Parliament approves marina law and anti-money laundering changes; Olta Rrushaj elected to Bank of Albania Supervisory Council
The Albanian Parliament held a plenary session today. Lawmakers debated governance and EU integration issues. First, opposition leader Gazment Bardhi criticized the strategic investment law. He said it does not serve public interest. Instead, he said it benefits a limited group. Next, MP Jorida Tabaku opposed changes to Parliament’s Rules …
Exclusive / Gonzato: There is no blockage in Albania’s EU integration processes
This Thursday, the EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, spoke to Euronews Albania in an interview with moderator Mirela Milori. Gonzato discussed Albania’s integration process and stated that there is no blockage in the process. On the other hand, he emphasized that these are confidential discussions in accordance with the …
Foreign Interference and Election Observation in Hungary’s 2026 Parliamentary Vote
by David J. Kostelancik Tirana Times, April 09, 2026 – Hungary’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 12, 2026, are unfolding in an environment shaped not only by domestic political competition but also by broader geopolitical tensions and debates about external influence. Charges of election interference have involved disinformation from state-controlled media, allegations …
Over 100 athletes compete in Albania’s national tournament for people with intellectual disabilities
TIRANA, April 9 – Over 100 athletes from across Albania joined the National Athletics and Table Tennis Tournament for people with intellectual disabilities. The event promotes inclusive sports and social equality. Athletes competed with energy and respect. They showed how sports can overcome social and physical barriers. The Albanian National …
Speaker Peleshi: Strengthening parliamentary cooperation with the Bundestag
TIRANA, April 9 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met with Gunnar Schellenberger, President of the Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament. They focused on enhancing inter-parliamentary ties and boosting economic cooperation between Albania and Germany. Peleshi highlighted the need to intensify collaboration between the Albanian Parliament and the Bundestag, and to expand exchanges …
“Islands”: Albania rises on tourism map as Ksamil draws Caribbean comparisons
TIRANA, April 9 – Albania is gaining attention as a beach destination in Europe. An article in the U.S. travel magazine Islands highlights the coastal village of Ksamil as a rising hotspot. The report asks which European destination offers Caribbean-style beaches at lower cost in 2026. It points to Albania’s …
Albania women’s team targets strong start against Wales in 2027 World Cup qualifiers
TIRANA, April 9 – Albania’s women’s national team continued preparations for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. The team held its latest training session at the “House of Football.” Albania will face Wales on April 14 at 20:15 at “Stok Cae Ras” stadium. Players are following an intensive training program ahead …
Economy and Innovation Minister: New law aims to boost strategic investments in tourist ports
TIRANA, April 9 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented a draft law to amend the framework on tourist ports. She said the initiative will simplify procedures for strategic investments in resorts, marinas, and tourist ports. Ibrahimaj said Albania has recorded strong tourism growth. The country welcomed 6.4 million …
PM Rama: Construction sector reflects Albania’s economic transformation
TIRANA, April 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the construction sector plays a key role in Albania’s economic and social transformation. He made the remarks during a meeting with business representatives on wage growth, alongside Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj. Rama rejected claims that link the sector to …
Spring Fair in Korça draws crowds with artisans and festive activities
TIRANA, April 9 – Korça’s central square in front of the Orthodox Cathedral came alive with the Spring Fair ahead of Easter. The event, now a local tradition, brings together artisans and visitors from across the country. Stalls showcase handmade crafts, traditional products, and souvenirs, creating a lively and authentic …
TIRANA, April 22 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama met Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Athens on Wednesday during a working visit. The meeting took place on 22 April alongside the Delphi Economic Forum, a regional platform for political and economic dialogue. The talks focused on strengthening relations between …
Photographer Jutta Benzenberg presents a special project titled “Zemra mes këtej dhe andej” (“Heart Between Here and There”) at the Prime Minister’s Office Library in Tirana. The project explores the Albanian diaspora through photography. In cooperation with GIZ Albania, Benzenberg displays 16 portraits accompanied by personal stories, journeys, and reflections …
TIRANA, April 22 – Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, is participating in the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece. The agenda includes high-level discussions on regional cooperation and European Union enlargement. Hoxha joins a ministerial meeting of foreign ministers from the Western Balkans and European Union member …
Albania participates in the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku, organized by UN-Habitat. Ervin Demo meets Azerbaijani Ambassador Anar Huseynov in Tirana to prepare Albania’s participation. Demo says Albania strengthens its voice on housing, urban development, and local governance. He says the country uses the forum to promote sustainable and …
Tirana International Airport attracts international attention as CNN highlights its fast and efficient passenger control system. CNN reports that the airport stands out in Europe for its simplified and rapid security procedures. It describes Tirana as a model of efficient air travel, despite tighter security rules and longer queues in …
TIRANA, April 22 – European Parliament President Roberta Metsola has described Albania as one of the most advanced countries in the European Union enlargement process, highlighting the pace of reforms and progress in accession negotiations, eudebates.tv reported. Speaking during a debate on EU enlargement, Metsola placed Albania and Montenegro among …
TIRANA, April 22 – The Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH) Symphony Orchestra will perform a special classical music evening featuring works by Joseph Haydn and Ludwig van Beethoven. The concert brings together solo performance and orchestral interpretation under international direction. The programme includes Joseph Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1 in …
TIRANA, April 22 – Hilë Mosi, poet, publicist and politician, was born in Shkodër on 22 April 1885. He became known for his publicist and political activity in support of the Albanian national cause. Mosi completed his early education in Shkodër in a strong cultural and patriotic environment shaped by …
TIRANA, April 22 – The International Student Film Festival is being organized in Tirana as a new initiative supporting young filmmakers and strengthening links between film education and the industry. The project highlights student creativity while expanding professional opportunities in cinema. The festival brings together animation, feature film and documentary …
TIRANA, April 22 – Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reaffirmed support for Albania’s European Union accession after meeting Edi Rama in Athens. Speaking after the talks, Mitsotakis described the meeting as an opportunity to advance bilateral relations. He said both sides can address outstanding issues and build what he called …