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The Albanian Files: The Irregular Anatomy of an ‘Architectural Renaissance’

A new architecture book lifts the lid on Prime Minister Edi Rama’s personal role in bringing world-renowned architects to Albania, inadvertently fuelling discontent over what critics say is an informal form of governance that puts little stock in rules or transparency. Original post Here

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Egnatia begins UEFA Champions League journey with away clash against Petrocub

Albanian champions Egnatia begin their UEFA Champions League campaign today with an away match against Moldovan champions Petrocub. The match will kick off at 19:00 at the Zimbru Stadium, where Egnatia will look to secure a positive result and take an important step toward reaching the second qualifying round of …

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Egnatia draws 1-1 away against Petrocub as goalkeeper Dajsinani becomes the hero

Albanian champions Egnatia secured a 1-1 draw against Moldovan side Petrocub in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League first qualifying round. Playing at the Zimbru Stadium, Nevil Dede’s team started the match on the wrong foot. After only a few seconds, a defensive mistake allowed Popescu to capitalise …

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Ibrahimaj: Albanian Businesses Must Prepare Now for the EU Single Market

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj called on Albanian businesses to begin preparing for the European Union’s single market. Speaking at a roundtable on the national program for business integration into the EU single market, Ibrahimaj said businesses must act now to seize future opportunities. Furthermore, she said the government …

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“Albania Through Byron’s Eyes” Showcases Albanian Culture in London

London hosted “Albania Through Byron’s Eyes,” an ethno-musical and theatrical production that combined history, poetry, music, and Albanian cultural heritage. The event attracted a large audience and received a warm response from both the Albanian and British communities. Furthermore, the production, organized by Empowered Women of Diaspora in partnership with …

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Begaj Pledges Albania’s Support for Albanians in the Presheva Valley

President Bajram Begaj visited the Presheva Valley, where he met with local leaders, including municipal mayors Ardita Sinani and Arbër Bajaziti, the only Albanian member of Serbia’s Parliament, Shaip Kamberi, and the head of the Albanian National Council, Enkel Rexhepi. The meetings focused on the concerns of Albanians in the …

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Hoxha: Albania Begins Preparations to Host Next NATO Summit in Tirana

Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania has begun preparations to host the next NATO Summit in Tirana, which could take place in 2027. Speaking to Top Channel during the NATO Summit in Ankara, Hoxha described the event as an important milestone for both the Alliance and Albania. Furthermore, he said …

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Nufi: Hosting the Next NATO Summit Marks a Historic Moment for Albania

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi described Albania’s selection to host the next NATO Summit as a historic moment for the country. In a social media post, Nufi said the decision reflects the trust that NATO allies have placed in Albania. Furthermore, he said the decision recognizes Albania’s strong commitment to Euro-Atlantic …

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Balla: Albania has entered a decisive phase in its EU accession process

Albania has entered a new and decisive stage on its path toward European Union membership, Socialist Party parliamentary group leader and EU–Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee co-chair Taulant Balla said in Strasbourg. Speaking at the opening session of the 21st meeting of the committee, Balla described the moment as …

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Albania presents its civil service recruitment model at OECD/SIGMA workshop

Albania presented its experience in civil service recruitment and selection systems during a regional workshop organised by OECD/SIGMA in Paris. Representatives from the Department of Public Administration (DAP), alongside officials from Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership countries, participated in the workshop titled “Strengthening recruitment and selection systems in the civil …

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Can the Symbolism of a Spectacle Be Appropriated?

By Diana Gellci Ph.D. Tirana Times, July 16, 2026 – Beyond entertainment, spectacles produce powerful symbolism. Indeed, symbolic effects often outweigh political, economic, and even coercive ones. Symbolism remains one of the most potent forms of power. When Kanye West arrived in Tirana, he brought with him something that cannot …

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Agriculture census to guide future support schemes in Albania

TIRANA, July 16 – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the draft law on the agriculture census will provide a key tool for shaping public policies and support schemes in the sector. Presenting the bill in Parliament, Salla said Albania’s agricultural sector has changed significantly since the last census. He highlighted …

News
Artificial intelligence brings new challenges and opportunities for cinema

The National Center of Cinematography brought together film professionals to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the audiovisual industry and why Albania needs a clear legal framework for its use. During a roundtable held as part of the International AI Film Festival, filmmakers and experts, including director Fatmir Koçi, …

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World literature exhibition brings global classics to Albania’s National Library

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s National Library has opened an exhibition titled “World Literature Championship” at the “Sotir Kolea” center, inviting visitors to explore a different kind of competition during the final days of the World Football Championship. The exhibition presents some of the greatest authors of world literature and …

