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Forest fires reported in Voskopoja and Llogora

TIRANA, July 24 – Civil Emergency authorities of Korça Municipality reported the reactivation of a fire in the Voskopoja Administrative Unit. The flames have spread through a pine forest area. The fire poses a risk to the natural environment. Meanwhile, authorities reported another fire inside the Llogora forest. They suspect …

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Why Waiting Is Not Neutral: The Costs of Non-Enlargement

Debates about EU enlargement tend to focus on the risks of admitting countries before they are ready. In her recent paper, Marta Szpala broadens the debate by examining what prolonged delay means for both candidate countries and the European Union itself. Tirana Times spoke with Szpala about how prolonged uncertainty …

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Fake Social Media Accounts Target Albania Protest Supporters

Prime Minister Edi Rama has blamed social media algorithms for fuelling the so-called Flamingo Revolution protests, but data obtained by BIRN shows that hundreds of fake accounts have been created to push the government’s own narrative and denigrate the protesters. Original post Here

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Za Fest Celebrates Its 10th Edition in Shkodra

The 10th edition of Za Fest begins today in Shkodra, bringing music, art, and culture to the city under the direction of festival founder and singer-songwriter Vlashent Sata. Organizers launched Za Fest in 2017 to promote Albanian culture through music, art, literature, and other creative forms. The festival first took …

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EU Urges Political Parties to Avoid Pressure on Kosovo Judicial Council

The European Union Office in Kosovo has urged all political parties to avoid pressuring the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) and its members while they make decisions. The EU office said in a social media statement that Kosovo and the European Union rely on an independent, impartial, and apolitical judiciary to …

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Navigation suspended in Vlora and Saranda due to rough sea conditions

TIRANA, July 24 – Port authorities in Vlora and Saranda have suspended navigation for small vessels, tourist boats and fishing vessels due to worsening sea conditions along the Albanian coast. The Port Captaincies said the measure will remain in force until 06:00 on July 25, 2026. The General Maritime Directorate …

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Kumbaro: 5,478 Free Learning Packages Reach Albanian Children in Diaspora

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced that authorities have successfully distributed 5,478 free learning packages to Albanian children in 18 diaspora countries. The packages include textbooks for all three levels of Albanian language and culture education. Kumbaro said the Center for Diaspora Publications and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs …

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RTSH to continue supporting Albanian sports achievements, says Director General Eni Vasili

TIRANA, July 24 – The Albanian Ski Federation organized the gala event “Ski Excellence Night” to present the achievements of the 2025–2026 season, which it described as one of the most successful periods for Albanian winter sports. The event was broadcast by the Albanian Public Radio Television (RTSH). The season’s …

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Government and Socialist lawmakers hold review meeting

TIRANA, July 24 – The Albanian government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group are holding a meeting this Friday at the Palace of Brigades. The participants are discussing government work, political developments and upcoming objectives. Prime Minister Edi Rama chaires the meeting. He is expected to address government priorities and …

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Cloudy Friday with local rain and storm risk

TIRANA, July 24 – Albania will experience unstable weather conditions on Friday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The country will see periods of cloudiness, with clouds becoming more pronounced at midday and in the afternoon. Local light rain is expected across most areas. Meanwhile, short thunderstorms with lightning and …

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Interior minister Lamallari, police chief Hita thank 300 personnel for fighting Kruja fire

TIRANA, August 10 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari and State Police Director General Skënder Hita thanked around 300 police officers, firefighters and Armed Forces personnel involved in the Kruja wildfire operation. Lamallari praised their work in evacuating residents and managing the fire, which strong winds intensified. He said special forces, …

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PM Rama thanks Air Force pilots and firefighters for tackling Kruja fires

TIRANA, August 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his gratitude and respect for Air Force pilots, firefighters, army special forces and police officers who protected residents during the wildfires in Kruja. In a social media post, Rama said the teams had overcome a difficult challenge. He said they had …

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Albania sees clear skies and temperatures up to 40°C

TIRANA, August 10 – Albania will experience mostly clear and hot weather on Monday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Clouds will appear occasionally around midday and in the afternoon, mainly over mountainous areas in the south. Southeastern areas may see brief periods of denser clouds. The sky will clear …

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8 wildfires remain active across 4 Albanian municipalities

TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s Defence Ministry reported 8 wildfires across the counties of Tirana, Fier, Durrës and Lezha. Six remain active, while authorities have brought 2 under control or placed them under monitoring. A total of 227 personnel are working on the ground. Authorities have also requested 50 additional …

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Tensions in Kosova parliament as constitutive session postponed

TIRANA, August 10 – Albin Kurti of the Self-Determination Movement (LVV) asked for more time for political talks on August 8. He did not nominate a candidate for parliament speaker. As a result, the constitutive session did not continue. Tensions rose after Time Kadriaj, an MP from the Alliance for …

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Albanian Investment Development Agency launches national campaign to support small and medium-sized businesses

