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“Vlach Culture” Festival in Gjirokastër Promotes Preservation of Language and Traditions

The cultural weekend in Gjirokastër featured the “Vlach Culture” Festival, which promotes the folklore and traditions of the Aromanian community in Albania. Organized in the village of Andon Poçi, the festival brought together artists, folk groups, and ensembles from Gjirokastër, Korça, Vlora, and other regions. The event also included the …

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EU Allocates €49 Million for Albania, Rama: A European Success Story

Prime Minister Edi Rama has welcomed the European Union’s decision to grant further financial support to Albania within the framework of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:bbf1546b-a1c5-48dd-adc3-3986143cd709-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:bbf1546b-a1c5-48dd-adc3-3986143cd709-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> This week, Brussels approved the disbursement of €49 million for Albania, bringing …

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Greek Defense Minister Dendias to Visit Tirana on Monday, Agenda Revealed

Greek Minister of Defense, Nikos Dendias, is expected to visit Albania on Monday. According to diplomatic sources, his agenda includes a visit to the Ministry of Defense, where he will meet with his Albanian counterpart, Ermal Nufi. Afterward, he will be received by Prime Minister Edi Rama, followed by a …

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Cleaning of Mother Teresa’s Statue in Qafë Thanë, Call for Periodic Maintenance

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:bbf1546b-a1c5-48dd-adc3-3986143cd709-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:bbf1546b-a1c5-48dd-adc3-3986143cd709-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Humidity and other atmospheric factors had caused damage to the statue of Mother Teresa located in Qafë Thanë. After several days of work, a specialized restoration intervention has been completed to restore the shine of the monumental artwork by sculptor …

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Attack on the Residential Complex of the Albanian Ambassador in Ukraine, EU Delegation in Tirana Reacts

The Delegation of the European Union in Tirana has reacted following the drone and missile attack launched by Russia on Kyiv, which also struck the residential complex where the Albanian ambassador to Ukraine lives. Through a post on social media, the EU strongly condemned the attack, emphasizing that the life …

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Pride in Tirana Sends Message of Unity Against Hate

As Albania’s LGBTIQ+ community marches under the slogan “Together for Family,” activists say the real threat to family and society is not diversity, but hatred, exclusion and fear. Tirana Times, May 24, 2026 – Albania’s LGBTIQ+ community held its annual Pride march in Tirana on May 23, turning the capital’s …

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Where Art Meets Memory: The Gallery Kalo Journey

A Q&A with Gallery Kalo founder Përparim Kalo on art, cultural heritage and the gallery’s expanding vision along the Vjosa Valley. Introduction Gallery Kalo is more than an exhibition space. It is a cultural meeting point where art, memory, dialogue and contemporary creativity come together. Founded with the vision of …

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Germany’s New Enlargement Formula and Albania’s European Illusion

For Albania, the real issue is not which accession model Europe chooses, but whether democracy, rule of law, and state integrity can still be restored. By Genc Pollo Tirana Times, May 24, 2026 – Europe’s enlargement debate has entered a new phase and Albania should pay attention.On May 18, German …

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Rama: Tokyo Welcome Shows Respect for Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama concluded his official visit to Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed Rama with a state ceremony in Tokyo. Rama shared moments from the visit on social media. He thanked Japan for the warm reception. He said the state ceremony showed respect for a transformed Albania …

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Albanian Actor Birçe Hasko Dies at 84

Renowned Albanian actor Birçe Hasko has died at the age of 84. Hasko was born in Dukat, Vlora, on March 15, 1942. After finishing high school, he worked as a teacher in Memaliaj. He also joined the city’s amateur theater troupe. In 1965, he started acting studies at the Higher …

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Minister Blendi Gonxhja to present National Culture Strategy 2026–2030

TIRANA, June 2 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja invited citizens to join a public consultation on the National Culture Strategy 2026–2030. He said the process aims to present the vision for cultural development in the coming years. The strategy will be presented on June 3. Meanwhile, …

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Travelpack promotes Albania with dedicated brochure, places it among Europe’s hottest destinations – Travel Week report

TIRANA, June 2 – Albania attracts growing attention in the international tourism market. Juliet Dennis reports this in “Travel Week”. Meanwhile, British operator Travelpack launches its first dedicated Albania programme. The move responds to rising demand. The company describes the country as one of Europe’s hottest tourism markets. A 32-page …

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Albania-Poland social security deal to protect citizens’ rights, says Manjani

TIRANA, June 3 – Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani said a social security agreement between Albania and Poland will strengthen social protection for citizens who live and work in both countries. Speaking at the Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration, Manjani said the agreement ensures recognition …

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Albanian Radio and Television Spring Festival stage design takes shape, Albi Çifligu: Tradition meets modernity

TIRANA, June 2 – Work continues at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet stage. The Spring Festival on Albanian Radio and Television approaches. Preparations move at a fast pace ahead of the two-night event. Stage designer Albi Çifligu leads the visual concept. He focuses on detailed design elements. He …

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National team starts training ahead of Israel and Luxembourg friendlies

