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Organized Beaches and Improved Services Make Pogradec a Summer Destination

Pogradec, one of Albania’s most popular destinations on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is attracting many domestic and international visitors this summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Pogradec’s beaches, showing organized public spaces and free umbrellas available for visitors. The lakeside city offers clean waters, open areas …

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Gonxhja Highlights Nikaj-Mërturi’s Mountain Tourism Potential

Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja described Nikaj-Mërturi as one of the Albanian Alps’ greatest treasures and a destination with strong mountain tourism potential. He met guesthouse owners, hotel managers and tour guides to discuss challenges, opportunities and sustainable tourism development. Moreover, Gonxhja stressed that close cooperation with local communities and businesses …

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General’s Beach, Crystal Waters Hidden Among Kavaja’s Rocky Coastline

General’s Beach, located along the Kavaja coastline, offers visitors crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes and a peaceful natural environment. The beach lies between Durrës and Kavaja and surprises visitors with its rocky coastline, blue sea and green hills, creating a landscape that resembles the southern Albanian Riviera on a smaller scale. …

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Albania aligns Central Bank law with EU standards

Albania has taken another step toward European Union membership with a new draft law on the Bank of Albania. The legislation sets the legal framework the country will need after joining the EU and meeting the requirements to enter the Eurozone. The draft law aligns Albania’s banking legislation with EU …

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New Dialogue Platform Connects Civil Society Organizations with EU Institutions

The European Commission has launched a call for civil society organizations that want to join the new Civil Society Platform, a permanent dialogue mechanism between civil society groups and European Union institutions. The platform aims to create a forum where organizations can exchange ideas and experiences, discuss challenges facing civil …

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Albanian Sounds Featured in the Soundtrack of Christopher Nolan’s Epic Film “The Odyssey”

Albania has become part of the soundtrack of one of the year’s most anticipated films, “The Odyssey” by director Christopher Nolan. The film, which premiered worldwide this week, is Nolan’s latest adaptation of Homer’s epic poem. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus and featuring a major Hollywood cast, the production was …

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Butrint Community Grants Offer Up to $20,000 in Support

The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), in cooperation with the Butrint Management Foundation (BMF), has launched the first call for applications under the Butrint Community Grant Scheme. The initiative supports individuals, local businesses and nonprofit organizations with projects focused on economic, cultural, social and tourism development in the Butrint National Park …

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Albania Highlights EU Progress, International Engagement and New Development Initiatives

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. …

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The United States Helped Build SPAK. Now SPAK Must Do Its Job

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 …

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European Commission: Albania Advances Judicial Reform, but Challenges Remain

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, …

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USD strengthens against Albanian Lek, Euro loses ground

Tirana, July 29 – The US Dollar strengthened further against the Albanian Lek (ALL) on Wednesday. The official exchange rate from the Bank of Albania showed the Dollar at 82.43 ALL. The currency gained 0.22 ALL compared with Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Euro lost 0.03 ALL and reached 93.66 ALL. The …

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Conference League: Dinamo targets qualification against Aluminij

Tirana, July 29 – Dinamo City will host Aluminij on Thursday in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round. The Albanian side will seek a place in the third qualifying round after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Slovenia. Head coach Ilir Daja will …

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Rama Cites Media Report, Says Albania Has “Nothing in Common with Autocracies”

Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to a report by the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA), which found that the opposition received more media coverage than the Socialist Party in major news broadcasts during June 2026. Rama said the findings provide clear and measurable evidence that Albania has no connection to autocratic …

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Lamallari Calls for Stronger Coordination and Greater Presence in the Field

Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari met with Albania’s 12 regional prefects to discuss key priorities for the months ahead. The participants focused on strengthening interinstitutional coordination and increasing the presence of public institutions in local communities. Lamallari identified public safety, the smooth running of the tourism season, and the prevention and …

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Excavations in Zubin Potok, Kurti: We Suspect the Human Remains May Belong to Missing Mitrovica Intellectuals

Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the institutions’ initial suspicion following the discovery of human remains in the village of Kalludër, Zubin Potok, was that they could belong to the 23 intellectuals from Mitrovica who were abducted and forcibly disappeared on 19 April 1999. Speaking to the media, Kurti said …

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PD Challenges US Loan Agreement in Constitutional Court, Bardhi: Majority Committed Seven Constitutional Violations

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”8fc28679-8a5a-44b2-b5a1-57dd0902d361″ data-turn-id-container=”8fc28679-8a5a-44b2-b5a1-57dd0902d361″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-5″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s Democratic Party (PD) has officially challenged before the Constitutional Court the law ratifying the €302 million loan agreement between Albania and the United States for the purchase of military equipment. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, PD Parliamentary Group …

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Rama to Channel 4: I Have Reflected on the Protests and I Understand the Protesters

Prime Minister Edi Rama gave a television interview from Tirana to the British broadcaster Channel 4, where he was also questioned about the ongoing protests. In response, Rama said he has reflected on the demonstrations and understands the protesters. “I have reflected a great deal on these protests and have come …

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Zvërnec Investment, Rama to Channel 4 News: It Is Absurd to Think Albania Can Move Forward Without European Standards

