EU enlargement commissioner Marta Kos begins visit to Kosova
TIRANA, May 15 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos arrived in Kosova on Friday. She will meet senior state leaders in Prishtina. Kos was received in the morning by acting President Albulena Haxhiu. She will later meet acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The agenda of the talks has …
Eurovision final running order released, Albania to perform fifth with Alis and “Nân”
TIRANA, May 15 – Organisers released the running order for the Eurovision Song Contest final. Albania will perform fifth, represented by Alis with the song “Nân.” Alis secured a place in the final after the second semi-final in Vienna. The artist delivered a strong performance at the Wiener Stadthalle and …
Defense Minister Nufi: Albania focuses on air defence, cyber capabilities
TIRANA, May 15 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said Albania remains a reliable NATO ally and continues efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and the country’s military industry. During a press conference, Nufi described the development of military and technological capacities as a key priority for the Armed Forces. He …
Estonian PM Michal: Direct Tallinn–Tirana flights open new opportunities for tourism and business
TIRANA, May 15 – Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said direct flights between Tallinn and Tirana will create new opportunities for tourism, citizens and businesses between the two countries. He made the statement during a joint press conference in Estonia with Prime Minister Edi Rama. Michal said Albania and Estonia …
PM Rama said Albania wants to see Estonian technology innovators in Albania, longer direct flight season
TIRANA, May 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama thanked Estonia for its support to Albania’s EU accession process during a joint press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal. He said Albania expects to move quickly to the next phase of negotiations. Rama said Albania will continue work on closing …
Bajram Begaj: EU integration resolution is an important act of parliamentary cooperation
Bajram Begaj welcomed the Albanian Parliament’s resolution on the European Union membership process. He described it as an appropriate response to the 2025 European Commission progress report on Albania and to the report of the European Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee. Furthermore, Begaj said the resolution reflects the only correct approach: …
Delina Ibrahimaj: Government ready to take extra measures if prices rise further
Delina Ibrahimaj said today that the government is ready to take additional measures if international prices continue to rise. Speaking in Parliament, Ibrahimaj addressed the measures taken to manage price increases caused by tensions in the Middle East and their impact on global markets. She responded to an interpellation requested …
PM Rama visits Estonia for Lennart Meri Conference 2026, joins transatlantic security panel
TIRANA, May 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will carry out a working visit to Tallinn, Estonia, on Thursday. He will attend the Lennart Meri Conference 2026, one of the leading international forums on foreign policy, security and global geopolitical challenges. The event runs under the motto “Fate Favors the …
Parliament approves EU integration resolution with support from majority and opposition
The Albanian Parliament approved today the resolution on Albania’s European Union membership process. Lawmakers passed the resolution with 114 votes in favor and one abstention. The ruling majority and the opposition joined votes to support the resolution. Meanwhile, Democratic Party MP Bujar Leskaj abstained. The resolution calls for broad cooperation …
Alis performs tonight at Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Edi Rama urges Albanians to vote
Alis will represent Albania tonight at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with the song “Nân”. The song delivers an emotional message about motherhood. Albanians living abroad can support Alis by voting with code 13 during the live semifinal televote. Meanwhile, Albanians living in non-participating countries can vote online through esc.vote. …
Petro Zheji (1929–2015) ranks among Albania’s most distinguished translators. During the communist era, he helped introduce major works of world literature to Albanian readers, alongside prominent translators such as Mitrush Kuteli, Jusuf Vrioni, Klio Evangjeli and Vedat Kokona. His translations covered a wide range of literary traditions, including German, Spanish, …
Albania’s State Police has dismissed social media reports claiming that Serbian police officers have joined its ranks. The force described the allegations as false and malicious. The police said the claims seek to exploit nationalist sentiment, stir tensions and undermine public trust. It warned that such allegations could fuel conflict …
Albania features among 10 European destinations recommended for autumn holidays in a selection published by French media outlet Ulysse. The list highlights places where visitors can enjoy nature, beaches and cultural attractions in October. In an article by Luc Rongier, Albania appears alongside Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, southern France, Croatia, …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama today condemned violence during three days of protests in Tirana. Speaking outside a private business gutted by fire, he blamed the opposition and alleged that foreign forces also sought to destabilize Albania. He claimed these actors wanted to obstruct the country’s path towards European Union …
Durrës Port recorded significant growth in commercial activity during the first eight months of 2026. Data from the Durrës Port Authority show increases in both vehicle and container handling compared with the same period last year. The port handled a total of 15,827 vehicles between January and August 2026. This …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry and eight business associations have condemned violence and property damage during recent protests in the capital. They have urged authorities to take concrete measures to protect public order and safety. In a joint statement, the organizations expressed concern over attacks on public institutions, …
Egnatia began its historic UEFA Conference League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Danish side Midtjylland at Elbasan Arena on Thursday. Gruda scored for the Albanian side, which claimed its first point in the competition’s league phase. Egnatia took the lead in the 26th minute when Gruda headed home a …
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Anti-Government Protests in Albania: The Student Revolt and the Escalation of the Political Crisis appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Masked protesters continued to clash with police in Tirana on Thursday. They damaged public spaces and private businesses as unrest spread across the capital. After vandalizing businesses on Elbasan Street, masked youths set a kiosk ablaze on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Flames engulfed the structure and sent thick smoke into …
President Bajram Begaj has called on citizens and all parties involved in the recent protests to reject violence and prioritize dialogue. He stressed that Albania needs calm, responsibility and cooperation. In a message to the public, Begaj said he had followed both the protesters’ demands and the acts of violence …