Debate over the bar exam in Albanian deepens after student protest
Reactions following the protest of Albanian students over taking the bar exam in the Albanian language have sparked political and legal debate in North Macedonia. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated that the government is working to find a solution, calling for students not to be used as a political tool. …
Minister Hoxha in Durrës: Youth, the main pillar of Albania’s path toward the EU
The Minister for Integration, Hoxha, held a meeting with students and pupils in the city of Durrës, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in Albania’s European integration process. As part of the “EU and You: Europe Starts Here” tour, Minister Hoxha, together with his colleague Adea Pirdeni, met with students …
State Health Inspectorate scrutinizes dental clinics and laboratories
The State Health Inspectorate has carried out inspections of dental clinics and laboratories across the country. A lack of hygiene and sanitary conditions, as well as failure to renew licenses, has led to penalties for dozens of clinics. More than 1,200 dental clinics and laboratories nationwide were inspected by the …
Minister of State for Public Administration announces unified public jobs portal and administrative reforms
TIRANA, April 7 – Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni presented new measures to reform and modernize Albania’s public administration during an event on public sector employment. She announced the launch of a unified recruitment portal for public administration jobs. The National Agency for Employment and …
PM Rama says EU accession talks advancing at “unique speed”
TIRANA, April 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said negotiations with the European Union are advancing at a “unique speed,” with strong support from the European Commission. Speaking at an event on public sector job vacancies, Rama highlighted progress in the accession process and the role of public administration. He …
Rama introduces public sector employment portal: A new window for young people
Prime Minister Edi Rama took part this Tuesday in an event where available job positions in the public sector were presented through the portal puna.gov.al. According to Rama, every young person, recent graduate, or professional seeking a new opportunity now has an easier way to get informed and apply for …
“It is being said that negotiations have been blocked, halted,” Rama: Completely untrue, we are on schedule
At the event held for the presentation of job vacancies in the public sector, Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about the importance of public administration as well as the negotiations for accession to the European Union. The Prime Minister pointed out that public administration has contributed to Albania’s development in …
Berisha calls on citizens to join April 17 protest and demands halving of fuel taxes
The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, accused the government of negligence and lack of sensitivity toward pensioners and vulnerable groups, while calling on citizens to mobilize for the April 17 protest in Tirana. He stated that this date should mark “the most powerful peaceful uprising” to respond to …
Training with Albanian border police, U.S. Embassy: Enhancing expertise for national security
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana shared images on “X” from a recent training conducted between the Albanian border police and a U.S. overseas investigative unit. The embassy emphasized that the specialized training focused on practical techniques for detecting fraudulent documents and strengthening risk assessment skills. Further in the statement, the …
The 5Ps of Service Excellence: A Practical Roadmap for Albanian and Western Balkan Service Providers
By Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, April 07, 2026 – In my earlier article for Tirana Times, I described Albania as a country that moves from being visited to being remembered. Having since deepened my engagement with the Albanian health tourism and hospitality ecosystem, and having had the privilege 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 …