Can the Symbolism of a Spectacle Be Appropriated?
By Diana Gellci Ph.D. Tirana Times, July 16, 2026 – Beyond entertainment, spectacles produce powerful symbolism. Indeed, symbolic effects often outweigh political, economic, and even coercive ones. Symbolism remains one of the most potent forms of power. When Kanye West arrived in Tirana, he brought with him something that cannot …
Agriculture census to guide future support schemes in Albania
TIRANA, July 16 – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the draft law on the agriculture census will provide a key tool for shaping public policies and support schemes in the sector. Presenting the bill in Parliament, Salla said Albania’s agricultural sector has changed significantly since the last census. He highlighted …
Artificial intelligence brings new challenges and opportunities for cinema
The National Center of Cinematography brought together film professionals to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the audiovisual industry and why Albania needs a clear legal framework for its use. During a roundtable held as part of the International AI Film Festival, filmmakers and experts, including director Fatmir Koçi, …
World literature exhibition brings global classics to Albania’s National Library
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s National Library has opened an exhibition titled “World Literature Championship” at the “Sotir Kolea” center, inviting visitors to explore a different kind of competition during the final days of the World Football Championship. The exhibition presents some of the greatest authors of world literature and …
Egnatia secure historic Champions League qualification with big win over Petrocub
TIRANA, July 16 – Albanian champions Egnatia have reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Moldova’s champions Petrocub 6-1 in the return leg at the “Arena Egnatia”. The Rrogozhina-based team had drawn 1-1 in the first leg away from home. However, Egnatia delivered a dominant …
Albania submits third reform agenda report to European Commission
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania has submitted the third reporting cycle of its Reform Agenda to the European Commission under the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF). The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) submitted the report, which includes 38 reform measures across 5 policy areas. Meanwhile, the …
EU ambassador Gonzato calls for irreversible justice reform in Albania
TIRANA, July 16 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato said the Justice Reform must become irreversible as Albanian justice institutions reviewed the progress of the 2024–2030 Cross-Sectoral Justice Strategy. The Ministry of Justice organised the discussion with the participation of heads of justice institutions. The EU Delegation in …
Germany and European Union provide €13.5 million for Albania’s food safety reforms
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Parliament reviewed an agreement with Germany that will support a €13.5 million food safety project for 2026–2030, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said on Thursday. Salla presented the bill ratifying the 2025 Technical Cooperation Agreement with Germany. He said the agreement provides the …
AI-backed “Smart City” project enters implementation phase, PM Rama says
TIRANA, July 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s “Smart City” project marks a new stage in strengthening public security through artificial intelligence. Speaking at the project’s Command and Control Center, Rama said the system is now entering implementation and will gradually expand across the country. He said artificial …
Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship makes first call at Port of Durrës
TIRANA, July 16 – The Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, arrived at the Port of Durrës for the first time with about 650 passengers on board. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the ship’s arrival on social media. He said company representatives praised …
TIRANA, August 3 – Five icons of outstanding historical and artistic value are undergoing restoration at the National Museum of Medieval Art in Korça. Conservation specialists are carrying out the work to preserve the artworks and extend their lifespan for future generations. The collection includes a 14th-century icon that experts …
TIRANA, August 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage on social media today showing the first Albanian-made military vehicles undergoing road tests after their delivery to the Albanian Armed Forces. Rama described the vehicles as a source of national pride. He said the vehicles meet North Atlantic Treaty Organization …
TIRANA, August 3 – Isa Elezi, a lahuta player from Rugova in Kosova, says the traditional instrument has long inspired Albanian warriors and preserved the nation’s history. Elezi describes the lahuta as more than a musical instrument. He says it carries centuries of values and traditions. According to him, its …
TIRANA, August 3 – This week could bring progress in talks on forming Kosova’s new institutions. The discussions involve the Self-Determination Movement (Vetëvendosje), which won the June 7 elections, and the opposition Democratic League of Kosova (LDK). Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti said he expects results from talks with …
TIRANA, August 3 – Albania marks the anniversary of the birth of poet and patriot Filip Shiroka, one of the leading literary voices of the Albanian National Awakening whose work championed national identity and independence. Born in Shkodra on August 3, 1859, Shiroka devoted his poetry and journalism to patriotism. …
TIRANA, August 3 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met elite athletes serving in Albania’s Armed Forces to present a new initiative that will introduce sports classes as an extracurricular program at the Armed Forces Academy. Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, also attended the meeting. Participants discussed …
TIRANA, August 3 – Albania’s Economic Sentiment Index (ESI) weakened in July after business confidence declined across all sectors, especially construction and trade. Meanwhile, consumer confidence improved. According to the Bank of Albania, the index remained 5.4 points above its long-term average despite the monthly decline. Confidence in industry fell …
TIRANA, August 3 – Businesses seeking to expand their activity can benefit from loans of up to €2 million through the government program “Double Your Entrepreneurship”. During a visit to a milk processing factory in Pogradec, Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the program supports businesses in agrotourism and agro-processing. …
TIRANA, August 3 – Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the start of site preparations for the restoration of the Muradie Mosque in Vlora. He shared the update in a video published on Facebook. Meanwhile, Gonxhja described the mosque as one of Albania’s most important monuments of Ottoman …
TIRANA, August 3 – Albania and Germany signed three cooperation agreements in the energy and energy efficiency sectors, with a total value of around €90 million in loans and €24 million in grants. Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi and German Ambassador to Tirana Karl Bergner signed the agreements. Karakaçi …