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Mazniku holds high-level talks in Italian Parliament on EU integration

Arbjan Mazniku continues his official visit in Rome with an intensive agenda at the Italian Parliament. First, he meets members of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies, where he focuses on Albania–Italy strategic relations, EU integration, and economic cooperation. Then, Italian representatives express strong and unconditional support for Albania’s …

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Cup of Albania semifinals reach decisive second legs with final spot at stake

TIRANA, April 21 – The second legs of the Albanian Cup semifinals take place this week, with both ties finely balanced after 1-1 draws in the first matches. Elbasani hosts Egnatia on Wednesday, while Vllaznia meets Dinamo City on Thursday. Elbasan Arena stages the first fixture at 19:00 local time. …

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Albania targets 900 agrifood facilities in EU accession food safety push

TIRANA, April 21 – Albania has launched inspections of more than 900 agrifood facilities as part of efforts to align food safety standards with the European Union. Minister of State and chief EU membership negotiator, Majlinda Dhuka said the process forms part of accession talks and broader sector reform. Officials …

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PM Rama: European standards in food safety a challenge to achieve in EU membership negotiation process

TIRANA, April 21 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said food safety represents one of the toughest challenges in Albania’s European Union accession talks. He made the remarks during a meeting with food business operators in Tirana. Rama linked food safety reforms directly to Albania’s goal of EU membership within the …

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Rama: Food safety, the most complex challenge of the EU integration process

Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting this Tuesday with food business operators, where he emphasized the importance of the European Union accession process as a key challenge for ensuring food safety in the country. Rama described food safety as one of the most difficult challenges of the negotiations, stressing …

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“We have provided €12.5 million for food safety,” Gonzato: Quality improvement a condition for the EU

The European Union Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, during a meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama and representatives of the food business sector, stated that food safety is an important area for Albania’s progress toward the EU, as it is directly linked to access to the European market. He underlined …

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Food safety, Rama: 900 businesses risk closure if they fail to meet EU standards

Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting with food business operators, where he emphasized that food safety is one of the most difficult and complex challenges in the process of European Union accession. The Prime Minister stated that 900 food-related businesses operating in the country risk closure or exclusion from …

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Rama visits Greece, to attend the Delphi Economic Forum; meeting also with Mitsotakis

Prime Minister Edi Rama will pay a working visit to Greece at the invitation of the Delphi Economic Forum, which will take place from April 21 to 23. Rama will hold a meeting with his counterpart, the Prime Minister of Greece, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, focusing on strengthening bilateral relations, deepening economic …

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Record state budget revenues, €240 million more than last year

Revenues from taxes and customs have increased by around €240 million at the beginning of this year. VAT and social contributions have recorded the most significant growth. The state budget collected approximately 205 billion ALL in the first three months of the year. This figure is about 24 billion ALL, …

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U.S. Ambassador to NATO visits Kosovo, welcomed by Anu Prattipati

The Chargé d’Affaires of the United States of America in Kosovo, Anu Prattipati, welcomed on Tuesday the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, Ambassador Matthew Whitaker, during his visit. Through a post on “X,” the U.S. Embassy in Pristina stated that this visit is an opportunity to discuss shared security interests. …

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SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku

Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …

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Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road

TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …

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New Road Code measures enter into force, stricter penalties for traffic violations

TIRANA, August 7 – New amendments to Albania’s Road Code entered into force today. The changes introduce stricter measures for traffic violations to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Drivers who repeatedly operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol will permanently lose their driving licence. The new rules also …

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Public consultations begin on new territorial map

TIRANA, August 7 – Cërrik and Maliq municipalities have started public consultations on the new territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46. Cërrik Municipality said it launched the process after receiving a notification from Parliament. The consultation period on the draft …

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Albania advances in implementing EU Growth Plan

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania continues to make progress in implementing reforms linked to European integration and has received financial support under the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. According to the EU-funded platform “WEBALKANS_eu”, Albania has made strong and sustainable progress. The platform said the country has …

News
Football Federation approves Elite Youth Academy participation in youth championships

TIRANA, August 7 – The Executive Committee of the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) has approved the participation of Elite Youth Academy teams in the Abissnet Superiore U-16 and U-17 championships for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 seasons. The decision aims to strengthen youth football development and create more opportunities for young …

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Defense Minister thanks firefighters battling wildfires

TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi shared footage today from the firefighting operation in the Mount Dajti area and praised the commitment and sacrifice of personnel working on the ground. Nufi said in a social media post that emergency structures and Armed Forces personnel provide protection for citizens, …

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Foreign tourists praise Durrës for hospitality, beaches and affordable prices

TIRANA, August 7 – Foreign tourists visiting Durrës during the summer season have praised the city’s beaches, hospitality, affordable prices and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, England, the Czech Republic and the Dominican Republic said they had a positive experience and considered Durrës an attractive destination for …

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Financial Times: PM Rama says Albania has clear path to EU membership

TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has a clear path toward European Union membership in an interview with the Financial Times, which examined the European Union’s renewed enlargement agenda. Rama said the country is in one of the strongest positions in its modern history. He added …

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Business turnover rises by ALL 127 billion in first half of 2026

TIRANA, August 7 – Business turnover across Albania’s main economic sectors increased by ALL 127 billion during the first half of 2026, reflecting stronger economic activity, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said. Malaj said business turnover rose by 7% compared with the same period in 2025. He added that the figures …

News

SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku

Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …

News

Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road

TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …

News

New Road Code measures enter into force, stricter penalties for traffic violations

TIRANA, August 7 – New amendments to Albania’s Road Code entered into force today. The changes introduce stricter measures for traffic violations to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Drivers who repeatedly operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol will permanently lose their driving licence. The new rules also …

News

Public consultations begin on new territorial map

TIRANA, August 7 – Cërrik and Maliq municipalities have started public consultations on the new territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46. Cërrik Municipality said it launched the process after receiving a notification from Parliament. The consultation period on the draft …

News

Albania advances in implementing EU Growth Plan

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania continues to make progress in implementing reforms linked to European integration and has received financial support under the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. According to the EU-funded platform “WEBALKANS_eu”, Albania has made strong and sustainable progress. The platform said the country has …

News

Football Federation approves Elite Youth Academy participation in youth championships

TIRANA, August 7 – The Executive Committee of the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) has approved the participation of Elite Youth Academy teams in the Abissnet Superiore U-16 and U-17 championships for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 seasons. The decision aims to strengthen youth football development and create more opportunities for young …

News

Defense Minister thanks firefighters battling wildfires

TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi shared footage today from the firefighting operation in the Mount Dajti area and praised the commitment and sacrifice of personnel working on the ground. Nufi said in a social media post that emergency structures and Armed Forces personnel provide protection for citizens, …

News

Foreign tourists praise Durrës for hospitality, beaches and affordable prices

TIRANA, August 7 – Foreign tourists visiting Durrës during the summer season have praised the city’s beaches, hospitality, affordable prices and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, England, the Czech Republic and the Dominican Republic said they had a positive experience and considered Durrës an attractive destination for …

News

Financial Times: PM Rama says Albania has clear path to EU membership

TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has a clear path toward European Union membership in an interview with the Financial Times, which examined the European Union’s renewed enlargement agenda. Rama said the country is in one of the strongest positions in its modern history. He added …

News

Business turnover rises by ALL 127 billion in first half of 2026

TIRANA, August 7 – Business turnover across Albania’s main economic sectors increased by ALL 127 billion during the first half of 2026, reflecting stronger economic activity, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said. Malaj said business turnover rose by 7% compared with the same period in 2025. He added that the figures …