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 …
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
Zelenskyy’s Kosovo Stance Puts Solidarity With Ukraine to the Test
Pristina and Tirana push back against Kyiv’s stance, insisting that Kosovo’s sovereignty cannot be diminished or equated with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Tirana Times , August 09, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation in Belgrade that Kyiv has not changed its position on Kosovo has triggered criticism in Albania and …
Mecca Defense Pact Signals Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Shape a New Security Order
The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 – The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan represents more …
Albanian Court Puts Turkish Activist in Custody After Extradition Demand
Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here
“Fustanella” exhibition showcases Albanian cultural identity in Berat
TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …
Defense minister visits Italian shipyard to support Fincantieri Albania project
TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …
Power distributor strengthens grid for summer season in Lezha and Shëngjin
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …
Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …
Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …
TIRANA, August 26 – Albania has officially begun a new aerial survey of its territory. The project is being carried out through cooperation between the State Authority for Geospatial Information and the Albanian Development Fund. The initiative aims to update geospatial information and strengthen the country’s capacity to monitor, plan …
TIRANA, August 26 – Albania has reported 34 wildfires over the past 24 hours. Five remain active and four are under monitoring, according to the Ministry of Defence. A total of 219 operational personnel and 35 firefighting vehicles have joined the response. The Armed Forces have deployed 60 personnel, one …
TIRANA, August 26 – The United Kingdom and Albania have signed their first regional Asset Sharing Agreement after authorities recovered proceeds linked to a drug trafficking case. The agreement follows a criminal case involving a conspiracy to supply cannabis to organised crime groups in England and Wales. British and Albanian …
TIRANA, August 26 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu called for a broader assessment of Albania’s justice reform. He said the assessment should cover more than the number of cases resolved, their duration and the quality of rulings. It should also reflect citizens’ experience when they first contacted the justice system. …
TIRANA, August 26 – The Vora-Hani i Hotit railway reconstruction project was presented in Lezha during a public consultation with communities along the planned route. The project will rehabilitate the existing railway track and bring it in line with European transport standards. The project has entered the contractor selection phase. …
TIRANA, August 26 – President Bajram Begaj received the credentials of Belgium’s ambassador to Albania, Olga Cogen, during a meeting in Tirana today. Begaj welcomed Belgium’s decision to open its first embassy in Albania, with its headquarters in Tirana. The move marks a new step in diplomatic relations between the …
SIAR Guesthouse in Pogradec is emerging as a new example of Albania’s growing agrotourism sector, combining nature, traditional hospitality and rural experiences. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the guesthouse, highlighting its contribution to the development of tourism and family-run businesses in Albania’s tourist areas. SIAR features nine private …
TIRANA, August 26 – The Academy of Sciences today commemorated Hasan Ceka, one of the founders of Albanian archaeology. Ceka was born on August 25, 1900. He studied archaeology and history and later became known for laying the foundations of archaeological research in Albania. Ceka studied in Vienna and returned …
Ardenica Monastery stands among the most important historical and religious sites in the Lushnjë area and ranks among Albania’s most visited cultural attractions. The monastery rises on the fertile hills of Ardenica, about 200 meters above sea level. Travelers heading toward Fier and Vlorë can spot the monastery after a …
TIRANA, August 26 – Maritime transport operators in Albania will face new requirements to document and control greenhouse gas emissions. A draft decision under public consultation aims to align environmental rules with European Union practices. Under the proposed system, operators will measure, report and verify emissions from ships. The system …