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“Publik Galeri” exhibition turns confiscated space from crime symbol into art center

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu and Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari attended the opening of the “Publik Galeri” exhibition. The initiative aims to transform confiscated spaces into art and community centers. Authorities converted the space from a site linked to illegal profits and criminal activity into a public venue. It now …

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Transport Strategy 2030 focuses on TEN-T integration, €7.9 billion investments

The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy has released the Transport Sector Strategy and Action Plan 2030 for public consultation. The documents set the direction for transport development aligned with national priorities and EU integration. The strategy aims to build a modern, safe, and sustainable transport system. It seeks to improve …

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Begaj meets Diaspora Council in Tirana, highlights national identity preservation

TIRANA, April 17 – President Bajram Begaj met the Coordinating Council of Diaspora in Tirana after the fourth diaspora summit. The meeting took place at the Presidential Institution following the closing of the event. Officials focused on diaspora engagement and cultural identity. Begaj praised the contribution of diaspora members across …

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Friday weather unsettled with alternating sunshine and cloud

TIRANA, April 17 – Albania’s Military Meteorological Service said the country will face unstable weather conditions on Friday. The day will bring alternating sunshine and cloud cover across most regions. Cloudiness will increase mainly around midday. Forecasters expect light, localised rain in southern and southeastern mountain areas. Rain will develop …

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Gonxhja: Legacy of lahuta master Jonuz Delaj remains immortal

Renowned lahuta player from Malësia e Madhe, Jonuz Delaj, passed away. He left a rare legacy in preserving the Epic of the Kreshniks and the Albanian lahuta tradition. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania lost more than a musician. He said the country lost a living era …

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Denar Biba reappointed head of Competition Authority Commission

Parliament reappointed Denar Biba as head of the Competition Authority Commission. It approved the decision with 73 votes in favor and 13 against. Biba has held the post since December 2021. He graduated from the Faculty of Law at the University of Tirana. He completed a master’s degree in Southeast …

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Salla: €146 million in IPARD funds available to farmers this year

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said IPARD funds will be available to farmers within this year. He made the statement in Parliament. He responded to LSI MP Tedi Blushi, who raised concerns about the IPARD funds. Salla said the process is currently under investigation. He assured that Albania …

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Salla: Stronger international cooperation in fisheries management

Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the agreement on implementing the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is an important international instrument. It targets the management of transboundary and highly migratory fish stocks. He spoke in Parliament. He said the agreement promotes conservation and sustainable use of marine resources. …

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Rama ends Italy visit, meets Meloni and Defense Minister Crosetto

Prime Minister Edi Rama visited Italy. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni welcomed him in an official ceremony at Palazzo Chigi. They then held a one-on-one meeting. They discussed bilateral cooperation. They focused on deepening relations. They also addressed regional and European issues of common interest. Rama also met Italian Defense Minister …

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Sejko and Malaj meet new IMF mission chief for Albania, Diego Cerdeiro

Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko and Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met with the new IMF mission chief for Albania, Diego Cerdeiro. The meeting took place during the IMF and World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington. Sejko and Malaj presented an overview of Albania’s latest economic and financial situation. They …

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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 …

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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 …

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 …