AI-backed “Smart City” project enters implementation phase, PM Rama says
TIRANA, July 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s “Smart City” project marks a new stage in strengthening public security through artificial intelligence. Speaking at the project’s Command and Control Center, Rama said the system is now entering implementation and will gradually expand across the country. He said artificial …
Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship makes first call at Port of Durrës
TIRANA, July 16 – The Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, arrived at the Port of Durrës for the first time with about 650 passengers on board. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the ship’s arrival on social media. He said company representatives praised …
Albania Closes First EU Chapters, Hard Tests Ahead
The provisional closure of three negotiating chapters represents an important milestone for Albania. Yet the Brussels conference also showed that the country’s further progress will depend on difficult reforms concerning the rule of law, environmental protection and the implementation of European standards. Tirana Times, July 16, 2026 – Albania provisionally …
Government approves procedure for public announcement of underwater cultural discoveries
The Albanian government has approved a new procedure for the public announcement of cultural heritage assets discovered at sea, strengthening the protection and preservation of the country’s underwater cultural heritage. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said Albania’s location along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, together with its …
Ksamil attracts visitors with crystal-clear waters and warm hospitality
TIRANA, July 16 – Ksamil continues to rank among Albania’s most popular summer destinations, attracting visitors from around the world with its crystal-clear waters, small islands and Mediterranean scenery. Many tourists describe the resort as an ideal place to relax. They praise the clear sea, stunning coastal views and peaceful …
Albanian Infrastructure Minister Karakaçi and Irish counterpart discuss energy and aviation cooperation
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Infrastructure and Energy Minister, Enea Karakaçi, met Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O’Brien, to discuss closer bilateral cooperation. Karakaçi said the meeting focused on renewable energy. He highlighted battery development as a key area for future cooperation. He added that Ireland’s …
Agritourism “Nëna Dashuri” in Dibër welcomes visitors from around the world
The agritourism destination “Nëna Dashuri” in Dibër has become a popular attraction for local and international visitors by combining Albanian hospitality, traditional cuisine, and fresh farm products. Prime Minister Edi Rama recently shared images from the guesthouse in Peshkopi, highlighting its journey from a small family business into a successful …
New waste strategy aims to align Albania with European Union standards
TIRANA, July 16 – An inter-institutional working group held its first meeting to review Albania’s National Strategy and Action Plan for Integrated Waste Management, as well as the National Sectoral Waste Plan. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said the revised strategy would align the objectives of the European Union Waste Framework …
Kurti: Kosovo considers using US liquefied natural gas in the future
Kosovo is exploring the possibility of using liquefied natural gas (LNG) from the United States in the future, acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on Wednesday. Kurti made the statement during the foundation ceremony for a 105-megawatt solar park in Rahovec, southwestern Kosovo. He said Kosovo aims to use coal …
Artificial intelligence in filmmaking sparks debate on regulation and innovation
TIRANA, July 16 – The integration of artificial intelligence into the film industry and the need for a legal framework for its use topped the agenda at a roundtable organised by Albania’s National Center of Cinematography during the International AI Film Festival. Film professionals, including director Fatmir Koçi, Professor Shpend …
Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at Washington’s shifting foreign policy priorities in the Balkans, a suspicious drug trawl, surging property prices and more. Original post Here
TIRANA, July 31 – Ardi Veliu, chief executive officer of Albania’s state-owned defense company KAYO, said the delivery of the first 40 NATO-standard tactical vehicles produced in Albania marks an important step for the country’s defense industry. The company Timak Defence produced the vehicles, which include 35 light tactical vehicles …
Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced that Albania will halt construction works and related activities in tourist areas during the summer season. The Council of Ministers approved the measure to improve visitors’ experiences and protect the quality of the tourist season. The decision will prevent construction activities from …
TIRANA, July 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania aims to equip its Armed Forces with military vehicles and capabilities produced in the country by 2028. Rama made the statement during a ceremony where the Armed Forces received the first 40 tactical vehicles produced in Albania by Timak Defence …
TIRANA, July 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing new defence industry capacities. He said the country plans to produce intelligent drones and advanced military equipment. Rama spoke at the ceremony for the delivery of tactical vehicles from “Timak Defence”. He said Albania would soon present more …
TIRANA, July 31 – Deputy chair of the Special Commission for Administrative-Territorial Reform, Arbjan Mazniku, said the proposed territorial division aims to consolidate municipalities and improve public services. He added that the reform will preserve the standards achieved through the current system. Presenting the main elements of the draft reform, …
TIRANA, July 31 – The US Senate approved a procedural resolution that allows a group vote on 74 nominations from the American administration, including Eric Wendt’s candidacy for ambassador to Albania, according to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee website. The resolution passed with 50 votes in favor and 47 against, …
TIRANA, July 31 – Authorities continue inspections along coastal areas to ensure the proper use of public spaces and compliance with beach management standards. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the National Coastline Agency and municipalities are carrying out inspections in Himara to protect public beach areas. Meanwhile, …
TIRANA, July 31 – Online misinformation and digital violence against children were the focus of the latest meeting of the Public Safety Local Council in Elbasan. Local institutions and partners discussed measures under the School Safety Package 2026-2027. They also presented the “Raporto Tani” (Report Now) application, which aims to …
Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania is reshaping its tourism policies to improve service quality and extend the tourist season throughout the year. He explained that the country is following the National Tourism Strategy and introducing new measures to strengthen sustainable tourism development. Furthermore, Gonxhja highlighted cultural tourism as a …