September 1, 1912 – Shkodra opens Albania’s first public cinema
On September 1, 1912, Shkodra opened Albania’s first public cinema, known as the “Grand-Kino Skioptiko-Electric Theatre.” Austrian entrepreneur Jozef Shtauber launched the initiative. Meanwhile, renowned Shkodra painter Kolë Idromeno supported the project and offered space in his home for the screenings. The cinema continued showing films until 1914. However, the …
Security Academy applications: Lamallari raises age limits for police recruitment
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari has signed an order that changes the age limits for joining the Albanian State Police. The new rules open more opportunities for applicants. They target young people, experienced professionals and employees from other security institutions. The decision follows requests from citizens who contacted the minister through …
Defense Ministry: 27 Wildfires Reported in 24 Hours, 4 Remain Active
The Ministry of Defense has provided the latest update on the wildfire situation across the country. According to the update issued at 09:00 on September 1, 2026, a total of 27 wildfires were reported over the past 24 hours, of which 4 remain active, while another 4 are under monitoring. …
Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games: Kosovo Karate Athlete Wins Gold Medal
Islam Selmani is the Mediterranean karate champion after winning gold at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. In the final of the up to 60 kg category, he defeated Turkish karate athlete Burak Ozdemir 1-0. The bout was closely contested, with Selmani scoring the only point. This is Kosovo’s seventh medal …
President Begaj Congratulates Briken Calja on New Record
Albanian weightlifter Briken Calja has won the gold medal at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, setting a new record in the process. President of the Republic Bajram Begaj praised the Albanian athlete’s achievement in a post on social media. “Congratulations to our weightlifter, Briken Calja, on winning the gold medal …
Durrës: Municipal Police Continue Operation to Clear Public Spaces
The Municipal Police have continued their operation to clear public spaces of illegally placed barriers used to reserve parking spaces. During Tuesday’s operation, officers focused on the residential blocks near “Pranvera” Square and the area around the former police district headquarters, where various obstacles were removed. Concrete blocks, metal structures, …
US Praises Albania for Repatriating Citizens from Syria
The United States has praised Albania for its efforts to repatriate Albanian citizens from Syria. In a social media post, the US Embassy in Tirana announced that two women and three children were recently returned to Albania, giving them the opportunity for a new future with support for rehabilitation and …
Minister Hoxha Meets Senior US Official, Defense and Security in Focus
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker on the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum. In a post on the social media platform X, Hoxha said the meeting reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership between Albania …
Albania Loses Top Spot in Europe for Growth in Tourist Overnight Stays
Albania has lost its top position in Europe for growth in tourist overnight stays, ranking third this year behind Ireland and Malta. Kosovo ranks fourth, continuing to record significant growth in tourism activity. After three years of double-digit growth and record results at the European level, Albania has recorded a …
Security Academy Applications: Lamallari Signs Order Revising Age Limit for Police Recruitment
Minister of Internal Affairs Besfort Lamallari has signed an order revising the age limit for admission to the State Police, expanding opportunities for young people, experienced professionals, and employees coming from other security institutions. The decision comes in response to numerous requests addressed to the minister through social media and …
The US and Albanian Armed Forces held a joint training exercise at Farka Air Base and the Land Forces Command. The exercise focused on medical evacuation missions. According to the US Embassy in Tirana, the teams prepared UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters for MedEvac missions. They equipped the cabins with the …
By Zef Preçi Tirana Times, September 14, 2026 – According to media reports in recent days, Albania and the U.S. company Argent LNG have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to assess the possibility of building a major onshore liquefied natural gas storage and regasification terminal on the Albanian coast. …
The Union of Student Councils and the Embassy of Croatia in Albania, in cooperation with the “Support for EU Integration” (EUIS) project, held a discussion in Tirana today on the role of young people in building a common European future. Croatian Ambassador to Albania Zlatko Kramarić, President of the Union …
The Centralized Purchasing Operator (OBP) and the European Academy of Law (ERA) have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the professional skills of public procurement officials and align Albanian practices with European Union standards. OBP Director Jonaid Myzyri signed the agreement, which provides for ERA support in assessing the training …
Albania aims to attract new investments in the green economy, renewable energy, waste and water management, and sustainable tourism. Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj met today with Prince Naif bin Abdullah bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a delegation of investors from Saudi Arabia and partner countries. The meeting …
President Bajram Begaj paid an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, marking the first visit by an Albanian president to the country. The visit reaffirmed Albania and the UAE’s commitment to strengthening their future-oriented partnership. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received President Begaj during the visit. …
Socialist Party political leader for Tirana County Taulant Balla congratulated students, teachers and parents on the start of the new school year during a visit to a school in Kavajë. At the “Charles Telford Erickson” vocational high school in Golem, Kavajë, Balla described Albania’s PISA 2025 results as good news …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja met today with Prince Naif bin Abdullah bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a delegation of investors from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria. They discussed investment opportunities and strategic partnerships in Albania. The talks focused on development projects in tourism, culture …
Prime Minister Edi Rama traveled to Italy today to attend the inauguration of Albania’s Honorary Consulate in Naples. Honorary Consul Giuseppe Lettieri will lead the consulate, which will cover the Campania region. It will serve as a reference point for the Albanian community and support the delivery of consular services. …
State Police Director General Skender Hita on Monday wished all students well on the start of the new school year. Hita stressed that the State Police will work to ensure that students’ journey is safe. He emphasized that when it comes to children’s safety, there will be no compromise and …