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Shkodra landscapes chosen for Honda’s international advertising campaign

The stunning landscapes of the Shkodër region have become the backdrop for Honda’s latest advertising campaign, showcasing Albania’s growing appeal for international productions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the commercial and said the project highlights Shkodra’s rise as an important destination for high-level film and advertising productions. In …

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Kanye West concert expected to boost Tirana’s profile for major international events

TIRANA, July 10 – The Kanye West concert on 11 July is set to place Tirana among the capitals capable of hosting major international music events. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the concert represents more than a live performance. He described it as a strategic test of …

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Porto Palermo Festival returns for its sixth edition with a rich summer program

The sixth edition of the Porto Palermo Festival will bring 12 nights of music and artistic performances to the Albanian Riviera from July 30 to August 16. Festival founder Olen Cesari has prepared a diverse program featuring renowned Albanian and international artists, transforming the historic Porto Palermo Castle into a …

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Government launches Urban Renaissance 2.0 programme

TIRANA, July 10 – The Albanian government has launched the Urban Renaissance 2.0 programme, a new initiative that aims to transform communities, support local economic growth and strengthen cooperation between central and local government. State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo described the programme as an ambitious plan designed to …

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Urban development program to support economic growth across municipalities

TIRANA, July 10 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented the government’s vision for economic development and entrepreneurship support during the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” event. She said the new urban development program goes beyond city revitalization. According to Ibrahimaj, it aims to create a development model that supports sustainable …

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Additional ALL 1.5 billion allocated to strengthen justice system

TIRANA, July 10 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu announced that a normative act approved on June 30 has secured more than ALL 1.5 billion in additional funds for the Ministry of Justice and its dependent institutions for the 2026–2028 period. According to the minister, the funds will support infrastructure improvements, …

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PM Rama unveils EUR 1.5 billion plan for a new phase of urban development in Albania

TIRANA, July 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” programme, an ambitious development initiative that aims to further transform Albania’s urban landscape with a EUR 1.5 billion funding target. According to Rama, the new programme responds to a new stage of Albania’s development, where citizens have …

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PM Rama: Albania has entered a new phase of development

TIRANA, July 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has entered a new phase of development, where improved standards have increased citizens’ expectations for better services and greater dignity in daily life. During the presentation of the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” programme, Rama said society’s new demands should not be …

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Birth Tourism on Tourist Visas: U.S. Embassy Warns Albanians They May Be Denied Future Visa Renewals

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has issued a warning to Albanian citizens who travel to the United States on tourist visas to give birth and use the Medicaid program to cover their medical expenses. In a post shared on Instagram, the Embassy stated that this practice could affect their eligibility …

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‘Urban Renaissance 2.0’: Rama Unveils €1.5 Billion Program, Electric Buses Planned for All Municipalities

Prime Minister Edi Rama on Friday unveiled the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” program, which foresees €1.5 billion in investments aimed at transforming Albania’s urban infrastructure and public services. One of the program’s main pillars is the modernization of public transport. Rama announced that a joint company will be established between the …

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Mountain Economy Development: Albania Approves Four Priority Zones in Shkodër

The Council of Ministers today approved sweeping amendments to expand Albania’s priority mountain economy zones across the Shkodër municipality. The decision designates four distinct territories for targeted economic growth and infrastructure support: Zone No. 6 (4,667 hectares): Encompasses the villages of Nderlysaj, Lekaj, Gimaj, Nënmavriq, Nicaj-Shale, Abat, Pecaj, Vuksanaj, and …

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Albanian government approves three expropriation decisions in southern Albania

TIRANA, July 23 – The Albanian government has approved three decisions on the expropriation of private properties for public interest. The projects will support infrastructure and urban development in Vlora and Saranda. The decisions, proposed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, provide more than ALL 11.9 million in total …

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Albania Condemns Naval Blockade Threats Against Saudi Arabia

Albania strongly condemned the Houthi militia today over its threats against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which include imposing a naval blockade. In a social media statement, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEPJ) warned that these provocative and escalatory actions further destabilize the region. According to the Ministry, …

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Government Approves Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Qatar

The Council of Ministers today approved two major agreements with Qatar and Ukraine. During today’s government meeting, ministers approved in principle a strategic cooperation agreement with the State of Qatar covering areas of mutual interest. The Council of Ministers also approved an agreement with Ukraine on international road transport. /a.c/ …

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EU Integration: Government Approves Decision to Draft New Criminal Code

To advance Albania’s European Union integration process, the Council of Ministers today approved comprehensive measures to overhaul the nation’s criminal legislation. Specifically, the executive order mandates officials to draft, consolidate, and finalize three main pillars: a brand-new Criminal Code, structural amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, and updates to …

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Nufi: We Have Started Preparations for the NATO Summit in Tirana, Awaiting the Official Date

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi declared today that heads of state and government from member nations will determine the official date for the upcoming NATO summit in Tirana. Speaking after today’s cabinet meeting, Nufi addressed questions regarding the summit’s organization, clarifying that member states dictate summit locations rather than the Alliance’s …

