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Rama: Tourist numbers rise in March from US and EU countries

Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He focused on tourism growth and development. First, he said tourist arrivals increased in March compared to last year. He highlighted strong growth from Europe and the United States. Moreover, he shared detailed statistics. For example, visitors from Italy rose by 11%, while …

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48 years at the loom: Krujë artisan weaves history into every thread

In the heart of the Pazari i Vjetër i Krujës, Dëshira Maja has worked for 48 years. She creates carpets, blankets, and bags with Albanian motifs. First, she continues a family tradition. She learned the craft from her mother. She still follows the same traditional methods today. Moreover, she works …

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Elbasani wins 3–0 against Partizani despite playing with 10 men

Elbasani defeated Partizani Tirana 3–0 in a key Superliga match. First, Elbasani started the game strongly. They stayed competitive in a tight first half. Moreover, the match turned intense in the second half. Elbasani received a red card when Emiljano Musta was sent off. However, Elbasani did not slow down. …

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Women’s World Cup 2027: Albania prepare for Wales qualifier

Albania women’s national football team completed preparations for their qualifier against Wales for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualification. First, the team finished training in good condition. The squad reported strong fitness and no injury problems. Moreover, the players focused fully on the upcoming match. The coaching staff emphasized …

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PM Rama says diaspora voice now part of decision-making, calls EU path a civilisational choice

TIRANA, April 14 – Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed the Fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana and said the diaspora now participates directly in national decision-making. He linked the change to external voting rights and wider political inclusion. At the opening of the address, voting from abroad shifted from demand to …

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Vlora “Museum of Water” project assessed for year-round tourism potential

TIRANA, April 14 – Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja held talks with an international team of architects and local experts on the proposed “Illiri Oceanarium – Museum of Water” project in Vlora. The initiative aims to develop a regional tourism, cultural, and research destination. The meeting brought together …

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Rama: Negotiations for Sazan project, state as co-investor

Edi Rama held a meeting in Vlora with tourism operators. He focused on tourism development and future investments.First, he said Albania is negotiating a major project on Sazan Island. He explained that the state is in talks with investors. Moreover, he clarified the ownership issue. He said Albania has not …

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“Through roots we rise” — Albanian hearts unite at Diaspora Summit

The Diaspora Summit IV opened today in Tirana. It gathers Albanians from around the world. The event promotes cooperation, identity, and development. The summit runs on April 13–15. It uses the slogan “Through roots we rise.” It brings together diaspora representatives, state institutions, business leaders, academics, and civil society. The …

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Bylis and Dinamo City draw 1–1, two red cards in Ballsh

The match between Bylis and Dinamo City ended 1–1 in Ballsh. It was part of week 31 of the Albanian Superliga. First, Bylis took the lead early. In the 9th minute, Aboubacar Camara scored. As a result, the home team went ahead. However, Dinamo City pushed forward. In the 82nd …

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Hoxha: Albanian diaspora is Albania beyond borders

Ferit Hoxha said the Albanian diaspora represents “Albania beyond borders.” He shared the message on social media. He spoke after the opening of the Fourth Diaspora Summit. During the event, President Bajram Begaj honored several prominent diaspora figures. Hoxha praised the diaspora’s role. He highlighted its contribution to promoting Albania …

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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, …

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 …

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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 …