OTP Bank Albania inaugurates new Private Banking premises in Tirana
Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – OTP Bank Albania has inaugurated new premises dedicated to the Private Banking segment, unveiling an exclusive space designed for clients seeking personalized service and advanced financial standards. Located in the heart of Tirana, the premises have been designed in line with OTP Group standards, …
Shadow Fleet, Weak Oversight: How Russian Sanctions Evasion Reached Albania’s Ports
Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – Albania’s ports have emerged as a potential weak point in the international effort to enforce sanctions against Russia, following revelations that vessels linked by Ukrainian intelligence to Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” have visited the country since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. …
Unexploded Ordnance Puts Jared Kushner’s Resort in Albania at Risk
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International Museum Day marked, free entry to museums on May 18 and May 21 in Albania
TIRANA, May 18 – The global museum community marks International Museum Day today. In this context, Albania offers free entry to museums on May 18 and May 21 for related cultural events. Meanwhile, the International Council of Museums established the day in 1977. The initiative aims to raise public awareness …
Albania Cycling Tour 2026 starts, temporary road closures in Tirana
TIRANA, May 18 – Albania hosts the 83rd Albania Cycling Tour from today until 22 May. Twenty elite teams from Albania, the Balkans and Europe take part in the race. The first stage starts at 12:00. Cyclists begin in Tirana and finish in Lezha. The State Police announces temporary traffic …
“Egnatia Fest 2026” Opens Tourist Season in Librazhd
Librazhd opened the tourism season with “Egnatia Fest 2026” in the Cherry Park. Around 54 businesses joined the event and promoted the area’s nature, history, traditions, and tourism potential. Minister Andis Salla attended the festival and highlighted the importance of local tourism and private investment for economic growth. Salla said …
Dushaj, the Picturesque Village of Stone Towers Above Fushë-Bulqizë
Dushaj stands above Fushë-Bulqizë with stone towers, green valleys, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes. The village has become a growing destination for visitors seeking nature, history, and authentic Albanian hospitality. At the entrance of the village, the historic Kulla Hupi welcomes tourists preparing for the new tourism season. Workers continue restoration …
OSBE Ambassador: Steps taken to improve journalists’ conditions, further efforts needed on transparency and editorial independence
TIRANA, May 18 – OSCE Ambassador to Tirana, Michele Tarran spoke at a media freedom conference. He said journalism represents a public service, not only a profession or an industry. He pointed to declining trust in institutions, disinformation and manipulation. He also cited reduced media pluralism, information insecurity, hate speech …
Health and Social Welfare Minister at WHO Assembly: Albania strengthened commitment to child protection and well-being
TIRANA, May 18 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala took part in the 79th World Health Assembly session. The discussions opened with a focus on protecting children from online risks. They also addressed the impact of digital violence. At the opening stage of the event, the World Health …
PM Rama on official visit to South Korea
TIRANA, May 18 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is on an official visit to the Republic of Korea from 17–21 May. He is accompanied by his wife Linda Rama and the official delegation. According to the Media and Information Agency, the visit aims to deepen cooperation between the two countries. …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania is preparing new affordable housing policies in response to rising property prices, particularly in major cities. Speaking after a meeting with construction and real estate representatives, she said the reform would extend support beyond vulnerable groups to other people facing difficulties with …
Deputy Interior Minister Xhemal Qefalia said 19 laws were approved from 2021 to 2025 during a hearing before the Committee on Civic Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight. The laws cover the State Police, state border control, information processing, asset recovery, weapons, construction inspection, the Republican Guard, foreigners, asylum, citizenship, the …
RTSH has launched its new season with a new visual identity and a wider range of programmes. The new logo draws inspiration from an earlier TVSH design and retains a link with the visual history of Albania’s public broadcaster. RTSH says the new identity represents movement, broadcasting and continuity. The …
US President Donald Trump has thanked countries that, according to him, have committed to helping stabilize the Gaza Strip, including Albania and Kosovo. In his statement, Trump said several countries had agreed to send troops and police forces and provide training as part of efforts to stabilize the situation in …
US President Donald Trump today thanked Kosovo for its engagement in Gaza. “I also want to thank those who have sent troops to stabilize Gaza, including Kosovo,” the US president said in his speech to the UN General Assembly. On April 17, Kosovo’s Assembly approved a draft law allowing the …
The co-chairs of the EU-Albania Stabilisation and Association Parliamentary Committee, Taulant Balla and Marco Tarquinio, issued a joint statement today. They urged Albanian institutions to implement the recommendations of the European Commission and the European Parliament. They also called for continued momentum as Albania moves towards EU membership. The statement …
Standard & Poor’s Global Ratings has reaffirmed Albania’s long-term sovereign credit rating at “BB” and maintained a “stable” outlook. In its analytical report published on Sept. 21, the agency said Albania’s per capita income has increased significantly in recent years. At the same time, government debt and overall external debt …
The Transparency Board announced on Tuesday the new fuel prices in the country, approved at its meeting on September 22, 2026. According to the decision, the retail price of diesel has been set at no more than 213 lek per litre, while the wholesale price has been set at no …
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has shared photos and details on social media from the 42nd Retraining Session of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA) European Chapter. The training took place from September 19 to 23, bringing together professionals from the United States, Albania, and across Europe. In its statement, …
Greater oversight of private pension funds and more transparency for citizens. This is the aim of the new legal amendments announced for public consultation, which seek to align Albania’s pension fund rules more closely with European Union standards. The Financial Supervisory Authority is at the centre of the changes and …