News
Egnatia secure historic Champions League qualification with big win over Petrocub

TIRANA, July 16 – Albanian champions Egnatia have reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Moldova’s champions Petrocub 6-1 in the return leg at the “Arena Egnatia”. The Rrogozhina-based team had drawn 1-1 in the first leg away from home. However, Egnatia delivered a dominant …

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Albania submits third reform agenda report to European Commission

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania has submitted the third reporting cycle of its Reform Agenda to the European Commission under the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF). The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) submitted the report, which includes 38 reform measures across 5 policy areas. Meanwhile, the …

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EU ambassador Gonzato calls for irreversible justice reform in Albania

TIRANA, July 16 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato said the Justice Reform must become irreversible as Albanian justice institutions reviewed the progress of the 2024–2030 Cross-Sectoral Justice Strategy. The Ministry of Justice organised the discussion with the participation of heads of justice institutions. The EU Delegation in …

News
Germany and European Union provide €13.5 million for Albania’s food safety reforms

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Parliament reviewed an agreement with Germany that will support a €13.5 million food safety project for 2026–2030, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said on Thursday. Salla presented the bill ratifying the 2025 Technical Cooperation Agreement with Germany. He said the agreement provides the …

News
AI-backed “Smart City” project enters implementation phase, PM Rama says

TIRANA, July 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s “Smart City” project marks a new stage in strengthening public security through artificial intelligence. Speaking at the project’s Command and Control Center, Rama said the system is now entering implementation and will gradually expand across the country. He said artificial …

News
Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship makes first call at Port of Durrës

TIRANA, July 16 – The Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, arrived at the Port of Durrës for the first time with about 650 passengers on board. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the ship’s arrival on social media. He said company representatives praised …

News

Can the Symbolism of a Spectacle Be Appropriated?

By Diana Gellci Ph.D. Tirana Times, July 16, 2026 – Beyond entertainment, spectacles produce powerful symbolism. Indeed, symbolic effects often outweigh political, economic, and even coercive ones. Symbolism remains one of the most potent forms of power. When Kanye West arrived in Tirana, he brought with him something that cannot …

News

Agriculture census to guide future support schemes in Albania

TIRANA, July 16 – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the draft law on the agriculture census will provide a key tool for shaping public policies and support schemes in the sector. Presenting the bill in Parliament, Salla said Albania’s agricultural sector has changed significantly since the last census. He highlighted …

News

Artificial intelligence brings new challenges and opportunities for cinema

The National Center of Cinematography brought together film professionals to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the audiovisual industry and why Albania needs a clear legal framework for its use. During a roundtable held as part of the International AI Film Festival, filmmakers and experts, including director Fatmir Koçi, …

News

World literature exhibition brings global classics to Albania’s National Library

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s National Library has opened an exhibition titled “World Literature Championship” at the “Sotir Kolea” center, inviting visitors to explore a different kind of competition during the final days of the World Football Championship. The exhibition presents some of the greatest authors of world literature and …

News

Egnatia secure historic Champions League qualification with big win over Petrocub

TIRANA, July 16 – Albanian champions Egnatia have reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Moldova’s champions Petrocub 6-1 in the return leg at the “Arena Egnatia”. The Rrogozhina-based team had drawn 1-1 in the first leg away from home. However, Egnatia delivered a dominant …

News

Albania submits third reform agenda report to European Commission

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania has submitted the third reporting cycle of its Reform Agenda to the European Commission under the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF). The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) submitted the report, which includes 38 reform measures across 5 policy areas. Meanwhile, the …

News

EU ambassador Gonzato calls for irreversible justice reform in Albania

TIRANA, July 16 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato said the Justice Reform must become irreversible as Albanian justice institutions reviewed the progress of the 2024–2030 Cross-Sectoral Justice Strategy. The Ministry of Justice organised the discussion with the participation of heads of justice institutions. The EU Delegation in …

News

Germany and European Union provide €13.5 million for Albania’s food safety reforms

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Parliament reviewed an agreement with Germany that will support a €13.5 million food safety project for 2026–2030, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said on Thursday. Salla presented the bill ratifying the 2025 Technical Cooperation Agreement with Germany. He said the agreement provides the …

News

AI-backed “Smart City” project enters implementation phase, PM Rama says

TIRANA, July 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s “Smart City” project marks a new stage in strengthening public security through artificial intelligence. Speaking at the project’s Command and Control Center, Rama said the system is now entering implementation and will gradually expand across the country. He said artificial …

News

Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship makes first call at Port of Durrës

TIRANA, July 16 – The Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, arrived at the Port of Durrës for the first time with about 650 passengers on board. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the ship’s arrival on social media. He said company representatives praised …