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Albania–Italy Migration Deal Continues

Tirana Times, May 13, 2026 — The Albania–Italy migration agreement remains in force, despite a brief but politically sensitive controversy triggered by comments from Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha on whether the protocol could continue beyond its initial five-year term. The debate began after Hoxha, in an interview with Euractiv, was asked …

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The Forgotten Synagogue and the Belated Love for Jewish Culture

By Auron Tare These days, in the noisy marketplace of Albanian opinions, a new theme is being articulated: the “love” of certain Albanian public gentlemen for Jewish culture and, beyond it, for Israeli politics. Some say it is pure love; others suspect it is interest; and others see it as …

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Localised light rain showers with alternating clear spells

TIRANA, May 13 – The Military Meteorological Service said the country will face relatively unstable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. It said the weather will feature alternating clear spells and periods of moderate to dense cloud cover, especially over the eastern and southern areas. In these regions, it said, localised light …

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Yzeiraj: Albania Remains Attractive for Foreign Investment

Endrit Yzeiraj said Albania is strengthening economic cooperation with North Macedonia through joint initiatives aimed at increasing trade and investment. He made the remarks at the Business Forum “North Macedonia–Albania: Beyond Borders” held in Skopje. The forum was organized by the Albanian Embassy in Skopje in cooperation with the Economic …

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“Double Your Entrepreneurship”, Finance Minister Malaj: 250 mln euro loan and sovereign guarantee for SMEs

TIRANA, May 13 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said small and medium-sized enterprises form a key pillar of the Albanian economy. He made the statement at the signing ceremony for the partnership between the state, the banking system, and businesses under the “Double Your Entrepreneurship” programme. He said SMEs account …

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“Clean Trails, Protected Forests”, youth join initiative on Kune Island

TIRANA, May 13 – The national programme “Clean Trails, Protected Forests” continued across the country with a focus on environmental protection and maintenance of tourist trails. This time, a group of students from Lezha joined the initiative on Kune Island. They responded to calls for broader civic engagement, as authorities …

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Eurovision 2026 Bulku: Today we will hold the main rehearsal, it will be a serious and dignified competition

TIRANA, May 13 – The 70th Eurovision Song Contest opened on Tuesday in Vienna. Albania will compete in the second semi-final on May 14. Speaking live on “Mirëmëngjes Shqipëri” [Good Morning Albania], Rajmonda Bulku, part of the Albanian delegation supporting singer Alis, said the team will hold its main rehearsal …

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Acting Kosovan FM Konjufca meets EU Special Envoy Sorensen, backs mutual recognition in Serbia dialogue

TIRANA, May 13 – Kosova remains committed to concluding dialogue with Serbia through mutual recognition, acting Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca said. He confirmed the position after a meeting in Brussels with Kosova chief negotiator Agron Bajrami and EU Special Envoy Peter Sorensen. Further, Konjufca said the talks focused on a …

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Sejko: Cybersecurity Is Key Pillar for Financial Stability

Gent Sejko spoke at the Albania–Israel Cybersecurity Summit and stressed the growing importance of cyber protection for financial stability and national security. He said cyber risk has become part of daily reality as geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change increase exposure to attacks. Sejko noted that digital transformation and the …

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Metro: Albania Tops Europe’s Budget-Friendly Holiday Destinations

Albania ranks among Europe’s top affordable summer destinations, according to the UK newspaper Metro. The article highlights Albania’s coastline, nature, and low prices. It compares the country favorably with Spain and Greece. Journalist Alice Murphy says families now spend more carefully. As a result, many tourists choose cheaper destinations. She …

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High passenger and vehicle flows at Albania’s ports and border crossings

TIRANA, August 10 – High passenger and vehicle flows continue at Albania’s ports and border crossing points (BCP-s) during the peak tourist season. Thousands of people and vehicles have entered and left the country in recent hours. At the Port of Vlora, around 2,700 passengers are expected today on 3 …

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Inflation rises to 3.4% in July, transport leads price increases at 8%

TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.4% in July 2026, from 2.5% in July 2025. Consumer prices also increased by 0.2% from June. According to INSTAT data, food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation at 1.18 percentage points. The group covering housing, …

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“Mokra n’Fest” brings tradition and culture together in Pogradec

TIRANA, August 10 – Tradition, history and local cuisine came together at the 7th edition of “Mokra n’Fest”, held near the stone bridge in Golikë, Pogradec. The festival brought together local residents, visitors and emigrants who returned to their hometowns. An artisan fair and traditional food highlighted local products, including …

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Durrës Port records more than 75,000 passengers in first 10 days of August

TIRANA, August 10 – Durrës Port recorded high passenger traffic during the first 10 days of August, as the summer travel season reached its peak. According to the Durrës Port Authority, 75,962 passengers travelled through the port between August 1 and 10. Most of the traffic involved arrivals, with 51,259 …

News
Foreign tourists fill Durrës, praising beaches, hospitality and prices

TIRANA, August 10 – Durrës remains a popular choice for foreign tourists spending their summer holidays in Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video today featuring visitors from Germany, the Netherlands, England, the Czech Republic, Italy and other countries. Rama said the city’s sea, history, culture and Albanian hospitality …