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Rama Attends Opening Ceremony of Ziraat Bank Branch in Tirana

Albanian and Turkish institutional officials gathered in Tirana today to celebrate the official opening of the new Ziraat Bank branch. Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the ceremony alongside Turkish Ambassador to Albania Barış Ceyhun Erciyes, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj, Turkish Deputy Minister of Treasury and Finance Abdullah …

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Rama: Military Personnel Status Ready, Big News Coming Soon for Armed Forces

Prime Minister Edi Rama announced tonight that the special status for military personnel is ready, promising that the long-awaited news for the Armed Forces will follow shortly. Prime Minister Rama made the statement during the graduation ceremony for 67 new officers from the Officer Preparation Course at the Armed Forces …

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Rama: Albanian Armed Forces Now Highest Paid in the Region, Target NATO Average by 2030

Prime Minister Edi Rama declared today that Albania now boasts the highest-paid Armed Forces in the region, affirming a clear ambition to raise military salaries to match the NATO average by 2030. The Prime Minister delivered his remarks during the graduation ceremony for 67 new officers from the Officer Preparation …

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Spain Rules the World Again

Spain clinches second FIFA World Cup title as Europe continues its dominance on football’s biggest stage By Gautam Karve, Editor-in-Chief, World Media Organization Tirana Times, July 22, 2026 – Spain secured its second FIFA World Cup title with a commanding performance, defeating Argentina in a final that showcased the Spanish …

News

Mountain Economy Development: Albania Approves Four Priority Zones in Shkodër

The Council of Ministers today approved sweeping amendments to expand Albania’s priority mountain economy zones across the Shkodër municipality. The decision designates four distinct territories for targeted economic growth and infrastructure support: Zone No. 6 (4,667 hectares): Encompasses the villages of Nderlysaj, Lekaj, Gimaj, Nënmavriq, Nicaj-Shale, Abat, Pecaj, Vuksanaj, and …

News

Albanian government approves three expropriation decisions in southern Albania

TIRANA, July 23 – The Albanian government has approved three decisions on the expropriation of private properties for public interest. The projects will support infrastructure and urban development in Vlora and Saranda. The decisions, proposed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, provide more than ALL 11.9 million in total …

News

Albania Condemns Naval Blockade Threats Against Saudi Arabia

Albania strongly condemned the Houthi militia today over its threats against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which include imposing a naval blockade. In a social media statement, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEPJ) warned that these provocative and escalatory actions further destabilize the region. According to the Ministry, …

News

Government Approves Strategic Cooperation Agreement with Qatar

The Council of Ministers today approved two major agreements with Qatar and Ukraine. During today’s government meeting, ministers approved in principle a strategic cooperation agreement with the State of Qatar covering areas of mutual interest. The Council of Ministers also approved an agreement with Ukraine on international road transport. /a.c/ …

News

EU Integration: Government Approves Decision to Draft New Criminal Code

To advance Albania’s European Union integration process, the Council of Ministers today approved comprehensive measures to overhaul the nation’s criminal legislation. Specifically, the executive order mandates officials to draft, consolidate, and finalize three main pillars: a brand-new Criminal Code, structural amendments to the Code of Criminal Procedure, and updates to …

News

Nufi: We Have Started Preparations for the NATO Summit in Tirana, Awaiting the Official Date

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi declared today that heads of state and government from member nations will determine the official date for the upcoming NATO summit in Tirana. Speaking after today’s cabinet meeting, Nufi addressed questions regarding the summit’s organization, clarifying that member states dictate summit locations rather than the Alliance’s …

News

Rama Attends Opening Ceremony of Ziraat Bank Branch in Tirana

Albanian and Turkish institutional officials gathered in Tirana today to celebrate the official opening of the new Ziraat Bank branch. Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the ceremony alongside Turkish Ambassador to Albania Barış Ceyhun Erciyes, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj, Turkish Deputy Minister of Treasury and Finance Abdullah …

News

Rama: Military Personnel Status Ready, Big News Coming Soon for Armed Forces

Prime Minister Edi Rama announced tonight that the special status for military personnel is ready, promising that the long-awaited news for the Armed Forces will follow shortly. Prime Minister Rama made the statement during the graduation ceremony for 67 new officers from the Officer Preparation Course at the Armed Forces …

News

Rama: Albanian Armed Forces Now Highest Paid in the Region, Target NATO Average by 2030

Prime Minister Edi Rama declared today that Albania now boasts the highest-paid Armed Forces in the region, affirming a clear ambition to raise military salaries to match the NATO average by 2030. The Prime Minister delivered his remarks during the graduation ceremony for 67 new officers from the Officer Preparation …

News

Spain Rules the World Again

Spain clinches second FIFA World Cup title as Europe continues its dominance on football’s biggest stage By Gautam Karve, Editor-in-Chief, World Media Organization Tirana Times, July 22, 2026 – Spain secured its second FIFA World Cup title with a commanding performance, defeating Argentina in a final that showcased the Spanish …