Banks’ profits fall 13% in May, while lending and deposits continue to grow
*]: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=”07805a4b-f4b9-47c7-bcb3-a3f53f8a9ddb” data-turn-id-container=”07805a4b-f4b9-47c7-bcb3-a3f53f8a9ddb” data-testid=”conversation-turn-5″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s banking sector recorded a decline in profits during the first five months of 2026, although lending and deposits continued to expand. Data from the Albanian Association of Banks (AAB), based on statistics from the Bank of Albania, show that the …
Albanian government approves opening of embassy in Dublin
The Albanian government has approved the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Dublin, Ireland, expanding the country’s diplomatic network. The Council of Ministers adopted the decision under the Law on the Foreign Service of the Republic of Albania, following a proposal by the Minister for Europe …
Albanian Protesters Celebrate as PM Backtracks on Controversial Environment Laws
Protesters in Albania hail ‘moral victory’ after PM Edi Rama declares in Brussels that his government will revisit controversial laws that pave the way for a luxury resort linked to Donald Trump’s family. Original post Here
State Police and U.S. ICITAP reaffirm 30-year strategic partnership
TIRANA, July 15 – The State Police and the U.S. International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) reaffirmed their strategic partnership, built over more than 30 years of cooperation. State Police Director General Skënder Hita met with ICITAP Europe and Asia Programme Representative Alexzandria Burns and ICITAP Albania Programme Director …
Book “100 Years of Theatre in Shkodra (1879–1979)” highlights a century of Albanian stage history
The book “100 Years of Theatre in Shkodra: 1879–1979” by author Andrea Skanjeti has been published by the Academy of Sciences of Albania, presenting a century-long history of theatre in Shkodra, one of the country’s most important cultural centres. Academic and playwright Stefan Çapaliku contributed to preparing the book for …
Deputy minister presents bill to strengthen Civil Society Support Agency
TIRANA, July 15 – Deputy Health and Social Protection Minister Denada Seferi presented a draft law to the parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Public Information. The bill proposes amendments to the law governing the Civil Society Support Agency. Seferi said the draft aims to strengthen the agency’s institutional role. …
UEFA Conference League, Vllaznia aims for second qualifying round spot
TIRANA, July 15 – Vllaznia will face Malisheva on Wednesday in the second leg of the first qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The Shkodër-based team travels to Kosova with a 2-1 advantage from the first match at “Loro Boriçi” Stadium. Vllaznia conceded an early goal but reacted with …
PM Rama to Euronews Serbia: Kosovo and Metohija no longer exists, only the Republic of Kosova
TIRANA, July 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Serbia bears the main responsibility for the current deadlock in its dialogue with Kosova because it has not accepted what he described as the new reality. In an interview with Euronews Serbia, Rama said the term “Kosovo and Metohija” no longer …
FSHF: Major sporting events boost Albania’s international profile
The Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) says that hosting international sporting events helps promote Albania, develop tourism, and support economic growth. FSHF highlighted the UEFA Europa Conference League final held in Tirana in 2022 as a clear example of how major football events can benefit the country. The federation aims to …
Special prosecution chief: Electoral crime remains a concern, cases require evidence
TIRANA, July 15 – Electoral crime remains a serious concern, but prosecutors can file charges only when evidence supports them, Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime chief Klodjan Braho said on Tuesday. Braho made the remarks while reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Citizen Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight during …
Student-led demonstrations turn into violent confrontations, with attacks on state institutions and luxury buildings amid allegations of systemic corruption, police brutality and a deepening political crisis. Tirana Times, October 14, 2026 – Albania’s capital descended into scenes resembling a war zone Wednesday as anti-government protesters attacked state institutions, set fires …
Student-led protests in Albania have escalated into violent clashes with police, drawing international attention and raising fresh questions about government accountability, corruption and the future of young people. The demonstrations began with demands for better university conditions, lower education costs and greater financial support for students. However, they soon expanded …
Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi condemned attacks on Parliament and public institutions during a violent protest in Tirana. He described the acts of vandalism and destruction as unacceptable. In a social media statement, Peleshi stressed that violence serves no cause and harms the public interest and society. He also rejected attempts …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro urged students to reject violence as protests entered their second day. She expressed deep concern over attacks on the Education Ministry and other public institutions. “Physical clashes and property destruction must never replace words, arguments and dialogue,” Kumbaro said. The minister defended students’ right to protest …
The US Embassy in Tirana issued a security alert on Tuesday, warning American citizens that violent protests could spread near government buildings. The embassy said a demonstration on Durrës Street, near Skanderbeg Square, turned violent after protesters threw stones. It warned that unrest could spread to nearby areas and government …
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Albania (KISH) condemned the removal of the Vatican flag during a protest in Tirana on Tuesday, calling the act unacceptable. In a public statement, the conference said protesters had targeted the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Tirana. Several demonstrators removed the Vatican flag …
The German Embassy has shared the position of the European Union Delegation to Albania regarding the ongoing student protests in Tirana. The German Embassy has expressed the same position as the EU Delegation, which voiced concern over escalating tensions between law enforcement officers and young protesters and called on all …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced during a government meeting that a proposal to establish a working group tasked with drafting, coordinating and harmonising a state strategy regarding appeal proceedings at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague had been approved. Kurti stated that the first-instance verdict against the four …
The British Embassy in Tirana has reacted following clashes on the second day of protests outside the Ministry of Education. In a statement published on the Ministry’s official Facebook page, the embassy stressed that the right to protest does not justify the use of violence or damage to public and …
Former Defence Minister Piro Vengu has reacted following acts of violence reported for the second consecutive day during protests outside the Ministry of Education. In a social media post, Vengu stated that students have the right to protest and express their concerns, but stressed that violence and vandalism serve no …