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President Begaj Reacts to Tragic Incident in Shkodër

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”60136731-5b29-476e-8980-8c2f604f050a” data-turn-id-container=”60136731-5b29-476e-8980-8c2f604f050a” data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-turn=”user”> President Bajram Begaj has reacted to the tragic incident that occurred on Wednesday in Postribë, Shkodër, where a mother and her two young children lost their lives. In a post on Facebook, the President expressed his condolences to the victims’ family …

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Albania’s Super Lek and the Falling Euro: Prosperity or a Warning Sign?

As the national currency reaches record highs, economists question whether Albania’s construction boom and suspected money laundering are flooding the market with euros and distorting the real economy.  Tirana Times July 29 2026 – The Albanian lek has become one of Europe’s most unlikely currency champions. One euro was exchanged …

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State Election Commissioner, Celibashi proposes five changes to the new Electoral Code

TIRANA, July 29 – State Election Commissioner Ilirjan Celibashi called for changes to the Electoral Code to strengthen the separation between state institutions and the ruling party. At the technical meeting of the Special Parliamentary Commission on Electoral Reform, Celibashi said the misuse of state resources and the blurred line …

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Mountain tourism in focus as Albanian Alps project promotes Nikaj-Mërtur

TIRANA, July 29 – Nikaj-Mërtur has gained fresh attention as one of the Albanian Alps’ distinctive destinations, following new efforts to promote sustainable mountain tourism and strengthen cooperation with local tourism operators. Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the area’s tourism potential in a social media post. He described Nikaj-Mërtur as …

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“Si Era” in Brataj: A Destination Blending Nature, History and Albanian Hospitality

The “Si Era” villa in Brataj, in the heart of the Vjosa River region, offers visitors a unique experience that combines nature, local landscapes and Albanian hospitality. Located only 30 minutes from Vlora and Himara, the accommodation stands opposite the historic Brataj Bridge. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of …

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Academy honors writer Shefqet Musaraj on 40th anniversary of his death

TIRANA, July 29 – The Albanian Academy of Sciences marked the 40th anniversary of the death of distinguished writer Shefqet Musaraj, recognizing his contribution to 20th-century Albanian literature. Musaraj was born in Berat on February 15, 1914, and died in Tirana on July 28, 1986. He emerged on the literary …

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“Double Your Business” programme backs agribusiness growth

TIRANA, July 29 – The Albanian government is supporting investment in agricultural processing, stronger cooperation with farmers and the expansion of exports through business financing programmes and sector policies. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla highlighted those priorities during a visit to Fenix, a company in Elbasan that processes …

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Albania funds 23 research projects on environmental protection

TIRANA, July 29 – Albania’s Ministry of Education will fund two new research laboratories and 23 scientific projects in 2026 through the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation. The initiative will support biodiversity protection, ecosystem monitoring, sustainable management of natural resources and the development of green technologies. On World …

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Akil Gjakova Begins Journey Towards His Third Olympic Games

Kosovo judoka Akil Gjakova has started a new chapter in his career as he aims to qualify for his third Olympic Games. Gjakova announced that he is beginning the new Olympic qualification cycle after more than a decade competing at the highest level of international judo. He said that staying …

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113 years since Great Powers recognized Albanian state

TIRANA, July 29 – On July 29, 1913, the Conference of Ambassadors in London granted de jure recognition to the independent Albanian state. The conference recognized Albania as a sovereign and autonomous state under the guarantee of the Great Powers. The decision established Albania’s international status and laid the foundations …

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Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

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Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

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25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

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Lura National Park wildfire, around 220 forces deployed on the ground, air and ground operations underway

TIRANA, August 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today that operations to manage the wildfire in Lura National Park continue at high intensity. The fire affects the Runja area above Borie Lura village. In a social media statement, Nufi said all relevant structures remain engaged in the operation. They …

News
New draft law changes defence and security procurement

TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …

News
The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics

Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …

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Apollonia Archaeological Park welcomes visitors from around the world

TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …

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Shkodër Art Gallery to resume rich artistic calendar in September

TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …

News
Perseid meteor shower to light up Tirana’s night sky

TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …

News
EU opposes Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River

TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …

News

Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

News

Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

News

25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

News

Lura National Park wildfire, around 220 forces deployed on the ground, air and ground operations underway

TIRANA, August 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today that operations to manage the wildfire in Lura National Park continue at high intensity. The fire affects the Runja area above Borie Lura village. In a social media statement, Nufi said all relevant structures remain engaged in the operation. They …

News

New draft law changes defence and security procurement

TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …

News

The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics

Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …

News

Apollonia Archaeological Park welcomes visitors from around the world

TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …

News

Shkodër Art Gallery to resume rich artistic calendar in September

TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …

News

Perseid meteor shower to light up Tirana’s night sky

TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …

News

EU opposes Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River

TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …