European Week of Sport, Gonxhja: Let’s Make Sport Part of Our Daily Lives
The European Week of Sport began on Sept. 20 and will run through Sept. 30. The initiative forms part of the European “BeActive” campaign. It promotes physical activity and healthier lifestyles. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja highlighted the importance of sport. He said sport brings communities together. …
“Not in My Name” protest continues in Prishtina for eighth night
The “Not in My Name” protest continued for an eighth night in Prishtina. Citizens gathered in Skanderbeg Square to oppose the convictions handed down by the Kosova Specialist Chambers in The Hague against former Kosova Liberation Army leaders. Singer Ylli Limani joined the eighth-night protest. Singer Leonora Jakupi and journalist …
Albania to discuss Criminal Procedure Code changes on September 30
Justice Minister Toni Gogu said Albania will discuss the broadest package of Criminal Procedure Code changes since its adoption on September 30. The Justice Ministry and the Council of Europe will present the package at a meeting with justice institutions and other stakeholders. The review follows a Council of Europe …
Albania Under-21 coach Bushi names squad for Ukraine friendly
Albania Under-21 coach Alban Bushi has named 21 players for a friendly against Ukraine Under-21 on October 5. The match will take place at Szentmarjay Tibor Városi Stadion in Eger, Hungary, at 15:30. The squad will begin its training camp in Tirana on September 28. Four players are new to …
Tedi Papavrami at TIFF: Violin Bow meets Japanese Brush in “The Bow and the Brush”
Swiss documentary “The Bow and the Brush” (“L’Archet et le Pinceau”) had its world premiere at the Tirana International Film Festival on Tuesday evening. The film was directed by Franco-Swiss filmmaker Raphaëlle Régnier. It is part of the 24th edition of TIFF. The documentary brings Western classical music and traditional …
Albania’s non-performing loans fall to 3.7%, lowest in 15 years
Albania’s banking sector improved the quality of its loan portfolio in the first half of 2026. The non-performing loan ratio fell to 3.7%, its lowest level in 15 years, according to Bank of Albania data. The improvement covered several segments of the portfolio. Short-term loans, loans issued in ALL and …
“Euronews”: How Albania Became One of Europe’s Fastest-Growing Tourist Destinations
Albania has recorded a sharp rise in tourist interest, with the number of visitors doubling over the past decade, Euronews Travel reports. More and more travelers are discovering a country that combines history, beaches, nature and distinctive traditions. According to Euronews Travel, Albania followed a different path from many other …
Agriculture Ministry and Agricultural University of Tirana sign new cooperation agreement
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla and Agricultural University of Tirana Rector Prof. Sallaku signed a new cooperation agreement. The agreement aims to connect students more closely with the labour market. It will also expand academic expertise in support of Albania’s agricultural sector. The agreement will provide students …
Albanian Spy Chief’s Arrest a Major Blow to NATO Member’s Reputation
Vlora Hyseni’s arrest has renewed scrutiny of her 2023 appointment to lead Albania’s State Intelligence Service and dealt a major blow to the NATO member’s reputation. Original post Here
EU Ambassador Urges Northern Kosovo Mayors to Strengthen Cooperation with Central Authorities
European Union Ambassador to Kosovo Dirk Schuebel has called for stronger cooperation between local and central institutions, stressing that closer coordination is important for Kosovo’s European integration process. Schuebel met separately on Wednesday with the mayors of Kosovo’s four northern municipalities and with the Mayor of South Mitrovica, Faton Peci. …
By Zef Preci Tirana Times, September 30, 2026 – For more than two decades, Albania has had legislation requiring senior public officials to declare their assets and financial interests. Yet persistent concerns over unexplained wealth suggest that the central issue is no longer simply whether officials submit asset declarations. The …
Investigators examine weapons deals, state-linked defense companies and the role of businessman Ron Yeffet after allegations of international arms trafficking surfaced in recordings released by former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj. Tirana Times, October 03, 2026 – A series of searches by Albania’s special prosecutors has opened a potentially significant …
Albania lost 2-1 to Finland at Helsinki Olympic Stadium in a Nations League League C Group 1 match. Rey Manaj put Albania ahead in the fourth minute with a header from Kristjan Asllani’s corner. Goalkeeper Etrit Berisha then made a mistake in the 22nd minute and had to intervene outside …
Electricity distribution losses in Albania fell to 15.6% in the first eight months of 2026, according to data from the Electricity Distribution System Operator. The figure marks a continued improvement from 18.93% in 2023, 17.93% in 2024 and 16.96% in 2025. Regional data also show lower losses. Fier recorded the …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is among the leading candidates in the European Union enlargement process. In an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, she placed Albania and Montenegro at the front of the process, followed by Moldova and Ukraine. Kos said enlargement had achieved more …
Albania U19 secured a second consecutive victory over Lithuania U19, coming from behind to win 2-1 in a friendly match at the Vora Stadium. Lithuania took the lead in the first half, scoring from one of their few chances of the game. However, Albania responded strongly after the break and …
The International Dance Festival Tirana (IDFT) will launch its fifth edition on October 3, bringing a rich program of contemporary dance, international artists and artistic companies to the Albanian capital through October 21. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the festival will feature 17 performances in nine …
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, met today with representatives of the Union of Judges, the National Association of Judges and the Association of Prosecutors of Albania to discuss recent developments in the country’s justice system. According to the OSCE Presence, the discussion focused on …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media today from “Gran Tour Albania,” an event that brought Italian collectors of vintage cars to the historic city of Gjirokastër. “Motoring enthusiasts and tourists added a new color to Gjirokastër in autumn,” Rama wrote alongside photos from the event. Rare vintage …
The National Library in Tirana hosted the presentation of “Usta Josifi and the Saze of Përmet,” a new monographic study by author Niko Mihali dedicated to one of Albania’s richest musical traditions. The book explores the urban folk music tradition of Përmet and focuses on the life and contribution of …