet Superiore: Best XI selected for Matchday 2

National team coaches have selected the best XI of the second round of the Abissnet Superiore championship. They lined up the team in a 4-3-3 formation. Aldo Teqja of Dinamo City takes the goalkeeper position. Arlind Kurti of Laçi, Vasilios Zhongo of Teuta, Usni Ismaili of Dinamo City, and Yago …

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PM Rama backs Germany as Berlin-Moscow tensions rise after Leipzig drone attack

TIRANA, September 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has expressed support for Germany amid rising tensions with Russia following Berlin’s confirmation of Russian involvement in an attempted drone attack at Leipzig airport in August. In a post on X, Rama described the incident as an act of aggression against Germany …

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Hot weather to bring temperatures up to 38 degrees Celsius

TIRANA, September 2 – The Military Meteorological Service forecasts another hot day on Wednesday, with mostly clear skies and clouds developing around midday. Light local rain may occur around midday and in the afternoon, mainly over mountainous areas. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the northeast to northwest at an average …

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“Sacro e Profano”: Kavaja agritourism blends Albanian tradition with Italian cuisine

Albanian tradition and Italian culinary expertise come together at “Sacro e Profano,” a new agritourism destination in Kavaja. The destination combines gastronomy, hospitality, and local products. It also promotes rural tourism and Albanian produce. Prime Minister Edi Rama recently highlighted “Sacro e Profano” in Kavaja through a social media post. …

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Rising passenger numbers put Tirana Airport under new TEN-T rail connectivity rules

Tirana International Airport now falls under new Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T) rules. These rules require high-traffic airports to connect with rail or other high-capacity, zero-emission public transport. TEN-T connects major European cities and countries through roads, railways, ports, and airports. In this way, the network aims to improve safety, capacity, …

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Fire goes out of control in Madhesh, Mat, two families evacuated

TIRANA, September 2 – A wildfire has gone out of control in the high forests of Trodhna, in the Ulëz Administrative Unit of Mat Municipality, threatening homes and livestock shelters. Police and Mat municipal authorities evacuated two families as the flames spread. Two livestock shelters also remain at risk. Meanwhile, …

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Mediterranean Games: Enkileda Carja wins bronze in snatch

TIRANA, September 2 – Weightlifter Enkileda Carja, 18, won a bronze medal for Albania in the 69 kg snatch competition at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Carja successfully lifted 98 kg and 100 kg in her first two attempts. She then tried 103 kg in her third attempt in an …

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Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) strengthens international cooperation against transnational organised crime

TIRANA, September 2 – The US Department of Justice Criminal Division and the Office of Overseas Prosecutorial Development, Assistance and Training have placed Albania’s Special Prosecution Office at the centre of global efforts against transnational organised crime. In Buenos Aires, SPAK head Klodjan Braho took part in IDEC40, a major …

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Kosova, Acting PM Kurti: Presidential agreement stands despite six Democratic League MPs’ opposition

TIRANA, September 2 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the agreement between the Self-Determination Movement and the Democratic League of Kosova on the presidential nomination remains in place despite six Democratic League lawmakers opposing Bekim Sejdiu’s candidacy. After a meeting of the Self-Determination parliamentary group, Kurti said all 53 …

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Mediterranean Games: Enkileda Carja wins bronze in the snatch

18-year-old weightlifter Enkileda Carja won another medal for Albania at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Carja secured bronze in the 69 kg snatch event after lifting 100 kg. She succeeded in two of her three attempts. First, Carja lifted 98 kg. Then, she successfully raised 100 kg after adding two …

News
Defence Minister Nufi visits Civil Emergency Support Base on 39th anniversary, highlights wildfire response

TIRANA, September 2 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited Albania’s Civil Emergency Support Base as the structure marked the 39th anniversary of its establishment. Nufi praised the base’s role during the difficult wildfire season. From April through August 2026, the base carried out 54 firefighting operations, deploying more than 1,500 …

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Lin Festival returns from September 4 to 6 with culture, art and traditions by the lake

The picturesque village of Lin will host the fourth edition of the Lin Festival from September 4 to 6, 2026. The National Center for Traditional Activities (QKVT) organizes the event to promote and preserve Albania’s intangible cultural heritage. Set along the shores of the lake, the festival will offer a …

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Gonxhja: Public beaches expand by 67% as authorities curb price abuse

Albania has significantly expanded its public beaches during the 2026 tourist season. The move gives local and international visitors more space, access, and affordable options. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said today that municipalities increased the number of public beach station plots by 67% this season. Meanwhile, authorities …

News
Police rescue four German tourists after boat catches fire in Ksamil

TIRANA, September 2 – Border Police and the Marine Police Unit in Ksamil rescued four German tourists after the boat they were travelling on caught fire. Police said officers responded after receiving a report that a boat had caught fire inside near the Pema e Thatë area in Ksamil. Border …

