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Wizz Air opens direct Palermo-Tirana route starting in October

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania will gain a new direct air connection with Italy after Wizz Air announced a year-round route between Tirana and Palermo, according to Italian media outlet Italpress. The airline will launch the first flight on October 27. The route will operate 3 times a week, every …

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Albania Achieves 80% Implementation of the EU Growth Plan

Albania has implemented around 80% of the reforms required under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, placing the country among the region’s top performers. The European Commission expects Albania to reach this milestone and ranks it alongside Montenegro as one of the best-performing countries in the Western Balkans. …

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Begaj in Kyiv: Albania reaffirms unwavering support for Ukraine

President Bajram Begaj attended the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Kyiv and the ceremonies marking Ukraine’s Statehood Day, reaffirming Albania’s strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, recovery, and European integration. “Albania has been clear and unwavering in its support for Ukraine. We stand with your independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity …

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Nufi: Defense industry to become a new pillar of economic growth and national security

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi and Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu inspected the construction site of “Guna Tactical”, a major investment in Albania’s defense industry. The officials reviewed the project’s progress and highlighted its strategic role in creating a modern defense sector that will support economic growth, generate jobs, and strengthen …

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Karakaçi presents Albania’s Voluntary National Review on the 2030 Agenda at the UN

Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi presented Albania’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations during the second day of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The report highlights Albania’s progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Karakaçi said Albania presented concrete results, …

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Albanian Ambassadors’ Council condemns Serbian minister’s statement, calls for action at EU and NATO levels

The Albanian Ambassadors’ Council has strongly condemned recent statements by Serbian Government Minister Snezhana Paunović, warning that such rhetoric threatens regional stability and contradicts European values. In a statement, the council said the remarks revive concepts linked to the ethnic cleansing of Albanians and raise concerns about Serbia’s continued distancing …

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Gogu meets justice institutions’ leaders, highlights sustainability of justice reform as key challenge

Justice Minister Toni Gogu gathered the heads of justice institutions to review the progress of Albania’s justice reform and discuss the challenges ahead in the country’s European integration process. Gogu said the next 12 months will be crucial for Albania’s EU accession path. He stressed that the main challenge is …

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French Ambassador Suard: France and Albania share a common ambition for a reunited Europe

French Ambassador to Albania Catherine Suard highlighted the strong ties between France and Albania during a reception in Tirana marking France’s National Day. The event brought together senior Albanian officials, diplomats, media representatives, and civil society members. Suard reaffirmed France’s support for Albania’s EU integration. She said France believes Albania …

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Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony closes the artistic season

The RTSH Symphony Orchestra closed its artistic season with a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The festive concert featured soloists Eva Golemi, Vikena Kamenica, Amadi Lagha, and Artur Vera. Dritan Lumshi conducted the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet Choir. …

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Penal amnesty: Prison Authority says 553 inmates released, 863 receive sentence reductions

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”b00ac4c8-f68a-4447-b0ff-3cba8e686a39″ data-turn-id-container=”b00ac4c8-f68a-4447-b0ff-3cba8e686a39″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s General Directorate of Prisons has announced the completion of the implementation of the penal amnesty, confirming that 553 convicted individuals were granted immediate release, while 863 inmates benefited from sentence reductions. *]: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:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-6″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-6″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-turn=”assistant”> …

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Ura e Vashës: A Hidden Gem of Albania’s Cultural Heritage

Ura e Vashës stands as a valuable symbol of Albania’s history and traditional architecture. The stone bridge lies between the villages of Klos and Guri i Bardhë, where it connects the two sides of the Mat River. Built around 300 years ago, the bridge once served as the main connection …

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Vlora Bay naval base facility to produce vessels up to 82 meters

TIRANA, July 30 – The government approved a project act to close the old shipyard at the Vlora Bay naval base and make the facility available to Fincantieri. The Italian company will use the site through a joint venture with KAYO. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said the decision opens the …

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Tirana Welcomes Growing Number of Tourists at the End of July

Thousands of tourists are exploring Tirana this July, filling the city’s main squares, streets and landmarks with energy and activity. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of visitors walking along “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, where they captured photos of key attractions and discovered more about Albanian culture. Tourists continue to …

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Rare 1655 Map at National Library Traces the Journey of Ulysses

The National Library of Albania preserves a rare 1655 map of the Mediterranean that reflects how 17th-century scholars connected ancient myths with real geography. The map shows the coasts of Europe and Asia Minor and highlights locations such as Troy and Ithaca, known in the map as “Val Compare”. These …

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Air Albania pitch to reopen in September

TIRANA, July 30 – Renovation work on the pitch at Air Albania Stadium is nearing completion, while the Albanian Football Association continues the project according to schedule. The association rebuilt the entire foundation of the pitch to meet modern technical and performance standards. It also completed the installation of a …

