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Hoxha tells young people in Jalë: EU membership requires your involvement – Europe starts at home

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha, together with Prime Minister Edi Rama, took part in an open discussion with 150 young activists from Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro at #RinCamp2026. Albania’s EU accession process and the country’s progress towards membership were among the key topics discussed during the panel organised by the National …

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K’cimi dancing of Tropojë – Gazmend Freitag

by Monika Grill Tirana Times, July 11, 2026 – “K’cimi i Tropoja” – the dance that endured over centuries and kept the Albanian identity alive, has been officially declared part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. “K’cimi i Tropoja” refers to a traditional …

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Kanye West concert in Tirana today, road restrictions announced

Tirana, July 11 – International artist Kanye West will perform today in Tirana. The concert will take place at Eagle Stadium, a venue built specifically in the Kashar area. To ensure public safety and manage traffic, Tirana Police has announced temporary road restrictions around the event area. From 07:00 to …

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Justice reforms bring Albania closer to European Union membership

Tirana, July 11 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu said justice system reforms and the implementation of the National Reform Agenda under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans are concrete steps toward Albania’s European Union membership. Gogu said a strong, independent and accountable justice system remains a key pillar of …

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Rama: Albania will close first three EU negotiation chapters at July 14 conference

Albania moves closer to the European Union as it prepares for the 9th Intergovernmental Conference with the EU on July 14 in Brussels. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Albania will provisionally close the first three negotiation chapters, marking a major milestone in the country’s EU accession process. The conference …

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Italian media “The Wom Travel” names Albanian Riviera among Europe’s most authentic destinations

Italian travel magazine “The Wom Travel” has ranked Albania among the 10 most authentic and least crowded destinations in Europe for summer 2026, highlighting the country’s untouched nature, cultural heritage and affordable travel options. According to the publication, Albania has strengthened its position on Europe’s tourism map by offering visitors …

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Vila 31 x Art Explora brings literature, cinema, workshops and electronic music to Tirana

Vila 31 x Art Explora is turning into a creative hub for cultural exchanges, artistic performances and public activities throughout July. The program includes literary talks, film screenings, live performances and children’s workshops, offering visitors new opportunities to engage with art and creativity. From July 17 to 19, Art Explora …

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106 years since the founding of the National Library of Albania

Albania celebrates 106 years since the establishment of the National Library of Albania, founded on July 10, 1920. The library began with the collection of the Albanian Literary Commission, which moved to the Ministry of Education in 1920. After its foundation, the institution worked to expand its collection and strengthen …

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“Telegraph”: Albania becomes one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations

British newspaper “Telegraph” highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive travel destinations. The country attracts visitors with its crystal-clear waters, natural landscapes, affordable prices and growing popularity on social media. A few years ago, Albania was still a little-known destination. Today, more tourists are discovering the Albanian Riviera, historic …

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MIK Festival opens ninth edition in Korça with Morina Trio jazz concert

Tirana, July 10 – The ninth edition of the MIK Festival has opened in Korça. The four-day event brings concerts and cultural performances to historic venues across the city. Organisers will present a wide range of musical genres throughout the festival. Festival founder and internationally acclaimed soprano Inva Mula said …

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Kosova acting FM urges The Hague court to deliver a fair decision

TIRANA, July 28 – Kosova’s acting Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca called on the Kosova Specialist Chambers in The Hague to deliver a judicial decision, not a political one, regarding the upcoming ruling on former Kosova Liberation Army (KLA) leaders. The court is scheduled to issue its decision on September 16. …

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Selenicë Folklore Group Brings Albanian Polyphony to Kosovo

Albania’s Selenicë Municipal Folklore Group represented the country at the 8th Balkan Festival “Opoja Vallëzon” in Bresanë, Kosovo, during the weekend. The group from Labëria, Vlora, performed on the festival’s opening night and introduced southern Albanian polyphonic singing to the event for the first time. This traditional art form, recognised …

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Shkodër doubles disability benefit for 432 children

TIRANA, July 28 – Around 432 children with disabilities aged 0–18 in Shkodër have started receiving a doubled monthly benefit. The measure covers all disability categories, including beneficiaries under the bio-psycho-social assessment scheme, blind persons, and people with paraplegic or tetraplegic status. Alma Mehmetaj, Director of the Social Service in …

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Finance minister Malaj: United States loan ensures prudent public finance management

TIRANA, July 28 – Parliament ratified the loan agreement with the United States under the Foreign Military Financing program. The agreement opens the way for a $302 million investment to modernize Albania’s Armed Forces. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the agreement marks an important step for national security. He added …

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Electoral reform panel discusses measures on administrative resource use

TIRANA, July 28 – The Special Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform held a technical roundtable on preventing and addressing the use of administrative resources during election campaigns. Committee Chair Damian Gjiknuri said the panel aims to prepare a legislative package before the end of the year. He noted that lawmakers …

