NATO’s Ankara Summit: Albania Confirmed, but No Date Set
Tirana Times, July 8, 2026 – NATO’s Ankara Summit, held on July 7 and 8, marked less a moment of new strategic doctrine than a shift from political pledges to implementation. The central message was clear: the Alliance is moving into a phase where defence spending, industrial capacity, support for Ukraine …
IMF forecast: Albania among Europe’s fastest-growing economies
TIRANA, July 8 – According to projections by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European economy is expected to maintain moderate growth rates during the remaining years of this decade. For the 2027–2031 period, the eurozone economy is forecast to expand by an average of 1.2% annually, while the European …
Tourist flows increase towards mountain areas, with Theth and Shala River among top destinations
TIRANA, July 8 – During these hot July days, many foreign tourists fill the streets of Shkodër. Their travel gear and backpacks easily identify them as nature and adventure tourism enthusiasts. Many visitors use Shkodër as a starting point to explore some of northern Albania’s most popular mountain destinations. Meanwhile, …
PM Rama: Next NATO Summit to take place in Tirana
TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Wednesday that the next NATO Summit will take place in Tirana, following the conclusion of the Alliance’s meeting in Ankara. PM dismissed speculation that Albania would not host the summit. He said the country had moved beyond a time when …
Over 4,000 Teachers Complete Professional Qualification Program, 1,354 Earn “Master Teacher” Title
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro highlighted the achievements of this year’s teacher qualification process, with more than 4,000 educators across Albania completing professional training programs. Kumbaro congratulated the teachers who participated in the qualification process, describing their commitment as an important step toward improving teaching quality and strengthening the education system. …
Dutch Prime Minister Supports Kosovo’s Future in the European Family
Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressed his support for Kosovo’s European future, saying he hopes the country will become part of the European family one day. “I hope that Kosovo will become part of the European family one day, yes,” Jetten told Euronews Albania. Jetten made the statement while attending …
PM Rama welcomed by Rutte and Erdogan at official NATO Summit reception
TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the official reception for heads of state and government hosted by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the NATO Summit in Ankara. Rama shared images from the reception on social media. He described the event …
Three fires hit Porto Palermo in Himara Municipality, flames brought under control
TIRANA, July 8 – Three fire outbreaks affected the Porto Palermo area in Himarë Municipality overnight, putting emergency structures on alert. According to official information, authorities received the alert around 23:00. Firefighters immediately sent a fire engine and a water tanker to the scene. Meanwhile, the entire firefighting service was …
“El Generacional”: From Ksamil to Theth, Albania Ranks Among Europe’s Most Affordable Destinations
Spanish media outlet El Generacional has listed Albania among the most affordable travel destinations in Europe this summer, alongside countries such as Romania, Portugal and Bulgaria. According to the article, Albania attracts visitors with its combination of crystal-clear beaches, rich cultural heritage and affordable travel costs, making it an ideal …
Defence budget rises to ALL 69.2 billion, Finance Minister Malaj: Albania meets NATO commitments
TIRANA, July 8 – Albania has significantly increased its defence and security investments as part of its commitments as a NATO member. The additional funding supports the modernization of the Armed Forces and the strengthening of defence capabilities. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj published data on defence spending trends, showing that …
Albania has implemented around 80% of the reforms required under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, placing the country among the region’s top performers. The European Commission expects Albania to reach this milestone and ranks it alongside Montenegro as one of the best-performing countries in the Western Balkans. …
President Bajram Begaj attended the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Kyiv and the ceremonies marking Ukraine’s Statehood Day, reaffirming Albania’s strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, recovery, and European integration. “Albania has been clear and unwavering in its support for Ukraine. We stand with your independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi and Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu inspected the construction site of “Guna Tactical”, a major investment in Albania’s defense industry. The officials reviewed the project’s progress and highlighted its strategic role in creating a modern defense sector that will support economic growth, generate jobs, and strengthen …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi presented Albania’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations during the second day of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The report highlights Albania’s progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Karakaçi said Albania presented concrete results, …
The Albanian Ambassadors’ Council has strongly condemned recent statements by Serbian Government Minister Snezhana Paunović, warning that such rhetoric threatens regional stability and contradicts European values. In a statement, the council said the remarks revive concepts linked to the ethnic cleansing of Albanians and raise concerns about Serbia’s continued distancing …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu gathered the heads of justice institutions to review the progress of Albania’s justice reform and discuss the challenges ahead in the country’s European integration process. Gogu said the next 12 months will be crucial for Albania’s EU accession path. He stressed that the main challenge is …
French Ambassador to Albania Catherine Suard highlighted the strong ties between France and Albania during a reception in Tirana marking France’s National Day. The event brought together senior Albanian officials, diplomats, media representatives, and civil society members. Suard reaffirmed France’s support for Albania’s EU integration. She said France believes Albania …
The RTSH Symphony Orchestra closed its artistic season with a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The festive concert featured soloists Eva Golemi, Vikena Kamenica, Amadi Lagha, and Artur Vera. Dritan Lumshi conducted the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet Choir. …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”b00ac4c8-f68a-4447-b0ff-3cba8e686a39″ data-turn-id-container=”b00ac4c8-f68a-4447-b0ff-3cba8e686a39″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s General Directorate of Prisons has announced the completion of the implementation of the penal amnesty, confirming that 553 convicted individuals were granted immediate release, while 863 inmates benefited from sentence reductions. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-6″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-6″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-turn=”assistant”> …
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj announced on Wednesday, following the government meeting, that the draft decision on the social security agreement with Slovenia had been approved in principle. The minister said that, under the new agreement, years of social security contributions will also be recognised by Slovenia. Ibrahimaj …