RTSH Symphony Orchestra opens new season with Tchaikovsky cycle
The RTSH Symphony Orchestra has opened its new artistic season with a concert on September 15. Artistic Director Blerta Ristani says the orchestra has returned from its summer break well prepared. The next concert takes place on September 26 and focuses entirely on Spanish music. Opera singers Bela Marian and …
Restoration of Koshtan Tekke Highlights Commitment to Cultural Heritage
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja described the restoration of the Koshtan Tekke as a major investment that reflects Albania’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage and preserving national identity. Located in Memaliaj, the Koshtan Tekke is a Cultural Monument currently undergoing restoration and conservation works. The site preserves the …
Maggie Gyllenhaal to Compete at TIFF with Short Film
American actress and director Maggie Gyllenhaal will take part in the Tirana International Film Festival (TIFF) as a competitor with her short film “Flesh Impact.” Although Gyllenhaal recently served as President of the Jury at the Venice Film Festival, she will appear at TIFF through her work rather than in …
Arbëria Digital Fest 2026 Promotes Arbëresh Heritage and Local Development
The second edition of Arbëria Digital Fest will take place in the Arbëresh villages of Carfizzi, Pallagorio and San Nicola dell’Alto in southern Italy, aiming to transform Arbëresh cultural heritage into a driver of local development. The festival will be held from October 23 to 25, 2026, under the motto …
Albania supports stronger regional defence and security cooperation
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attended the Central European and Western Balkans Defence Cooperation (CEDC) Ministerial, which focused on strengthening regional cooperation in defence and security. The meeting brought together senior representatives of participating countries to discuss joint capabilities, common security challenges and threats, and coordination of policies and efforts within …
House Arrest Ordered for Albania’s Intelligence Chief
Tirana Times, September 22, 2026 – Albania’s Special Court has ordered house arrest and suspension from office for Vlora Hyseni, director of the State Intelligence Service, SHISH, in an extraordinary development that has brought a major criminal investigation into the highest levels of the country’s security establishment. Hyseni is suspected of …
Full Report: House Arrest Ordered for Albania’s Intelligence Chief
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Full Report: House Arrest Ordered for Albania’s Intelligence Chief appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Albania to Adopt EU Disability Access Standards – But Will They Be Enforced?
Albania is moving to bring its disabled access standards into line with the EU’s own, but activists warn that without funding and effective enforcement, the new law could once again fail to deliver meaningful change. Original post Here
Albania begin Nations League training camp, Qefalia replaces injured Pajaziti
The Albania national football team began preparations today for its next four UEFA Nations League matches. Head coach Rolando Maran led the first training session at the “House of Football” in Tirana. A total of 26 players took part in the session. Players who featured for their clubs over the …
Roberto Ferrucci brings travel writing to Tirana
Italian writer Roberto Ferrucci led the “Travel Diary” workshop today at the “Sotir Kolea” Centre of the National Library in Tirana. The workshop focuses on travel writing. It explores how writers can use their experiences to describe places, encounters and personal stories. The Italian Cultural Institute in Tirana organised the …
Women get a raw deal at elections in Bosnia, a spy chief’s arrest raises security questions in Albania and protesters challenge war crimes verdicts in Kosovo – plus much more in our selection of this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories. Original post Here
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania has entered an important stage of tourism development. He spoke at the Future Hospitality Forum, organised by the Albanian Investment Development Agency. Gonxhja said growing international interest, expanding investment and a more diverse tourism offer are changing the sector. He added …
Mid’hat bej Frashëri, known by his pen name Lumo Skëndo, was one of the prominent figures of Albania’s political and cultural history. He worked as a diplomat, writer, politician, publicist and Albanologist, and played an active role in the Albanian National Renaissance and the country’s political life after independence. Frashëri …
The 17th edition of the international Fokus Award Photography Festival has opened in Shkodër with the exhibition “No Limits”. The Oda Gallery hosts works by 10 Italian photographers. Festival artistic director Arben Alliaj said the photographers bring different styles, approaches and subjects. He said the exhibition reflects the broad possibilities …
Albania aims to increase international tourism revenue to around €8.5 billion by 2030. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj announced the target at the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 in Tirana. Ibrahimaj said the next stage of tourism development should focus on creating more value from each visit. She also called …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged investors to seize the opportunities offered by Albania’s tourism sector. He spoke at the first edition of the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 in Tirana. The forum brought together investors, international brands and representatives of the hospitality and tourism sectors. Rama said Albania aims to …
Albania adopted the Minority Protection Charter on October 2, 1921. The charter guaranteed all citizens full protection of life and liberty regardless of origin, nationality, language, race or religion. Albania recognised members of minorities as citizens with equal rights. Albanian representative Fan Noli signed the charter at the League of …
Albanian Customs General Director Besmir Beja held talks with senior European Commission officials in Brussels on customs reform and European Union standards. The meetings focused on modernising systems, strengthening controls and developing professional capacity. Beja presented the progress of Albania’s customs reforms and its priorities for the European integration process. …
Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the coming weekend will be crucial for electing the country’s president. He said he has already started communicating with opposition party leaders on the issue. Kurti made the remarks on Friday at the International Conference on Women’s Empowerment. Kosova must elect a president by …
The Friend of the Book campaign has returned this October, organised by the National Centre for Books and Reading. The first event took place at Ismail Qemali School and focused on Albanian author Vath Koreshi, marking the 90th anniversary of his birth. The campaign also coincides with Book October, a …