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Albania Lost 28,500 Residents in 2025 as Average Age Reaches 45

Albania has entered a new phase of its demographic crisis. The latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) show that the country’s population fell to 2.33 million as of January 1, 2026, losing more than 28,000 residents in just one year. Although births continue to outnumber deaths, emigration is …

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Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company Fined €110,000 Over Metering Irregularities

Kosovo’s Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation (MINTI) has imposed a €110,000 fine on the Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company (KEDS) following the discovery of irregularities in electricity meters. According to MINTI, inspections were carried out after consumer complaints received during May. Field verifications revealed that 18 electricity meters had …

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Canada’s Local Partnerships Drive Change Across Albania

Tirana Times, June 01, 2026 – As Albania continues to strengthen democratic governance, promote inclusive growth, and support sustainable community-driven development, Canada is positioning itself as a constructive and pragmatic partner through one of its most distinctive instruments of international engagement: the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. Known as CFLI, the program …

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Minister Blendi Gonxhja to present National Culture Strategy 2026–2030

TIRANA, June 2 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja invited citizens to join a public consultation on the National Culture Strategy 2026–2030. He said the process aims to present the vision for cultural development in the coming years. The strategy will be presented on June 3. Meanwhile, …

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Travelpack promotes Albania with dedicated brochure, places it among Europe’s hottest destinations – Travel Week report

TIRANA, June 2 – Albania attracts growing attention in the international tourism market. Juliet Dennis reports this in “Travel Week”. Meanwhile, British operator Travelpack launches its first dedicated Albania programme. The move responds to rising demand. The company describes the country as one of Europe’s hottest tourism markets. A 32-page …

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Albania-Poland social security deal to protect citizens’ rights, says Manjani

TIRANA, June 3 – Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani said a social security agreement between Albania and Poland will strengthen social protection for citizens who live and work in both countries. Speaking at the Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration, Manjani said the agreement ensures recognition …

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Albanian Radio and Television Spring Festival stage design takes shape, Albi Çifligu: Tradition meets modernity

TIRANA, June 2 – Work continues at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet stage. The Spring Festival on Albanian Radio and Television approaches. Preparations move at a fast pace ahead of the two-night event. Stage designer Albi Çifligu leads the visual concept. He focuses on detailed design elements. He …

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National team starts training ahead of Israel and Luxembourg friendlies

TIRANA, June 2 – Albania’s national football team started preparations at the “House of Football” for friendly matches against Israel and Luxembourg. The full squad took part in the opening training session, while Naser Aliji trained separately after completing a recovery session following 90 minutes for his club. The group …

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30th Edition of “Korça Poetry Nights” Festival Concludes Successfully

The city of Korçë has closed the 30th edition of the International Festival of Poets and Authors “Korça Poetry Nights.” The event brought together poets from Albania, the region, and across Europe. Korçë Mayor Sotiraq Filo described the festival as a celebration of the beauty of words. He said it …

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Dea Open Air film festival opens 13th edition with 40 international productions

TIRANA, June 2 – The 13th edition of the Dea Open Air International Film Festival opened on Sunday. The event will run until June 5 and will showcase 40 films from 25 countries. The festival began with a welcome event in front of the University of Arts. Festival Director Edmond …

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The Pope, AI and the Future of Humanity

The most important political text of the 21st century comes not from politicians but from Pope Leo XIV by Milena Harito I am an atheist, but today I can do nothing but thank Pope Leo XIV, who with his first encyclical, wrote the most reasonable and meaningful political text I …

News
Restoration of Turan Tower continues, Gonxhja says historic values preserved for future generations

TIRANA, June 9 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared images on social media showing progress in the restoration of Turan Tower. He described it as a monument of special historical and architectural importance. Meanwhile, he said restoration and consolidation work continues on the monument. He said …

News
Tirana to host European Bank for Reconstruction and Development annual meeting in 2028

TIRANA, June 9 – Tirana will host the 2028 annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a major international event expected to bring together financial institution leaders, government representatives, investors, and development partners from dozens of countries. Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj announced the decision at …

News
Gonxhja Warns Political Uncertainty Could Affect Tourism and the Economy

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja highlighted record figures at Tirana International Airport and warned that political uncertainty could affect both tourism and the national economy. According to Gonxhja, the airport recorded its highest daily traffic on May 30. On that day, 51,420 passengers traveled through the airport, while …

News
German Ambassador Bergner: vocational education backbone of economy, 14 million euros invested for modern system

TIRANA, June 9 – German Ambassador to Albania Karl Bergner highlighted the key role of vocational education in economic development at the National Conference on Vocational Education and Training. The conference discussed the results of the reform and the “Skills 2030” vision for skills development and employment growth. Meanwhile, Bergner …

