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Albanian Sounds Featured in the Soundtrack of Christopher Nolan’s Epic Film “The Odyssey”

Albania has become part of the soundtrack of one of the year’s most anticipated films, “The Odyssey” by director Christopher Nolan. The film, which premiered worldwide this week, is Nolan’s latest adaptation of Homer’s epic poem. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus and featuring a major Hollywood cast, the production was …

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Butrint Community Grants Offer Up to $20,000 in Support

The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), in cooperation with the Butrint Management Foundation (BMF), has launched the first call for applications under the Butrint Community Grant Scheme. The initiative supports individuals, local businesses and nonprofit organizations with projects focused on economic, cultural, social and tourism development in the Butrint National Park …

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Albania Highlights EU Progress, International Engagement and New Development Initiatives

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album highlighting the week’s key events. First, he attended the Coalition of the Willing Summit on Ukraine in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. He also joined France’s National Day ceremony and reaffirmed Albania’s strong partnership with its Euro-Atlantic allies. …

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The United States Helped Build SPAK. Now SPAK Must Do Its Job

Tirana Times, July 18, 2026 – For years, the U.S. and the EU invested significant political capital, funding, and diplomatic pressure into helping Albania build one of the most ambitious anti-corruption institutions in the Balkans: the Special Anti-Corruption Structure, known as SPAK. SPAK was created to do what previous institutions …

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European Commission: Albania Advances Judicial Reform, but Challenges Remain

The European Commission says Albania continued to implement judicial reform and the Cross-Sector Justice Strategy throughout 2026. First, Albania completed the vetting process for all judges and prosecutors after authorities finalized the appeals phase. Consequently, the process further strengthened judicial independence, accountability, and integrity across the justice system. In addition, …

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Rama: Tourism and Foreign Investments Bring €8.5 Billion into Albania’s Economy

Prime Minister Edi Rama said tourism and foreign investments currently bring €8.5 billion into Albania’s economy. Speaking at an event promoting the national program “Double Your Business,” Rama highlighted the growth of tourism and its impact on economic development. According to him, tourists now fill the streets of Tirana in …

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Art Park Opens in Kinostudio, Creating a New Cultural Hub in Tirana

A new space dedicated to art, culture, and community has become part of Tirana’s urban landscape. The Art Park in Kinostudio has transformed the former film studio area into a new meeting point for residents, artists, and visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing large numbers …

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Korça ensemble represents Albania at World Cultures Festival in France

TIRANA, July 17 – The Artistic Ensemble “Skanderbeg” from Korça represented Albania at the 59th edition of the International “Festival des Cultures du Monde” in Chambéry, France. The festival brought together folklore and cultural groups from different parts of the world. The Albanian ensemble presented traditional costumes, music and dances, …

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Minister of Economy and Innovation presents support scheme for small and medium businesses

TIRANA, July 17 – Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj presented the sovereign scheme “Double your business”, which aims to help Albanian companies access financing and increase investment, productivity and competitiveness in European markets. Ibrahimaj said the initiative responds to the real needs of businesses and supports the development …

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Small and medium businesses to receive financing of up to ALL 250 million

TIRANA, July 17 – The Albanian government has launched the national program “Double Your Enterprise” to support small and medium-sized businesses through financing opportunities that aim to increase investment, employment and economic development. At the program’s presentation, Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko said the institution had worked for a …

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Rana Hedhun remains one of Albania’s top beach destinations

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-125″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-125″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-2″ data-turn=”assistant”> The Shëngjin coastline and Rana e Hedhun Beach remain top choices for Albanian holidaymakers and international visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage on social media showing hundreds of people enjoying the sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and water sports at Rana …

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Around 100,000 vulnerable children to benefit from Albania’s European Child Guarantee Plan

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-130″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-130″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-132″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-132″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> Around 100,000 children facing social exclusion or complex vulnerabilities will benefit from Albania’s European Child Guarantee Action Plan 2026–2030. The plan covers social protection, healthcare, and education. As a result, it will …

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Filip Shiroka, the poet of exile and a voice of Albania’s National Awakening

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-133″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-133″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-turn=”assistant”> Today marks the 167th birth anniversary of Filip Shiroka, one of Albania’s finest lyric poets and a leading voice of the Albanian National Awakening. Filip Shiroka was born in Shkodër on August 3, 1859. He attended the Franciscan school in his …

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Korça beer festival celebrates its 20th anniversary

The Korça Beer Festival will take place from August 12 to 16, marking the 20th anniversary of one of Albania’s biggest summer events. This year, the festival moves to South Pole in Drenovë for the first time. The new venue offers much more space and will welcome thousands of visitors. …

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Hot and sunny weather continues across Albania

Hot and stable air will keep temperatures high across Albania this Monday. Meanwhile, clear skies will dominate most of the country. A few passing clouds may develop over the mountains from midday through the afternoon. Minimum temperatures will drop to 14°C in mountainous areas. However, maximum temperatures will climb to …

