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PM Rama tells Greek ‘Kathimerini’ nationalism reflects lack of maturity, addresses ties with Greece

TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said nationalism often reflects a lack of maturity in an interview with Kathimerini ahead of his visit to Greece for the Delphi Economic Forum. Rama discussed bilateral relations with Greece, including property issues in the southern coastal region of Himara. He …

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Albanian delegation holds talks in Italian parliament to boost bilateral ties

TIRANA, April 20 – An Albanian parliamentary delegation held meetings in the Italian Senate as part of a two-day visit focused on strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation. Members of the delegation met Italian senator Raffaele De Rosa to discuss economic ties, parliamentary cooperation, and Albania’s European Union accession process. Talks …

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Saranda prepares for increased tourist flows, expands free public beach access

TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian authorities said the coastal city of Saranda is preparing for the upcoming tourist season with expanded public beach access and new infrastructure. Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja inspected recent investments alongside local officials, including the mayor of Saranda. Officials said designated public beaches will offer free …

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Vikena Kamenica, for the first time as a director with “Misa a Buenos Aires”

A work not usually seen on the stage of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania, which delicately intertwines Catholic liturgical, sacred music with the sensual sounds of Argentine tango, is also known as a “tango mass.” “Misa a Buenos Aires” by Martín Palmeri, entirely unique in its …

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Election of Kosovo’s president, Kurti: Going to elections is not an option, we are open to solutions

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, has stated that going to early parliamentary elections is not an option. At today’s government meeting, Kurti emphasized that the election of the president is a constitutional duty of the people’s elected representatives. “This requires willingness to find a solution, readiness for compromise, …

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Himara, EU negotiations and his origin, Rama interview for Greek media

Prime Minister Edi Rama has given an interview to the Greek media outlet “Kathimerini” a few days before his participation in the 11th Delphi Economic Forum (April 22–25). In this interview, he spoke extensively about Greek-Albanian relations, economic developments in Albania, the property issue in Himara, as well as recent …

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Hoxha meets Commissioner Kos in Brussels: Sustainable reforms toward the EU

The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, met in Brussels with the European Union Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. Minister Hoxha stated that the focus of the meeting was the advanced process of accession negotiations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the current momentum and continuing forward with consistency …

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Caught in the act with Molotov cocktails, decision issued for 11 arrested from the PD protest

The Tirana Court has issued its decision for the 11 protesters who were caught with Molotov cocktails during the rally of the Democratic Party of Albania. The decision ordered the measure “arrest in prison” for 5 of them, while 6 individuals were assigned the measure “obligation to appear.” Specifically, those …

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Kosovo declares Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization

The Government of Kosovo has designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization during a meeting held on Monday in Pristina. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that “through this decision, Kosovo strengthens its stance in defense of international security, democratic values, and human rights.” “This is a …

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Rental income rises, reaching around €400 million in 2025

Renting out property is becoming an increasingly profitable source of income in Albania. Official data from the Ministry of Finance of Albania show that revenue from income tax on rents reached €60 million in 2025, up from €55 million in 2024—an increase of 8.5%. This tax corresponds to total rental …

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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 …

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, …

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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 …

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 …

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 …