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Penal Amnesty: Around 60 Inmates to Be Released from Drenova Prison

*]: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:5f2c0e64-bc31-47c7-92dd-f2c184ecbc38-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:5f2c0e64-bc31-47c7-92dd-f2c184ecbc38-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> Around 60 inmates at Drenova Prison are expected to be released under Albania’s new penal amnesty law, which is scheduled to be implemented on July 15. Under the amnesty, eligible male prisoners will receive a one-year sentence reduction, while eligible female …

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Ombudsman Raises Alarm Over Conditions at Shënkoll Prison: “It Should Be a High-Security Hospital, Not a Prison with Two Psychiatrists”

Albania’s Ombudsman is carrying out an unannounced inspection on Monday and Tuesday at the Shënkoll Prison Institution as part of its mandate as the National Preventive Mechanism against Torture. According to the Ombudsman, the preliminary findings are deeply concerning. The inspection team identified severe overcrowding in accommodation facilities and a …

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Parliament joins 51st Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie

TIRANA, July 13 – Albania’s permanent parliamentary delegation took part in the 51st Session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Francophonie, held in Yaounde, Cameroon. Hatixhe Konomi led the delegation, alongside Ilirian Pendavinji and Luçiano Boçi. More than 300 lawmakers from 42 national, subnational and inter-parliamentary sections attended the session. …

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Next NATO summit to put Albania and PM Rama in international spotlight

TIRANA, July 13 – Albania will host the 37th NATO Summit after the alliance concluded its 36th summit in Ankara. Analysts say the decision highlights the strategic importance of Albania and the Western Balkans for NATO. Experts say the alliance has renewed its focus on the region as Europe reshapes …

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Albania marks 31 years in the Council of Europe

TIRANA, July 13 – Albania marks 31 years of membership in the Council of Europe on July 13, a milestone that reflects the country’s democratic transition and its commitment to European standards, according to the Agency for Media and Information (MIA). MIA said membership has supported reforms, strengthened institutions and …

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Murat Toptani, a versatile artist of the National Renaissance

TIRANA, July 13 – Murat Toptani, a sculptor, painter, poet, publicist and prominent figure of the Albanian National Renaissance, was born on July 13, 1868, in Aka, present-day Türkiye. His father, Said Toptani, lived in exile in Türkiye at the time, which led to Murat’s birth there. In 1884, Toptani …

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UK bans support for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps

TIRANA, July 13 – The United Kingdom has announced measures to ban support for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), designating the group as a threat to national security, according to the BBC. UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the new powers will make support for the IRGC a criminal …

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Governor Sejko Meets EBRD’s New Resident Representative in Albania, Hannes Takacs

On Monday, the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, held an official meeting with a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), led by Hannes Takacs, the EBRD’s newly appointed Resident Representative in Albania. The delegation also included Ekaterina Solovova, along with other representatives from …

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Coalition of the Willing Summit: Rama Welcomed by Macron in Paris, Shares Footage from the Meeting

Prime Minister Edi Rama arrived in Paris on Monday to attend the Coalition of the Willing Summit in support of Ukraine. Rama said he had been invited by French President Emmanuel Macron and shared footage of his arrival, where he was welcomed by the French leader. Rama and other European …

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Violations and Evasion at Currency Exchange Offices, Bank of Albania Revokes 83 Licenses

The Bank of Albania revoked the licenses of 83 currency exchange offices during 2025 following inspections that uncovered regulatory violations and financial irregularities related to cash circulation. According to the central bank, the inspections revealed shortcomings in customer identification procedures, transaction monitoring, screening against sanctions lists, and the reporting of …

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Albania Condemns Naval Blockade Threats Against Saudi Arabia

Albania strongly condemned the Houthi militia today over its threats against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which include imposing a naval blockade. In a social media statement, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEPJ) warned that these provocative and escalatory actions further destabilize the region. According to the Ministry, …

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Government Approves Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Qatar

The Council of Ministers today approved two major agreements with Qatar and Ukraine. During today’s government meeting, ministers approved in principle a strategic cooperation agreement with the State of Qatar covering areas of mutual interest. The Council of Ministers also approved an agreement with Ukraine on international road transport. /a.c/ …

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EU Integration: Government Approves Decision to Draft New Criminal Code

To advance Albania’s European Union integration process, the Council of Ministers today approved comprehensive measures to overhaul the nation’s criminal legislation. Specifically, the executive order mandates officials to draft, consolidate, and finalize three main pillars: a brand-new Criminal Code, structural amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, and updates to …

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Nufi: We Have Started Preparations for the NATO Summit in Tirana, Awaiting the Official Date

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi declared today that heads of state and government from member nations will determine the official date for the upcoming NATO summit in Tirana. Speaking after today’s cabinet meeting, Nufi addressed questions regarding the summit’s organization, clarifying that member states dictate summit locations rather than the Alliance’s …

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Rama Attends Opening Ceremony of Ziraat Bank Branch in Tirana

Albanian and Turkish institutional officials gathered in Tirana today to celebrate the official opening of the new Ziraat Bank branch. Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the ceremony alongside Turkish Ambassador to Albania Barış Ceyhun Erciyes, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj, Turkish Deputy Minister of Treasury and Finance Abdullah …

