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PM Rama: Albania has entered a new phase of development

TIRANA, July 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has entered a new phase of development, where improved standards have increased citizens’ expectations for better services and greater dignity in daily life. During the presentation of the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” programme, Rama said society’s new demands should not be …

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Birth Tourism on Tourist Visas: U.S. Embassy Warns Albanians They May Be Denied Future Visa Renewals

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has issued a warning to Albanian citizens who travel to the United States on tourist visas to give birth and use the Medicaid program to cover their medical expenses. In a post shared on Instagram, the Embassy stated that this practice could affect their eligibility …

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‘Urban Renaissance 2.0’: Rama Unveils €1.5 Billion Program, Electric Buses Planned for All Municipalities

Prime Minister Edi Rama on Friday unveiled the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” program, which foresees €1.5 billion in investments aimed at transforming Albania’s urban infrastructure and public services. One of the program’s main pillars is the modernization of public transport. Rama announced that a joint company will be established between the …

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Defense Minister Nufi Reveals Who Will Set the Date for the NATO Summit in Tirana

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi, in an interview with Euronews Albania’s Thimi Samarxhiu, spoke about Tirana’s selection as the host city for a future NATO Summit. He said the summit is expected to take place in 2027 or early 2028, stressing that the final date will be decided by NATO heads …

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Ombudsman on Protests: My Duty Is to Identify Cases Where Citizens’ Rights Are Violated

Albania’s Ombudsman, Endri Shabani, was in Vlora on Friday to present the Ombudsman’s 2025 Annual Report. Speaking to the media, Shabani said the purpose of the institution’s visit was to hear citizens’ complaints and concerns firsthand. According to Shabani, the majority of complaints in Vlora relate to property issues and …

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Rama: Urban Renaissance Has Fulfilled Its Mission, Now It’s Time for the Next Phase

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s Urban Renaissance program has fulfilled its original mission, announcing a new stage of urban development during the presentation of the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” initiative. Rama described the new program as the beginning of a fresh phase of national development, arguing that the original Urban …

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Diana Gellçi’s Question to Reinier de Graaf: What Would You Say Today?

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Diana Gellçi’s Question to Reinier de Graaf: What Would You Say Today? appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here

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‘Cancel It!’: State Cash for Kanye West Show Sparks Outrage in Albania

The government’s use of 4.2 million euros from its emergency reserve to finance the controversial rapper’s concert – after earlier pledging to spend nothing – has angered its critics. Original post Here

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Kumbaro: Bënja Thermal Baths attract growing numbers of tourists as infrastructure upgrades continue

The Bënja Thermal Baths near Përmet continue to attract large numbers of domestic and international visitors seeking relaxation in the area’s thermal waters, unspoiled nature and the scenic Langarica Canyon. Minister Mirela Kumbaro said authorities are continuing to improve infrastructure and services alongside the growing number of tourists. She said …

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Traffic restrictions announced in Tirana ahead of Kanye West concert

TIRANA July 10 – Tirana Police has announced temporary traffic restrictions on several roads ahead of the “YE” music event featuring artist Kanye West, scheduled for July 11 in Kashar. The restrictions will start at 07:00 and remain in force until midnight on the secondary section of the Durrës–Tirana highway, …

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Albanian Protesters Clash With Police at Rally Outside Parliament

Confrontation erupts as MPs gather for the final parliamentary session before the summer holidays, as daily anti-government demonstrations continue. Original post Here

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Albania presents draft law on digital services aligned with European Union standards

TIRANA, July 23 – Albania has presented a draft law on digital services that aims to establish a modern legal framework for regulating digital platforms, improving online safety and strengthening the protection of users and consumers. Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi presented the draft during a public consultation. He …

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Albania registers over 11,500 new businesses in first half of 2026

TIRANA, July 23 – Albania registered 11,567 new businesses during the first 6 months of 2026, marking a 7.5% increase from the same period in 2025, according to the National Business Center. The institution said registrations increased by 806 entities year-on-year. Sole proprietorships accounted for 8,757 registrations, or 75.7% of …

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Educational Activity for Youth at Kub France Shkodër Explores Cinema and Image

The “Marubi” National Museum of Photography is organizing “Kinoscope,” an interactive educational activity in virtual reality (VR) that invites participants to explore the connection between photography, motion, and visual perception. Through this immersive experience, participants will discover how static images create the illusion of movement, revealing the core principles behind …

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Pope Clement XI and his Arbëresh origins

TIRANA, July 23 – Gjon Françesk Albani, known as Pope Clement XI, was born on July 23, 1649, in Urbino, Italy. Clement XI became an important figure of the Catholic Church in the early 18th century. He came from the Albani family, a noble family with Arbëresh origins from Arbëria. …

