New farm support scheme takes effect in Albania, expanding beneficiaries and subsidies
TIRANA, April 8 – Albania has put its 2026 agricultural support scheme into force. Authorities will publish detailed guidelines soon. These will set criteria and open applications for farmers. The programme is backed by a €52m fund. It introduces key changes to widen access and increase support in priority sectors. …
35 million euros allocated to modernize electricity network and substations in Shëngjin, Shkodër and Fushë-Kruja
TIRANA, April 8 – Albania secured a 35 million euro soft loan to upgrade its electricity network in the north. The Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration approved the funding agreement today with Cassa Depositi e Prestiti S.p.A. Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Edona Bilali, said the …
“Albania United and Indivisible”: Tirana hosts IV Diaspora Summit from 13–16 April
TIRANA, April 8 – Tirana will host the IV Diaspora Summit from 14 to 16 April. The event gathers Albanians from around the world who live and work abroad while keeping strong ties to their roots. The summit opens on Monday evening, 13 April, at 18:00 with a welcome ceremony …
Transparency Board cuts diesel price by 4 Lek per litre, gasoline unchanged
TIRANA, April 8 – The Transparency Board set new fuel prices today following fluctuations on the Mediterranean Platts market. Retail diesel standard SSH EN 590 dropped by 4 Lek per litre, from 224 Lek to 220 Lek. Wholesale diesel will not exceed 208 Lek per litre. Gasoline prices remain unchanged. …
Albania’s Ombudsman in Skopje: Guaranteeing the Albanian language is a constitutional right
TIRANA, April 8 – The ombudsman of the Republic of Albania, Endrit Shabani, met in Skopje with his counterpart from North Macedonia, Faton Selami. Kosovo ombudsman Naim Qelaj also attended. They discussed Albanian student protests and the guarantee of using Albanian in higher education. Shabani, also president of the Mediterranean …
Transparency Board Announces New Fuel Prices, Diesel Price Decreases
The Transparency Board announced on Wednesday a reduction in the price of diesel and its by-products. According to the decision, the retail price of gasoil (diesel) under the SSH EN 590 standard will be no more than 220 lek per liter, while the wholesale price will be no more than …
Strengthened Alliance Between the State Police and Europol to Crack Down on High-Risk Criminal Groups
The newly appointed Director General of the State Police, Skënder Hita, held his first meeting with international partners, specifically a delegation from the European Serious and Organised Crime Centre (ESOCC) at Europol. According to a press release, the delegation was led by Andy Kraag, Head of the Centre for Combating …
US–Iran Ceasefire: Albania’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Reacts
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania has expressed its position regarding the recent agreement on a two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran, describing it as a positive step toward reducing tensions. In an official statement, Albanian diplomacy emphasized that it has consistently supported efforts aimed …
PM Kurti Unveils 2030 Plans: New Judo Hall to Host Combat Sports at the Mediterranean Games
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, has emphasized the importance of investing in sports infrastructure, directly linking the development of judo with preparations for the Mediterranean Games 2030, which will be held in Kosovo. In a statement made during the launch of works for the expansion of the National …
Tourists from around the world flock to Kruja, historic town praised for hospitality and culture
TIRANA, April 8 – Kruja, a town known for its history, scenic landscapes, and welcoming residents, attracts tourists year-round. Visitors explore its winding streets, artisan shops, and traditional cuisine, creating experiences that keep them returning. The town’s centerpiece, Skanderbeg Castle, sits amid modern neighborhoods and well-maintained streets. This mix of …
TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …
TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …