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Rama: Albania Closer Than Ever to EU Membership

Edi Rama declared that Albania has entered a key stage in its European Union integration process. First, he said the country is closer than ever to joining the EU. Then, he stated that the European Commission report confirms Albania is ready to enter the chapter-closing phase of negotiations. Meanwhile, Rama …

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EU Ambassadors in Albania Reaffirm Support for Gonzato

German Embassy in Tirana expresses strong support for EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato. First, EU ambassadors in Albania publish a joint statement on Europe Day. Then, they reaffirm their full confidence in Gonzato and his team. Meanwhile, they highlight professionalism, integrity, and dedicated service. In addition, they share the message through …

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Edi Rama said Albania will strengthen the role of municipalities in the European Union accession process. He presented the new program “EU4Municipalities II,” supported by the European Union. Then, he said the initiative aims to modernize local governance across the country.  He spoke during his “Flasim” podcast about the importance …

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Rama: World Law Congress in Tirana Shows Justice Transformation

Tirana hosted the opening session of the World Law Congress, one of the most important international platforms on the rule of law. First, Edi Rama said the event marks a historic moment for Albania. Then, he described the congress as proof of an “epochal transformation” in the country’s justice system. …

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Kosovo to Host EU Commissioner for Enlargement Next Week

Marta Kos will visit Pristina on May 15 for her first official trip to Kosovo since taking office. First, EU sources confirm that the visit will take place next week, pending official announcement. Then, officials note that she has already visited all other Western Balkan and Eastern Partnership countries involved …

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Sheshi “Italia” Transforms into Stage for Morricone Tribute Night

Sheshi “Italia” in Tirana turned into a large stage of artistic emotion as the music of Ennio Morricone filled the city during a special Europe Day concert. First, the event titled “Morricone Conducts Morricone” brought conductor Andrea Morricone on stage, who led the RTSH Symphony Orchestra in performing some of …

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From a Unique Story of Bravery to the Dangers of Holocaust Denial

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post From a Unique Story of Bravery to the Dangers of Holocaust Denial appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here

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Rama: Albania Has Fulfilled Its Homework for EU Integration

Speaking on his podcast this Sunday, Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Albania is closer than ever to the European Union, adding that the objective is achievable with commitment and determination. He stressed that the European Commission and the member states are currently in a phase of discussing the Commission’s …

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Mickoski in Pustec: North Macedonia Remembers Its Heroes, Our Duty Is to Continue Their Struggle with New Means

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”96c01ebe-b61e-4d9e-99e9-6d0616380871″ data-turn-id-container=”96c01ebe-b61e-4d9e-99e9-6d0616380871″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-3″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Prime Minister of North Macedonia, Hristijan Mickoski, paid a visit this Sunday to the village of Kallamas in the municipality of Pustec, where he attended the inauguration of a monument dedicated to Macedonian heroes of the Second World War. …

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European Commission Reacts to Berisha: Attacks Against Ambassador Gonzato Are Unacceptable

A spokesperson for the European Commission has reacted to statements made by the leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, against the EU Ambassador to Tirana, describing them as unacceptable. In a statement to Euronews, the spokesperson emphasized that the European Union strongly condemns the personal attacks made on Europe …

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OSCE representative: Free and independent journalism is the foundation of democratic society, weak media undermines national security

TIRANA, May 18 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Braathu spoke at a media freedom conference. He said free, independent and secure journalism represents a foundation for society and democracy. He also said ethical and transparent journalism is essential for any democratic system. He stressed that free …

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Shkodër Historical Museum Welcomes Many Visitors in a Warm Atmosphere

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the Shkodër Historical Museum, showing it filled with local and foreign visitors. He described the museum as having a lively and pleasant atmosphere. The museum began its organization in 1947 under the name “People’s Museum” and was fully established in 1949. It was …

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FM Hoxha: Safer environment for media professionals essential for stronger democratic institutions

TIRANA, May 18 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the 11th OSCE South East Europe Media Conference in Tirana. The event is titled “Strengthening Journalism as a Public Good” and focuses on media freedom and journalist safety. He said Albania remains committed to strengthening …

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PM Rama announces e-Albania 2.0 platform: New step in digital transformation of public services, easier access for persons with disabilities

TIRANA, May 18 – e-Albania 2.0 introduces a redesigned platform for public services in Albania. It enables easier access for citizens. It also improves usability for persons with disabilities. In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the platform. He described it as a new step in the digital …

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Albania participates in insurance supervision meeting in Warsaw

TIRANA, May 18 – Albania took part in the 25th meeting of the Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe Insurance Supervision Initiative in Warsaw, Poland. The meeting brought together supervisory authorities from across the region. The delegation of the Albanian Financial Supervisory Authority included Merita Gurabardhi, Aranit Muja and Lusjana …

