Speaker Peleshi: Strengthening parliamentary cooperation with the Bundestag
TIRANA, April 9 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met with Gunnar Schellenberger, President of the Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament. They focused on enhancing inter-parliamentary ties and boosting economic cooperation between Albania and Germany. Peleshi highlighted the need to intensify collaboration between the Albanian Parliament and the Bundestag, and to expand exchanges …
“Islands”: Albania rises on tourism map as Ksamil draws Caribbean comparisons
TIRANA, April 9 – Albania is gaining attention as a beach destination in Europe. An article in the U.S. travel magazine Islands highlights the coastal village of Ksamil as a rising hotspot. The report asks which European destination offers Caribbean-style beaches at lower cost in 2026. It points to Albania’s …
Albania women’s team targets strong start against Wales in 2027 World Cup qualifiers
TIRANA, April 9 – Albania’s women’s national team continued preparations for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. The team held its latest training session at the “House of Football.” Albania will face Wales on April 14 at 20:15 at “Stok Cae Ras” stadium. Players are following an intensive training program ahead …
Economy and Innovation Minister: New law aims to boost strategic investments in tourist ports
TIRANA, April 9 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented a draft law to amend the framework on tourist ports. She said the initiative will simplify procedures for strategic investments in resorts, marinas, and tourist ports. Ibrahimaj said Albania has recorded strong tourism growth. The country welcomed 6.4 million …
PM Rama: Construction sector reflects Albania’s economic transformation
TIRANA, April 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the construction sector plays a key role in Albania’s economic and social transformation. He made the remarks during a meeting with business representatives on wage growth, alongside Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj. Rama rejected claims that link the sector to …
Spring Fair in Korça draws crowds with artisans and festive activities
TIRANA, April 9 – Korça’s central square in front of the Orthodox Cathedral came alive with the Spring Fair ahead of Easter. The event, now a local tradition, brings together artisans and visitors from across the country. Stalls showcase handmade crafts, traditional products, and souvenirs, creating a lively and authentic …
Gonxhja: New plan to revitalize historic areas in Shkodra
Tourism, Culture, and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja visited the Gjuhadol neighborhood in Shkodra. Mayor Benet Beci joined him. The area includes many historic buildings. Authorities plan to revitalize them and restore their identity. Gonxhja said they will implement a structured intervention plan. The plan targets historic zones and centers. The …
27 years since the battle of Koshare, the day that broke the border between Kosova and Albania
TIRANA, April 9 – Today marks 27 years since the Battle of Koshare, a key confrontation that broke the border between Kosova and Albania. The battle began on April 9, 1999, during Operation “Shigjeta” (The Arrow). It involved fierce clashes with Serbian forces and stands among the bloodiest and most …
“I Don’t Hear, I Don’t See, I Don’t Speak” premieres at Skampa Theater
The comedy “I Don’t Hear, I Don’t See, I Don’t Speak” premiered at Elbasan’s Skampa Theater, creating a special atmosphere for the audience. Directed by Donard Hasani, the play features performances by Laerti Vasili, Hervin Culi, Atalanta Kërçyku, and Helidon Fino. The comedy tells the story of three characters with …
Albania advances energy sector reform with new law for a competitive market
TIRANA, April 9 – Albania moves closer to a modern, competitive energy market with a new draft law. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Enea Karakaçi, presented the proposed changes at a roundtable today. The session included all key stakeholders in the energy sector. Karakaçi emphasized that the law forms a …
The sixth National Forum “Boys and Men Who Inspire” took place today in Tirana. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection described the forum as a strong platform. It promotes dialogue, reflection, and action. It supports gender equality. It also helps prevent gender-based violence. Deputy Minister Denada Seferi attended the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Durrës. He rejected opposition claims. He called them a complete joke. The opposition said nine countries blocked Albania’s EU integration. Rama said the opposition made similar claims before. He mentioned the Peace Board. Albania later received an invitation. Albania …
The National Center of Cinematography and the National Youth Agency held the event “Turn Passion into Profession” today. Tourism, Culture, and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja attended the event. He said the initiative answers doubts about creative industries in Albania. Gonxhja said the sector contributes about 3% of GDP. It employs …
EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato spoke to Euronews Albania. He said Albania’s EU integration continues normally. He rejected claims of a block. He called them speculation. Gonzato said member states hold regular discussions. They follow standard EU procedures. They conduct them confidentially. He addressed reports about countries with reservations. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Durrës today. He stressed the need for strong support. He said it is crucial to advance Albania’s EU integration. Rama said Albanians are lucky. He said key partners now support Albania. He called it a chance to realize a …
Lef Nosi, a signatory of Albania’s Independence, was also a philatelist, polyglot, archivist, ethnographer, and politician. He was born in Elbasan on April 9, 1877. He completed primary school in his hometown. Then, he studied pharmacy in Athens but returned early to focus on national history and culture. In 1908, …
The Albanian Parliament held a plenary session today. Lawmakers debated governance and EU integration issues. First, opposition leader Gazment Bardhi criticized the strategic investment law. He said it does not serve public interest. Instead, he said it benefits a limited group. Next, MP Jorida Tabaku opposed changes to Parliament’s Rules …
This Thursday, the EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, spoke to Euronews Albania in an interview with moderator Mirela Milori. Gonzato discussed Albania’s integration process and stated that there is no blockage in the process. On the other hand, he emphasized that these are confidential discussions in accordance with the …
by David J. Kostelancik Tirana Times, April 09, 2026 – Hungary’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 12, 2026, are unfolding in an environment shaped not only by domestic political competition but also by broader geopolitical tensions and debates about external influence. Charges of election interference have involved disinformation from state-controlled media, allegations …
Over 100 athletes compete in Albania’s national tournament for people with intellectual disabilities
TIRANA, April 9 – Over 100 athletes from across Albania joined the National Athletics and Table Tennis Tournament for people with intellectual disabilities. The event promotes inclusive sports and social equality. Athletes competed with energy and respect. They showed how sports can overcome social and physical barriers. The Albanian National …