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15th–16th Century Fountain Discovered in Rromës Village

Archaeologists have discovered the remains of an old fountain with historical value in Rromës village, Selenicë Municipality. Workers found the structure during the construction of a water storage facility. Local residents informed authorities about the discovery, and specialists from the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Vlora inspected and documented …

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112 years since the outbreak of World War I

TIRANA, July 28 – World War I began on July 28, 1914. The conflict started after the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Bosnian Serb Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand network. The assassination ended the era of European empires and opened a bloody chapter in history. …

News
Albania and Moldova strengthen cooperation on customs modernization

TIRANA, July 28 – Albania and Moldova are strengthening cooperation to modernize customs systems, align procedures with European Union standards, and facilitate trade. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja met with General Director of Moldova’s Customs Service Radu Vrabie during the first high-level Albania–Moldova meeting. The meeting received support from …

News
Holta Canyon, a journey through Albania’s natural beauty

TIRANA, July 28 – Holta Canyon in Gramsh is one of Albania’s most visited tourist attractions. The destination offers visitors a journey through a landscape shaped by rock formations and thermal waters. Its caves and natural features make it an attractive site for exploration. PM Rama shared images of Holta …

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Albanian economy grows 3.7% in first quarter of 2026

TIRANA, July – Albania’s economy grew by 3.7% in the first quarter of 2026, exceeding the average growth rate of Western Balkan countries and the European Union. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the latest economic indicators and said the Finance Ministry expects growth to reach 4% by the end of …

News

Kosova acting FM urges The Hague court to deliver a fair decision

TIRANA, July 28 – Kosova’s acting Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca called on the Kosova Specialist Chambers in The Hague to deliver a judicial decision, not a political one, regarding the upcoming ruling on former Kosova Liberation Army (KLA) leaders. The court is scheduled to issue its decision on September 16. …

News

Selenicë Folklore Group Brings Albanian Polyphony to Kosovo

Albania’s Selenicë Municipal Folklore Group represented the country at the 8th Balkan Festival “Opoja Vallëzon” in Bresanë, Kosovo, during the weekend. The group from Labëria, Vlora, performed on the festival’s opening night and introduced southern Albanian polyphonic singing to the event for the first time. This traditional art form, recognised …

News

Shkodër doubles disability benefit for 432 children

TIRANA, July 28 – Around 432 children with disabilities aged 0–18 in Shkodër have started receiving a doubled monthly benefit. The measure covers all disability categories, including beneficiaries under the bio-psycho-social assessment scheme, blind persons, and people with paraplegic or tetraplegic status. Alma Mehmetaj, Director of the Social Service in …

News

Finance minister Malaj: United States loan ensures prudent public finance management

TIRANA, July 28 – Parliament ratified the loan agreement with the United States under the Foreign Military Financing program. The agreement opens the way for a $302 million investment to modernize Albania’s Armed Forces. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the agreement marks an important step for national security. He added …

News

Electoral reform panel discusses measures on administrative resource use

TIRANA, July 28 – The Special Parliamentary Committee on Electoral Reform held a technical roundtable on preventing and addressing the use of administrative resources during election campaigns. Committee Chair Damian Gjiknuri said the panel aims to prepare a legislative package before the end of the year. He noted that lawmakers …

News

15th–16th Century Fountain Discovered in Rromës Village

Archaeologists have discovered the remains of an old fountain with historical value in Rromës village, Selenicë Municipality. Workers found the structure during the construction of a water storage facility. Local residents informed authorities about the discovery, and specialists from the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Vlora inspected and documented …

News

112 years since the outbreak of World War I

TIRANA, July 28 – World War I began on July 28, 1914. The conflict started after the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Bosnian Serb Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand network. The assassination ended the era of European empires and opened a bloody chapter in history. …

News

Albania and Moldova strengthen cooperation on customs modernization

TIRANA, July 28 – Albania and Moldova are strengthening cooperation to modernize customs systems, align procedures with European Union standards, and facilitate trade. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja met with General Director of Moldova’s Customs Service Radu Vrabie during the first high-level Albania–Moldova meeting. The meeting received support from …

News

Holta Canyon, a journey through Albania’s natural beauty

TIRANA, July 28 – Holta Canyon in Gramsh is one of Albania’s most visited tourist attractions. The destination offers visitors a journey through a landscape shaped by rock formations and thermal waters. Its caves and natural features make it an attractive site for exploration. PM Rama shared images of Holta …

News

Albanian economy grows 3.7% in first quarter of 2026

TIRANA, July – Albania’s economy grew by 3.7% in the first quarter of 2026, exceeding the average growth rate of Western Balkan countries and the European Union. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the latest economic indicators and said the Finance Ministry expects growth to reach 4% by the end of …