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Day 10 of Protests in Tirana: Activists and Citizens Gather in Front of the Prime Minister’s Office

This Tuesday at 6:00 PM, representatives of civil society, activists, and citizens gathered once again in Skanderbeg Square, marking the tenth day of protests over the issue of protected areas. From there, they continued to call for the government’s resignation, chanting slogans such as “Albania belongs to Albanians” and “Rama …

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Fier, Rama to Protesters: Accountability Is Found at the Table, Not by Demanding the Government’s Resignation

The Socialist Party branch in Fier today celebrated the 35th anniversary of its founding during an event held at the Archaeological Park of Apollonia. Hundreds of Socialist Party supporters attended the event, including prominent figures from the party as well as Prime Minister Edi Rama. During his speech, Rama addressed …

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EU-Western Balkans Summit 2026: New Impetus for the Enlargement Debate?

By Odeta Barbullushi and Marina Vulovic Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – A new proposal on enlargement was tabled by the French President Emmanuel Macron and the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, on June 5, 2026. Its timing could not be more strategic: …

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Kushner’s Sazan Island Project Under Scrutiny

As Albania faces growing protests over protected coastal areas, a draft government decision to transfer Sazan Island from the Defence Ministry raises new questions over transparency, public assets and strategic investments. Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – Albania’s debate over strategic investments along its coastline has entered a new and …

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Letter from Brussels: Getting Creative about EU Enlargement in the Balkans

A new Franco-German proposal is heralding a possible new approach to the European bloc’s enlargement process – and leaving the door open for Kosovo. But it was Serbia’s president who grabbed the headlines at the latest EU-Balkans summit. Original post Here

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Digitrips/L’Écho: Albania ranked most affordable Mediterranean destination in ticket price barometer

TIRANA, June 9 – Albania stands out as one of the most attractive summer 2026 destinations, not only for its coastline and landscapes but also for increasingly competitive travel costs, Anna Duplantis writes in an article published by the French media outlet “Ulysse”. In addition, a price barometer by Digitrips …

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Switzerland strong supporter of vocational education and training reforms in Albania

TIRANA, June 9 – Swiss Ambassador to Albania Ruth Huber said Switzerland strongly supports reforms that place vocational education and training at the centre of social and economic development in Albania. She made the statement during the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education and Training, where participants discussed reform results. …

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PM Rama: Tourism success boosts foreign investment, rejects claims on cheap labour and environmental harm

TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s success in tourism has triggered growing interest from foreign capital and international businesses to invest in the country. He made the remarks during the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education and Training. Meanwhile, Rama rejected claims that foreign investors come …

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The Pope, AI and the Future of Humanity

The most important political text of the 21st century comes not from politicians but from Pope Leo XIV by Milena Harito I am an atheist, but today I can do nothing but thank Pope Leo XIV, who with his first encyclical, wrote the most reasonable and meaningful political text I …

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Restoration of Turan Tower continues, Gonxhja says historic values preserved for future generations

TIRANA, June 9 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared images on social media showing progress in the restoration of Turan Tower. He described it as a monument of special historical and architectural importance. Meanwhile, he said restoration and consolidation work continues on the monument. He said …

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“Speak to the Prime Minister” – Rama on New Platform: Direct Communication, Open to Everyone

Prime Minister Edi Rama once again presented the new “Speak to the Prime Minister” platform this Sunday, aimed at establishing a direct channel of communication and dialogue with citizens regarding their requests, complaints and concerns. In a Facebook post, Rama shared an excerpt from the platform’s description, emphasizing that it …

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Tirana Protest: Four Arrested, Seven Others Under Investigation Following Violent Clashes

Four people have been arrested and seven others are facing criminal proceedings following acts of violence during a protest held in Tirana the previous day. According to police, protesters confronted officers, attacked them with hard objects and pyrotechnic devices, blocked traffic and set waste bins on fire. As part of …

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Serbia Holds National Minority Council Elections, Albanians Urged to Vote

Polling stations opened across Serbia on Sunday for the election of members of national minority councils. The Kosovo government and political representatives of Albanians in Serbia have called on the Albanian community to vote in the elections for the Albanian National Council. Polling stations will remain open from 7:00 a.m. …

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Tourism: 848.5 million Lekë allocated for destination promotion and development in 2027

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Tourism will remain a key priority for Albania’s economic development in 2027, with a focus on increasing competitiveness, diversifying the tourism offering, extending the tourist season and improving the quality of services. For 2027, the “Tourism Development” program is supported by a budget of 848.5 …

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Berisha: Open to compromise, a single opposition candidate in upcoming local elections

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha confirmed today that the Democratic Party (DP) is open and prepared to reach a compromise with opposition political forces in order to topple the government. During an online discussion with citizens, Berisha emphasized that, “The Democratic Party is sincere, open …

