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The Pope, AI and the Future of Humanity

The most important political text of the 21st century comes not from politicians but from Pope Leo XIV by Milena Harito I am an atheist, but today I can do nothing but thank Pope Leo XIV, who with his first encyclical, wrote the most reasonable and meaningful political text I …

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Restoration of Turan Tower continues, Gonxhja says historic values preserved for future generations

TIRANA, June 9 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared images on social media showing progress in the restoration of Turan Tower. He described it as a monument of special historical and architectural importance. Meanwhile, he said restoration and consolidation work continues on the monument. He said …

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Tirana to host European Bank for Reconstruction and Development annual meeting in 2028

TIRANA, June 9 – Tirana will host the 2028 annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a major international event expected to bring together financial institution leaders, government representatives, investors, and development partners from dozens of countries. Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj announced the decision at …

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Gonxhja Warns Political Uncertainty Could Affect Tourism and the Economy

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja highlighted record figures at Tirana International Airport and warned that political uncertainty could affect both tourism and the national economy. According to Gonxhja, the airport recorded its highest daily traffic on May 30. On that day, 51,420 passengers traveled through the airport, while …

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German Ambassador Bergner: vocational education backbone of economy, 14 million euros invested for modern system

TIRANA, June 9 – German Ambassador to Albania Karl Bergner highlighted the key role of vocational education in economic development at the National Conference on Vocational Education and Training. The conference discussed the results of the reform and the “Skills 2030” vision for skills development and employment growth. Meanwhile, Bergner …

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PM Rama to Reuters: Zvërnec investment will continue despite protests, wildlife protection pledged

TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama told Reuters that plans for an investment in Zvërnec, led by Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, will continue despite ongoing protests. He said parts of the resort may open to the public before the end of the decade. Meanwhile, Rama said Albania …

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Albania Women Aim to Finish World Cup Qualifiers with Victory

The Albanian women’s national team is preparing for its final match in the 2027 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Montenegro. The match will be played tomorrow at 19:00 at Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodra. After a positive draw against the Czech Republic, the team enters the match with strong …

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Late Antique Archaeological Discoveries Reveal Major Temple Complex in Bushat

Archaeologists have uncovered significant remains in Bushat, in Shkodër. They found parts of a large temple. They also uncovered sections of the ancient city wall. In addition, they identified a Late Antique building. First, the discovery came during joint excavations. The University of Tirana’s Department of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage …

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Durrës-Tirana-Rinas railway operator consultation begins, service expected by end of 2027

TIRANA, June 9 – The Albanian government has launched a market consultation process to select the operator that will provide public passenger rail transport services on the Durrës-Tirana-Tirana International Airport railway line. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy has published a call for expressions of interest. The ministry has …

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PM Rama: 63% of vocational graduates employed after graduation, aim for one in three students to choose this path

TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said vocational education in Albania has undergone a major transformation in recent years. He said the sector has moved from a degraded system to an attractive option for young people. Meanwhile, Rama spoke during an event on vocational education and training. He …

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The False Civil Society and the Real One

In Albania, real civic society is no longer in donor-funded conference rooms. It is in the streets. By Mrika Temali Tirana Times, June 16, 2026 – Thirty-five years after the fall of communism, Albania offers a bitter paradox. The European Union, Western governments and international foundations have spent millions indeed …

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UEFA Inspects Albania’s Stadiums Ahead of EURO U-21 2027

UEFA representatives continued inspections in Albania as preparations advance for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027, which Albania will co-host. First, UEFA experts visited stadiums over a four-day inspection tour. They assessed technical and operational readiness for the tournament. They focused on lighting systems, backup generators, security measures, and other …

News
Housing prices continue to rise as tourism drives property market demand

TIRANA, June 16 – Housing prices in Albania continued to rise during 2025. At the same time, transaction volumes fell in the second half of the year. The Bank of Albania said the trend requires more time and data to determine whether it reflects a slowdown or a correction after …

News
Fuel prices cut, diesel at 180 ALL per litre, petrol at 168 ALL per litre

TIRANA, June 16 – The Transparency Board has decided to reduce fuel prices in Albania. It cut diesel by 3 ALL per litre and petrol by 2 ALL per litre. Under the decision, diesel will sell at a maximum retail price of 180 ALL per litre. The board set the …

News
Albania U-19 Draw Armenia and Cyprus in Euro 2027 Qualifiers

Albania’s U-19 national team learned its opponents for the second round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2027 qualifiers. UEFA held the draw in Nyon, Switzerland. It placed Albania U-19 in Group 6 of League B. First, Albania will face Armenia and Cyprus in the group stage. The team will …

