Zelensky Visit to Belgrade: What Could He Learn from Israeli Experience
by Edward P. Joseph Tirana Times, August 21, 2026 – At the NATO Summit in Ankara last month, I had the high honor of meeting President Zelensky. Had I known he was heading soon to Belgrade, I would have shared critical advice with his advisors. Besieged by an aggressor like …
‘Return Hubs’ for Migrants Anticipated in Balkans for ‘Era of Deportations’
As the EU awaits final approval for plans to set up ‘return hubs’ in third countries for migrants awaiting deportation, it’s predicted that Balkan countries could end up hosting such holding centres despite concerns about human rights violations. Original post Here
Waste Money Wasted: The Millions of Euros Behind Albania’s Ghost Incinerators
BIRN dissects the accusations against 12 individuals standing trial for allegedly siphoning millions of euros in public money supposed to be spent on solving Tirana’s long-standing garbage problem. Original post Here
Egnatia Draw 0–0 with Lillestrøm, Europa League Tie Remains Open
Albanian champions Egnatia drew 0–0 with Norway’s Lillestrøm in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off. Egnatia played the match at Arena Egnatia. The Rrogozhina side defended well and created several chances. Gruda came closest to scoring in the second half. His header hit the crossbar. Egnatia missed …
Farewell to Rezana Çeliku, an Actress Remembered for Her Talent and Kindness
Albanian actress Rezana Çeliku has died, leaving behind family, friends, colleagues and admirers who remember her with deep affection. Her relatives announced the sad news. They described Çeliku as a warm, kind and exceptional person. Although she did not appear in many film productions, she made a lasting impression in …
Albania Heads to Taranto 2026 Ahead of the Prishtina-Durrës Mediterranean Games
Albania will take part in the Mediterranean Games “Taranto 2026” as the country prepares to co-host the Prishtina-Durrës 2030 edition. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania will use the event to gain valuable experience from Italy. “Albania is going to Taranto not only to compete, but also …
Korçë and Greece Seek Stronger Cooperation in Tourism and Economy
Korçë Mayor Sotiraq Filo met with Greek Ambassador to Albania Lambrini Komini to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation between Korçë and Greece. The two sides focused on tourism, the economy, culture, education and environmental cooperation. Filo said the meeting aimed to turn the close historical, cultural and people-to-people ties between …
Tirana International Airport Named Among Six Finalists for 2026 Airport Award
Tirana International Airport (TIA) has reached the final stage of the 2026 Airport Honour Awards. The airport is one of six international finalists selected by International Airport Review. TIA will compete against airports in New York, Munich, Vienna, Pittsburgh and Buenos Aires. The selection recognizes TIA’s growth, investment, innovation and …
U.S. Embassy: State Department Cancels Visas of Foreign Nationals Who Threaten National Security
The U.S. Department of State is cancelling the visas of foreign nationals who commit crimes, encourage violence against Americans or threaten U.S. national security, the U.S. Embassy in Albania said on Thursday. The embassy said the policy follows the Trump administration’s approach of taking action against foreign nationals who pose …
Bahri Beci: The Albanian Linguist Who Shaped Dialectology and Phonetics
The Academy of Sciences of Albania has commemorated academician Bahri Beci on the anniversary of his death. Beci died on August 20, 2023. Born in Shkodër in 1936, he began his scientific career in 1958 at the Institute of Linguistics and Literature. Soon after, he became involved in major research …
TIRANA, August 29 – The Durrës Port Harbour Master’s Office barred the tanker HANUMAN from entering the port’s roadstead on August 28. The Sierra Leone-flagged vessel continued sailing about 12 miles from the port after the decision. Ukraine’s military intelligence service, known as GUR, and partner agencies have identified the …
TIRANA, August 29 – Albania will experience relatively stable weather conditions on Saturday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with periods of moderate and occasionally dense cloud over hilly and mountainous areas. Eastern areas may see occasional light rain from midday through the afternoon. …
TIRANA, August 29 – The Albanian Night Cultural Centre in central Tirana has become a popular destination for tourists interested in Albanian traditions and cultural heritage. Visitors can experience artistic performances, music and traditional elements during evening events at the centre. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the events …
TIRANA, August 29 – Prime Minister Edi Rama held a working meeting in Tirana with government political leaders and representatives on Friday evening. The meeting focused on preparations for the new government season and work priorities across Albania. The talks covered the details of the new programme and stronger government …
TIRANA, August 28 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari and State Police Director General Skënder Hita met with local police and Border Police officials to discuss service standards and public trust. Lamallari called for professional, ethical and lawful service at every level. The minister said citizens build their trust in the …
TIRANA, August 28 – Klevis Qose, head of Albania’s Police Oversight Agency, met Karma M. Smith, the FBI adviser on organised crime at Albania’s Special Prosecution Office. Smith has recently taken up her post in Albania. The meeting focused on continuing existing work and coordinating the next steps. Qose said …
TIRANA, August 28 – Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has rejected suggestions that Albanian officials took part in coordinated hybrid activities in Montenegro. He stressed that no formal accusation has been made against Albania. FM Hoxha responded after Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic referred to the alleged involvement of officials …
Kosovo judoka Fatjona Kasapi has won the bronze medal at the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games. Kasapi received a bye in the first round. However, she lost to France’s Pauline Cuq by Ippon in the quarterfinals. She continued the competition through the repechage. After another bye in her first repechage bout, …
A wildfire broke out this afternoon in an area between the villages of Tërbaç and Vranisht, in the Municipality of Himarë. Firefighters and aerial units are working to contain and extinguish the flames. Himarë Mayor Vangjel Tavo said local firefighting teams are on the ground with specialized vehicles. They are …
Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) President Armando Duka has hailed Egnatia’s participation in the UEFA Conference League, calling it a major achievement for Albanian football. Duka said he followed the UEFA Conference League draw with “special pride” and highlighted the historic significance of Egnatia’s participation. “For the first time in history, …