News
Korçë sees strong demand for medicinal herbs

The medicinal herb harvest has begun across the Korçë region. This season, farmers mainly collect cornflowers and mountain tea. Demand remains strong. Moreover, collectors say prices have increased compared with previous years. As a result, farmers expect higher profits. Collector and exporter Gjergji Çibuku said farmers across Pogradec, Korçë, Devoll, …

News
Kosovo discovers another mass grave from the war

Authorities have discovered another mass grave containing the remains of victims of the Kosovo war. The site lies in the village of Jabukë, in Zubin Potok Municipality. Acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla announced the discovery. He noted that authorities found the site just days after uncovering another mass grave in …

News
PM Rama: Municipalities to submit written views on territorial reform

TIRANA, August 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama responded today to objections over the Socialist Party’s proposed administrative and territorial reform. He described recent protests in several municipalities as a normal part of the public consultation process. Rama said the draft remains under a 60-day legal consultation. He stressed that …

News
Foreign minister: Serbian consulate in Shkodër does not threaten sovereignty

TIRANA, August 3 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said the opening of a Serbian consulate in Shkodër does not threaten Albania’s sovereignty. He also said Albania’s plan to open a consular office in Bujanoc serves the country’s national interest. In an interview with Top Channel TV, Hoxha said no country …

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Seabourn Quest Cruise Ship Arrives in Saranda with 467 Tourists

Albania continues to attract growing numbers of visitors through cruise tourism, with the Port of Saranda remaining one of the country’s main gateways for foreign tourists during the summer season. The Port of Saranda welcomed the cruise ship Seabourn Quest today, carrying 467 passengers who chose to explore the Albanian …

News

Rana Hedhun remains one of Albania’s top beach destinations

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-125″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-125″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-2″ data-turn=”assistant”> The Shëngjin coastline and Rana e Hedhun Beach remain top choices for Albanian holidaymakers and international visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage on social media showing hundreds of people enjoying the sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and water sports at Rana …

News

Around 100,000 vulnerable children to benefit from Albania’s European Child Guarantee Plan

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-130″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-130″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-132″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-132″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> Around 100,000 children facing social exclusion or complex vulnerabilities will benefit from Albania’s European Child Guarantee Action Plan 2026–2030. The plan covers social protection, healthcare, and education. As a result, it will …

News

Filip Shiroka, the poet of exile and a voice of Albania’s National Awakening

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-133″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-133″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-turn=”assistant”> Today marks the 167th birth anniversary of Filip Shiroka, one of Albania’s finest lyric poets and a leading voice of the Albanian National Awakening. Filip Shiroka was born in Shkodër on August 3, 1859. He attended the Franciscan school in his …

News

Korça beer festival celebrates its 20th anniversary

The Korça Beer Festival will take place from August 12 to 16, marking the 20th anniversary of one of Albania’s biggest summer events. This year, the festival moves to South Pole in Drenovë for the first time. The new venue offers much more space and will welcome thousands of visitors. …

News

Hot and sunny weather continues across Albania

Hot and stable air will keep temperatures high across Albania this Monday. Meanwhile, clear skies will dominate most of the country. A few passing clouds may develop over the mountains from midday through the afternoon. Minimum temperatures will drop to 14°C in mountainous areas. However, maximum temperatures will climb to …

News

Korçë sees strong demand for medicinal herbs

The medicinal herb harvest has begun across the Korçë region. This season, farmers mainly collect cornflowers and mountain tea. Demand remains strong. Moreover, collectors say prices have increased compared with previous years. As a result, farmers expect higher profits. Collector and exporter Gjergji Çibuku said farmers across Pogradec, Korçë, Devoll, …

News

Kosovo discovers another mass grave from the war

Authorities have discovered another mass grave containing the remains of victims of the Kosovo war. The site lies in the village of Jabukë, in Zubin Potok Municipality. Acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla announced the discovery. He noted that authorities found the site just days after uncovering another mass grave in …

News

PM Rama: Municipalities to submit written views on territorial reform

TIRANA, August 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama responded today to objections over the Socialist Party’s proposed administrative and territorial reform. He described recent protests in several municipalities as a normal part of the public consultation process. Rama said the draft remains under a 60-day legal consultation. He stressed that …

News

Foreign minister: Serbian consulate in Shkodër does not threaten sovereignty

TIRANA, August 3 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said the opening of a Serbian consulate in Shkodër does not threaten Albania’s sovereignty. He also said Albania’s plan to open a consular office in Bujanoc serves the country’s national interest. In an interview with Top Channel TV, Hoxha said no country …

News

Seabourn Quest Cruise Ship Arrives in Saranda with 467 Tourists

Albania continues to attract growing numbers of visitors through cruise tourism, with the Port of Saranda remaining one of the country’s main gateways for foreign tourists during the summer season. The Port of Saranda welcomed the cruise ship Seabourn Quest today, carrying 467 passengers who chose to explore the Albanian …