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“From internment to Hollywood”, Aldo Shllaku shares his success journey in the US

Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted composer Aldo Shllaku on the “FLASIM” podcast. First, Shllaku shared his difficult childhood. He said he was born in Elbasan during his family’s internment under the communist regime. Next, he explained his education in music. He studied in Elbasan and later left Albania after high …

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Albanian top flight: Elbasani secures place in championship ‘Final 4’

TIRANA, April 20 – Kategoria Superiore, Albania’s top-tier football league, continued its 32nd round on Sunday with decisive results in the race for the championship playoffs. Elbasani clinched a 2-1 away win over Teuta in Durrës. The result secured their mathematical qualification for the league’s “Final 4” phase. Partizani drew …

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Bonaraks Bridge in Berzhita improves access and mobility for local residents

TIRANA, April 20 – In the Berzhitë administrative unit of Tirana municipality, the completion of Bonaraks Bridge over the Erzen River has improved mobility and access for local residents. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the new bridge on social media, describing it as an infrastructure project that directly …

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Metani in US, focus on strengthening integrity in justice system

Inspektori i Lartë i Drejtësisë Artur Metani held an official visit in the United States. First, he visited the Department of Justice through the OPDAT program. He met senior officials from U.S. justice institutions. Next, he held talks with OPDAT Deputy Director George Huber and Regional Director Pragna Soni. He …

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Rama shares images of Kukës Bridge over Drin

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the Kukës Bridge over the Drin River. The bridge is a major urban infrastructure project on the Rruga e Kombit. The structure connects both sides of the lake with the main national road. It replaces the old bridge and improves traffic flow in …

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Hoxha: Diplomacy key to stability and EU integration of Albania

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (17–18 April 2026). He called diplomacy the strongest tool in times of crisis. He said diplomacy promotes dialogue and builds trust. It also advances peace and stability. Hoxha held multiple bilateral meetings with EU partners. He …

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“Porta e Alpeve” project brings €100M investment for mountain tourism

Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the “Porta e Alpeve” project on the “FLASIM” podcast. First, he announced a €100 million investment plan. The project is co-financed with the European Investment Bank. Next, he said the project supports mountain tourism in northern Albania. It aims to strengthen the “Mountain Package” development …

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Albania joins SEETAC, Malaj highlights regional economic cooperation

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj attended the launch meeting of the Southeast Europe Technical Assistance Center (SEETAC) in Washington. The initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacity in Southeast Europe. It also supports the design and implementation of economic and financial policies. Malaj said Albania’s participation in SEETAC strengthens technical cooperation. He …

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Albania, Turkey reaffirm strategic partnership in Begaj–Bayraktaroğlu meeting

President Bajram Begaj met Turkish Chief of General Staff Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu in Tirana on Saturday. They highlighted strong NATO alliance ties. They reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey. They described political, economic, and defense relations as excellent. Begaj praised defense cooperation. He said collaboration remains consolidated and at …

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Rama visits Abu Dhabi, expresses solidarity with UAE

Prime Minister Edi Rama arrived in Abu Dhabi on an official visit. He expressed solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The visit comes during a tense period in the Arab Gulf. Rama said regional partners will emerge stronger after current challenges and tensions. …

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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 …