Easter celebration in Dhërmi features drone and fireworks display
TIRANA, April 12 – Dhërmi turned into a festive scene on Easter Eve, as hundreds of Orthodox believers gathered to celebrate the Holy Day. The coastal village hosted large crowds who joined prayers and candlelit rituals marking one of the most important dates in the Orthodox calendar. The atmosphere combined …
Albania’s EU bid faces IBAR delay
Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Albania’s path toward European Union membership has entered a more uncertain phase as discussions over a key assessment report remain unfinished, exposing a gap between technical progress in reforms and the political consensus required among member states to move forward. At the center of …
Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy
By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …
Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens
Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …
Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth
From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …
Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë
Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …
Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games
Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …
Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”
The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …
Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation
Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …
Edi Rama: No Compromise on Food Safety for EU Integration
Edi Rama said there will be no compromise on food safety. He spoke in Berat with olive oil producers. First, he highlighted food safety as a key condition for EU integration. He said standards must match those of the European Union. Then, he warned producers. He said non-compliant products will …
Kosovo’s Anti-Corruption Agency has published the annual asset declaration of Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The report shows that his rent has increased by €100, while his personal savings have decreased. There are no significant changes in his movable or immovable assets. Under real estate, Kurti lists an apartment owned by …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj, during an official visit to Washington, held a meeting at the U.S. Department of State with Jacob Helberg, Under Secretary for Economic Affairs. The visit took place במסגרת the annual meetings of the Albanian delegation with leaders of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund. …
Doctors have denied complaints regarding the alleged malfunctioning of the Emergency Department at Kefalonia Hospital, following the death of 19-year-old Albanian woman, Myrto. The allegations were made by an anonymous woman, while the Hospital Workers’ Union of the General Hospital of Kefalonia has called for an investigation into the case. …
The Order of Pharmacists in Albania, in cooperation with the Chamber of Pharmacists of Kosovo, has opened the 8th Pharmaceutical Conference titled “Together for Pharmaceuticals.” Key topics discussed included the need for concrete reforms to address recurring issues in the pharmaceutical sector, as well as calls to establish European standards …
The General Directorate of Prisons has released details about a large-scale inspection carried out this Saturday at Peqin Prison, during which prohibited items were seized. Authorities also identified a suspected case involving narcotic substances and confirmed that two high-risk inmates serving life sentences have been transferred. Full statement: Under the …
Minister Hoxha Attends Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Focus on Dialogue and Western Balkans EU Integration
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, took part in the 3rd Meeting of the Peace Platform for the Balkans, at the invitation of his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan. Strengthening regional cooperation, the prospects for European integration, economic development, and energy security were among the main topics discussed. Ministers …
An evening filled with emotion and art was experienced at the “Lasgush Poradeci” theater hall in Pogradec, where the monodrama “Mother Teresa’s Dream – The Divine Human” was staged, serving as an artistic tribute to the iconic figure of Mother Teresa. The performance by actress Justina Aliaj, directed by Gëzim …
TIRANA, April 18 – Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the “In Defence of Democracy” summit in Barcelona, where he met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez at the opening of the event. Rama described Sanchez in a social media post as “a wise and courageous leader” and a valued partner. …
TIRANA, April 18 – Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the fourth “In Defence of Democracy” summit held in Barcelona, Spain, joining leaders and officials for discussions on global democratic challenges. At the start of the summit, Rama met Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. In a social media …
Gent Sejko met senior officials from the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation. He met Antonella Bassani, Xiaoqing Yu, and Alfonso García Mora. They discussed Albania’s latest economic and financial developments. They assessed them as positive. The economy showed steady growth. Inflation remained low. Financial stability strengthened. They highlighted …