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Albania U19 Come from Behind to Defeat Lithuania U19

Albania U19 secured a second consecutive victory over Lithuania U19, coming from behind to win 2-1 in a friendly match at the Vora Stadium. Lithuania took the lead in the first half, scoring from one of their few chances of the game. However, Albania responded strongly after the break and …

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International Dance Festival Tirana Opens with 17 Performances Across the City

The International Dance Festival Tirana (IDFT) will launch its fifth edition on October 3, bringing a rich program of contemporary dance, international artists and artistic companies to the Albanian capital through October 21. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the festival will feature 17 performances in nine …

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OSCE Highlights Importance of Inclusive Participation in Justice System

The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, met today with representatives of the Union of Judges, the National Association of Judges and the Association of Prosecutors of Albania to discuss recent developments in the country’s justice system. According to the OSCE Presence, the discussion focused on …

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Retro Car Tour Brings New Energy to Gjirokastër

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media today from “Gran Tour Albania,” an event that brought Italian collectors of vintage cars to the historic city of Gjirokastër. “Motoring enthusiasts and tourists added a new color to Gjirokastër in autumn,” Rama wrote alongside photos from the event. Rare vintage …

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Monograph on Usta Josif and Përmet’s Saze Tradition Presented in Tirana

The National Library in Tirana hosted the presentation of “Usta Josifi and the Saze of Përmet,” a new monographic study by author Niko Mihali dedicated to one of Albania’s richest musical traditions. The book explores the urban folk music tradition of Përmet and focuses on the life and contribution of …

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Defense Minister Nufi Meets New U.S. Ambassador Eric Wendt

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met today with the new U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, and reaffirmed the strong partnership between Albania and the United States in the fields of defense and security. Nufi described the United States as Albania’s indispensable partner in security and defense, while stressing that Albania …

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Bujar Alimani’s ‘The Delegation’ Screened in Reims, France

Albanian film “The Delegation” (Le Dernier Prisonnier), directed by Bujar Alimani, was screened in the French city of Reims on Thursday evening. The event took place through cooperation between the European Commission Representation in France and the association “7ème Œil.” Albanian Ambassador to France Dritan Tola, Montenegro’s Ambassador to France …

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Week in Review: Elections and Struggles

Women get a raw deal at elections in Bosnia, a spy chief’s arrest raises security questions in Albania and protesters challenge war crimes verdicts in Kosovo – plus much more in our selection of this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories. Original post Here

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Albania tourism minister calls for investment in workforce

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania has entered an important stage of tourism development. He spoke at the Future Hospitality Forum, organised by the Albanian Investment Development Agency. Gonxhja said growing international interest, expanding investment and a more diverse tourism offer are changing the sector. He added …

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Mid’hat Frashëri: The Diplomat, Writer and Nationalist Who Shaped Albania’s Modern History

Mid’hat bej Frashëri, known by his pen name Lumo Skëndo, was one of the prominent figures of Albania’s political and cultural history. He worked as a diplomat, writer, politician, publicist and Albanologist, and played an active role in the Albanian National Renaissance and the country’s political life after independence. Frashëri …

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Rama: Malësia e Madhe and Përmet, from Places Without Hope to Destinations in the New Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama has highlighted Malësia e Madhe and Përmet as examples of Albania’s transformation over the past decade, reflecting on the changing image and potential of these two areas in the latest episode of his “Flasim” podcast. According to Rama, a decade ago, both areas were perceived as …

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PM Rama Reveals His Dream After Leaving Office as Prime Minister

Prime Minister Edi Rama has revealed one of the wishes he hopes to fulfill after leaving office, admitting that he dreams of putting an end to his constant presence on social media. During the latest episode of his “Flasim” podcast, while speaking with his guests, Rama openly expressed his envy …

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Albania Condemns Houthi Attack on Saudi Arabia, Minister Hoxha Calls for Accountability

Albania has condemned the latest attack by the Houthi group against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which resulted in casualties, expressing solidarity with the Saudi people and authorities. The statement was made by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha in a post on the social media platform X. …

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Rama Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia: Tehran and Sponsors of Terror Must Be Held Accountable

Prime Minister Edi Rama has condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. In a statement published on the social media platform X on Sunday, Rama expressed Albania’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people, calling for …

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President Begaj in Dibër: “Oda Dibrane” Unites Albanians Across Borders

