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Light rainfall expected today as temperatures remain high

TIRANA, June 25 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will face relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Thursday. The weather will feature clear skies. It will also include alternating cloudiness. In addition, light rainfall will affect most of the territory from midday to the afternoon. Meanwhile, isolated thunderstorms with lightning …

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HOLR Magazine: Albania, Europe’s most exciting destination from the Albanian Alps to the Shala River and the Ionian Riviera

TIRANA, June 25 – Canadian media outlet “HOLR Magazine” describes Albania as one of Europe’s most exciting emerging destinations. The publication highlights a journey from the Albanian Alps to the Shala River and the Ionian Riviera. The article says Albania remained outside mainstream European tourism for years. It adds that …

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PM Rama: “No force can stop our mission toward Albania 2030 in the EU”

TIRANA, June 25 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared on social media a long message sent by a citizen from Vlora living in Italy. The citizen urged him to continue his political path. Rama said he receives hundreds of similar messages and cannot read them all, while he thanked all …

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PM Rama to attend Ukraine Recovery Conference in Poland

TIRANA, June 25 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will take part in the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026), which takes place on 25–26 June in Gdańsk, Poland. The event brings together heads of state and government, international financial institutions, business representatives and civil society organisations from around the world. According …

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Balkan Film Food Festival, annual festival in Pogradec

The 16th edition of the Balkan Film and Culinary Festival is taking place in Pogradec. It brings days filled with film, culture, taste, and inspiring encounters. First, the festival runs from June 23 to June 27. It includes screenings, artist talks, and culinary activities. As a result, it offers a …

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Pirdeni: EU Anti-Corruption Directive Guides Reform Efforts

Albania is continuing its efforts to strengthen transparency and fight corruption in line with European standards. State Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said that the European Union’s Anti-Corruption Directive provides an important roadmap for advancing reforms in the country. Speaking about discussions held under the EU4GG project, …

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Rama Discusses Zvërnec Project in Interview with France 24

Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to questions from France 24 regarding protests against the development project in Zvërnec. During the interview, Rama said that several external actors are attempting to influence the debate surrounding the project. According to Rama, these interventions include cyber-related activities linked to Iran, as well …

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SASPAC Supports Municipal Participation in EU Programs

The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination, known as SASPAC, continues to support Albanian municipalities in accessing European Union programs and funding opportunities.   Speaking at the meeting “Municipalities and Cohesion Policies,” SASPAC Director General Eridana Çano highlighted the agency’s efforts to help local governments participate in EU-funded …

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Begaj Highlights Rule of Law at Tirana Prefecture Centennial

President Bajram Begaj attended an event marking the 100th anniversary of the Tirana Prefecture, where he praised the institution’s historic role in strengthening public administration and connecting central government with local communities. During his address, Begaj said that the prefecture’s establishment in 1926 reflected Albania’s commitment to modernization and the …

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Rama Meets Turkish Ambassador, Reaffirms Strong Bilateral Ties

Prime Minister Edi Rama received Turkish Ambassador Ceyhun Erciyes in Tirana for a courtesy visit. During the meeting, both sides praised the excellent state of relations between Albania and Turkey and reviewed ongoing cooperation in several areas. Furthermore, they reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties, with a particular …

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From the Nile to the Balkans

By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, July 3, 2026 – If you sit by the banks of the Nile on a quiet afternoon and allow its serene flow to guide your thoughts, you realize that the water remembers not only the lands it traverses, but also the people who shaped …

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Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here

News
ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases

TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …

News
Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …

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Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht

TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …

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Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës

Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …

News
Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog

TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …

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PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …

News
Former Kosova President Thaçi sends message to citizens

TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …

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Valbona Valley draws global travelers to Albania’s wild north

TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …

News

From the Nile to the Balkans

By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, July 3, 2026 – If you sit by the banks of the Nile on a quiet afternoon and allow its serene flow to guide your thoughts, you realize that the water remembers not only the lands it traverses, but also the people who shaped …

News

Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here

News

ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases

TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …

News

Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …

News

Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht

TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …

News

Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës

Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …

News

Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog

TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …

News

PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …

News

Former Kosova President Thaçi sends message to citizens

TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …

News

Valbona Valley draws global travelers to Albania’s wild north

TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …