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42 Americans Sworn in as New Peace Corps Volunteers in Albania

Today, 42 Americans took the oath to serve as Peace Corps volunteers in Albania for two years. The U.S. Embassy announced that Nancy VanHorn and Mirela Kumbaro attended the ceremony. VanHorn said the Peace Corps reflects the spirit of ordinary citizens stepping forward to serve. She called it “America at …

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Fuel Price Increase: Kosovo Government Approves Draft Law on Price Caps

The government of Kosovo, led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti, approved on Friday draft laws on price caps and mandatory health insurance, which are to be submitted to the Assembly of Kosovo for approval before becoming law. This marks a renewed effort by Kurti to strengthen these two laws, after …

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War in Iran / Albanian Government Cuts Fuel Excise by 20%

The Albanian government has undertaken a new fiscal measure to mitigate the impact of rising fuel prices in international markets. Through a recently approved normative act, a 20% reduction in excise taxes on diesel and gasoline has been introduced, to be applied under specific conditions. According to the decision, the …

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Rama: We Will Begin Producing Firefighting Vehicles for Municipalities

Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting this Friday with socialist mayors, where he emphasized that a key priority is the strengthening of emergency services. He noted that special focus is being placed on firefighting units, which face difficulties during the peak summer season due to frequent wildfires. Rama announced …

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Rama: Legal Aid Offices in Municipalities to Assist Citizens with Legalizations

Prime Minister Edi Rama, during a meeting with mayors, stated that the next steps related to a project aimed at supporting local government are a primary focus. Rama also underlined that a key element of the work plan is maximum engagement in the legalization process. He said that, in cooperation …

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Kurti: Meetings to Be Held Next Week on the Presidential Issue

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, announced that meetings are expected to take place next week regarding the issue of the presidency. Kurti emphasized that he is in continuous communication with the leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Lumir Abdixhiku, and the head of the Democratic Party …

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Aubrey Herbert, British colonel and friend of Albania and Albanians

TIRANA, April 3 – Aubrey Herbert, a British politician, diplomat, and writer, was born in London on 3 April 1880. He became one of the most notable figures in Anglo-Albanian friendship. His travels across Albanian lands from 1904 to 1917 created a deep spiritual bond with the Albanian people and …

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Interior minister Lamallari says Albania strengthens fight against organised crime and border security

TIRANA, April 3 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari presented key security reforms linked to Albania’s European Union integration process. Speaking at a press conference, he outlined progress under Chapter 24 on justice, freedom, and security. He said authorities have achieved measurable results in several areas. In particular, he highlighted stronger …

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Prosecutors association strengthens cooperation with US justice authorities

TIRANA, April 3 – The head of Albania’s Prosecutors Association, Gezim Spahiu, held a series of meetings in the United States this week. He met North Carolina Supreme Court Chief Justice Paul Newby and US Attorney Robert Higdon Jr. He then continued talks with Jordan Ford, head of financial crimes …

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19 years since Ahtisaari Plan was debated at United Nations

TIRANA. April 3 – Today marks 19 years since the United Nations Security Council debated the Ahtisaari plan. On 3 April 2007, UN special envoy Martti Ahtisaari presented the proposal behind closed doors. The plan aimed to grant Kosova supervised independence. At the time, authorities expected President Fatmir Sejdiu to …

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Albanian Court Puts Turkish Activist in Custody After Extradition Demand

Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here

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“Fustanella” exhibition showcases Albanian cultural identity in Berat

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 …

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Defense minister visits Italian shipyard to support Fincantieri Albania project

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 …

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Power distributor strengthens grid for summer season in Lezha and Shëngjin

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 …

News
Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania

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 …

News
Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July

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%. …

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SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku

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, …

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Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road

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 …

News
New Road Code measures enter into force, stricter penalties for traffic violations

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 …

News
Public consultations begin on new territorial map

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 …

News

Albanian Court Puts Turkish Activist in Custody After Extradition Demand

Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here

News

“Fustanella” exhibition showcases Albanian cultural identity in Berat

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 …

News

Defense minister visits Italian shipyard to support Fincantieri Albania project

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 …

News

Power distributor strengthens grid for summer season in Lezha and Shëngjin

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 …

News

Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania

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 …

News

Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July

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%. …

News

SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku

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, …

News

Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road

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 …

News

New Road Code measures enter into force, stricter penalties for traffic violations

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 …

News

Public consultations begin on new territorial map

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 …