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BALA organized a panel with the High Inspector of Justice in Tirana. Diaspora Albanian jurists attended during the Fourth Diaspora Summit. Metani hosted the meeting. Rusi and Çela joined the discussion. The panel focused on justice reform and the role of the diaspora. Muharremi moderated the event. Metani said institutions …

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Peleshi: “EU for Democracy” project strengthens Parliament’s capacity

Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met EU Ambassador Silvio Gonzato, Tatiana Mrazikova from the European Parliament office in Tirana, and IDEA +7 representatives. The meeting took place at the Albanian Parliament. It focused on strengthening cooperation between Albanian institutions and the European Parliament. Peleshi said closer EU cooperation helps speed …

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Painter Skënder Kamberi passes away, Gonxhja: He left a rich legacy

Painter Skënder Kamberi has died at the age of 87. He dedicated his life to art and painting. He was born in Vlorë on February 2, 1939. He graduated from the Artistic Lyceum in 1960. He later studied at the Higher Institute of Arts, graduating in 1965. After his studies, …

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Meloni after meeting Rama: Focus on defence and fight against irregular migration

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented after her meeting with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama in Rome. She said both countries continue to cooperate closely. She stressed that the main priority remains the fight against irregular migration. Meloni said the meeting at Palazzo Chigi reviewed the strengthening of bilateral partnership. …

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Parliament approves 4 bills and agreements

The Albanian Parliament approved all items on the agenda during today’s plenary session. It passed four key agreements and legislative acts. Lawmakers ratified Protocol No. 7 of CEFTA. The protocol covers dispute settlement in trade agreements. It passed with 87 votes in favor. Parliament also approved a financing agreement between …

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Kosova education minister attends Albanian language competition in Tirana, highlights joint education efforts

TIRANA, April 16 – Kosova’s Minister of Education, Science and Technology Hajrulla Çeku attended the final of the National Albanian Language Competition in Tirana. He joined the event at the invitation of Albania’s Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro. Çeku said he chose Tirana for his first official visit as minister …

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Albania agriculture minister says farmer consultations shape support schemes

TIRANA, April 16 – Albania’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla said more than 65,000 farmers benefited from the national support scheme last year. He described the figure as evidence of broad participation across the country. Speaking in parliament, Salla addressed concerns raised by opposition lawmaker Ramadan Lika …

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Albania signs agreement to establish Besa Museum in Tirana

TIRANA, April 16 – Albania’s Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport signed an agreement with the Besa Cultural Foundation to establish the Besa [Faith] Museum in Tirana. The deal was signed during the fourth Diaspora Summit and launches a project focused on historical memory and cultural heritage. The museum will …

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Albanian language competition final held in Tirana, new joint competition with Kosova announced

TIRANA, April 16 – Schools “Edith Durham” in Tirana and “Besëlidhja” in Lezha hosted the final of the fourth National Albanian Language Competition on Thursday. Albania’s Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro attended the event together with Kosova’s Minister of Education Hajrulla Çeku. Kumbaro praised students, teachers and parents for their …

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Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs condemns Russian strikes on Ukraine as violations of international humanitarian law

TIRANA, April 16 – Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha condemned the latest wave of Russian strikes on Ukraine. He said drone and missile attacks hit civilian areas and caused casualties, including children. Hoxha expressed solidarity with victims, the injured, and their families. He said the attacks …

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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 …