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Trump Nominates New Ambassadors for Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro

U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated several candidates for ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to a number of Western Balkan countries. Michael Young of Utah has been nominated to serve as the United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Serbia. Ronald Johnson of Massachusetts has been nominated as Ambassador to Bosnia …

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Albania Lost 28,500 Residents in 2025 as Average Age Reaches 45

Albania has entered a new phase of its demographic crisis. The latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) show that the country’s population fell to 2.33 million as of January 1, 2026, losing more than 28,000 residents in just one year. Although births continue to outnumber deaths, emigration is …

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Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company Fined €110,000 Over Metering Irregularities

Kosovo’s Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation (MINTI) has imposed a €110,000 fine on the Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company (KEDS) following the discovery of irregularities in electricity meters. According to MINTI, inspections were carried out after consumer complaints received during May. Field verifications revealed that 18 electricity meters had …

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Canada’s Local Partnerships Drive Change Across Albania

Tirana Times, June 01, 2026 – As Albania continues to strengthen democratic governance, promote inclusive growth, and support sustainable community-driven development, Canada is positioning itself as a constructive and pragmatic partner through one of its most distinctive instruments of international engagement: the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. Known as CFLI, the program …

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Minister Blendi Gonxhja to present National Culture Strategy 2026–2030

TIRANA, June 2 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja invited citizens to join a public consultation on the National Culture Strategy 2026–2030. He said the process aims to present the vision for cultural development in the coming years. The strategy will be presented on June 3. Meanwhile, …

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Travelpack promotes Albania with dedicated brochure, places it among Europe’s hottest destinations – Travel Week report

TIRANA, June 2 – Albania attracts growing attention in the international tourism market. Juliet Dennis reports this in “Travel Week”. Meanwhile, British operator Travelpack launches its first dedicated Albania programme. The move responds to rising demand. The company describes the country as one of Europe’s hottest tourism markets. A 32-page …

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Albania-Poland social security deal to protect citizens’ rights, says Manjani

TIRANA, June 3 – Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani said a social security agreement between Albania and Poland will strengthen social protection for citizens who live and work in both countries. Speaking at the Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration, Manjani said the agreement ensures recognition …

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Albanian Radio and Television Spring Festival stage design takes shape, Albi Çifligu: Tradition meets modernity

TIRANA, June 2 – Work continues at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet stage. The Spring Festival on Albanian Radio and Television approaches. Preparations move at a fast pace ahead of the two-night event. Stage designer Albi Çifligu leads the visual concept. He focuses on detailed design elements. He …

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National team starts training ahead of Israel and Luxembourg friendlies

TIRANA, June 2 – Albania’s national football team started preparations at the “House of Football” for friendly matches against Israel and Luxembourg. The full squad took part in the opening training session, while Naser Aliji trained separately after completing a recovery session following 90 minutes for his club. The group …

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30th Edition of “Korça Poetry Nights” Festival Concludes Successfully

The city of Korçë has closed the 30th edition of the International Festival of Poets and Authors “Korça Poetry Nights.” The event brought together poets from Albania, the region, and across Europe. Korçë Mayor Sotiraq Filo described the festival as a celebration of the beauty of words. He said it …

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Albania’s Cocaine Economy Comes Home

Towers, resorts and cocaine money put Albania’s criminal economy in plain sight. A SPAK investigation into alleged drug-money laundering has linked the Zvërnec resort controversy, Tirana’s tower boom and Albania’s strategic investment model, deepening public anger after nearly two weeks of anti-government protests. Tirana Times, June 12, 2026 – A …

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Week in Review: Flamingos, Think Tankers and Returning Radicals

Our selection of Premium stories digs deep into a lively week, as Europe limps towards rebooting the enlargement system, votes in Kosovo are counted and Albanians throw off a reputation for apathy. Original post Here

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State Minister for Local Government: Strong local communities build Europe

TIRANA, June 12 – State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo highlighted the importance of territorial cooperation and strong local government during an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Adriatic-Ionian Euroregion. During his remarks, Demo praised the Euroregion’s role in bringing together countries, institutions and citizens over the past …

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Beach agency monitors public beach access in Lezha

TIRANA, June 12 – The National Coastline Agency continues field inspections along the Lezha coastline. Authorities are focusing on protecting public beach areas and ensuring free access for visitors. Officials are carrying out the inspections under the beach station map. Municipal authorities proposed the map, while the Tourism Season Management …

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Director General of Customs, Beja: Customs cooperation as key mechanism for economic integration

TIRANA, June 12 – Director General of Customs Besmir Beja participated in the Third Conference of Directors General of Customs of the Western Balkans and European Union member states in Athens. The conference focused on “Connecting Markets, Harmonising Standards: Green Lanes as a pillar of enhanced integration in the EU …

