The False Civil Society and the Real One
In Albania, real civic society is no longer in donor-funded conference rooms. It is in the streets. By Mrika Temali Tirana Times, June 16, 2026 – Thirty-five years after the fall of communism, Albania offers a bitter paradox. The European Union, Western governments and international foundations have spent millions indeed …
UEFA Inspects Albania’s Stadiums Ahead of EURO U-21 2027
UEFA representatives continued inspections in Albania as preparations advance for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027, which Albania will co-host. First, UEFA experts visited stadiums over a four-day inspection tour. They assessed technical and operational readiness for the tournament. They focused on lighting systems, backup generators, security measures, and other …
Housing prices continue to rise as tourism drives property market demand
TIRANA, June 16 – Housing prices in Albania continued to rise during 2025. At the same time, transaction volumes fell in the second half of the year. The Bank of Albania said the trend requires more time and data to determine whether it reflects a slowdown or a correction after …
Fuel prices cut, diesel at 180 ALL per litre, petrol at 168 ALL per litre
TIRANA, June 16 – The Transparency Board has decided to reduce fuel prices in Albania. It cut diesel by 3 ALL per litre and petrol by 2 ALL per litre. Under the decision, diesel will sell at a maximum retail price of 180 ALL per litre. The board set the …
Albania U-19 Draw Armenia and Cyprus in Euro 2027 Qualifiers
Albania’s U-19 national team learned its opponents for the second round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2027 qualifiers. UEFA held the draw in Nyon, Switzerland. It placed Albania U-19 in Group 6 of League B. First, Albania will face Armenia and Cyprus in the group stage. The team will …
US signals “adjustment of contribution” to KFOR mission
TIRANA, June 16 – The United States is expected to adjust its contribution to NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosova. The move comes as part of a broader review of the Alliance’s military presence in the country. A US European Command (EUCOM) official told Radio Free Europe that the decision follows …
Speaker Peleshi in Netherlands, support reaffirmed for faster EU negotiation process
TIRANA, June 16 – Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi has paid an official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where he met Speaker of the House of Representatives Thom van Campen, Senate President Mei Li Vos, and members of the European Affairs Committee. The visit comes at …
PM Rama to attend Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, focus on investment and EU path
TIRANA, June 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will take part in the Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, one of the key platforms for economic and political dialogue between Germany and Eastern European countries. The Media and Information Agency said Rama will also meet members of the committee’s board …
Israeli photographer captures Vjosa river landscapes in Albania
TIRANA, June 16 – Natural landscapes across Albania continue to attract visitors from around the world. Unspoiled rivers, mountains, and rural scenery are shaping growing interest among photographers who seek less-explored Mediterranean destinations. Iris from Israel is among them. She is a photographer with more than 40 years of professional …
Lezha and Bra sign twinning agreement
TIRANA, June 16 – The Municipality of Lezha and the Municipality of Bra in Italy signed a twinning agreement that aims to strengthen ties between the two communities and expand cooperation in several areas. Lezha Mayor Pjerin Ndreu and Bra Mayor Giovanni Fogliato signed the agreement in the presence of …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha expressed Albania’s full solidarity with France following devastating cyberattacks on an unprecedented scale. He said an offensive cyber unit linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps had carried out the attacks. Hoxha stressed that Albania understands the threat firsthand, as Iranian state …
State Police Director General Skënder Hita is leading a delegation on a working visit to Italy, where Italian Police Chief Prefect Vittorio Pisani welcomed him in Rome. During the meeting, both officials praised the excellent bilateral relations and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership and investigative and operational …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu met with his Italian counterpart, Carlo Nordio, in Rome on Tuesday to discuss strengthening cooperation between Albania and Italy in the field of justice. In a social media post, Gogu thanked Nordio for Italy’s continued support as Albania’s strategic partner on its path towards European integration. …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja attended an expanded meeting of the National Youth Council on Tuesday, stressing the importance of dialogue, mutual respect and greater youth involvement in decision-making. Gonxhja said the meeting highlighted the education, communication skills, critical thinking and social awareness of a generation eager …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha is on an official visit to Budapest, where Hungarian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Orbán welcomed him. During their talks on Albania’s European integration, Hoxha praised Hungary’s strong support and its role as an influential voice for the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said it was too early to express optimism about recent political developments in Serbia and their potential impact on the region’s European integration process. Speaking at a discussion in Dublin, Ireland, with European and Balkan experts and diplomats, organised by the Institute of International and European …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania aims to complete its European Union accession negotiations by the end of 2027, describing the target as ambitious but achievable. Speaking in Dublin, Ireland, at an event hosted by the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), Rama addressed an audience of European and …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, is on an official visit to Budapest, where he was received by Hungary’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Anita Orban. The meeting focused on Albania’s path to EU membership. Hoxha welcomed Hungary’s continued support for Albania’s integration and …
Albania’s State Police Director General, Skënder Hita, was received in Rome by his Italian counterpart, Prefect Vittorio Pisani, Director General of the Italian Police. The official meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between the two countries in tackling organized crime, illicit trafficking and cybercrime. During the bilateral meeting, the two police …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has criticized Europe’s approach to the war in Ukraine, calling it a major mistake to abandon diplomacy with Russia and focus its efforts on arming Ukraine. Speaking at the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) in Dublin, Rama said Europe had traditionally favored diplomacy …