Prime Minister Rama extends Orthodox Easter greetings to believers
TIRANA, April 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama extended Easter greetings to Orthodox believers, marking the celebration with a message shared on social media. In his post, he wished followers a blessed morning and a happy Orthodox Easter. His message comes as believers across Albania celebrate one of the most …
Easter celebration in Dhërmi features drone and fireworks display
TIRANA, April 12 – Dhërmi turned into a festive scene on Easter Eve, as hundreds of Orthodox believers gathered to celebrate the Holy Day. The coastal village hosted large crowds who joined prayers and candlelit rituals marking one of the most important dates in the Orthodox calendar. The atmosphere combined …
Albania’s EU bid faces IBAR delay
Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Albania’s path toward European Union membership has entered a more uncertain phase as discussions over a key assessment report remain unfinished, exposing a gap between technical progress in reforms and the political consensus required among member states to move forward. At the center of …
Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy
By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …
Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens
Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …
Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth
From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …
Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë
Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …
Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games
Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …
Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”
The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …
Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation
Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …
TIRANA, April 21 – The Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs approved a draft law on the freedom of establishment and provision of services in Albania. The legislation aims to align domestic rules with European Union market regulations. Lawmaker Anila Denaj, who sponsored the bill, said the reform strengthens …
TIRANA, April 21 – The Government of Kosova approved a draft law on Monday ratifying agreements with the Council of Ministers of Albania for the organisation of the Mediterranean Games “Prishtina 2030”. The decision marks a formal step in joint preparations for the event. Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti said …
Albulena Haxhiu authorized the deployment of the Kosovo Security Force to Gaza. She approved participation in an international stabilization mission. The Kosovo Parliament previously approved the decision. Kosovo will join a multinational peacekeeping force. Haxhiu said Kosovo takes responsibility for global peace and security. She said the country now contributes …
TIRANA, April 21 – United States President Donald Trump praised Kosova’s contribution to ending conflicts in a letter addressed to former Kosova President Vjosa Osmani at the end of her mandate. Osmani published the letter dated 8 April. Trump highlighted Kosova’s involvement in international peace and stability initiatives. He said …
Laura Saro said tourism acts as a form of cultural diplomacy between people and economies. She spoke at the first Albite conference, where AIDA took part. She said tourism connects cultures and builds long-term relationships. She linked tourism to economic development and international cooperation. Saro emphasized authentic experiences. She highlighted …
TIRANA, April 21 – Albanian weightlifter Enkileda Carja has been named Europe’s Rising Star of 2025 at the European Weightlifting Championships in Batumi. The award highlights her performances across major international competitions during the year. Carja won medals at world, European, and Balkan championships, along with the Solidarity Games in …
TIRANA, April 21 – Lawmakers from Italy’s ruling party Fratelli d’Italia visited a migrant facility in Gjadër, northern Albania, to assess its operations. The centre serves as a pre-removal detention site for migrants whose asylum requests Italy has rejected. The delegation included senior members of the Italian Chamber of Deputies …
TIRANA, April 21 – Albania’s State Police and the General Inspectorate signed a cooperation agreement on Tuesday to strengthen joint action against illegal construction, environmental crime and labour violations. The deal also covers food safety, medicines and medical equipment oversight. The agreement sets a framework for coordinated inspections and enforcement …
TIRANA, April 21 – Heavy rainfall in recent hours has caused flooding in several urban areas of the northern Albanian city of Lezha. Water accumulation disrupted movement for residents and vehicles across affected zones. Authorities reported the most severe conditions in the “Besëlidhja” and “Skënderbeg” neighbourhoods. Drainage systems struggled to …
TIRANA, April 21 – The European Wrestling Championships for seniors kicks off in Tirana, hosting more than 600 athletes from 38 countries from April 20 to 26, 2026. The event takes place at the Olympic Park “Feti Borova,” where the official opening ceremony marked the start of competitions. Organizers scheduled …