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PM Rama denies provocation over Zvërnec investment protest timing

TIRANA, June 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said there is no provocation or confrontation linked to the timing of the Socialist Party anniversary event and a planned protest against the Zvërnec investment. He made the remarks in an interview on “Shqipëria Live” on Top Channel. He also commented on …

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US Lifts Albanian Opposition Leader Berisha’s ‘Persona Non Grata’ Status

State Department says removing Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha’s designation, imposed in 2021 over alleged corruption, serves US ‘national interest’. Original post Here

News
Health Minister Evis Sala discusses Children’s Rights Agenda 2027–2030 with students

TIRANA, June 12 – The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Evis Sala, initiated school-based sessions of the National Council for Child Rights and Protection. The initiative brings students from primary and secondary education directly into policy discussions across several cities. The first out-of-institution meeting took place at the “Petro …

News
Archaeologists uncover colorful mosaics near Early Christian Basilica in Elbasan

TIRANA, June 12 – Archaeologists have uncovered previously unknown mosaics in Elbasan. The discovery came during excavations under the project “The Roman-Byzantine Quarter outside the Walls of Castrum Scampis – The Early Christian Basilica Extra Muros.” The findings reveal an earlier phase of the Early Christian basilica outside the walls …

News
Lëpusha emerges as northern Albania’s tourism gem blending nature and agrotourism

Lëpusha, located in the heart of the Albanian Alps in Malësi e Madhe, is emerging as one of Albania’s most attractive mountain tourism destinations. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos of the area and highlighted its growing tourism potential and agrotourism development. He described Lëpusha as one of the “tourism …

News

Albania’s Cocaine Economy Comes Home

Towers, resorts and cocaine money put Albania’s criminal economy in plain sight. A SPAK investigation into alleged drug-money laundering has linked the Zvërnec resort controversy, Tirana’s tower boom and Albania’s strategic investment model, deepening public anger after nearly two weeks of anti-government protests. Tirana Times, June 12, 2026 – A …

News

Week in Review: Flamingos, Think Tankers and Returning Radicals

Our selection of Premium stories digs deep into a lively week, as Europe limps towards rebooting the enlargement system, votes in Kosovo are counted and Albanians throw off a reputation for apathy. Original post Here

News

State Minister for Local Government: Strong local communities build Europe

TIRANA, June 12 – State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo highlighted the importance of territorial cooperation and strong local government during an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Adriatic-Ionian Euroregion. During his remarks, Demo praised the Euroregion’s role in bringing together countries, institutions and citizens over the past …

News

Beach agency monitors public beach access in Lezha

TIRANA, June 12 – The National Coastline Agency continues field inspections along the Lezha coastline. Authorities are focusing on protecting public beach areas and ensuring free access for visitors. Officials are carrying out the inspections under the beach station map. Municipal authorities proposed the map, while the Tourism Season Management …

News

Director General of Customs, Beja: Customs cooperation as key mechanism for economic integration

TIRANA, June 12 – Director General of Customs Besmir Beja participated in the Third Conference of Directors General of Customs of the Western Balkans and European Union member states in Athens. The conference focused on “Connecting Markets, Harmonising Standards: Green Lanes as a pillar of enhanced integration in the EU …

News

PM Rama denies provocation over Zvërnec investment protest timing

TIRANA, June 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said there is no provocation or confrontation linked to the timing of the Socialist Party anniversary event and a planned protest against the Zvërnec investment. He made the remarks in an interview on “Shqipëria Live” on Top Channel. He also commented on …

News

US Lifts Albanian Opposition Leader Berisha’s ‘Persona Non Grata’ Status

State Department says removing Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha’s designation, imposed in 2021 over alleged corruption, serves US ‘national interest’. Original post Here

News

Health Minister Evis Sala discusses Children’s Rights Agenda 2027–2030 with students

TIRANA, June 12 – The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Evis Sala, initiated school-based sessions of the National Council for Child Rights and Protection. The initiative brings students from primary and secondary education directly into policy discussions across several cities. The first out-of-institution meeting took place at the “Petro …

News

Archaeologists uncover colorful mosaics near Early Christian Basilica in Elbasan

TIRANA, June 12 – Archaeologists have uncovered previously unknown mosaics in Elbasan. The discovery came during excavations under the project “The Roman-Byzantine Quarter outside the Walls of Castrum Scampis – The Early Christian Basilica Extra Muros.” The findings reveal an earlier phase of the Early Christian basilica outside the walls …

News

Lëpusha emerges as northern Albania’s tourism gem blending nature and agrotourism

Lëpusha, located in the heart of the Albanian Alps in Malësi e Madhe, is emerging as one of Albania’s most attractive mountain tourism destinations. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos of the area and highlighted its growing tourism potential and agrotourism development. He described Lëpusha as one of the “tourism …