Day 10 of Protests in Tirana: Activists and Citizens Gather in Front of the Prime Minister’s Office
This Tuesday at 6:00 PM, representatives of civil society, activists, and citizens gathered once again in Skanderbeg Square, marking the tenth day of protests over the issue of protected areas. From there, they continued to call for the government’s resignation, chanting slogans such as “Albania belongs to Albanians” and “Rama …
Fier, Rama to Protesters: Accountability Is Found at the Table, Not by Demanding the Government’s Resignation
The Socialist Party branch in Fier today celebrated the 35th anniversary of its founding during an event held at the Archaeological Park of Apollonia. Hundreds of Socialist Party supporters attended the event, including prominent figures from the party as well as Prime Minister Edi Rama. During his speech, Rama addressed …
EU-Western Balkans Summit 2026: New Impetus for the Enlargement Debate?
By Odeta Barbullushi and Marina Vulovic Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – A new proposal on enlargement was tabled by the French President Emmanuel Macron and the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, on June 5, 2026. Its timing could not be more strategic: …
Kushner’s Sazan Island Project Under Scrutiny
As Albania faces growing protests over protected coastal areas, a draft government decision to transfer Sazan Island from the Defence Ministry raises new questions over transparency, public assets and strategic investments. Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – Albania’s debate over strategic investments along its coastline has entered a new and …
Letter from Brussels: Getting Creative about EU Enlargement in the Balkans
A new Franco-German proposal is heralding a possible new approach to the European bloc’s enlargement process – and leaving the door open for Kosovo. But it was Serbia’s president who grabbed the headlines at the latest EU-Balkans summit. Original post Here
Digitrips/L’Écho: Albania ranked most affordable Mediterranean destination in ticket price barometer
TIRANA, June 9 – Albania stands out as one of the most attractive summer 2026 destinations, not only for its coastline and landscapes but also for increasingly competitive travel costs, Anna Duplantis writes in an article published by the French media outlet “Ulysse”. In addition, a price barometer by Digitrips …
Switzerland strong supporter of vocational education and training reforms in Albania
TIRANA, June 9 – Swiss Ambassador to Albania Ruth Huber said Switzerland strongly supports reforms that place vocational education and training at the centre of social and economic development in Albania. She made the statement during the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education and Training, where participants discussed reform results. …
PM Rama: Tourism success boosts foreign investment, rejects claims on cheap labour and environmental harm
TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s success in tourism has triggered growing interest from foreign capital and international businesses to invest in the country. He made the remarks during the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education and Training. Meanwhile, Rama rejected claims that foreign investors come …
The Pope, AI and the Future of Humanity
The most important political text of the 21st century comes not from politicians but from Pope Leo XIV by Milena Harito I am an atheist, but today I can do nothing but thank Pope Leo XIV, who with his first encyclical, wrote the most reasonable and meaningful political text I …
Restoration of Turan Tower continues, Gonxhja says historic values preserved for future generations
TIRANA, June 9 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared images on social media showing progress in the restoration of Turan Tower. He described it as a monument of special historical and architectural importance. Meanwhile, he said restoration and consolidation work continues on the monument. He said …
Albania signed three important conventions at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg, strengthening its commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, Justice Minister Toni Gogu said. He stated that the first convention focuses on the use of artificial intelligence. According to him, technology must remain under …
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Klodiana Spahiu said that reforms remain a top priority for Albania’s European Union integration process. She made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the French Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Jean-François Rapin. First, both sides highlighted the strong relations between Albania and …
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn said investors need trust, clear rules, and equal competition conditions as Albania advances its foreign investment screening framework. She made the remarks during a presentation by the American Chamber of Commerce on Foreign Direct Investment. First, VanHorn described Albania’s FDI screening framework as a …
The Albanian State Police held a ceremony at its General Directorate to honor two U.S. diplomats at the end of their missions in Albania. Police Director General Skënder Hita recognized the contributions of Deputy Chief of Mission Kathryn Hammond and Regional Security Officer Jonathan Ellis. First, Hita praised both diplomats …
Deputy Foreign Minister Megi Fino said Chapter 31 remains one of the most advanced areas in Albania’s EU accession negotiations. She spoke during a hearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. She serves as chief negotiator for Chapter 31 and co-negotiator for Chapter 30. First, Fino said …
Prince Lekë Dukagjini died on June 15, 1481. He left behind a lasting legacy linked to the “Kanun,” Albania’s customary law system. First, the Kanun developed over a long historical period. However, Lekë Dukagjini’s name became strongly associated with it due to its widespread use and influence in northern Albania. …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said Albania continues to deliver strong economic results. As a result, the country ranks among the region’s best performers in both economic growth and inflation control. According to the latest statistics, Albania recorded an inflation rate of 2.8% in April 2026. This figure was lower …
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania has assured the European Commission that the €1.4 billion tourism project linked to Jared Kushner will fully comply with EU environmental standards. The Albanian government pledged to carry out a full environmental impact assessment. It also committed to following all EU rules on …
Albania’s Customs Administration is advancing the implementation of the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS), a major step toward integration with the European Union’s Common Transit Convention. To support the process, customs authorities are conducting dedicated training sessions for system users. In these activities, representatives of the company developing the platform, …
Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania’s new Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) screening mechanism will strengthen economic security and increase investor confidence. She made the remarks during the event “Albania’s Foreign Direct Investment Screening Framework,” organized by AmCham Albania in cooperation with Center for International Private Enterprise. The …