News
Tirana International Fair: Expanding horizons for global-local cooperation

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Over 300 Albanian and international enterprises from 12 countries gathered for four consecutive days in Tirana for the 32nd edition of Tirana International Fair. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared highlights today from this significant event—organized by the Klik Ekspo Group—which held its 32nd edition from …

News
DP MPs were prevented from approaching protest; Berisha stated they weren’t students, but paid individuals

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha commented on yesterday’s protest in the capital, stating that there were no incidents involving the students themselves. In a message to citizens via social media, Berisha remarked that the “democratic public” was present at yesterday’s protest and he once again …

News
Gjirokastër Castle draws 300,000 visitors in just ten months

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Gjirokastër Castle welcomed 300,000 domestic and international visitors between January and October 2026, marking a 6.5% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Sharing the latest visitor statistics for Gjirokastër Castle, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja highlighted that alongside the rise …

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Spahiu: Providing a monthly allowance for children under five and investing 480 million lekë to expand local social services

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu announced that the 2027 draft budget includes an allocation of 50 million euros to revise the “Baby Bonus” scheme. The initiative aims to transform the bonus into a monthly support payment for children up to the age …

News
“Speak with Prime Minister” – Rama: A protest is a knock at door of those in power; authorities must always be ready for dialogue

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – The “Speak with the Prime Minister” platform is a new social space for direct communication with Prime Minister Edi Rama, open to students and any other citizen who wishes to engage in dialogue. Rama describes this as a space for dialogue—accessible via anyone’s phone or …

News

“Speak to the Prime Minister” – Rama on New Platform: Direct Communication, Open to Everyone

Prime Minister Edi Rama once again presented the new “Speak to the Prime Minister” platform this Sunday, aimed at establishing a direct channel of communication and dialogue with citizens regarding their requests, complaints and concerns. In a Facebook post, Rama shared an excerpt from the platform’s description, emphasizing that it …

News

Tirana Protest: Four Arrested, Seven Others Under Investigation Following Violent Clashes

Four people have been arrested and seven others are facing criminal proceedings following acts of violence during a protest held in Tirana the previous day. According to police, protesters confronted officers, attacked them with hard objects and pyrotechnic devices, blocked traffic and set waste bins on fire. As part of …

News

Serbia Holds National Minority Council Elections, Albanians Urged to Vote

Polling stations opened across Serbia on Sunday for the election of members of national minority councils. The Kosovo government and political representatives of Albanians in Serbia have called on the Albanian community to vote in the elections for the Albanian National Council. Polling stations will remain open from 7:00 a.m. …

News

Tourism: 848.5 million Lekë allocated for destination promotion and development in 2027

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Tourism will remain a key priority for Albania’s economic development in 2027, with a focus on increasing competitiveness, diversifying the tourism offering, extending the tourist season and improving the quality of services. For 2027, the “Tourism Development” program is supported by a budget of 848.5 …

News

Berisha: Open to compromise, a single opposition candidate in upcoming local elections

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha confirmed today that the Democratic Party (DP) is open and prepared to reach a compromise with opposition political forces in order to topple the government. During an online discussion with citizens, Berisha emphasized that, “The Democratic Party is sincere, open …

News

Tirana International Fair: Expanding horizons for global-local cooperation

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Over 300 Albanian and international enterprises from 12 countries gathered for four consecutive days in Tirana for the 32nd edition of Tirana International Fair. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared highlights today from this significant event—organized by the Klik Ekspo Group—which held its 32nd edition from …

News

DP MPs were prevented from approaching protest; Berisha stated they weren’t students, but paid individuals

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha commented on yesterday’s protest in the capital, stating that there were no incidents involving the students themselves. In a message to citizens via social media, Berisha remarked that the “democratic public” was present at yesterday’s protest and he once again …

News

Gjirokastër Castle draws 300,000 visitors in just ten months

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Gjirokastër Castle welcomed 300,000 domestic and international visitors between January and October 2026, marking a 6.5% increase compared to the same period in 2025. Sharing the latest visitor statistics for Gjirokastër Castle, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja highlighted that alongside the rise …

News

Spahiu: Providing a monthly allowance for children under five and investing 480 million lekë to expand local social services

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu announced that the 2027 draft budget includes an allocation of 50 million euros to revise the “Baby Bonus” scheme. The initiative aims to transform the bonus into a monthly support payment for children up to the age …

News

“Speak with Prime Minister” – Rama: A protest is a knock at door of those in power; authorities must always be ready for dialogue

TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – The “Speak with the Prime Minister” platform is a new social space for direct communication with Prime Minister Edi Rama, open to students and any other citizen who wishes to engage in dialogue. Rama describes this as a space for dialogue—accessible via anyone’s phone or …