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INSTAT: Air passenger traffic rises 26.4% in second quarter

TIRANA, July 30 – More than 3.8 million passengers traveled by air in Albania during the second quarter of 2026, marking a 26.4% increase from the same period last year, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). INSTAT reported that 33 foreign airlines operated in Albania between April and June, …

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Defense minister: United States defense deal is transparent, national security must stay above politics

TIRANA, July 30 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi defended Albania’s defense financing agreement with the United States on Wednesday. He rejected opposition claims that the government approved the deal in violation of the Constitution. Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Nufi described the Democratic Party’s criticism as unacceptable. He said national …

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Italian travel website Turisti per Caso: Tirana offers memorable two-day city break

TIRANA, July 30 – Italian travel website Turisti per Caso highlights Tirana as an ideal destination for a two-day getaway. The article follows an Italian traveler who explores the Albanian capital and nearby attractions while praising the country’s affordability, hospitality and rich cultural heritage. The traveler visits Bunk’Art 1 and …

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No agreement yet on consulates, Albanian foreign minister says

TIRANA, July 30 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania and Serbia have not yet reached an agreement on opening new consulates, responding to recent remarks by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric. Hoxha said Albania has requested to open a Consulate General in the Presheva Valley. Meanwhile, Serbia has requested …

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First Mountain Package permit approved, Prime Minister says

TIRANA, July 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said authorities approved the first permit under the Mountain Package during a meeting of the National Territorial Council. Rama announced on social media that the permit belongs to the Hasani family from Theth. He said the family decided to invest its savings …

News

Ura e Vashës: A Hidden Gem of Albania’s Cultural Heritage

Ura e Vashës stands as a valuable symbol of Albania’s history and traditional architecture. The stone bridge lies between the villages of Klos and Guri i Bardhë, where it connects the two sides of the Mat River. Built around 300 years ago, the bridge once served as the main connection …

News

Vlora Bay naval base facility to produce vessels up to 82 meters

TIRANA, July 30 – The government approved a project act to close the old shipyard at the Vlora Bay naval base and make the facility available to Fincantieri. The Italian company will use the site through a joint venture with KAYO. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said the decision opens the …

News

Tirana Welcomes Growing Number of Tourists at the End of July

Thousands of tourists are exploring Tirana this July, filling the city’s main squares, streets and landmarks with energy and activity. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of visitors walking along “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, where they captured photos of key attractions and discovered more about Albanian culture. Tourists continue to …

News

Rare 1655 Map at National Library Traces the Journey of Ulysses

The National Library of Albania preserves a rare 1655 map of the Mediterranean that reflects how 17th-century scholars connected ancient myths with real geography. The map shows the coasts of Europe and Asia Minor and highlights locations such as Troy and Ithaca, known in the map as “Val Compare”. These …

News

Air Albania pitch to reopen in September

TIRANA, July 30 – Renovation work on the pitch at Air Albania Stadium is nearing completion, while the Albanian Football Association continues the project according to schedule. The association rebuilt the entire foundation of the pitch to meet modern technical and performance standards. It also completed the installation of a …

News

INSTAT: Air passenger traffic rises 26.4% in second quarter

TIRANA, July 30 – More than 3.8 million passengers traveled by air in Albania during the second quarter of 2026, marking a 26.4% increase from the same period last year, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). INSTAT reported that 33 foreign airlines operated in Albania between April and June, …

News

Defense minister: United States defense deal is transparent, national security must stay above politics

TIRANA, July 30 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi defended Albania’s defense financing agreement with the United States on Wednesday. He rejected opposition claims that the government approved the deal in violation of the Constitution. Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Nufi described the Democratic Party’s criticism as unacceptable. He said national …

News

Italian travel website Turisti per Caso: Tirana offers memorable two-day city break

TIRANA, July 30 – Italian travel website Turisti per Caso highlights Tirana as an ideal destination for a two-day getaway. The article follows an Italian traveler who explores the Albanian capital and nearby attractions while praising the country’s affordability, hospitality and rich cultural heritage. The traveler visits Bunk’Art 1 and …

News

No agreement yet on consulates, Albanian foreign minister says

TIRANA, July 30 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania and Serbia have not yet reached an agreement on opening new consulates, responding to recent remarks by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric. Hoxha said Albania has requested to open a Consulate General in the Presheva Valley. Meanwhile, Serbia has requested …

News

First Mountain Package permit approved, Prime Minister says

TIRANA, July 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said authorities approved the first permit under the Mountain Package during a meeting of the National Territorial Council. Rama announced on social media that the permit belongs to the Hasani family from Theth. He said the family decided to invest its savings …