TIRANA, August 10 – The Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) has launched a national information and promotion campaign for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). AIDA is working with 10 municipalities and the Albanian Investment Corporation (AIC) on the campaign. The initiative will provide businesses with information on financing opportunities, exports, …

News
Defence Minister Nufi thanks air force pilots fighting wildfires

TIRANA, August 10 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Farka Air Base today and met Air Force pilots involved in wildfire operations. The pilots have carried out aerial missions in several areas affected by fires in recent days. Nufi thanked the pilots for their work and commitment. He also …

News
Tourists from around the world discover Gjirokastër’s history, nature and cuisine

TIRANA, August 10 – Gjirokastër continues to attract visitors from around the world with its history, architecture, landscape and cuisine. Tourists from the United States, France, Spain and Italy shared their impressions during visits to Gjirokastër Castle. An American tourist praised the castle’s rich history and age. She said the …

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Ukrainian MP Goncharenko calls Zelensky’s stance a diplomatic mistake, vows to fight for Kosova recognition

TIRANA, August 10 – Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko has called President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement on Kosova’s independence a diplomatic mistake. Goncharenko, who initiated a draft law on recognising Kosova in the Ukrainian parliament, reacted to Zelensky’s remarks in Belgrade. Zelensky said Ukraine had no plans to change its position on …

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Albania Could Face Costly Arbitration Battle After Scrapping Vlora Airport Plans

Experts say the government’s move to ditch a controversial concession contract to build Vlora International Airport, at significant cost to taxpayers, highlights structural weaknesses in Albania’s public-private partnership framework. Original post Here

News

Interior minister Lamallari, police chief Hita thank 300 personnel for fighting Kruja fire

TIRANA, August 10 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari and State Police Director General Skënder Hita thanked around 300 police officers, firefighters and Armed Forces personnel involved in the Kruja wildfire operation. Lamallari praised their work in evacuating residents and managing the fire, which strong winds intensified. He said special forces, …

News

PM Rama thanks Air Force pilots and firefighters for tackling Kruja fires

TIRANA, August 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his gratitude and respect for Air Force pilots, firefighters, army special forces and police officers who protected residents during the wildfires in Kruja. In a social media post, Rama said the teams had overcome a difficult challenge. He said they had …

News

Albania sees clear skies and temperatures up to 40°C

TIRANA, August 10 – Albania will experience mostly clear and hot weather on Monday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Clouds will appear occasionally around midday and in the afternoon, mainly over mountainous areas in the south. Southeastern areas may see brief periods of denser clouds. The sky will clear …

News

8 wildfires remain active across 4 Albanian municipalities

TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s Defence Ministry reported 8 wildfires across the counties of Tirana, Fier, Durrës and Lezha. Six remain active, while authorities have brought 2 under control or placed them under monitoring. A total of 227 personnel are working on the ground. Authorities have also requested 50 additional …

News

Tensions in Kosova parliament as constitutive session postponed

TIRANA, August 10 – Albin Kurti of the Self-Determination Movement (LVV) asked for more time for political talks on August 8. He did not nominate a candidate for parliament speaker. As a result, the constitutive session did not continue. Tensions rose after Time Kadriaj, an MP from the Alliance for …

News

Albanian Investment Development Agency launches national campaign to support small and medium-sized businesses

TIRANA, August 10 – The Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) has launched a national information and promotion campaign for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). AIDA is working with 10 municipalities and the Albanian Investment Corporation (AIC) on the campaign. The initiative will provide businesses with information on financing opportunities, exports, …

News

Defence Minister Nufi thanks air force pilots fighting wildfires

TIRANA, August 10 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Farka Air Base today and met Air Force pilots involved in wildfire operations. The pilots have carried out aerial missions in several areas affected by fires in recent days. Nufi thanked the pilots for their work and commitment. He also …

News

Tourists from around the world discover Gjirokastër’s history, nature and cuisine

TIRANA, August 10 – Gjirokastër continues to attract visitors from around the world with its history, architecture, landscape and cuisine. Tourists from the United States, France, Spain and Italy shared their impressions during visits to Gjirokastër Castle. An American tourist praised the castle’s rich history and age. She said the …

News

Ukrainian MP Goncharenko calls Zelensky’s stance a diplomatic mistake, vows to fight for Kosova recognition

TIRANA, August 10 – Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko has called President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement on Kosova’s independence a diplomatic mistake. Goncharenko, who initiated a draft law on recognising Kosova in the Ukrainian parliament, reacted to Zelensky’s remarks in Belgrade. Zelensky said Ukraine had no plans to change its position on …

News

Albania Could Face Costly Arbitration Battle After Scrapping Vlora Airport Plans

Experts say the government’s move to ditch a controversial concession contract to build Vlora International Airport, at significant cost to taxpayers, highlights structural weaknesses in Albania’s public-private partnership framework. Original post Here