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 …
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 …
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 …
Suspected Burial Sites of Communist-Era ‘Disappeared’ Found in Albania
The International Commission on Missing Persons has gathered evidence of a series of sites believed to have been used by Albania’s Communist regime to bury the bodies of political opponents, and is calling on the authorities to launch excavations. Original post Here
Justice Minister Gogu meets chief of the Special Anti-Corruption Structure to strengthen law and rule of law
TIRANA, April 3 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu met with the chief of the Special Anti-Corruption Structure, Klodjan Braho, to discuss the functioning of Albania’s justice system. The talks focused on inter-institutional cooperation in key areas. Gogu highlighted improving the legal framework, strengthening institutional capacities, providing infrastructure support, and increasing …
Customs point in Saranda improves efficiency and service
TIRANA, April 3 – The customs point in Saranda is set to become more efficient and functional. The director general of customs, Besmir Beja, highlighted the importance of strengthening operations at the site. Staff were urged to maintain high standards, follow procedures, and cooperate closely across structures. The goal is …
Lower Selca Illyrian tombs attract tourists and researchers
TIRANA, April 3 – The Royal Illyrian Tombs of Lower Selca attract scholars and tourists each year. They are located in the Mokra region, between Pogradec and Korça in southeastern Albania. The site is one of the Balkans’ most significant archaeological complexes. It was discovered accidentally during the communist era. …
Interior minister Lamallari says US embassy advisory standard, police boost security measures
TIRANA, April 3 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari confirmed that Albanian police have increased security measures at critical sites for some time. He spoke during a press briefing addressing the US embassy’s recent security advisory. Lamallari said the embassy notice is standard and mirrors similar alerts in other countries, including …
Photo Archive: Foreign Tourists During the Communist Era
Before the 1990s, Albania did not treat tourism as a strong economic sector. The government mainly used it as propaganda to show foreign visitors the achievements of the communist state. During the regime, few foreigners entered Albania. The government strictly controlled visits after World War II. Officials monitored not only …
Rector of Elbasan University elected president of Balkan Universities Alliance for 2028
TIRANA, April 3 – Elbasan University “Aleksandër Xhuvani” has achieved a major international milestone. Its rector, Professor Elvira Fetahu, has been elected president of the Balkan Universities Alliance for 2028. The university described the election as a significant achievement. It highlights the institution’s growing role in strengthening academic cooperation across …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania is stepping up work on its European Union integration process, with more than 20 draft laws already prepared for Chapters 16 and 29. Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj said the first half of 2026 brought heavy workloads and strategic tasks, but EU integration remained a …
Albania faces another potentially costly international dispute after losing several arbitration cases in recent years that have exposed the state to hundreds of millions of euros in compensation and related liabilities. Tirana Times, August 10, 2026 – Albania is no stranger to costly international arbitration. Over the past decade, the …
TIRANA, August 10 – High passenger and vehicle flows continue at Albania’s ports and border crossing points (BCP-s) during the peak tourist season. Thousands of people and vehicles have entered and left the country in recent hours. At the Port of Vlora, around 2,700 passengers are expected today on 3 …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.4% in July 2026, from 2.5% in July 2025. Consumer prices also increased by 0.2% from June. According to INSTAT data, food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation at 1.18 percentage points. The group covering housing, …
TIRANA, August 10 – Tradition, history and local cuisine came together at the 7th edition of “Mokra n’Fest”, held near the stone bridge in Golikë, Pogradec. The festival brought together local residents, visitors and emigrants who returned to their hometowns. An artisan fair and traditional food highlighted local products, including …
TIRANA, August 10 – Durrës Port recorded high passenger traffic during the first 10 days of August, as the summer travel season reached its peak. According to the Durrës Port Authority, 75,962 passengers travelled through the port between August 1 and 10. Most of the traffic involved arrivals, with 51,259 …
TIRANA, August 10 – Durrës remains a popular choice for foreign tourists spending their summer holidays in Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video today featuring visitors from Germany, the Netherlands, England, the Czech Republic, Italy and other countries. Rama said the city’s sea, history, culture and Albanian hospitality …
TIRANA, August 10 – Problem loans in Albania’s banking system fell again in June. They accounted for 3.7% of total lending, down from 3.77% in May. According to Bank of Albania statistics, this marks the lowest level since 2007. The ratio also fell by 0.31 percentage points from June 2025. …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania faces a high wildfire risk this afternoon and tomorrow, with temperatures reaching 40°C. The Institute of Geosciences (IGJEO) has placed 5 counties under a high-risk warning for forest fires. The warning covers Lezha, Durrës, Tirana, Elbasan and Fier. IGJEO expects a moderate risk in Shkodër, …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s civil aviation sector is recording new highs in 2026 as summer tourism drives passenger and flight traffic. Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi visited the public company Albcontrol today, to review measures for managing the increased air traffic. Albcontrol Director Dritan Isaku said the organisation …