News
New European Union ambassador takes office in Albania as Gonzato’s mandate ends

TIRANA, September 2 – Sofia Moreira de Sousa is taking over as the new European Union ambassador to Albania after the end of Silvio Gonzato’s mandate. Moreira de Sousa will first present her credentials to President Bajram Begaj. The ceremony will formally mark the start of her mandate in Albania. …

News
World Bank: Tourism has highest potential for creating new jobs in Albania

TIRANA, September 2 – Tourism has the greatest potential for creating new jobs in Albania, according to the World Bank. A more diverse tourism offer could also spread employment opportunities beyond the summer season. The assessment comes from the World Bank’s FY 2026 Albania Country Opinion Survey Report, based on …

News
Albania produced 183,000 tonnes of grapes in 2025 as farmer support continues

TIRANA, September 2 – Albania produced around 183,000 tonnes of grapes in 2025, according to the Agricultural Development and Rural Development Agency. Grape production continues to grow alongside vineyard expansion and new investment in technology and processing capacity. Fier, Elbasan, Berat and Vlora have some of the country’s largest vineyard …

News
International Monetary Fund returns to Albania to assess public investment management

TIRANA, September 2 – The International Monetary Fund has launched a mission in Albania focused on improving how the country plans, finances and implements public investments. The IMF instrument examines the full project cycle, from planning and selection to implementation and monitoring. IMF experts will be meeting senior officials at …

News

Kosova, Acting PM Kurti: Presidential agreement stands despite six Democratic League MPs’ opposition

TIRANA, September 2 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the agreement between the Self-Determination Movement and the Democratic League of Kosova on the presidential nomination remains in place despite six Democratic League lawmakers opposing Bekim Sejdiu’s candidacy. After a meeting of the Self-Determination parliamentary group, Kurti said all 53 …

News

Mediterranean Games: Enkileda Carja wins bronze in the snatch

18-year-old weightlifter Enkileda Carja won another medal for Albania at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Carja secured bronze in the 69 kg snatch event after lifting 100 kg. She succeeded in two of her three attempts. First, Carja lifted 98 kg. Then, she successfully raised 100 kg after adding two …

News

Defence Minister Nufi visits Civil Emergency Support Base on 39th anniversary, highlights wildfire response

TIRANA, September 2 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited Albania’s Civil Emergency Support Base as the structure marked the 39th anniversary of its establishment. Nufi praised the base’s role during the difficult wildfire season. From April through August 2026, the base carried out 54 firefighting operations, deploying more than 1,500 …

News

Lin Festival returns from September 4 to 6 with culture, art and traditions by the lake

The picturesque village of Lin will host the fourth edition of the Lin Festival from September 4 to 6, 2026. The National Center for Traditional Activities (QKVT) organizes the event to promote and preserve Albania’s intangible cultural heritage. Set along the shores of the lake, the festival will offer a …

News

Gonxhja: Public beaches expand by 67% as authorities curb price abuse

Albania has significantly expanded its public beaches during the 2026 tourist season. The move gives local and international visitors more space, access, and affordable options. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said today that municipalities increased the number of public beach station plots by 67% this season. Meanwhile, authorities …

News

Police rescue four German tourists after boat catches fire in Ksamil

TIRANA, September 2 – Border Police and the Marine Police Unit in Ksamil rescued four German tourists after the boat they were travelling on caught fire. Police said officers responded after receiving a report that a boat had caught fire inside near the Pema e Thatë area in Ksamil. Border …

News

New European Union ambassador takes office in Albania as Gonzato’s mandate ends

TIRANA, September 2 – Sofia Moreira de Sousa is taking over as the new European Union ambassador to Albania after the end of Silvio Gonzato’s mandate. Moreira de Sousa will first present her credentials to President Bajram Begaj. The ceremony will formally mark the start of her mandate in Albania. …

News

World Bank: Tourism has highest potential for creating new jobs in Albania

TIRANA, September 2 – Tourism has the greatest potential for creating new jobs in Albania, according to the World Bank. A more diverse tourism offer could also spread employment opportunities beyond the summer season. The assessment comes from the World Bank’s FY 2026 Albania Country Opinion Survey Report, based on …

News

Albania produced 183,000 tonnes of grapes in 2025 as farmer support continues

TIRANA, September 2 – Albania produced around 183,000 tonnes of grapes in 2025, according to the Agricultural Development and Rural Development Agency. Grape production continues to grow alongside vineyard expansion and new investment in technology and processing capacity. Fier, Elbasan, Berat and Vlora have some of the country’s largest vineyard …

News

International Monetary Fund returns to Albania to assess public investment management

TIRANA, September 2 – The International Monetary Fund has launched a mission in Albania focused on improving how the country plans, finances and implements public investments. The IMF instrument examines the full project cycle, from planning and selection to implementation and monitoring. IMF experts will be meeting senior officials at …