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Rama: We must move from red to green in public procurement! We are not yet within a solid progress framework

Prime Minister Edi Rama has stated that by 2027, Albania should have achieved concrete results in order to join the European Union. Among other things, he said that significant progress has been made in public procurement, but added that the country is still not within a solid framework of good …

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“Revenues have reached historic levels,” says Minister Malaj: We forecast an additional €1 billion in 2026

The Minister of Finance, Petrit Malaj, held a press conference today where he presented an overview of the country’s economic growth. Increasing revenues, improving digital services, and developing systems through Artificial Intelligence are strategic objectives aimed at meeting European standards. During his remarks, Minister Malaj stated that the Albanian economy …

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Rama: The EU integration process is historic; it transforms the Albanian state

Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking during a conference with negotiators on Albania’s path toward the European Union, stated that the process carries significant weight. According to him, it is historic and transformative for the Albanian state. “This process substantially increases the institutional capacities of the state. It brings extraordinary benefits …

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Presidential election, Kurti: We will begin meetings with the opposition

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, announced that he will invite leaders of opposition parties to meetings in an effort to secure the necessary votes for the election of the country’s new president. He stated that so far he has not had enough time to conduct internal consultations regarding …

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Appointment of CEC members, Constitutional Court declares Osmani’s request inadmissible

The Constitutional Court has declared inadmissible the request of the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, regarding the appointment of members of the Central Election Commission (CEC). Osmani had requested an assessment of a “conflict between constitutional competencies under Article 113” of the Constitution—specifically between herself and “parliamentary groups as bodies …

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AIIS Honors Ilir Ikonomi with “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize

Tirana Times, March 26 , 2026 –  The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has awarded its prestigious annual “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize for 2025 to historian and translator Ilir Ikonomi, recognizing his outstanding contribution to bringing major works of international scholarship to the Albanian audience. Ilir Ikonomi received the award …

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Week in Review: Alignment, Collision and Scandal

From a political spying scandal to MAGA alignment and a brewing collision with the law, selection of BIRN Premium stories this week makes for an exciting read. Original post Here

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Iran-Linked Hackers Target Albanian Post in Latest Attack

The now-notorious hacker group Homeland Justice claimed that it had breached the computer defences of Albania’s postal service following its attack on parliament’s systems earlier this month. Original post Here

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In Albania, Leveraging Celebrity Exposure to Stay out of Jail

Charged with corruption, money laundering and concealment of wealth, ex-politician Monika Kryemadhi is rebranding herself as a showbiz celebrity on the Big Brother reality show, but can it keep her out of prison? Original post Here

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Albanian Ex-Mayor Convicted in Second Abuse of Office Case

An appeals court upheld the verdict jailing the former Socialist Party mayor of Himara, Jorgo Goro, who was at the centre of a political storm during a controversial election in 2023. Original post Here

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Tourists from around the world flock to Kruja, historic town praised for hospitality and culture

TIRANA, April 8 – Kruja, a town known for its history, scenic landscapes, and welcoming residents, attracts tourists year-round. Visitors explore its winding streets, artisan shops, and traditional cuisine, creating experiences that keep them returning. The town’s centerpiece, Skanderbeg Castle, sits amid modern neighborhoods and well-maintained streets. This mix of …

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“Your roots are calling”; PM Rama shares AI-generated video ahead of Diaspora Summit

TIRANA, April 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama released a welcome video today ahead of the Fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit, showcasing the nation’s most notable figures from George Kastrioti Skanderbeg to Ismail Qemali and Mother Teresa. The video opens with Gjon Buzuku, author of the first book in Albanian, and …

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World Cup 2027: Women’s national team starts preparations for Wales matches

The women’s national team returned to the field today. It resumed training one month after the last match. Now, the squad prepares for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. Coach Armir Grima gathered the team in Tirana. The players will train at the “House of Football.” They prepare for two important …

News
Territorial reform: State minister highlights municipality size as key factor in local performance

TIRANA, April 8 – The Parliamentary Committee on Administrative-Territorial Reform held a hearing with Minister of State for Local Governance Ervin Demo to review the current state of local government and its challenges. Demo presented the performance and services achieved under the 2014 territorial reform, implemented in 2015. He noted …

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First International Easter Egg Exhibition in Korçë

Orthodox Easter is historically celebrated beautifully in Korçë. This city is known for its rich traditions. This Easter, visitors to Korçë can enjoy a unique artistic experience. The exhibition “Code of Life” by Maria Shukulli opens at the Guri Madhi Gallery. The exhibition presents for the first time in Albania …

News
Pilgrims Gather at St. Anthony Church in Laç for Holy Tuesday

TIRANA, April 8 – Holy Tuesday, observed weekly since March 17, has made St. Anthony Church in Laç a center for prayers. People come from across Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage today on social media. The video shows the sacred site, which has become a place of unity …