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Forensic Science Institute becomes full member of European forensic network

TIRANA, May 18 – The Forensic Science Institute took part for the first time as a full member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes in Zurich, Switzerland. The meeting gathered directors of European forensic science institutes. Institute Director Perlat Çullaj presented the institute’s role and development. He outlined …

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Minister Gonxhja: Museum Week brings together culture, history and art

TIRANA. May 18 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the “Museum Week 2026” initiative in a social media post. He said the event will take place from 18 to 24 May across Albania. During the week, museums, archaeological parks and cultural heritage sites will open their …

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Defense Minister Nufi at Civil Emergencies Support Base: We ensure faster response across the country

TIRANA, May 18 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Civil Emergencies Support Base. He met Armed Forces personnel engaged in emergency response operations. The visit focused on wildfire preparedness ahead of the summer season. Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Arben Kingji attended the event. National Civil Protection …

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President Begaj meets Higher Security and Defence Course, says Western Balkans stability key to regional security

TIRANA, May 18 – President Bajram Begaj met participants of the Higher Security and Defence Course held at the Armed Forces Defence and Security College. He praised the college for organising the programme. He also highlighted the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding among participants. In addition, he stressed the …

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OTP Bank Albania inaugurates new Private Banking premises in Tirana

Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – OTP Bank Albania has inaugurated new premises dedicated to the Private Banking segment, unveiling an exclusive space designed for clients seeking personalized service and advanced financial standards. Located in the heart of Tirana, the premises have been designed in line with OTP Group standards, …

News

OSCE representative: Free and independent journalism is the foundation of democratic society, weak media undermines national security

TIRANA, May 18 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Braathu spoke at a media freedom conference. He said free, independent and secure journalism represents a foundation for society and democracy. He also said ethical and transparent journalism is essential for any democratic system. He stressed that free …

News

Shkodër Historical Museum Welcomes Many Visitors in a Warm Atmosphere

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the Shkodër Historical Museum, showing it filled with local and foreign visitors. He described the museum as having a lively and pleasant atmosphere. The museum began its organization in 1947 under the name “People’s Museum” and was fully established in 1949. It was …

News

FM Hoxha: Safer environment for media professionals essential for stronger democratic institutions

TIRANA, May 18 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the 11th OSCE South East Europe Media Conference in Tirana. The event is titled “Strengthening Journalism as a Public Good” and focuses on media freedom and journalist safety. He said Albania remains committed to strengthening …

News

PM Rama announces e-Albania 2.0 platform: New step in digital transformation of public services, easier access for persons with disabilities

TIRANA, May 18 – e-Albania 2.0 introduces a redesigned platform for public services in Albania. It enables easier access for citizens. It also improves usability for persons with disabilities. In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the platform. He described it as a new step in the digital …

News

Albania participates in insurance supervision meeting in Warsaw

TIRANA, May 18 – Albania took part in the 25th meeting of the Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe Insurance Supervision Initiative in Warsaw, Poland. The meeting brought together supervisory authorities from across the region. The delegation of the Albanian Financial Supervisory Authority included Merita Gurabardhi, Aranit Muja and Lusjana …

News

Forensic Science Institute becomes full member of European forensic network

TIRANA, May 18 – The Forensic Science Institute took part for the first time as a full member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes in Zurich, Switzerland. The meeting gathered directors of European forensic science institutes. Institute Director Perlat Çullaj presented the institute’s role and development. He outlined …

News

Minister Gonxhja: Museum Week brings together culture, history and art

TIRANA. May 18 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the “Museum Week 2026” initiative in a social media post. He said the event will take place from 18 to 24 May across Albania. During the week, museums, archaeological parks and cultural heritage sites will open their …

News

Defense Minister Nufi at Civil Emergencies Support Base: We ensure faster response across the country

TIRANA, May 18 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Civil Emergencies Support Base. He met Armed Forces personnel engaged in emergency response operations. The visit focused on wildfire preparedness ahead of the summer season. Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Arben Kingji attended the event. National Civil Protection …

News

President Begaj meets Higher Security and Defence Course, says Western Balkans stability key to regional security

TIRANA, May 18 – President Bajram Begaj met participants of the Higher Security and Defence Course held at the Armed Forces Defence and Security College. He praised the college for organising the programme. He also highlighted the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding among participants. In addition, he stressed the …

News

OTP Bank Albania inaugurates new Private Banking premises in Tirana

Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – OTP Bank Albania has inaugurated new premises dedicated to the Private Banking segment, unveiling an exclusive space designed for clients seeking personalized service and advanced financial standards. Located in the heart of Tirana, the premises have been designed in line with OTP Group standards, …