TIRANA, June 2 – Albania’s national football team started preparations at the “House of Football” for friendly matches against Israel and Luxembourg. The full squad took part in the opening training session, while Naser Aliji trained separately after completing a recovery session following 90 minutes for his club. The group …

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30th Edition of “Korça Poetry Nights” Festival Concludes Successfully

The city of Korçë has closed the 30th edition of the International Festival of Poets and Authors “Korça Poetry Nights.” The event brought together poets from Albania, the region, and across Europe. Korçë Mayor Sotiraq Filo described the festival as a celebration of the beauty of words. He said it …

News
Dea Open Air film festival opens 13th edition with 40 international productions

TIRANA, June 2 – The 13th edition of the Dea Open Air International Film Festival opened on Sunday. The event will run until June 5 and will showcase 40 films from 25 countries. The festival began with a welcome event in front of the University of Arts. Festival Director Edmond …

News
Government sets 2026 priorities for prosecutors

TIRANA, June 2 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu presented the government’s 2026 recommendations on combating crime. He addressed Prosecutor General Olsian Çela, Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution Office head Klodian Braho and chief prosecutors from across the country. Gogu said the recommendations cover eight areas. They align with the …

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President Begaj meets European Council President Costa

TIRANA, June 2 – President of the Republic Bajram Begaj met President of the European Council Antonio Costa on Tuesday to discuss Albania’s progress in the European Union accession process. During the meeting, the two officials welcomed Albania’s progress in the negotiations process, including the holding of the 8th EU-Albania …

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Prime Minister Rama hosts European Council President Costa in Tirana

TIRANA, June 3 – President of the European Council Antonio Costa arrived in Tirana on Tuesday as part of his diplomatic tour of the Western Balkans. Prime Minister Edi Rama received Costa at the Prime Minister’s Office. The two officials held talks with their respective delegations. Later, Rama and Costa …

News

Minister Blendi Gonxhja to present National Culture Strategy 2026–2030

TIRANA, June 2 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja invited citizens to join a public consultation on the National Culture Strategy 2026–2030. He said the process aims to present the vision for cultural development in the coming years. The strategy will be presented on June 3. Meanwhile, …

News

Travelpack promotes Albania with dedicated brochure, places it among Europe’s hottest destinations – Travel Week report

TIRANA, June 2 – Albania attracts growing attention in the international tourism market. Juliet Dennis reports this in “Travel Week”. Meanwhile, British operator Travelpack launches its first dedicated Albania programme. The move responds to rising demand. The company describes the country as one of Europe’s hottest tourism markets. A 32-page …

News

Albania-Poland social security deal to protect citizens’ rights, says Manjani

TIRANA, June 3 – Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani said a social security agreement between Albania and Poland will strengthen social protection for citizens who live and work in both countries. Speaking at the Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration, Manjani said the agreement ensures recognition …

News

Albanian Radio and Television Spring Festival stage design takes shape, Albi Çifligu: Tradition meets modernity

TIRANA, June 2 – Work continues at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet stage. The Spring Festival on Albanian Radio and Television approaches. Preparations move at a fast pace ahead of the two-night event. Stage designer Albi Çifligu leads the visual concept. He focuses on detailed design elements. He …

News

National team starts training ahead of Israel and Luxembourg friendlies

TIRANA, June 2 – Albania’s national football team started preparations at the “House of Football” for friendly matches against Israel and Luxembourg. The full squad took part in the opening training session, while Naser Aliji trained separately after completing a recovery session following 90 minutes for his club. The group …

News

30th Edition of “Korça Poetry Nights” Festival Concludes Successfully

The city of Korçë has closed the 30th edition of the International Festival of Poets and Authors “Korça Poetry Nights.” The event brought together poets from Albania, the region, and across Europe. Korçë Mayor Sotiraq Filo described the festival as a celebration of the beauty of words. He said it …

News

Dea Open Air film festival opens 13th edition with 40 international productions

TIRANA, June 2 – The 13th edition of the Dea Open Air International Film Festival opened on Sunday. The event will run until June 5 and will showcase 40 films from 25 countries. The festival began with a welcome event in front of the University of Arts. Festival Director Edmond …

News

Government sets 2026 priorities for prosecutors

TIRANA, June 2 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu presented the government’s 2026 recommendations on combating crime. He addressed Prosecutor General Olsian Çela, Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution Office head Klodian Braho and chief prosecutors from across the country. Gogu said the recommendations cover eight areas. They align with the …

News

President Begaj meets European Council President Costa

TIRANA, June 2 – President of the Republic Bajram Begaj met President of the European Council Antonio Costa on Tuesday to discuss Albania’s progress in the European Union accession process. During the meeting, the two officials welcomed Albania’s progress in the negotiations process, including the holding of the 8th EU-Albania …

News

Prime Minister Rama hosts European Council President Costa in Tirana

TIRANA, June 3 – President of the European Council Antonio Costa arrived in Tirana on Tuesday as part of his diplomatic tour of the Western Balkans. Prime Minister Edi Rama received Costa at the Prime Minister’s Office. The two officials held talks with their respective delegations. Later, Rama and Costa …