*]: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:ca78e611-875f-41d4-a7ef-76f1d0f120ee-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:ca78e611-875f-41d4-a7ef-76f1d0f120ee-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in a report by British broadcaster Channel 4 News on the planned investment in Zvërnec, stating that it is absurd to believe Albania could move forward with a project that does not comply with European …

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Civil Protection Agency: Wildfire Risk Increases Due to Rising Temperatures, Maximum Caution Urged in the Coming Days

*]: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:618290df-e314-49f1-960f-3d67f2913497-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:618290df-e314-49f1-960f-3d67f2913497-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania’s National Civil Protection Agency (AKMC) has issued an official statement warning that the high temperatures expected in the coming days will significantly increase the risk of wildfires across the country. In its announcement, the Agency called on local government units, …

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Kurti Presents War Victims Report: 12,230 Killed, Including 1,047 Children

*]: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:ca78e611-875f-41d4-a7ef-76f1d0f120ee-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:ca78e611-875f-41d4-a7ef-76f1d0f120ee-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-turn=”assistant”> The Institute for Crimes Committed During the War (IKKL) has published, for the first time, an official report on the victims of the Kosovo war, documenting 12,230 people killed between 1 January 1998 and 20 June 1999. The report was presented …

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USD strengthens against Albanian Lek, Euro loses ground

Tirana, July 29 – The US Dollar strengthened further against the Albanian Lek (ALL) on Wednesday. The official exchange rate from the Bank of Albania showed the Dollar at 82.43 ALL. The currency gained 0.22 ALL compared with Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Euro lost 0.03 ALL and reached 93.66 ALL. The …

News

Conference League: Dinamo targets qualification against Aluminij

Tirana, July 29 – Dinamo City will host Aluminij on Thursday in the second leg of the UEFA Conference League second qualifying round. The Albanian side will seek a place in the third qualifying round after a 1-1 draw in the first leg in Slovenia. Head coach Ilir Daja will …

News

Rama Cites Media Report, Says Albania Has “Nothing in Common with Autocracies”

Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to a report by the Audiovisual Media Authority (AMA), which found that the opposition received more media coverage than the Socialist Party in major news broadcasts during June 2026. Rama said the findings provide clear and measurable evidence that Albania has no connection to autocratic …

News

Lamallari Calls for Stronger Coordination and Greater Presence in the Field

Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari met with Albania’s 12 regional prefects to discuss key priorities for the months ahead. The participants focused on strengthening interinstitutional coordination and increasing the presence of public institutions in local communities. Lamallari identified public safety, the smooth running of the tourism season, and the prevention and …

News

Excavations in Zubin Potok, Kurti: We Suspect the Human Remains May Belong to Missing Mitrovica Intellectuals

Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the institutions’ initial suspicion following the discovery of human remains in the village of Kalludër, Zubin Potok, was that they could belong to the 23 intellectuals from Mitrovica who were abducted and forcibly disappeared on 19 April 1999. Speaking to the media, Kurti said …

News

PD Challenges US Loan Agreement in Constitutional Court, Bardhi: Majority Committed Seven Constitutional Violations

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”8fc28679-8a5a-44b2-b5a1-57dd0902d361″ data-turn-id-container=”8fc28679-8a5a-44b2-b5a1-57dd0902d361″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-5″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s Democratic Party (PD) has officially challenged before the Constitutional Court the law ratifying the €302 million loan agreement between Albania and the United States for the purchase of military equipment. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, PD Parliamentary Group …

News

Rama to Channel 4: I Have Reflected on the Protests and I Understand the Protesters

Prime Minister Edi Rama gave a television interview from Tirana to the British broadcaster Channel 4, where he was also questioned about the ongoing protests. In response, Rama said he has reflected on the demonstrations and understands the protesters. “I have reflected a great deal on these protests and have come …

News

Zvërnec Investment, Rama to Channel 4 News: It Is Absurd to Think Albania Can Move Forward Without European Standards

*]: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:ca78e611-875f-41d4-a7ef-76f1d0f120ee-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:ca78e611-875f-41d4-a7ef-76f1d0f120ee-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in a report by British broadcaster Channel 4 News on the planned investment in Zvërnec, stating that it is absurd to believe Albania could move forward with a project that does not comply with European …

News

Civil Protection Agency: Wildfire Risk Increases Due to Rising Temperatures, Maximum Caution Urged in the Coming Days

*]: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:618290df-e314-49f1-960f-3d67f2913497-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:618290df-e314-49f1-960f-3d67f2913497-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania’s National Civil Protection Agency (AKMC) has issued an official statement warning that the high temperatures expected in the coming days will significantly increase the risk of wildfires across the country. In its announcement, the Agency called on local government units, …

News

Kurti Presents War Victims Report: 12,230 Killed, Including 1,047 Children

*]: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:ca78e611-875f-41d4-a7ef-76f1d0f120ee-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:ca78e611-875f-41d4-a7ef-76f1d0f120ee-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-turn=”assistant”> The Institute for Crimes Committed During the War (IKKL) has published, for the first time, an official report on the victims of the Kosovo war, documenting 12,230 people killed between 1 January 1998 and 20 June 1999. The report was presented …