Rental income rises, reaching around €400 million in 2025
Renting out property is becoming an increasingly profitable source of income in Albania. Official data from the Ministry of Finance of Albania show that revenue from income tax on rents reached €60 million in 2025, up from €55 million in 2024—an increase of 8.5%. This tax corresponds to total rental …
Meeting with agrotourism representatives, Rama: Support for small and medium-sized enterprises
Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting on Monday afternoon with representatives of the agrotourism sector in Tirana. Rama was accompanied at the meeting by the political leader of the region, Ogerta Manastirliu. During his speech, Rama presented the program “Double Your Enterprise.” He emphasized that this project will be …
Albulena Haxhiu authorizes participation of the Kosovo Security Force in an international operation in Gaza
The Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, has authorized the deployment of the Kosovo Security Force to an international peacekeeping operation, as part of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms. Albulena Haxhiu, following approval by the Assembly of Kosovo, today authorized the deployment of …
On Autocracy, Hungary, and the Cost of Crying Wolf
by Nikola Kedhi Tirana Times, April 20, 2026 – On the evening of April 12, 2026, Viktor Orbán, Europe’s most scrutinized, most condemned, most exhaustively theorized leader, conceded defeat in a parliamentary election. Péter Magyar’s Tisza party had won over 53 percent of the vote. The man whom the European …
Rama shares weekly photo album: from Diaspora Summit to Spain and Italy visits
Prime Minister Edi Rama released a weekly photo album showing key engagements. He inspected Vlorë and reviewed preparations for the tourist season. Local authorities carried out work on the ground under his supervision. He visited the “Lungomare 4” project and pushed improvements in public spaces. The project targets high-traffic tourist …
Civil aviation sector moves toward sustainable fuels, five new terminal expansions expected in May
TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian Civil Aviation Authority Executive Director Maksim Et’hemaj outlined rapid structural changes in Albania’s aviation sector, driven by tourism growth, infrastructure pressure, and a shift toward cleaner fuels. Global instability and volatile fuel prices continue to challenge the sector, he said. Aviation operators now accelerate work …
New olive oil cooperative model launched in Lushnjë
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla presented a new agricultural cooperation model in Lushnjë. He joined Mayor Eriselda Sefa to launch a Agricultural Cooperation Society (SHBB) in the olive oil sector. The initiative includes 17 local farmers. It aims to improve organization and strengthen cooperation in production. The …
Kosova designates Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist organization
TIRANA, April 20 – Kosova government designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization on Monday during a cabinet meeting in Prishtina. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the decision strengthens Kosova’s commitment to international security and democratic values. He linked the move to cooperation with strategic allies against …
PM Rama tells for Italian ‘Il Giornale’ migration deal with Italy is exclusive, not replicable
TIRANA, April 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the migration agreement between Albania and Italy remains a unique arrangement and cannot be replicated by other European countries. He made the remarks in an interview with Italian daily Il Giornale. Rama said several European Union member states have expressed interest …
Borsh Castle to open as new museum site
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared updates on restoration works at Kalaja e Borshit. First, authorities carry out major restoration works. They aim to preserve the monument and improve visitor experience. Next, the project restores and stabilizes the castle structures. It also renovates the mosque inside the …
TIRANA, April 28 – Albanian composer Aleksandër Lalo (1949–2017), born on 27 April 1949, remains a key figure in the country’s film music tradition. He would have turned 77 years old. His work shaped Albanian cinema across several decades. He developed a distinctive musical language that combined emotional depth with …
Rustem Gjata, former head of the Constitutional Court, has died. His son, lawyer Çlirim Gjata, shared the news on social media. Rustem Gjata won a seat as a Democratic Party MP in the first pluralist elections in 1992. He helped draft the law on the Constitutional Court as a member …
President Bajram Begaj attended the 11th Three Seas Initiative summit in Dubrovnik, Croatia. He called for tangible results to speed up regional economic development and EU integration. He said the Western Balkans is now a strategic front for Europe. Begaj described the initiative as a success story. He said it …
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka met German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider. They discussed Albania’s progress in EU negotiations. Talks focused on Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change. The German minister expressed full support for Albania’s EU path. He confirmed strong partnership in advancing reforms and …
Andreas Schieder praised Albania’s progress in EU integration. He said negotiations could close by 2027–2028. He highlighted major reforms, especially in justice. He described them as among the deepest in the Western Balkans. Schieder said Albania has changed dramatically for the better. He stressed the need to present this progress …
Speaker Niko Peleshi met Irish MP Barry Ward in Dublin. They discussed Albania’s achievements and challenges in the EU accession process. Talks also focused on Ireland’s continued support. The meeting addressed Ireland’s upcoming EU Council Presidency from July to December 2026. Peleshi said Albania’s visible progress strengthens confidence in EU …
Silvio Gonzato highlights EU–Albania cultural partnership in Durrës museum reopening Silvio Gonzato said the EU and Albania strengthened their partnership through the reopening of the Archaeological Museum of Durrës. He stated that the EU4Culture programme restored the museum. He added that the project supports cultural revival and post-2019 earthquake recovery. …
Edi Rama said the Archaeological Museum of Durrës reopens after major restoration under the EU4Culture programme. He stated that the European Union has supported the restoration of 23 cultural heritage sites in Albania. Moreover, he highlighted the strong cooperation between Albania and the EU after the 2019 earthquake. He said …
Speaking at the joint meeting of the High Judicial Council and the High Prosecutorial Council, Minister of Justice Toni Gogu warned that the justice system will be measured by the results it delivers for citizens, highlighting one of the main issues—delays of up to three years in providing reasoned court decisions. “There …
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke this Tuesday from the premises of the Prime Minister’s Office regarding the agreement signed between the Albanian government—through ALBGAZ—Venture Global, a company active in liquefied natural gas produced in the United States, and Aktor LNG, a Greek company with experience in this sector. Rama said that the Albanian …