Italian Vintage Car Exhibition Draws Attention in Gjirokastër
The historic bazaar of Gjirokastër became a unique attraction as 30 vintage cars were displayed in the city’s museum district. The classic vehicles traveled from Italy as part of a tour across Albania, making a stop in the UNESCO-listed “Stone City.” The retro automobiles captured the attention of numerous tourists, …
Rama at Joint Press Conference with Costa: We Are 100% Aligned with the EU, Our Focus Is on Implementing Reforms
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at a joint press conference with European Council President Antonio Costa, thanked the latter for his direct engagement in Albania’s European integration journey since the launch of the country’s EU accession negotiations. Rama stressed that Albania has no disagreements with the European Union, only common …
Zvërnec Resort Under SPAK Investigation, Rama: Probe into Property Ownership Is Welcome, Project Will Continue
Prime Minister Edi Rama said he welcomes the investigation launched by SPAK (the Special Anti-Corruption Structure) into the ownership history of the property on which a resort is planned to be built in the Zvërnec area. Rama stressed that the project will continue regardless of the investigation, adding that the …
“Enlargement Is a Necessity”: Antonio Costa Says Rule of Law and Judicial Independence Are Essential for EU Membership
European Council President Antonio Costa was in Tirana on Tuesday, where he held a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama. Costa stated that EU member states have viewed Albania’s progress in the accession process positively. He also emphasized that Albania must intensify its efforts in the fight against …
Trump Nominates New Ambassadors for Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated several candidates for ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to a number of Western Balkan countries. Michael Young of Utah has been nominated to serve as the United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Serbia. Ronald Johnson of Massachusetts has been nominated as Ambassador to Bosnia …
Albania Lost 28,500 Residents in 2025 as Average Age Reaches 45
Albania has entered a new phase of its demographic crisis. The latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) show that the country’s population fell to 2.33 million as of January 1, 2026, losing more than 28,000 residents in just one year. Although births continue to outnumber deaths, emigration is …
Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company Fined €110,000 Over Metering Irregularities
Kosovo’s Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation (MINTI) has imposed a €110,000 fine on the Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company (KEDS) following the discovery of irregularities in electricity meters. According to MINTI, inspections were carried out after consumer complaints received during May. Field verifications revealed that 18 electricity meters had …
Canada’s Local Partnerships Drive Change Across Albania
Tirana Times, June 01, 2026 – As Albania continues to strengthen democratic governance, promote inclusive growth, and support sustainable community-driven development, Canada is positioning itself as a constructive and pragmatic partner through one of its most distinctive instruments of international engagement: the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. Known as CFLI, the program …
Minister Blendi Gonxhja to present National Culture Strategy 2026–2030
TIRANA, June 2 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja invited citizens to join a public consultation on the National Culture Strategy 2026–2030. He said the process aims to present the vision for cultural development in the coming years. The strategy will be presented on June 3. Meanwhile, …
Travelpack promotes Albania with dedicated brochure, places it among Europe’s hottest destinations – Travel Week report
TIRANA, June 2 – Albania attracts growing attention in the international tourism market. Juliet Dennis reports this in “Travel Week”. Meanwhile, British operator Travelpack launches its first dedicated Albania programme. The move responds to rising demand. The company describes the country as one of Europe’s hottest tourism markets. A 32-page …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi says the country is developing its military industry and domestic production capacity. The state-owned company KAYO has established 6 commercial partnerships, while local assembly of armoured vehicles has begun. This progress builds on work launched in 2024 to establish the legal and industrial foundations for domestic …
Elbasani came from behind to beat Laçi 2-1, while Skënderbeu and Vllaznia played out a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s two other fixtures of Week 10 of Albania’s Abissnet Superiore. In Korçë, Skënderbeu and Vllaznia shared the points after an evenly contested encounter. The hosts dominated the first half and created …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj says artificial intelligence will extend across all levels of public administration. The goal is to make Albania a leader and a reference point for public-sector use of the technology by 2030. In a video message on social media, the minister said work on integration …
Born far from Albania, in the Egyptian city of Faiyum, Tefta Tashko-Koço would become one of the most celebrated voices in the country’s musical history. Her remarkable soprano brought together the refinement of European classical music and the emotional depth of Albanian urban folk songs, creating an artistic legacy that …
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla visited the Orikum pumping station following the completion of its reconstruction. The investment aims to improve flood protection for agricultural land. The station had lost drainage capacity because of ageing infrastructure. The project replaced 4 old electric pumps with modern submersible pumps. It …
Prime Minister Edi Rama says pensioners can now use 19 services on the e-Albania platform through voice commands with the help of virtual assistant Diella. Users can also access the platform through Face ID or fingerprint recognition after activation. In a video shared on social media, Rama demonstrated how Diella …
Albania has showcased its rich archaeological heritage at the Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism (BMTA) in Paestum, Italy, for the second consecutive year. The delegation promoted the country’s archaeological sites and cultural tourism potential. It also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and sustainable site management. Deputy Ministers of Tourism, …
The electricity distribution operator has completed equipment replacement works at the Rubik and Shutri substations in Mat and Mirdita. The upgrades aim to improve supply reliability for around 4,000 customers. The work covered the 35-kilovolt network and is intended to strengthen the security and quality of electricity supply in both …
Berat welcomed more than one million tourists between January and October 2026, marking a 15% increase compared with the same period last year. The city’s cobbled streets, historic houses and autumn-coloured vineyards attract visitors throughout the year. Mild temperatures also make autumn ideal for exploring Berat Castle and its historic …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj says the 2027 fiscal package will focus on citizens and aim to lower the cost of living. Planned measures target food prices, fuel costs, rents and housing. The minister said the government considered concerns raised by citizens when drafting the package. The proposed measures …