Albania’s State Police Directorate and General Inspectorate sign cooperation deal targeting illegal construction and environmental crime
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 …
Heavy rainfall causes urban flooding in northern Albania city of Lezha
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 …
European Wrestling Championships kicks off in Tirana with over 600 athletes competing
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 …
Rama: New port law to boost coastal investment
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the new law on tourist ports will support coastal investment. He said the changes are necessary to avoid blocking investors. Rama spoke at a meeting in Tirana with agrotourism representatives. He rejected claims that the government changes the law to favor oligarchs. He said the …
Balla meets Moldovan MPs to strengthen parliamentary cooperation
Taulant Balla met with Moldovan MPs and representatives of the Moldovan Football Federation. He focused on strengthening interparliamentary cooperation between Albania and Moldova. He said both countries share a common path toward European Union membership. He highlighted the need for closer cooperation in the EU integration process. Balla said Albania …
Rama: “Park of Faith” to attract tourists to Tirana
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the “Park of Faith” will attract tourists to Tirana. He described the project as a strong magnet for the Petrela area. He added that the park will develop step by step as vegetation grows. Rama noted a strong rise in tourist numbers in March. He …
Cultural week features films, theater, and exhibitions in Albania
This week features a rich calendar of cultural and artistic events in Albania. The “Italian Screens – Il Nuovo Cinema Italiano” cycle presents Italian films until April 25. Screenings take place in Tirana, Vlora, Shkodra, and Prishtina. The program promotes cultural dialogue between Italy, Albania, and Kosovo. One of the …
Gonxhja: Albania simplifies agrotourism licensing procedures
Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the government is simplifying licensing procedures for agrotourism. Authorities are working with the Agriculture Ministry under the “Mountain Package.” Gonxhja said the goal is faster and easier procedures. The government wants to remove unnecessary administrative barriers. He added that officials are waiting for final feedback …
Hoxha: Luxembourg strongly supports Albania’s EU membership
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha visited Luxembourg. He met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel. Both sides confirmed strong friendship and cooperation. They agreed to deepen ties in key areas. They focused on innovation, technology, and tourism. Hoxha said Luxembourg strongly supports Albania’s EU membership. He noted Luxembourg’s consistent …
US Department of Justice hosts Albanian anti-corruption prosecutors as cooperation deepens
TIRANA, April 21 – The United States Department of Justice Criminal Division met a senior delegation from Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure in Washington on Monday. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation against corruption and transnational organised crime. The Justice Department received the Albanian prosecutors alongside officials from the OPDAT programme. …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …