Art and Culture Week Calendar Highlights Israeli Cultural Week, Painting Colony in Himarë and Nationwide Events
This week, Albania hosts a busy cultural program across multiple cities. First, the Israeli Cultural Week runs from 9–11 June. It promotes cultural dialogue. It also highlights Israeli artistic energy and creativity. Next, the program opens with a concert by Israeli artist Hillel at the National Theatre of Opera and …
UEFA Report: Albania Leads Europe in Interest in Football
Albania leads Europe in interest in football, according to the latest UEFA Grow Market Research report. UEFA conducted the study in partnership with Nielsen Sport. The report shows that 78% of Albanian adults follow football. This figure stands far above the European average of 48%. It also marks a sharp …
PM Rama rejects Iranian claims, says country will never be turned against peoples
TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected on Monday remarks by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, who dismissed allegations of Iranian involvement in hybrid or cyber activities in Albania. Rama said Albanian institutions, public services and digital infrastructure were targeted by cyberattacks that international investigations have linked …
“fanpage.it”: Albania among most affordable Mediterranean destinations, combining sea, history and low costs
TIRANA, June 9 – Albania is emerging as one of the most attractive destinations in the Mediterranean. Valeria Paglionico writes this in an article published by the Italian media outlet “fanpage.it”. She cites beaches, history, hospitality and low prices as key factors. Paglionico highlights a wide travel offer across the …
Weather forecast: Clear conditions with passing clouds, temperatures up to 33°C
TIRANA, June 9 – The Military Meteorological Service said on Tuesday that Albania will be under stable atmospheric conditions. Skies will be mostly clear. Cloud cover will pass during midday hours. In addition, light and occasional rainfall will develop in mountainous areas during the afternoon. These showers will remain weak …
EU Appoints Sofia Moreira de Sousa as New Ambassador to Albania
The European Union has appointed Sofia Moreira de Sousa as its new ambassador to Albania. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced the appointment as part of the EU’s 2026 diplomatic rotation. Currently, Moreira de Sousa leads the European Commission Representation in Portugal. Previously, she …
Lake Shkodra Joins UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves
The UNESCO has officially designated Lake Shkodra as a transboundary Biosphere Reserve. As a result, the lake has joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This recognition highlights the ecological importance of one of the region’s most valuable natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video from the …
Rama: Shkodra Continues to Grow as a Tourist Destination
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said that Shkodra has become a thriving tourist destination that continues to grow year after year. Speaking at the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Shkodra, Rama rejected accusations that government policies have damaged Albanian cities and regions. Instead, he argued …
Task Force Meets on Tourism Season 2026, Focus on Safety and Services
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, chaired a meeting of the interinstitutional task force for the 2026 summer tourism season. The task force coordinated measures to ensure a smooth and safe tourist season across Albania. Officials focused on key priorities such as beach safety, waste management, food …
President Begaj Meets Croatian Parliament Speaker in Tirana, Pushes Forward EU Accession Talks and Chapter Closures
President Bajram Begaj of Bajram Begaj met the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandroković, in Tirana. First, he focused on European integration. He stressed closing negotiation chapters. He pushed for finalizing Albania’s accession process. Next, Begaj praised strong relations with Croatia. He highlighted the strategic partnership. In addition, he …
The Centre for Arbëresh Studies and Publications commemorated linguist and Albanologist Antonino Guzzetta on the 104th anniversary of his birth. Born on October 14, 1922, in Piana degli Albanesi, Sicily, Guzzetta devoted his career to preserving and promoting the Albanian language and Arbëresh culture. Guzzetta graduated from the University of …
Student-led demonstrations turn into violent confrontations, with attacks on state institutions and luxury buildings amid allegations of systemic corruption, police brutality and a deepening political crisis. Tirana Times, October 14, 2026 – Albania’s capital descended into scenes resembling a war zone Wednesday as anti-government protesters attacked state institutions, set fires …
Student-led protests in Albania have escalated into violent clashes with police, drawing international attention and raising fresh questions about government accountability, corruption and the future of young people. The demonstrations began with demands for better university conditions, lower education costs and greater financial support for students. However, they soon expanded …
Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi condemned attacks on Parliament and public institutions during a violent protest in Tirana. He described the acts of vandalism and destruction as unacceptable. In a social media statement, Peleshi stressed that violence serves no cause and harms the public interest and society. He also rejected attempts …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro urged students to reject violence as protests entered their second day. She expressed deep concern over attacks on the Education Ministry and other public institutions. “Physical clashes and property destruction must never replace words, arguments and dialogue,” Kumbaro said. The minister defended students’ right to protest …
The US Embassy in Tirana issued a security alert on Tuesday, warning American citizens that violent protests could spread near government buildings. The embassy said a demonstration on Durrës Street, near Skanderbeg Square, turned violent after protesters threw stones. It warned that unrest could spread to nearby areas and government …
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Albania (KISH) condemned the removal of the Vatican flag during a protest in Tirana on Tuesday, calling the act unacceptable. In a public statement, the conference said protesters had targeted the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Tirana. Several demonstrators removed the Vatican flag …
The German Embassy has shared the position of the European Union Delegation to Albania regarding the ongoing student protests in Tirana. The German Embassy has expressed the same position as the EU Delegation, which voiced concern over escalating tensions between law enforcement officers and young protesters and called on all …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced during a government meeting that a proposal to establish a working group tasked with drafting, coordinating and harmonising a state strategy regarding appeal proceedings at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague had been approved. Kurti stated that the first-instance verdict against the four …
The British Embassy in Tirana has reacted following clashes on the second day of protests outside the Ministry of Education. In a statement published on the Ministry’s official Facebook page, the embassy stressed that the right to protest does not justify the use of violence or damage to public and …