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PM Rama shares footage from Elbasan–Rrogozhina road works, part of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII

TIRANA, July 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage on Thursday from the ongoing works on the Elbasan–Rrogozhina road section, part of Corridor VIII. In his post, Rama highlighted the strategic importance of the project. He said the investment will bring cities closer, improve road safety and strengthen Albania’s …

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Beethoven’s masterpiece to take the stage at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet

The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB) will present one of the greatest masterpieces in music history, Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. The monumental composition, which has become a universal symbol of brotherhood and hope, will take centre stage during a special artistic evening at TKOB. Beethoven premiered the Ninth Symphony …

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Koçiu highlights Berat’s 18 years as a UNESCO World Heritage site and major tourism destination

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared images of Berat as the historic city celebrates the 18th anniversary of its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Through a social media post accompanied by the song “Gurët e sokakut”, Koçiu highlighted Berat’s unique features, including its cobblestone streets, religious coexistence, Onufri’s …

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Free Albanian language textbooks distributed to diaspora communities

TIRANA, July 9 – The distribution of free textbooks for the 2026–2027 school year has started in 15 countries where Albanian diaspora communities live. The initiative supports Albanian language and culture education for children abroad. This year, the Albanian government will provide more than 5,800 learning packages for students and …

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blog.google highlights Albania as a land of hidden wonders

According to blog.google, Albania stands out as a destination filled with hidden gems, rich history and breathtaking landscapes, where the Adriatic meets the heart of Southeast Europe. Google’s Street View technology now allows locals and travellers to explore Albania digitally, from historic city centres to ancient stone walls overlooking turquoise …

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Deputy Speaker Spahiu calls for stronger regional cooperation at parliamentary conference

TIRANA, July 9 – Deputy Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Klodiana Spahiu attended a conference in Belgrade with speakers of parliaments from EU candidate countries. The Serbian Parliament and Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada hosted the meeting. The event carried the theme “Together in Shaping Europe’s Future.” During her speech, Spahiu highlighted …

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State Minister Pirdeni: Strong institutions are key for Albania’s European future

TIRANA, July 9 – Albania is at a decisive moment for its European future, State Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said. Speaking at the closing event of Public Administration Week, Pirdeni highlighted the importance of strengthening institutions and consolidating the rule of law. She said the EU …

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Rama: Albania has become a small arena where global anti-Trump forces clash with Trump

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the protests against the tourism project in Zvërnec have changed in nature and, according to him, have evolved into a political and global confrontation linked to the name of Donald Trump. In an interview with the Italian daily Corriere della Sera, Rama said Albania …

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Kurti: European Union has approved projects requested by Kosovo

Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, announced late on Wednesday that the European Union has approved projects requested by Kosovo, along with grants worth a total of €206 million. In a Facebook post, Kurti said the EU had officially informed Kosovo that the IPA Committee had approved the country’s proposed …

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No consensus in Strasbourg on Albania-EU resolution, Socialists and Democrats clash over amendments

No consensus was reached in the EU–Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee on adopting a joint resolution on Albania’s EU accession process. The dispute between representatives of the Socialist Party and the Democratic Party centred on the opposition’s proposed amendments and how Albania’s progress toward European Union membership should be …

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Can the Symbolism of a Spectacle Be Appropriated?

By Diana Gellci Ph.D. Tirana Times, July 16, 2026 – Beyond entertainment, spectacles produce powerful symbolism. Indeed, symbolic effects often outweigh political, economic, and even coercive ones. Symbolism remains one of the most potent forms of power. When Kanye West arrived in Tirana, he brought with him something that cannot …

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Agriculture census to guide future support schemes in Albania

TIRANA, July 16 – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the draft law on the agriculture census will provide a key tool for shaping public policies and support schemes in the sector. Presenting the bill in Parliament, Salla said Albania’s agricultural sector has changed significantly since the last census. He highlighted …

News
Artificial intelligence brings new challenges and opportunities for cinema

The National Center of Cinematography brought together film professionals to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the audiovisual industry and why Albania needs a clear legal framework for its use. During a roundtable held as part of the International AI Film Festival, filmmakers and experts, including director Fatmir Koçi, …

News
World literature exhibition brings global classics to Albania’s National Library

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s National Library has opened an exhibition titled “World Literature Championship” at the “Sotir Kolea” center, inviting visitors to explore a different kind of competition during the final days of the World Football Championship. The exhibition presents some of the greatest authors of world literature and …

News
Egnatia secure historic Champions League qualification with big win over Petrocub

TIRANA, July 16 – Albanian champions Egnatia have reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Moldova’s champions Petrocub 6-1 in the return leg at the “Arena Egnatia”. The Rrogozhina-based team had drawn 1-1 in the first leg away from home. However, Egnatia delivered a dominant …

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Albania submits third reform agenda report to European Commission

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania has submitted the third reporting cycle of its Reform Agenda to the European Commission under the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF). The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) submitted the report, which includes 38 reform measures across 5 policy areas. Meanwhile, the …

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EU ambassador Gonzato calls for irreversible justice reform in Albania

TIRANA, July 16 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato said the Justice Reform must become irreversible as Albanian justice institutions reviewed the progress of the 2024–2030 Cross-Sectoral Justice Strategy. The Ministry of Justice organised the discussion with the participation of heads of justice institutions. The EU Delegation in …

News
Germany and European Union provide €13.5 million for Albania’s food safety reforms

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Parliament reviewed an agreement with Germany that will support a €13.5 million food safety project for 2026–2030, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said on Thursday. Salla presented the bill ratifying the 2025 Technical Cooperation Agreement with Germany. He said the agreement provides the …

News
AI-backed “Smart City” project enters implementation phase, PM Rama says

TIRANA, July 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s “Smart City” project marks a new stage in strengthening public security through artificial intelligence. Speaking at the project’s Command and Control Center, Rama said the system is now entering implementation and will gradually expand across the country. He said artificial …

News
Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship makes first call at Port of Durrës

TIRANA, July 16 – The Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, arrived at the Port of Durrës for the first time with about 650 passengers on board. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the ship’s arrival on social media. He said company representatives praised …

News

Can the Symbolism of a Spectacle Be Appropriated?

By Diana Gellci Ph.D. Tirana Times, July 16, 2026 – Beyond entertainment, spectacles produce powerful symbolism. Indeed, symbolic effects often outweigh political, economic, and even coercive ones. Symbolism remains one of the most potent forms of power. When Kanye West arrived in Tirana, he brought with him something that cannot …

News

Agriculture census to guide future support schemes in Albania

TIRANA, July 16 – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the draft law on the agriculture census will provide a key tool for shaping public policies and support schemes in the sector. Presenting the bill in Parliament, Salla said Albania’s agricultural sector has changed significantly since the last census. He highlighted …

News

Artificial intelligence brings new challenges and opportunities for cinema

The National Center of Cinematography brought together film professionals to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the audiovisual industry and why Albania needs a clear legal framework for its use. During a roundtable held as part of the International AI Film Festival, filmmakers and experts, including director Fatmir Koçi, …

News

World literature exhibition brings global classics to Albania’s National Library

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s National Library has opened an exhibition titled “World Literature Championship” at the “Sotir Kolea” center, inviting visitors to explore a different kind of competition during the final days of the World Football Championship. The exhibition presents some of the greatest authors of world literature and …

News

Egnatia secure historic Champions League qualification with big win over Petrocub

TIRANA, July 16 – Albanian champions Egnatia have reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Moldova’s champions Petrocub 6-1 in the return leg at the “Arena Egnatia”. The Rrogozhina-based team had drawn 1-1 in the first leg away from home. However, Egnatia delivered a dominant …

News

Albania submits third reform agenda report to European Commission

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania has submitted the third reporting cycle of its Reform Agenda to the European Commission under the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF). The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) submitted the report, which includes 38 reform measures across 5 policy areas. Meanwhile, the …

News

EU ambassador Gonzato calls for irreversible justice reform in Albania

TIRANA, July 16 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato said the Justice Reform must become irreversible as Albanian justice institutions reviewed the progress of the 2024–2030 Cross-Sectoral Justice Strategy. The Ministry of Justice organised the discussion with the participation of heads of justice institutions. The EU Delegation in …

News

Germany and European Union provide €13.5 million for Albania’s food safety reforms

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Parliament reviewed an agreement with Germany that will support a €13.5 million food safety project for 2026–2030, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said on Thursday. Salla presented the bill ratifying the 2025 Technical Cooperation Agreement with Germany. He said the agreement provides the …

News

AI-backed “Smart City” project enters implementation phase, PM Rama says

TIRANA, July 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s “Smart City” project marks a new stage in strengthening public security through artificial intelligence. Speaking at the project’s Command and Control Center, Rama said the system is now entering implementation and will gradually expand across the country. He said artificial …

News

Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship makes first call at Port of Durrës

TIRANA, July 16 – The Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, arrived at the Port of Durrës for the first time with about 650 passengers on board. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the ship’s arrival on social media. He said company representatives praised …