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Deputy PM Koçiu promotes business financing program during visit to Durrës startup

TIRANA, July 23 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu presented the government’s “Double Your Entrepreneurship” program during a visit to a startup in Durrës. The program aims to improve access to financing for micro, small and medium-sized businesses. It offers loans of up to 200 million lekë per beneficiary, with …

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100,000 Visitors to Shkodra Castle

Rozafa Castle has officially surpassed 100,000 visitors this year, confirming its position as one of Albania’s most visited cultural heritage sites and the top tourist attraction in the city of Shkodra. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Shkodra announced the milestone today. Consequently, these high visitor numbers demonstrate the …

News
Albania joins international cybersecurity workforce coalition

TIRANA, July 23 – Albania has joined the International Coalition on Cyber Security Workforces (ICCSW), becoming the first country from the region to enter the international initiative focused on developing cybersecurity professionals. The National Authority for Cyber Security said the coalition brings together governments and organizations that work to build …

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Albania approves national fisheries and aquaculture data programme

TIRANA, July 23 – Albania’s Council of Ministers has approved a multiannual national programme for collecting, managing and using data in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The decision also covers the content of multiannual marine scientific sampling programmes. The programme sets rules for collecting, managing and using biological, environmental, technical …

News
Medieval Koman settlement preserves Albania’s cultural heritage

TIRANA, July 23 – The Medieval Settlement of Koman remains one of Albania’s most important cultural heritage sites. It lies in the Drin Valley at the foot of Mount Dalmaca. Albania declared the site a Cultural Monument in 1963. It also received Archaeological Zone A and B status in 2015. …

News

Albanian Protesters Clash With Police at Rally Outside Parliament

Confrontation erupts as MPs gather for the final parliamentary session before the summer holidays, as daily anti-government demonstrations continue. Original post Here

News

Albania presents draft law on digital services aligned with European Union standards

TIRANA, July 23 – Albania has presented a draft law on digital services that aims to establish a modern legal framework for regulating digital platforms, improving online safety and strengthening the protection of users and consumers. Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi presented the draft during a public consultation. He …

News

Albania registers over 11,500 new businesses in first half of 2026

TIRANA, July 23 – Albania registered 11,567 new businesses during the first 6 months of 2026, marking a 7.5% increase from the same period in 2025, according to the National Business Center. The institution said registrations increased by 806 entities year-on-year. Sole proprietorships accounted for 8,757 registrations, or 75.7% of …

News

Educational Activity for Youth at Kub France Shkodër Explores Cinema and Image

The “Marubi” National Museum of Photography is organizing “Kinoscope,” an interactive educational activity in virtual reality (VR) that invites participants to explore the connection between photography, motion, and visual perception. Through this immersive experience, participants will discover how static images create the illusion of movement, revealing the core principles behind …

News

Pope Clement XI and his Arbëresh origins

TIRANA, July 23 – Gjon Françesk Albani, known as Pope Clement XI, was born on July 23, 1649, in Urbino, Italy. Clement XI became an important figure of the Catholic Church in the early 18th century. He came from the Albani family, a noble family with Arbëresh origins from Arbëria. …

News

Deputy PM Koçiu promotes business financing program during visit to Durrës startup

TIRANA, July 23 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu presented the government’s “Double Your Entrepreneurship” program during a visit to a startup in Durrës. The program aims to improve access to financing for micro, small and medium-sized businesses. It offers loans of up to 200 million lekë per beneficiary, with …

News

100,000 Visitors to Shkodra Castle

Rozafa Castle has officially surpassed 100,000 visitors this year, confirming its position as one of Albania’s most visited cultural heritage sites and the top tourist attraction in the city of Shkodra. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Shkodra announced the milestone today. Consequently, these high visitor numbers demonstrate the …

News

Albania joins international cybersecurity workforce coalition

TIRANA, July 23 – Albania has joined the International Coalition on Cyber Security Workforces (ICCSW), becoming the first country from the region to enter the international initiative focused on developing cybersecurity professionals. The National Authority for Cyber Security said the coalition brings together governments and organizations that work to build …

News

Albania approves national fisheries and aquaculture data programme

TIRANA, July 23 – Albania’s Council of Ministers has approved a multiannual national programme for collecting, managing and using data in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The decision also covers the content of multiannual marine scientific sampling programmes. The programme sets rules for collecting, managing and using biological, environmental, technical …

News

Medieval Koman settlement preserves Albania’s cultural heritage

TIRANA, July 23 – The Medieval Settlement of Koman remains one of Albania’s most important cultural heritage sites. It lies in the Drin Valley at the foot of Mount Dalmaca. Albania declared the site a Cultural Monument in 1963. It also received Archaeological Zone A and B status in 2015. …