“Wonders of Arbëria” Celebrates Albania’s Rich Folk Heritage
“Wonders of Arbëria” brought Albanian folklore, traditions and cultural heritage to the stage of the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble in a vibrant celebration of the country’s cultural identity. Artists from the National Folk Song and Dance Ensemble joined the Gurra e Kurbin Ensemble for an evening …
Student and pupil protests continue, tensions flare in tirana
Protests by pupils and students continued today, with tensions escalating in Tirana. Demonstrators threw stones at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. Pupils and students have boycotted classes and taken to the streets in Tirana, Shkodra, Korça and Durrës. They are calling for change and marching through …
Police urge students and parents to stay away from violence as protests enter their third day
On the third day of protests, the State Police has urged pupils and parents to stay away from violence. It warned against involvement in situations that could endanger life and health. In a public message, police called on young people to leave areas where clashes are taking place. Parents were …
Rama tells Reuters he will not resign over violent protests
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has told Reuters he will not resign over student-led protests that entered their third consecutive day. Police used water cannons to disperse demonstrators who smashed windows and damaged property in the capital. The unrest also forced parliament to cancel its plenary session. Students are protesting …
Albania’s average monthly disposable income rises 10.5% in 2025
Albania’s average monthly disposable income per capita reached 56,487 lek in 2025, up 10.5% from the previous year. Meanwhile, indicators measuring poverty risk and material and social deprivation showed improvement, according to the country’s statistics agency. The 2025 Income and Living Conditions Survey, published by the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), …
Balkan Summit 2026 to present €15 billion in infrastructure projects
More than 110 new and modernization projects worth over €15 billion will feature at Balkan Summit 2026. The event will take place in Pristina on October 19–20. The projects cover Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. Organizers aim to unite the three markets and attract international investors, financiers and development institutions, …
Albanian Banks Association condemns violence against bank branches in Tirana
The Albanian Banks Association (AAB) has condemned violence and damage to bank branches and financial facilities during recent unrest in Tirana. It called for measures to protect employees and customers and ensure uninterrupted banking services. In a public statement, the AAB stressed that peaceful assembly, protest and freedom of expression …
Albanian Studies Centre Commemorates Renowned Arbëresh Linguist Antonino Guzzetta
The Centre for Arbëresh Studies and Publications commemorated linguist and Albanologist Antonino Guzzetta on the 104th anniversary of his birth. Born on October 14, 1922, in Piana degli Albanesi, Sicily, Guzzetta devoted his career to preserving and promoting the Albanian language and Arbëresh culture. Guzzetta graduated from the University of …
Tirana Erupts in Chaos as Anti-Government Protests Escalate
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 …
Violent Protests Shake Albania as EU and UK Call for Restraint and Accountability
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 …
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on Western Balkan countries to strengthen regional cooperation and continue reforms for European Union membership. Speaking at the Berlin Process summit in Budva, Montenegro, he also stressed that violence must never be an option during protests. Merz said EU enlargement must continue and bring …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared footage on social media showing protesters’ response to his invitation for dialogue. The video shows protesters removing stone benches that the government had symbolically placed as an invitation to discuss their demands. The benches were intended to provide a setting for dialogue between the …
Albania has ratified the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer, the first legally binding international treaty dedicated entirely to safeguarding the legal profession. Justice Minister Toni Gogu outlined five key obligations the state assumes under the Convention. These include ensuring lawyers can practise freely, …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has praised public administration employees and frontline service workers for continuing to serve citizens amid heightened tensions. In a video message, Koçiu highlighted the daily work of doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers, police officers, firefighters, emergency teams and municipal workers who clean and maintain cities. …
Albania’s National Institute of Cultural Heritage has marked 61 years since its establishment, celebrating decades of research, documentation, conservation and restoration of the country’s historic monuments. The institution traces its roots to 1965, when Albania established the Institute of Cultural Monuments to bring these activities under one organization. It later …
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned violence and intimidation against journalists covering recent protests in Albania. The organization is calling for independent investigations, accountability and stronger protection for media workers. RSF documented 28 reports of violence, intimidation and attempts to obstruct reporting, affecting at least 23 media professionals. At least …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video on Facebook this Thursday showing his arrival in Budva, Montenegro, where the Berlin Process Summit is taking place. Alongside the post, Rama also shared his brief remarks to journalists, expressing his happiness at once again attending the annual gathering. “Actually, the only place …
From Spajić to Merz and Kos, Rama Shares Photos from Meetings at Berlin Process Summit in Montenegro
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared more moments from his visit to Budva, Montenegro, where he attended the Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit. This time, the Prime Minister shared several photos showing him meeting with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, Kosovo …
The stone benches placed outside the Prime Minister’s Office as part of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s invitation for dialogue have been overturned during today’s protest. Earlier, the Prime Minister had shared images of the benches, where he had placed invitations for dialogue with protesters. However, his call has not led …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti attended the Berlin Process Summit in Budva, Montenegro, on Thursday. During his speech, Kurti called for Kosovo to be granted EU candidate status and for accession negotiations with the European Union to begin. He also called for Kosovo’s membership in NATO. Kurti also criticised Serbia’s …