News
US signals “adjustment of contribution” to KFOR mission

TIRANA, June 16 – The United States is expected to adjust its contribution to NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosova. The move comes as part of a broader review of the Alliance’s military presence in the country. A US European Command (EUCOM) official told Radio Free Europe that the decision follows …

News
Speaker Peleshi in Netherlands, support reaffirmed for faster EU negotiation process

TIRANA, June 16 – Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi has paid an official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where he met Speaker of the House of Representatives Thom van Campen, Senate President Mei Li Vos, and members of the European Affairs Committee. The visit comes at …

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PM Rama to attend Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, focus on investment and EU path

TIRANA, June 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will take part in the Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, one of the key platforms for economic and political dialogue between Germany and Eastern European countries. The Media and Information Agency said Rama will also meet members of the committee’s board …

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Israeli photographer captures Vjosa river landscapes in Albania

TIRANA, June 16 – Natural landscapes across Albania continue to attract visitors from around the world. Unspoiled rivers, mountains, and rural scenery are shaping growing interest among photographers who seek less-explored Mediterranean destinations. Iris from Israel is among them. She is a photographer with more than 40 years of professional …

News
Lezha and Bra sign twinning agreement

TIRANA, June 16 – The Municipality of Lezha and the Municipality of Bra in Italy signed a twinning agreement that aims to strengthen ties between the two communities and expand cooperation in several areas. Lezha Mayor Pjerin Ndreu and Bra Mayor Giovanni Fogliato signed the agreement in the presence of …

News

The False Civil Society and the Real One

In Albania, real civic society is no longer in donor-funded conference rooms. It is in the streets. By Mrika Temali Tirana Times, June 16, 2026 – Thirty-five years after the fall of communism, Albania offers a bitter paradox. The European Union, Western governments and international foundations have spent millions indeed …

News

UEFA Inspects Albania’s Stadiums Ahead of EURO U-21 2027

UEFA representatives continued inspections in Albania as preparations advance for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027, which Albania will co-host. First, UEFA experts visited stadiums over a four-day inspection tour. They assessed technical and operational readiness for the tournament. They focused on lighting systems, backup generators, security measures, and other …

News

Housing prices continue to rise as tourism drives property market demand

TIRANA, June 16 – Housing prices in Albania continued to rise during 2025. At the same time, transaction volumes fell in the second half of the year. The Bank of Albania said the trend requires more time and data to determine whether it reflects a slowdown or a correction after …

News

Fuel prices cut, diesel at 180 ALL per litre, petrol at 168 ALL per litre

TIRANA, June 16 – The Transparency Board has decided to reduce fuel prices in Albania. It cut diesel by 3 ALL per litre and petrol by 2 ALL per litre. Under the decision, diesel will sell at a maximum retail price of 180 ALL per litre. The board set the …

News

Albania U-19 Draw Armenia and Cyprus in Euro 2027 Qualifiers

Albania’s U-19 national team learned its opponents for the second round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2027 qualifiers. UEFA held the draw in Nyon, Switzerland. It placed Albania U-19 in Group 6 of League B. First, Albania will face Armenia and Cyprus in the group stage. The team will …

News

US signals “adjustment of contribution” to KFOR mission

TIRANA, June 16 – The United States is expected to adjust its contribution to NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosova. The move comes as part of a broader review of the Alliance’s military presence in the country. A US European Command (EUCOM) official told Radio Free Europe that the decision follows …

News

Speaker Peleshi in Netherlands, support reaffirmed for faster EU negotiation process

TIRANA, June 16 – Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi has paid an official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where he met Speaker of the House of Representatives Thom van Campen, Senate President Mei Li Vos, and members of the European Affairs Committee. The visit comes at …

News

PM Rama to attend Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, focus on investment and EU path

TIRANA, June 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will take part in the Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, one of the key platforms for economic and political dialogue between Germany and Eastern European countries. The Media and Information Agency said Rama will also meet members of the committee’s board …

News

Israeli photographer captures Vjosa river landscapes in Albania

TIRANA, June 16 – Natural landscapes across Albania continue to attract visitors from around the world. Unspoiled rivers, mountains, and rural scenery are shaping growing interest among photographers who seek less-explored Mediterranean destinations. Iris from Israel is among them. She is a photographer with more than 40 years of professional …

News

Lezha and Bra sign twinning agreement

TIRANA, June 16 – The Municipality of Lezha and the Municipality of Bra in Italy signed a twinning agreement that aims to strengthen ties between the two communities and expand cooperation in several areas. Lezha Mayor Pjerin Ndreu and Bra Mayor Giovanni Fogliato signed the agreement in the presence of …