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%. …
SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku
Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …
Albania will make basic product prices more transparent for consumers through the new “PriceWatch Albania” platform. The government plans to launch the platform in September. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said today that the platform will allow citizens to view and compare the prices of basic products. They will …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has presented the government’s new political priority, focusing on improving citizens’ quality of life. This autumn, the “Social Albania” initiative will launch a new housing program for young couples and families. As the new political season begins, the government will put “Social Albania” at the …
Following competitions in various sports, it is now judo’s turn at the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games, a sport that has brought Kosovo some of its greatest successes on the international stage. Kosovo’s judokas will compete on August 28 and 29 in Taranto, Italy, aiming to win medals at this major …
*]: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:9dddf98d-d243-4601-a1ef-6c184aa886ab-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:9dddf98d-d243-4601-a1ef-6c184aa886ab-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> Domestic electricity production increased by 34.4%, while exports rose by 55.4% in the second quarter of the year. Lower imports improved the country’s energy balance, although consumption and energy losses remain a challenge. Domestic electricity production increased by 34.4% in the …
The government has launched a program to help 300 public administration employees purchase homes under favorable conditions. Teachers, doctors, police officers, and employees of other public institutions can benefit from the scheme by applying through the e-Albania platform by September 25. The program provides financing for the purchase of a …
Velipoja continues to be one of the most popular destinations for both domestic and international visitors during the summer season. At the peak of the season, the beach is filled with tourists, while its peaceful atmosphere and wide-open spaces remain among the main reasons holidaymakers choose the area. The long, …
*]: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:9dddf98d-d243-4601-a1ef-6c184aa886ab-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:9dddf98d-d243-4601-a1ef-6c184aa886ab-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> The Director General of the State Police, Skënder Hita, addressed 389 cadets today who successfully completed the Professional Police Training College at the Security Academy, urging them to always be guided in their new duties by the law, service to citizens, …
Albania and the United Kingdom have signed a landmark Asset-Sharing Agreement following the conclusion of a drug-related case and the recovery of criminal funds. This marks the first agreement of its kind in the region and sets a new precedent for international cooperation on asset recovery and the fight against …
*]: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:9dddf98d-d243-4601-a1ef-6c184aa886ab-6″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:9dddf98d-d243-4601-a1ef-6c184aa886ab-6″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-turn=”assistant”> Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, held a meeting this Wednesday with the leader of the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), Lumir Abdixhiku, as part of efforts to reach an agreement on the election of Kosovo’s new President. The meeting, held …
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 …