Albanian Polyphony Performed in Udine, Italy
The Director of the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble, Aulon Naçi, shared images on social media from the ensemble’s concert in Udine, Italy. He said another important chapter in the international journey of Albanian iso-polyphony concluded successfully in Italy. The performance took place within the Piccolo Opera …
Finance minister Malaj: Defence budget reaches 2.6% of GDP, ALL 10.3 billion extra for security and Armed Forces modernisation
TIRANA, July 2 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the government strengthens national defence through the 2026 budget normative act. He said the measure also fulfils Albania’s NATO commitments. Malaj said the normative act allocates an additional ALL 10.3 billion for the defence sector. He also said the Armed Forces …
Gonxhja: New Apollonia Management Plan Strengthens Protection of Archaeological Park Boundaries
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja presented the new management plan for the Apollonia Archaeological Park on social media. First, he said the government declares the site an “Immovable Cultural Property” and strengthens the protection of its boundaries in line with state geospatial standards. Next, he said the …
Rama: AI as a Strategic Accelerator for Albania’s EU Integration
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that artificial intelligence speeds up Albania’s EU integration by making public administration more efficient. He made the statement at the Ruhr Summit in Germany, where he presented Albania’s vision for using AI in governance. First, he said AI strengthens state capacity by making institutions …
PM Rama: Albania targets artificial intelligence-powered public procurement system
TIRANA, July 1 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania aims to introduce an artificial intelligence-based public procurement system to improve transparency and reduce corruption, while highlighting the country’s broader digital transformation. Speaking at the Ruhr Summit on innovation and entrepreneurship, Rama said Albania now provides more than 1,000 fully …
Tirana International Airport Handles Around 300 Flights per Day Amid Expansion
Tirana International Airport “Nënë Tereza” (TIA) has reached around 300 flights per day, marking a record that reflects the continued growth of air traffic in Albania. Airport officials say that every flight depends on the daily work of ground teams who ensure safe and timely operations. They also stress that …
Jaupaj: Safe Chemical Management in Line with EU Standards
Albania’s Council of Ministers has approved amendments to the Law on Chemical Management, further aligning the country’s legislation with European Union standards. Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj described the move as another concrete step toward Albania’s European Union membership. According to Jaupaj, the draft law provides stronger protection for public …
Rama: “The Albanian Files” Becomes the First Book Treated as Criminal Evidence Since Communism
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that The Albanian Files will soon appear in the Adrion bookstore in Tirana.He said the book has “entered history” as the first publication treated as criminal evidence after the fall of communism. Rama made the comments while reacting to its submission to the Special Prosecution …
Communication Service Marks 95th Anniversary, Nufi Calls It Key to National Security
The Cyber and Communication Command of the Albanian Armed Forces marked the 95th anniversary of the Communication Service today. The ceremony brought together Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi, Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Arben Kingji, senior officers, non-commissioned officers, civilian staff, soldiers, and veterans. In his address, Nufi …
Sejko: Albanian Economy Expected to Grow Steadily as Inflation Rises to 2.9%
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko said today that the Albanian economy will continue to grow at stable rates close to its potential in the coming quarters, while inflation will rise slightly above target in the second half of the year before gradually returning to target over the medium term. …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …