Ombudsman on Protests: My Duty Is to Identify Cases Where Citizens’ Rights Are Violated
Albania’s Ombudsman, Endri Shabani, was in Vlora on Friday to present the Ombudsman’s 2025 Annual Report. Speaking to the media, Shabani said the purpose of the institution’s visit was to hear citizens’ complaints and concerns firsthand. According to Shabani, the majority of complaints in Vlora relate to property issues and …
Rama: Urban Renaissance Has Fulfilled Its Mission, Now It’s Time for the Next Phase
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s Urban Renaissance program has fulfilled its original mission, announcing a new stage of urban development during the presentation of the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” initiative. Rama described the new program as the beginning of a fresh phase of national development, arguing that the original Urban …
Diana Gellçi’s Question to Reinier de Graaf: What Would You Say Today?
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Diana Gellçi’s Question to Reinier de Graaf: What Would You Say Today? appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
‘Cancel It!’: State Cash for Kanye West Show Sparks Outrage in Albania
The government’s use of 4.2 million euros from its emergency reserve to finance the controversial rapper’s concert – after earlier pledging to spend nothing – has angered its critics. Original post Here
Kumbaro: Bënja Thermal Baths attract growing numbers of tourists as infrastructure upgrades continue
The Bënja Thermal Baths near Përmet continue to attract large numbers of domestic and international visitors seeking relaxation in the area’s thermal waters, unspoiled nature and the scenic Langarica Canyon. Minister Mirela Kumbaro said authorities are continuing to improve infrastructure and services alongside the growing number of tourists. She said …
Traffic restrictions announced in Tirana ahead of Kanye West concert
TIRANA July 10 – Tirana Police has announced temporary traffic restrictions on several roads ahead of the “YE” music event featuring artist Kanye West, scheduled for July 11 in Kashar. The restrictions will start at 07:00 and remain in force until midnight on the secondary section of the Durrës–Tirana highway, …
Stable weather with temperatures reaching 37 degrees Celsius
TIRANA, July 10 – Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Friday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The country will have mostly clear skies throughout the day. Light passing clouds may appear around midday. Meanwhile, winds will blow mainly from the northwest at an average speed of 7 m/s. …
Painter Taso to open “The Drunken City” exhibition in Pogradec
The Art Gallery at Pogradec’s Multifunctional Centre will open “The Drunken City,” a solo exhibition by renowned Albanian painter Anastas Kostandini (Taso), on 18 July at 19:00. The exhibition will showcase 50 pastel artworks that portray everyday life in Pogradec through nostalgia, humour and the warmth of local traditions. Inspired …
PM Rama tells CNN Turk Albania welcomes Turkish companies for investment
TIRANA, July 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama gave an interview to CNN Turk, where he discussed the NATO Summit in Ankara, Albania–Turkey relations, regional developments, defence cooperation and tourism. Rama said the summit showed the European wing of NATO’s determination to address security challenges and modernize its military capabilities. …
Himara public beach attracts summer visitors
TIRANA, July 10 – Himara remains one of the most popular destinations for domestic and foreign tourists during the summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today images from Himara’s public beach, where visitors are spending their holidays under the sun, relaxing on the sand and by the sea. Across …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album highlighting the week’s key events. First, he attended the Coalition of the Willing Summit on Ukraine in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. He also joined France’s National Day ceremony and reaffirmed Albania’s strong partnership with its Euro-Atlantic allies. …
Tirana Times, July 18, 2026 – For years, the U.S. and the EU invested significant political capital, funding, and diplomatic pressure into helping Albania build one of the most ambitious anti-corruption institutions in the Balkans: the Special Anti-Corruption Structure, known as SPAK. SPAK was created to do what previous institutions …
The European Commission says Albania continued to implement judicial reform and the Cross-Sector Justice Strategy throughout 2026. First, Albania completed the vetting process for all judges and prosecutors after authorities finalized the appeals phase. Consequently, the process further strengthened judicial independence, accountability, and integrity across the justice system. In addition, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said tourism and foreign investments currently bring €8.5 billion into Albania’s economy. Speaking at an event promoting the national program “Double Your Business,” Rama highlighted the growth of tourism and its impact on economic development. According to him, tourists now fill the streets of Tirana in …
A new space dedicated to art, culture, and community has become part of Tirana’s urban landscape. The Art Park in Kinostudio has transformed the former film studio area into a new meeting point for residents, artists, and visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing large numbers …
TIRANA, July 17 – The Artistic Ensemble “Skanderbeg” from Korça represented Albania at the 59th edition of the International “Festival des Cultures du Monde” in Chambéry, France. The festival brought together folklore and cultural groups from different parts of the world. The Albanian ensemble presented traditional costumes, music and dances, …
TIRANA, July 17 – Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj presented the sovereign scheme “Double your business”, which aims to help Albanian companies access financing and increase investment, productivity and competitiveness in European markets. Ibrahimaj said the initiative responds to the real needs of businesses and supports the development …
TIRANA, July 17 – The Albanian government has launched the national program “Double Your Enterprise” to support small and medium-sized businesses through financing opportunities that aim to increase investment, employment and economic development. At the program’s presentation, Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko said the institution had worked for a …
TIRANA, July 17 – Kosova’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu said the constitutive session of the country’s parliament will take place in early August. She explained that the constitutional deadline expires on August 7. Haxhiu added that the Constitution gives the president 30 days to call the session. Meanwhile, she said …
TIRANA, July 17 – European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania has effectively started closing negotiation chapters for the first time in its accession process, as the bloc prepares for a new phase of enlargement. Speaking at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels, Kos said EU enlargement …