North Macedonia Begins Regular Gas Purchases from Azerbaijan at Higher Cost
North Macedonia has begun regularly purchasing gas from Azerbaijan since the beginning of 2026, although this supply is nearly twice as expensive as Russian gas, according to the Russian ambassador to the country, Dmitry Zykov. Zykov stated that in November 2024, the state oil company SOCAR and North Macedonia’s state …
Accident in Durrës where two children lost their lives, police provide details
The Durrës Police have provided details about the accident in which two children lost their lives. According to the police statement, the driver who caused the accident has been identified as Nikoll Radaçi. “At around 14:20, in neighborhood no. 15 in Durrës, a vehicle driven by citizen N.R., approximately 57 …
Balla on the tragedy in Durrës: This is not an accident. The perpetrator is a terrorist!
The head of the parliamentary group of the Socialist Party, Taulant Balla, has reacted to the tragic incident in Durrës, where two children lost their lives. In a statement on social media, Balla emphasized that the event should not be considered a road accident. “The tragic event in Durrës is …
Albania – Greece: No Progress, Just Promises
Tirana Times, May 03, 2026 – There is a limit to how long diplomacy can survive on good manners and optimistic statements. The latest round of Albania–Greece engagement, showcased at the Delphi Economic Forum, makes one thing unmistakably clear: the relationship is not moving forward it is being managed in …
“Eqrem Çabej” University Expands International Cooperation
Eqrem Çabej University in Gjirokastër is expanding its cooperation with international universities, creating more opportunities for academic exchanges and training for students and academic staff. Currently, the institution has around 100 cooperation agreements with universities across Europe and the United States. Rector Jaho Cana emphasized that most agreements involve countries …
Chinese Billionaire Dies in Car Accident in Xibrakë
Li Jianhong, chairman and president of Xinjiang Grand Scape Group, has died in a car accident in Albania during a business trip, Chinese media report. The incident occurred on Monday on the Librazhd–Elbasan road, near Xibrakë. According to reports, the 60-year-old died at the scene, while six other people were …
$6 Billion LNG Deal with the U.S., Rama: A Step Toward Energy Independence
Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his podcast “Flasim” that the $6 billion agreement with the United States and Greecewill enable Albania to be supplied with liquefied natural gas (LNG) for 20 years. Rama emphasized that this investment is expected to create a stable foundation for diversifying the country’s energy …
Historical Heritage Attracts Thousands of Tourists
Elbasan is gaining increasing attention from tourists, becoming one of the country’s key destinations. During the past month, more than 3,500 tourists have visited the city, mainly on day trips. The most frequented sites remain the Elbasan Castle and the Ethnographic Museum of Elbasan, which offer insight into the city’s …
Frozen Courtesies: Albania–Greece Relations Between Rhetoric and Reality
Strategic ambitions, unresolved disputes, and a relationship caught between political narratives and diplomatic inertia. Tirana Times, May 02, 2026 – The latest encounter between Edi Rama and Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Delphi Economic Forum was meant to signal momentum in a relationship long burdened by history. Instead, it exposed a …
EU Integration as Compass: Albania’s Foreign Policy Vision in a Shifting World
By Ferit Hoxha Anyone who knows even a little about Albania is aware that the cornerstone of Albanian foreign policy in the post-communist period has been a clear orientation toward the Euro-Atlantic world, as a guarantee of democracy, security, and the country’s development, and as an expression of our aspiration …
TIRANA, May 12 – Gjirokastër Castle continues to attract visitors from around the world as interest in cultural tourism grows in southern Albania. The historic site recorded strong visitor numbers during the first months of the year. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared images from the castle …
TIRANA, May 12 – Nadia Calvino, President of the European Investment Bank, said Albania achieved phenomenal progress over the past decade and described the European Union as a clear direction for the country’s future during a ceremony in Tirana. She spoke at the signing of a financing agreement with Intesa …
TIRANA, May 12 – Twenty Albanian films have been screened at the “Babylon” cinema in Berlin since May 7. The selection includes restored classics from the former “Shqipëria e Re” [New Albania] film studio and recent Albanian productions, including documentaries and short films. Meanwhile, the programme continues for six consecutive …
Albania reports progress in anti-corruption fight, six criminal investigations into senior officials
TIRANA, May 12 – Minister of State and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka addressed measures against corruption during a hearing at the Committee for Europe and Foreign Affairs. She outlined legislative and enforcement progress during 2025. Authorities implemented a package of five draft laws in the anti-corruption framework. To begin with, …
TIRANA, May 12 – Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj highlighted early warning systems as a key tool in managing environmental risks during the international conference “United for Climate”, in a podcast moderated by Blendi Salaj, where he discussed the National Climate Adaptation Plan 2026–2036. He said the national plan includes 66 …
TIRANA, May 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has never had a “Plan B” regarding European Union integration during the signing of a financing agreement between the European Investment Bank and Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania, which targets support for small and medium-sized enterprises. He said Albania continues to …
TIRANA, May 12 – The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania signed a 20 million euro financing agreement in Tirana to support Albanian small and medium-sized enterprises in innovation, digitalisation, technology, and green investment. Roberto Crod, Vice President of the European Investment Bank, and Giuseppe Janpiero, Director …
TIRANA, May 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi hosted Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of North Macedonia Major General Sashko Lafchiski in Tirana on Monday. The meeting highlighted the importance of close cooperation on Corridor VIII, which both sides described as critical for military mobility and security in …
TIRANA, May 12 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari hosted Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi in Tirana during an official meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The two ministers praised relations between Albania and Italy, which they said rest on historical, cultural, economic, …
Taulant Balla, head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, welcomes students and teachers from the “Mehmet Akif” school in Lipjan, Kosovo, to the Albanian Parliament. The group visits Tirana on a friendly and educational trip. Balla highlights the strong ties between Albania and Kosovo. He stresses the importance of national …