News
PM Rama to Reuters: Zvërnec investment will continue despite protests, wildlife protection pledged

TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama told Reuters that plans for an investment in Zvërnec, led by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, will continue despite ongoing protests. He said parts of the resort may open to the public before the end of the decade. Meanwhile, Rama said Albania …

News
Albania Women Aim to Finish World Cup Qualifiers with Victory

The Albanian women’s national team is preparing for its final match in the 2027 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Montenegro. The match will be played tomorrow at 19:00 at Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodra. After a positive draw against the Czech Republic, the team enters the match with strong …

News
Late Antique Archaeological Discoveries Reveal Major Temple Complex in Bushat

Archaeologists have uncovered significant remains in Bushat, in Shkodër. They found parts of a large temple. They also uncovered sections of the ancient city wall. In addition, they identified a Late Antique building. First, the discovery came during joint excavations. The University of Tirana’s Department of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage …

News
Durrës-Tirana-Rinas railway operator consultation begins, service expected by end of 2027

TIRANA, June 9 – The Albanian government has launched a market consultation process to select the operator that will provide public passenger rail transport services on the Durrës-Tirana-Tirana International Airport railway line. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy has published a call for expressions of interest. The ministry has …

News
PM Rama: 63% of vocational graduates employed after graduation, aim for one in three students to choose this path

TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said vocational education in Albania has undergone a major transformation in recent years. He said the sector has moved from a degraded system to an attractive option for young people. Meanwhile, Rama spoke during an event on vocational education and training. He …

News

The Pope, AI and the Future of Humanity

The most important political text of the 21st century comes not from politicians but from Pope Leo XIV by Milena Harito I am an atheist, but today I can do nothing but thank Pope Leo XIV, who with his first encyclical, wrote the most reasonable and meaningful political text I …

News

Restoration of Turan Tower continues, Gonxhja says historic values preserved for future generations

TIRANA, June 9 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared images on social media showing progress in the restoration of Turan Tower. He described it as a monument of special historical and architectural importance. Meanwhile, he said restoration and consolidation work continues on the monument. He said …

News

Tirana to host European Bank for Reconstruction and Development annual meeting in 2028

TIRANA, June 9 – Tirana will host the 2028 annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a major international event expected to bring together financial institution leaders, government representatives, investors, and development partners from dozens of countries. Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj announced the decision at …

News

Gonxhja Warns Political Uncertainty Could Affect Tourism and the Economy

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja highlighted record figures at Tirana International Airport and warned that political uncertainty could affect both tourism and the national economy. According to Gonxhja, the airport recorded its highest daily traffic on May 30. On that day, 51,420 passengers traveled through the airport, while …

News

German Ambassador Bergner: vocational education backbone of economy, 14 million euros invested for modern system

TIRANA, June 9 – German Ambassador to Albania Karl Bergner highlighted the key role of vocational education in economic development at the National Conference on Vocational Education and Training. The conference discussed the results of the reform and the “Skills 2030” vision for skills development and employment growth. Meanwhile, Bergner …

News

PM Rama to Reuters: Zvërnec investment will continue despite protests, wildlife protection pledged

TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama told Reuters that plans for an investment in Zvërnec, led by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, will continue despite ongoing protests. He said parts of the resort may open to the public before the end of the decade. Meanwhile, Rama said Albania …

News

Albania Women Aim to Finish World Cup Qualifiers with Victory

The Albanian women’s national team is preparing for its final match in the 2027 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Montenegro. The match will be played tomorrow at 19:00 at Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodra. After a positive draw against the Czech Republic, the team enters the match with strong …

News

Late Antique Archaeological Discoveries Reveal Major Temple Complex in Bushat

Archaeologists have uncovered significant remains in Bushat, in Shkodër. They found parts of a large temple. They also uncovered sections of the ancient city wall. In addition, they identified a Late Antique building. First, the discovery came during joint excavations. The University of Tirana’s Department of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage …

News

Durrës-Tirana-Rinas railway operator consultation begins, service expected by end of 2027

TIRANA, June 9 – The Albanian government has launched a market consultation process to select the operator that will provide public passenger rail transport services on the Durrës-Tirana-Tirana International Airport railway line. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy has published a call for expressions of interest. The ministry has …

News

PM Rama: 63% of vocational graduates employed after graduation, aim for one in three students to choose this path

TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said vocational education in Albania has undergone a major transformation in recent years. He said the sector has moved from a degraded system to an attractive option for young people. Meanwhile, Rama spoke during an event on vocational education and training. He …