Defence Minister Nufi meets senior US official, highlights cooperation with United States
TIRANA, June 16 – Minister of Defence Ermal Nufi met in Washington with Mary Beth Morgan, acting director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The meeting took place during his official visit to the United States. In a social media post, Nufi said the discussion focused on advancing projects of …
President Begaj visits Uzbekistan, calls for deeper bilateral cooperation
TIRANA, June 16 – President of the Republic Bajram Begaj is on an official visit to Uzbekistan at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The visit marks the first official trip by an Albanian president to Uzbekistan since diplomatic relations started in 1993. Meanwhile in Tashkent, President Mirziyoyev welcomed the …
“The Flamingo Revolution” Goes Beyond Kushner and the Birds
By Jezerca Tigani Tirana Times, June 15, 2026 – Every time I visit Albania, the conversation is always the same — not about politics, elections, the new airport, or the promise of membership in the European Union. It is about leaving. For several years now, the country has been gripped …
Albania Signs Three Council of Europe Conventions on Rule of Law, Democracy, and Human Rights
Albania signed three important conventions at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg, strengthening its commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, Justice Minister Toni Gogu said. He stated that the first convention focuses on the use of artificial intelligence. According to him, technology must remain under …
Spahiu: Reforms Remain Key Priority for EU Integration
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Klodiana Spahiu said that reforms remain a top priority for Albania’s European Union integration process. She made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the French Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Jean-François Rapin. First, both sides highlighted the strong relations between Albania and …
VanHorn: Investors Need Trust as Albania Ensures a Level Playing Field
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn said investors need trust, clear rules, and equal competition conditions as Albania advances its foreign investment screening framework. She made the remarks during a presentation by the American Chamber of Commerce on Foreign Direct Investment. First, VanHorn described Albania’s FDI screening framework as a …
Hita Honors Two U.S. Diplomats for Strengthening Albania–U.S. Cooperation
The Albanian State Police held a ceremony at its General Directorate to honor two U.S. diplomats at the end of their missions in Albania. Police Director General Skënder Hita recognized the contributions of Deputy Chief of Mission Kathryn Hammond and Regional Security Officer Jonathan Ellis. First, Hita praised both diplomats …
Fino: Chapter 31 Among the Most Advanced in Albania’s EU Negotiations
Deputy Foreign Minister Megi Fino said Chapter 31 remains one of the most advanced areas in Albania’s EU accession negotiations. She spoke during a hearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. She serves as chief negotiator for Chapter 31 and co-negotiator for Chapter 30. First, Fino said …
Lekë Dukagjini and the Legacy of the Kanun
Prince Lekë Dukagjini died on June 15, 1481. He left behind a lasting legacy linked to the “Kanun,” Albania’s customary law system. First, the Kanun developed over a long historical period. However, Lekë Dukagjini’s name became strongly associated with it due to its widespread use and influence in northern Albania. …
Koçiu: Albania Leads the Region in Price Stability with 2.8% Inflation
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said Albania continues to deliver strong economic results. As a result, the country ranks among the region’s best performers in both economic growth and inflation control. According to the latest statistics, Albania recorded an inflation rate of 2.8% in April 2026. This figure was lower …
Egnatia closed Week 5 of the Abissnet Superiore with a 2-1 win over Partizani at Egnatia Arena on Sunday evening. Loukili and Albanese scored for the Rrogozhina side. Earlier on Sunday, Tirana drew 2-2 with AF Elbasani at home. Vora and Skënderbeu also drew 1-1 on Saturday. Dinamo City recorded …
Interior Minister Ervin Demo said Albania has increased the number of joint investigation teams fivefold over the past five years. He made the statement at the 42nd conference of the European Chapter of the FBI National Academy Associates, an organization representing graduates of the FBI National Academy. Albania is hosting …
Cultural heritage monuments and archaeological parks in Vlora County are becoming an increasingly important part of tourist itineraries. Thousands of local and foreign visitors explored these sites during the tourism season. Orges Feimi, Director of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Vlora, told ATA that seven monuments and archaeological …
Albania marks 12 years since Pope Francis made his historic visit to Tirana on September 21, 2014. It was his first visit to a European country outside Italy after he became head of the Catholic Church. He spent about 12 hours in Tirana, delivering a speech at the Presidency and …
“Kulla Hupi” in Bulqiza stands as a notable example of agribusiness development. The project combines the efforts of a rural entrepreneur with government support through the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR). Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the agribusiness on social media today. The site has become …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said Albania must continue reforms and secure irreversible results on its path towards European Union membership. Speaking at the 22nd EU-Albania Parliamentary Stabilisation and Association Committee meeting, she stressed the importance of parliamentary oversight, transparency and public consultation in drafting and adopting …
Albania is attracting growing attention in Europe. Travel platform “Europexplores” has highlighted the country as a top holiday destination. It has praised Albania’s coastline, historic cities and mountain landscapes. In an Instagram post, the platform used the headline “Albania takes the crown as Europe’s best travel destination.” Albanian media also …
Albanian Special Olympics swimmers represented Albania for the first time at the “Malta Open 2026.” They delivered an impressive performance and returned home with one gold and two silver medals. Iris Hoxha won first place in the 100-meter freestyle. Gersi Troka finished second in the 50-meter butterfly. Joel Gërmënji took …
The 24th Tirana International Film Festival opens tonight and runs through September 27. The festival brings 230 feature-length and short films to the capital under this year’s theme, “Bring It Back! Humanography.” The programme focuses on human stories, emotions and individual experiences through cinema. The Albanian Telegraphic Agency remains an …
Albanian businesses made further progress in digitalisation in 2026, according to data published by INSTAT. The main trends include higher use of online sales, cloud services, enterprise resource planning systems and artificial intelligence. Online sales saw the strongest growth. INSTAT said 31.3% of businesses with 10 or more employees sold …