News
Problem loans fall to 3.7% in June, lowest level since 2007

TIRANA, August 10 – Problem loans in Albania’s banking system fell again in June. They accounted for 3.7% of total lending, down from 3.77% in May. According to Bank of Albania statistics, this marks the lowest level since 2007. The ratio also fell by 0.31 percentage points from June 2025. …

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High wildfire risk in 5 municipalities as temperatures reach 40°C

TIRANA, August 10 – Albania faces a high wildfire risk this afternoon and tomorrow, with temperatures reaching 40°C. The Institute of Geosciences (IGJEO) has placed 5 counties under a high-risk warning for forest fires. The warning covers Lezha, Durrës, Tirana, Elbasan and Fier. IGJEO expects a moderate risk in Shkodër, …

News
Albania handles more than 240,000 flights through July

TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s civil aviation sector is recording new highs in 2026 as summer tourism drives passenger and flight traffic. Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi visited the public company Albcontrol today, to review measures for managing the increased air traffic. Albcontrol Director Dritan Isaku said the organisation …

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FM Hoxha: Albania opposes any unilateral change to the Ibër River

TIRANA, August 10 – Albania opposes any unilateral change to the course of the Ibër River, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said today. He was responding to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s remarks about a possible change to the river’s course and the involvement of Serbian experts and …

News
Interior minister Lamallari, police chief Hita thank 300 personnel for fighting Kruja fire

TIRANA, August 10 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari and State Police Director General Skënder Hita thanked around 300 police officers, firefighters and Armed Forces personnel involved in the Kruja wildfire operation. Lamallari praised their work in evacuating residents and managing the fire, which strong winds intensified. He said special forces, …

News

High passenger and vehicle flows at Albania’s ports and border crossings

TIRANA, August 10 – High passenger and vehicle flows continue at Albania’s ports and border crossing points (BCP-s) during the peak tourist season. Thousands of people and vehicles have entered and left the country in recent hours. At the Port of Vlora, around 2,700 passengers are expected today on 3 …

News

Inflation rises to 3.4% in July, transport leads price increases at 8%

TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.4% in July 2026, from 2.5% in July 2025. Consumer prices also increased by 0.2% from June. According to INSTAT data, food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation at 1.18 percentage points. The group covering housing, …

News

“Mokra n’Fest” brings tradition and culture together in Pogradec

TIRANA, August 10 – Tradition, history and local cuisine came together at the 7th edition of “Mokra n’Fest”, held near the stone bridge in Golikë, Pogradec. The festival brought together local residents, visitors and emigrants who returned to their hometowns. An artisan fair and traditional food highlighted local products, including …

News

Durrës Port records more than 75,000 passengers in first 10 days of August

TIRANA, August 10 – Durrës Port recorded high passenger traffic during the first 10 days of August, as the summer travel season reached its peak. According to the Durrës Port Authority, 75,962 passengers travelled through the port between August 1 and 10. Most of the traffic involved arrivals, with 51,259 …

News

Foreign tourists fill Durrës, praising beaches, hospitality and prices

TIRANA, August 10 – Durrës remains a popular choice for foreign tourists spending their summer holidays in Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video today featuring visitors from Germany, the Netherlands, England, the Czech Republic, Italy and other countries. Rama said the city’s sea, history, culture and Albanian hospitality …

News

Problem loans fall to 3.7% in June, lowest level since 2007

TIRANA, August 10 – Problem loans in Albania’s banking system fell again in June. They accounted for 3.7% of total lending, down from 3.77% in May. According to Bank of Albania statistics, this marks the lowest level since 2007. The ratio also fell by 0.31 percentage points from June 2025. …

News

High wildfire risk in 5 municipalities as temperatures reach 40°C

TIRANA, August 10 – Albania faces a high wildfire risk this afternoon and tomorrow, with temperatures reaching 40°C. The Institute of Geosciences (IGJEO) has placed 5 counties under a high-risk warning for forest fires. The warning covers Lezha, Durrës, Tirana, Elbasan and Fier. IGJEO expects a moderate risk in Shkodër, …

News

Albania handles more than 240,000 flights through July

TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s civil aviation sector is recording new highs in 2026 as summer tourism drives passenger and flight traffic. Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi visited the public company Albcontrol today, to review measures for managing the increased air traffic. Albcontrol Director Dritan Isaku said the organisation …

News

FM Hoxha: Albania opposes any unilateral change to the Ibër River

TIRANA, August 10 – Albania opposes any unilateral change to the course of the Ibër River, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said today. He was responding to Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic’s remarks about a possible change to the river’s course and the involvement of Serbian experts and …

News

Interior minister Lamallari, police chief Hita thank 300 personnel for fighting Kruja fire

TIRANA, August 10 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari and State Police Director General Skënder Hita thanked around 300 police officers, firefighters and Armed Forces personnel involved in the Kruja wildfire operation. Lamallari praised their work in evacuating residents and managing the fire, which strong winds intensified. He said special forces, …