September 1, 1912 – Shkodra opens Albania’s first public cinema
On September 1, 1912, Shkodra opened Albania’s first public cinema, known as the “Grand-Kino Skioptiko-Electric Theatre.” Austrian entrepreneur Jozef Shtauber launched the initiative. Meanwhile, renowned Shkodra painter Kolë Idromeno supported the project and offered space in his home for the screenings. The cinema continued showing films until 1914. However, the …
Security Academy applications: Lamallari raises age limits for police recruitment
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari has signed an order that changes the age limits for joining the Albanian State Police. The new rules open more opportunities for applicants. They target young people, experienced professionals and employees from other security institutions. The decision follows requests from citizens who contacted the minister through …
Defense Ministry: 27 Wildfires Reported in 24 Hours, 4 Remain Active
The Ministry of Defense has provided the latest update on the wildfire situation across the country. According to the update issued at 09:00 on September 1, 2026, a total of 27 wildfires were reported over the past 24 hours, of which 4 remain active, while another 4 are under monitoring. …
Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games: Kosovo Karate Athlete Wins Gold Medal
Islam Selmani is the Mediterranean karate champion after winning gold at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. In the final of the up to 60 kg category, he defeated Turkish karate athlete Burak Ozdemir 1-0. The bout was closely contested, with Selmani scoring the only point. This is Kosovo’s seventh medal …
President Begaj Congratulates Briken Calja on New Record
Albanian weightlifter Briken Calja has won the gold medal at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, setting a new record in the process. President of the Republic Bajram Begaj praised the Albanian athlete’s achievement in a post on social media. “Congratulations to our weightlifter, Briken Calja, on winning the gold medal …
Durrës: Municipal Police Continue Operation to Clear Public Spaces
The Municipal Police have continued their operation to clear public spaces of illegally placed barriers used to reserve parking spaces. During Tuesday’s operation, officers focused on the residential blocks near “Pranvera” Square and the area around the former police district headquarters, where various obstacles were removed. Concrete blocks, metal structures, …
US Praises Albania for Repatriating Citizens from Syria
The United States has praised Albania for its efforts to repatriate Albanian citizens from Syria. In a social media post, the US Embassy in Tirana announced that two women and three children were recently returned to Albania, giving them the opportunity for a new future with support for rehabilitation and …
Minister Hoxha Meets Senior US Official, Defense and Security in Focus
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker on the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum. In a post on the social media platform X, Hoxha said the meeting reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership between Albania …
Albania Loses Top Spot in Europe for Growth in Tourist Overnight Stays
Albania has lost its top position in Europe for growth in tourist overnight stays, ranking third this year behind Ireland and Malta. Kosovo ranks fourth, continuing to record significant growth in tourism activity. After three years of double-digit growth and record results at the European level, Albania has recorded a …
Security Academy Applications: Lamallari Signs Order Revising Age Limit for Police Recruitment
Minister of Internal Affairs Besfort Lamallari has signed an order revising the age limit for admission to the State Police, expanding opportunities for young people, experienced professionals, and employees coming from other security institutions. The decision comes in response to numerous requests addressed to the minister through social media and …
Albania inaugurated its Honorary Consulate in Naples today. Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the ceremony at Villa Doria d’Angri. Honorary Consul Giuseppe Lettieri, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli and Albanian Ambassador to Italy Anila Bitri also attended. Campania Region President Roberto Fico, Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi and Naples Prefect …
Croatian Ambassador to Albania Zlatko Kramarić said today that Kosovo should accept the Special Court’s decision on Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, regardless of how painful it may be. Speaking to the media, Kramarić said a conviction of Thaçi would not help Kosovo’s image. “We need …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said Albania is ready to join European efforts against disinformation and hybrid threats. Hoxha welcomed a resolution adopted today by the European Parliament on the European Democracy Shield. The resolution recognizes the Western Balkans as a key target of foreign information manipulation …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that Albania and Italy share a long history of closeness and alliance. He also described Italy as Albania’s strongest representative of interests within the European Union. “When I said that Italy is Albania’s European alter ego, I meant something sacred: a very long history …
The National Tourism Agency and “Tradita.al” have formalized a partnership to promote Albania’s cultural heritage, traditions, handicrafts, gastronomy and authentic products. National Tourism Agency Director General Jola Hysaj and “Tradita.al” founder Edlira Sulaj signed the Memorandum of Cooperation. The agreement marks a new step toward joint initiatives that promote Albanian …
Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj took part in a regional meeting of chief EU negotiators from the Western Balkans in Skopje. Jaupaj said the meeting focused on the European Union’s new budget for 2028-2034. He said the participants also discussed the EU integration process and the environmental dimension of the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama sent a congratulatory letter to Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti on the start of his new government mandate. The Kosovo Prime Minister’s Office published Rama’s message today. In the letter, Rama reaffirmed the Albanian government’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Kosovo at all levels. “Your new …
Protecting Lake Ohrid and strengthening cross-border environmental cooperation were at the center of a meeting between Albania’s Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj and his North Macedonian counterpart Muamet Hoxha in Skopje. The meeting took place during a regional gathering of chief negotiators and officials responsible for European integration. Jaupaj said the …
Reshat Arbana celebrates his 86th birthday today. He remains one of the most important figures in Albanian cinema and theatre. Arbana was born in Tirana on September 15, 1940. He graduated from the Higher Institute of Arts and began his artistic career in theatre. He later became one of Albania’s …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met today with the new Dutch Ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster. They discussed ways to intensify political dialogue and strengthen bilateral relations. The two sides praised cooperation between Albania and the Netherlands. They also focused on parliamentary ties and exchanges between the Albanian Parliament, the …