President of the Republic Bajram Begaj visited Dibër, where he attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his speech, the head of state praised the festival’s role in preserving national identity and strengthening ties between Albanians at home and abroad. During his visit, …

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Saudi Arabia and the New Strategic Balance in the Middle East

The Middle East faces a historic choice: to remain trapped in rivalries that define security through the weakening of adversaries, or to build a regional order based on sovereignty, cooperation and diplomacy. By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, October 09, 2026 – The greatest danger facing the Middle East today …

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Europe Needs Proof, Not Promises

By Enrico Letta  Delivery as the defining challenge Thank you. I am genuinely pleased to be here, and I will tell you why I rearranged my agenda to make it. When I saw the title of this event — “Proof, Not Promises”, I understood immediately that this is the title …

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EU Ambassador: Energy and Transport Links Bring Albania Closer to EU Market

EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said energy and transport links play a key role in economic growth and Albania’s integration with the European market. She made the remarks after meeting Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi. Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Albania in …

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EU Approves October 13 Conference to Advance Albania’s Accession Talks

EU member states have approved an intergovernmental conference with Albania on October 13 in Luxembourg, paving the way for the provisional closure of Chapter 20 on Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) approved the meeting after reviewing Albania’s progress on business development and industrial reforms. Chapter …

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Rama: Countdown Begins Toward Albania’s Historic EU Membership Goal

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has moved closer to its historic goal of joining the European Union after the bloc gave the green light to close negotiations on Chapter 20, which covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. In a social media post, Rama said the latest development strengthens Albania’s prospects …

News

Rama: Malësia e Madhe and Përmet, from Places Without Hope to Destinations in the New Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama has highlighted Malësia e Madhe and Përmet as examples of Albania’s transformation over the past decade, reflecting on the changing image and potential of these two areas in the latest episode of his “Flasim” podcast. According to Rama, a decade ago, both areas were perceived as …

News

PM Rama Reveals His Dream After Leaving Office as Prime Minister

Prime Minister Edi Rama has revealed one of the wishes he hopes to fulfill after leaving office, admitting that he dreams of putting an end to his constant presence on social media. During the latest episode of his “Flasim” podcast, while speaking with his guests, Rama openly expressed his envy …

News

Albania Condemns Houthi Attack on Saudi Arabia, Minister Hoxha Calls for Accountability

Albania has condemned the latest attack by the Houthi group against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which resulted in casualties, expressing solidarity with the Saudi people and authorities. The statement was made by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha in a post on the social media platform X. …

News

Rama Condemns Houthi Attacks on Saudi Arabia: Tehran and Sponsors of Terror Must Be Held Accountable

Prime Minister Edi Rama has condemned the Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including the deadly attack on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. In a statement published on the social media platform X on Sunday, Rama expressed Albania’s solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and its people, calling for …

News

President Begaj in Dibër: “Oda Dibrane” Unites Albanians Across Borders

President of the Republic Bajram Begaj visited Dibër, where he attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his speech, the head of state praised the festival’s role in preserving national identity and strengthening ties between Albanians at home and abroad. During his visit, …

News

Saudi Arabia and the New Strategic Balance in the Middle East

The Middle East faces a historic choice: to remain trapped in rivalries that define security through the weakening of adversaries, or to build a regional order based on sovereignty, cooperation and diplomacy. By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, October 09, 2026 – The greatest danger facing the Middle East today …

News

Europe Needs Proof, Not Promises

By Enrico Letta  Delivery as the defining challenge Thank you. I am genuinely pleased to be here, and I will tell you why I rearranged my agenda to make it. When I saw the title of this event — “Proof, Not Promises”, I understood immediately that this is the title …

News

EU Ambassador: Energy and Transport Links Bring Albania Closer to EU Market

EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said energy and transport links play a key role in economic growth and Albania’s integration with the European market. She made the remarks after meeting Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi. Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Albania in …

News

EU Approves October 13 Conference to Advance Albania’s Accession Talks

EU member states have approved an intergovernmental conference with Albania on October 13 in Luxembourg, paving the way for the provisional closure of Chapter 20 on Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) approved the meeting after reviewing Albania’s progress on business development and industrial reforms. Chapter …

News

Rama: Countdown Begins Toward Albania’s Historic EU Membership Goal

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has moved closer to its historic goal of joining the European Union after the bloc gave the green light to close negotiations on Chapter 20, which covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. In a social media post, Rama said the latest development strengthens Albania’s prospects …