News
“Lahuta e Malcís” (Lahuta of the Mountains): Gjergj Fishta’s epic poem published 89 years ago

TIRANA, April 8 – On April 8, 1937, Gjergj Fishta’s epic poem Lahuta e Malcís was published in full. It is one of the most remarkable works in Albanian literature. The poem contains 15,613 verses. It is the result of thirty years of work. Fishta combined historical documentation with poetic …

News
PM Rama visits new Lezha regional hospital, pledges emergency doctors’ status reform

TIRANA, April 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the new facilities of the Regional Hospital in Lezha and addressed concerns raised by doctors over inequality between specialists and emergency physicians. He said the government will resolve the issue in June through budget changes. The plan will include emergency doctors …

News
Arta Marku Heads the National Center for Books and Reading

The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, announced a new appointment today. Arta Marku now leads the National Center for Books and Reading. She began her career in 1993 at the newspaper Koha Jonë. Later, she worked at Gazeta Shqiptare, Shekulli, and Panorama. She always focused on books …

News
Tirana parking services go digital with new mobile app

TIRANA, April 8 – Parking services in Tirana have moved to a fully digital system, allowing users to access all services through the “Tirana Parking” mobile application. Authorities say the platform aims to simplify procedures and improve access for residents. Through the app, users can apply for resident parking permits, …

News

Tourists from around the world flock to Kruja, historic town praised for hospitality and culture

TIRANA, April 8 – Kruja, a town known for its history, scenic landscapes, and welcoming residents, attracts tourists year-round. Visitors explore its winding streets, artisan shops, and traditional cuisine, creating experiences that keep them returning. The town’s centerpiece, Skanderbeg Castle, sits amid modern neighborhoods and well-maintained streets. This mix of …

News

“Your roots are calling”; PM Rama shares AI-generated video ahead of Diaspora Summit

TIRANA, April 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama released a welcome video today ahead of the Fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit, showcasing the nation’s most notable figures from George Kastrioti Skanderbeg to Ismail Qemali and Mother Teresa. The video opens with Gjon Buzuku, author of the first book in Albanian, and …

News

World Cup 2027: Women’s national team starts preparations for Wales matches

The women’s national team returned to the field today. It resumed training one month after the last match. Now, the squad prepares for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. Coach Armir Grima gathered the team in Tirana. The players will train at the “House of Football.” They prepare for two important …

News

Territorial reform: State minister highlights municipality size as key factor in local performance

TIRANA, April 8 – The Parliamentary Committee on Administrative-Territorial Reform held a hearing with Minister of State for Local Governance Ervin Demo to review the current state of local government and its challenges. Demo presented the performance and services achieved under the 2014 territorial reform, implemented in 2015. He noted …

News

First International Easter Egg Exhibition in Korçë

Orthodox Easter is historically celebrated beautifully in Korçë. This city is known for its rich traditions. This Easter, visitors to Korçë can enjoy a unique artistic experience. The exhibition “Code of Life” by Maria Shukulli opens at the Guri Madhi Gallery. The exhibition presents for the first time in Albania …

News

Pilgrims Gather at St. Anthony Church in Laç for Holy Tuesday

TIRANA, April 8 – Holy Tuesday, observed weekly since March 17, has made St. Anthony Church in Laç a center for prayers. People come from across Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage today on social media. The video shows the sacred site, which has become a place of unity …

News

“Lahuta e Malcís” (Lahuta of the Mountains): Gjergj Fishta’s epic poem published 89 years ago

TIRANA, April 8 – On April 8, 1937, Gjergj Fishta’s epic poem Lahuta e Malcís was published in full. It is one of the most remarkable works in Albanian literature. The poem contains 15,613 verses. It is the result of thirty years of work. Fishta combined historical documentation with poetic …

News

PM Rama visits new Lezha regional hospital, pledges emergency doctors’ status reform

TIRANA, April 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the new facilities of the Regional Hospital in Lezha and addressed concerns raised by doctors over inequality between specialists and emergency physicians. He said the government will resolve the issue in June through budget changes. The plan will include emergency doctors …

News

Arta Marku Heads the National Center for Books and Reading

The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, announced a new appointment today. Arta Marku now leads the National Center for Books and Reading. She began her career in 1993 at the newspaper Koha Jonë. Later, she worked at Gazeta Shqiptare, Shekulli, and Panorama. She always focused on books …

News

Tirana parking services go digital with new mobile app

TIRANA, April 8 – Parking services in Tirana have moved to a fully digital system, allowing users to access all services through the “Tirana Parking” mobile application. Authorities say the platform aims to simplify procedures and improve access for residents. Through the app, users can apply for resident parking permits, …