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Hoxha: Information Manipulation Is a Hybrid Pressure Tool That Undermines Democracy

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”28d51398-dc01-41b6-a655-565864ee0e4f” data-turn-id-container=”28d51398-dc01-41b6-a655-565864ee0e4f” data-testid=”conversation-turn-17″ data-turn=”user”> *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:69f59807-859b-4cc1-9f0d-c51469b65ac8-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:69f59807-859b-4cc1-9f0d-c51469b65ac8-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, addressed the conference “Countering Information Manipulation and Foreign Interference: Albania and the Enlargement Context,” stating that protecting the information space has become one of the key …

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Three Firefighting Aircraft and 130 New Fire Engines: Albania Unveils National Wildfire Preparedness Plan

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”bc828389-5c88-4644-8ac1-988cf596a17f” data-turn-id-container=”bc828389-5c88-4644-8ac1-988cf596a17f” data-testid=”conversation-turn-9″ data-turn=”user”> Albania has unveiled its National Wildfire Preparedness Plan at the Farka Air Base, during an event attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, the Minister of Defence, the Minister of Local Government, prefects, mayors, senior officials from the …

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Rama: Three Firefighting Aircraft Secured, Delivery Expected by the End of the Year

Prime Minister Edi Rama met on Monday with firefighters and Civil Emergency teams at Farka Air Base, calling for maximum readiness as Albania faces rising temperatures and an increased risk of wildfires. Referring to the critical wildfire situation in France and Spain, Rama expressed solidarity with emergency crews battling the …

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INSTAT Report: Road Accidents on the Rise, 952 People Injured in the First Half of 2026

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”d747e284-f008-4058-af4b-59c08d4c63a1″ data-turn-id-container=”d747e284-f008-4058-af4b-59c08d4c63a1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-11″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s roads continue to witness a growing number of traffic accidents, resulting in hundreds of injuries and loss of life. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:69f59807-859b-4cc1-9f0d-c51469b65ac8-5″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:69f59807-859b-4cc1-9f0d-c51469b65ac8-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> According to INSTAT’s latest report, 679 road accidents were recorded during the …

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Albanian Parliament Approves US$302 Million Loan Agreement with the United States

Albania’s Parliament on Monday approved the US$302 million loan agreement with the United States to finance military equipment during its second plenary session of the day. The agreement was approved with 74 votes in favour. The Democratic Party (PD) did not take part in the vote. Before the session began, …

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US$302 Million Defence Agreement Reaches Parliament: How the US Loan Will Be Used

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”e96c3d9f-9503-44de-a408-249ef24a4bba” data-turn-id-container=”e96c3d9f-9503-44de-a408-249ef24a4bba” data-testid=”conversation-turn-3″ data-turn=”user”> A US$302 million defence financing agreement between Albania and the United States has reached Parliament. The ruling majority is seeking to approve the document through an expedited procedure, while the opposition is requesting more time to review it. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] …

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Insect Sting Allergies on the Rise, Doctors Warn: Beware of Wasps

Summer and high temperatures have led to an increase in allergic reactions caused by insect stings. Allergists say this is the time of year when the risk of being stung is at its highest. The effects of insect stings can range from mild local reactions to life-threatening allergic responses, depending …

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Eurostat: Albania Ranks Fourth in Europe for Air Pollution-Related Deaths

Albania recorded 129 premature deaths per 100,000 inhabitants linked to exposure to fine particulate matter (PM2.5), according to Eurostat’s latest data for 2023. With this figure, the country ranks fourth in Europe for the health impact of air pollution, behind North Macedonia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. The rate is …

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PM Rama describes ‘Flamingo Revolution’ as example of disinformation and foreign interference

TIRANA, July 27 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that what he described as the “Flamingo Revolution” represented an example of disinformation and foreign interference. Speaking at the conference “Confronting Information Manipulation and Foreign Interference: Albania and the Enlargement Context” in Tirana, Rama referred to the protests known …

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Prishtina 2030 Faces Pressure as Time Runs Out for Mediterranean Games

Kosovo faces growing pressure to complete preparations for the Mediterranean Games “Prishtina 2030”. The event represents one of the country’s biggest sports projects. However, delays in building sports infrastructure have raised concerns among sports leaders. Kosovo Olympic Committee President Ismet Krasniqi warned about the consequences of a possible failure. He …

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Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

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Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

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25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

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Lura National Park wildfire, around 220 forces deployed on the ground, air and ground operations underway

TIRANA, August 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today that operations to manage the wildfire in Lura National Park continue at high intensity. The fire affects the Runja area above Borie Lura village. In a social media statement, Nufi said all relevant structures remain engaged in the operation. They …

News
New draft law changes defence and security procurement

TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …

News
The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics

Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …

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Apollonia Archaeological Park welcomes visitors from around the world

TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …

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Shkodër Art Gallery to resume rich artistic calendar in September

TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …

News
Perseid meteor shower to light up Tirana’s night sky

TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …

News
EU opposes Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River

TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …

News

Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

News

Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

News

25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

News

Lura National Park wildfire, around 220 forces deployed on the ground, air and ground operations underway

TIRANA, August 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today that operations to manage the wildfire in Lura National Park continue at high intensity. The fire affects the Runja area above Borie Lura village. In a social media statement, Nufi said all relevant structures remain engaged in the operation. They …

News

New draft law changes defence and security procurement

TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …

News

The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics

Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …

News

Apollonia Archaeological Park welcomes visitors from around the world

TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …

News

Shkodër Art Gallery to resume rich artistic calendar in September

TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …

News

Perseid meteor shower to light up Tirana’s night sky

TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …

News

EU opposes Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River

TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …