“Fustanella” exhibition showcases Albanian cultural identity in Berat
TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …
Defense minister visits Italian shipyard to support Fincantieri Albania project
TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …
Power distributor strengthens grid for summer season in Lezha and Shëngjin
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …
Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …
Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …
SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku
Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …
Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road
TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …
New Road Code measures enter into force, stricter penalties for traffic violations
TIRANA, August 7 – New amendments to Albania’s Road Code entered into force today. The changes introduce stricter measures for traffic violations to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Drivers who repeatedly operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol will permanently lose their driving licence. The new rules also …
Public consultations begin on new territorial map
TIRANA, August 7 – Cërrik and Maliq municipalities have started public consultations on the new territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46. Cërrik Municipality said it launched the process after receiving a notification from Parliament. The consultation period on the draft …
Albania advances in implementing EU Growth Plan
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania continues to make progress in implementing reforms linked to European integration and has received financial support under the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. According to the EU-funded platform “WEBALKANS_eu”, Albania has made strong and sustainable progress. The platform said the country has …
The Albanian Riviera remains one of the country’s most popular summer destinations. Qeparo continues to attract local and foreign visitors with its coastline, natural beauty and distinctive southern atmosphere. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the “Te Stefi” accommodation facility in Qeparo. He described it as “a beautiful address …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the “Golden Voyager” show from the Paris Olympic Games, which created a unique atmosphere along Vlora’s Lungomare as part of “DansMusik Fest.” “Towards the Moon,” Rama wrote alongside the footage of the seaside performance. Music, dance and artistic choreography combined with a spectacular …
TIRANA, August 20 – Members of Parliament from the Democratic Party of Kosova continued their blockade of the Government of Kosova for a sixth consecutive day. They protested the failure to resume the constitutive session of the Assembly. MPs from the Alliance for the Future of Kosova also joined Thursday’s …
TIRANA, August 20 – Albanian football faces an important European night as Egnatia and Dinamo play their opening play-off matches. Egnatia, the Albanian champion, will face Norway’s Lillestrøm in the Europa League play-offs. The match starts at 19:00, with the Rrogozhina club holding home advantage. Egnatia coach and former Albania …
TIRANA, August 20 – Loro Boriçi remains one of the most important figures in Albanian football history. Born in Shkodër on August 4, 1922, he became a leading player, national team captain and coach. He made his football debut for Vllaznia at just 14 years old. A prolific striker, Boriçi …
TIRANA, August 20 – Albania’s inflation measured under the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices methodology used by Eurostat reached 3.4% in July 2026, according to data published by the Institute of Statistics, INSTAT. Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution, adding 1.09 percentage points as prices rose 3.2% year-on-year. …
Albania’s history comes to life through photography in a special exhibition at Rinia Park, organized for World Photography Day. The General Directorate of Archives (DPA), in cooperation with the Tirana Municipality’s Parks and Recreation Agency, presented a collection of photographs by Korçë photographers Vani Burda and Thimi Raci, two pioneers …
Gjirokastra will host a special music event on September 4 and 5, bringing artists, visitors and a festive atmosphere to the historic city. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the event and invited visitors to enjoy “two nights, one city and thousands of moments that turn into memories.” …
Perched on the slopes above the Ionian Sea, Vuno offers a quieter and more authentic side of the Albanian Riviera. Located between Himara and Dhërmi, the historic village combines stone architecture, narrow cobbled streets, centuries-old churches and sweeping coastal views. Unlike the busier seaside resorts along the Riviera, Vuno preserves …
TIRANA, August 20 – Albania’s beekeeping sector continues to show potential for development, with 7,016 beekeepers applying for support under the 2026 National Scheme. The Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development said the number followed a change in the funding threshold for beekeeping support. Data for 2025 show that Albania …