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Rama: Military Personnel Status Ready, Big News Coming Soon for Armed Forces

Prime Minister Edi Rama announced tonight that the special status for military personnel is ready, promising that the long-awaited news for the Armed Forces will follow shortly. Prime Minister Rama made the statement during the graduation ceremony for 67 new officers from the Officer Preparation Course at the Armed Forces …

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Rama: Albanian Armed Forces Now Highest Paid in the Region, Target NATO Average by 2030

Prime Minister Edi Rama declared today that Albania now boasts the highest-paid Armed Forces in the region, affirming a clear ambition to raise military salaries to match the NATO average by 2030. The Prime Minister delivered his remarks during the graduation ceremony for 67 new officers from the Officer Preparation …

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Spain Rules the World Again

Spain clinches second FIFA World Cup title as Europe continues its dominance on football’s biggest stage By Gautam Karve, Editor-in-Chief, World Media Organization Tirana Times, July 22, 2026 – Spain secured its second FIFA World Cup title with a commanding performance, defeating Argentina in a final that showcased the Spanish …

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Over 3,000 citizens receive free legal aid in first half of year

TIRANA, July 22 – More than 3,000 citizens received free legal aid during the first six months of the year, according to figures presented by the Ministry of Justice. Justice Minister Toni Gogu said the ministry expanded access to legal aid services across Albania and focused on services directly linked …

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Foreign tourists pay healthcare service fees online at summer health centers

TIRANA, July 22 – Foreign non-resident tourists have started paying unified healthcare service fees at summer health centers since July 1, according to the Operator of Health Care Services. Director Jeta Deda said the primary healthcare system has published and displayed the applicable fees at these centers. The charges cover …

News

Albania Condemns Naval Blockade Threats Against Saudi Arabia

Albania strongly condemned the Houthi militia today over its threats against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which include imposing a naval blockade. In a social media statement, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEPJ) warned that these provocative and escalatory actions further destabilize the region. According to the Ministry, …

News

Government Approves Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Qatar

The Council of Ministers today approved two major agreements with Qatar and Ukraine. During today’s government meeting, ministers approved in principle a strategic cooperation agreement with the State of Qatar covering areas of mutual interest. The Council of Ministers also approved an agreement with Ukraine on international road transport. /a.c/ …

News

EU Integration: Government Approves Decision to Draft New Criminal Code

To advance Albania’s European Union integration process, the Council of Ministers today approved comprehensive measures to overhaul the nation’s criminal legislation. Specifically, the executive order mandates officials to draft, consolidate, and finalize three main pillars: a brand-new Criminal Code, structural amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, and updates to …

News

Nufi: We Have Started Preparations for the NATO Summit in Tirana, Awaiting the Official Date

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi declared today that heads of state and government from member nations will determine the official date for the upcoming NATO summit in Tirana. Speaking after today’s cabinet meeting, Nufi addressed questions regarding the summit’s organization, clarifying that member states dictate summit locations rather than the Alliance’s …

News

Rama Attends Opening Ceremony of Ziraat Bank Branch in Tirana

Albanian and Turkish institutional officials gathered in Tirana today to celebrate the official opening of the new Ziraat Bank branch. Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the ceremony alongside Turkish Ambassador to Albania Barış Ceyhun Erciyes, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj, Turkish Deputy Minister of Treasury and Finance Abdullah …

News

Rama: Military Personnel Status Ready, Big News Coming Soon for Armed Forces

Prime Minister Edi Rama announced tonight that the special status for military personnel is ready, promising that the long-awaited news for the Armed Forces will follow shortly. Prime Minister Rama made the statement during the graduation ceremony for 67 new officers from the Officer Preparation Course at the Armed Forces …

News

Rama: Albanian Armed Forces Now Highest Paid in the Region, Target NATO Average by 2030

Prime Minister Edi Rama declared today that Albania now boasts the highest-paid Armed Forces in the region, affirming a clear ambition to raise military salaries to match the NATO average by 2030. The Prime Minister delivered his remarks during the graduation ceremony for 67 new officers from the Officer Preparation …

News

Spain Rules the World Again

Spain clinches second FIFA World Cup title as Europe continues its dominance on football’s biggest stage By Gautam Karve, Editor-in-Chief, World Media Organization Tirana Times, July 22, 2026 – Spain secured its second FIFA World Cup title with a commanding performance, defeating Argentina in a final that showcased the Spanish …

News

Over 3,000 citizens receive free legal aid in first half of year

TIRANA, July 22 – More than 3,000 citizens received free legal aid during the first six months of the year, according to figures presented by the Ministry of Justice. Justice Minister Toni Gogu said the ministry expanded access to legal aid services across Albania and focused on services directly linked …

News

Foreign tourists pay healthcare service fees online at summer health centers

TIRANA, July 22 – Foreign non-resident tourists have started paying unified healthcare service fees at summer health centers since July 1, according to the Operator of Health Care Services. Director Jeta Deda said the primary healthcare system has published and displayed the applicable fees at these centers. The charges cover …