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Alis sends Albania to Eurovision 2026 Grand Final

TIRANA, May 14 – Albania has secured a place in the Grand Final of Eurovision 2026 after Alis qualified from the second semi-final in Vienna with the song “Nân”. Alis delivered an emotional performance that combined Albanian musical elements with a modern stage presentation, earning Albania one of the 10 …

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OSCE democratic institutions office says political finance draft strengthens transparency

TIRANA, May 14 – The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights published an interim urgent opinion on Albania’s draft law on political party financing. The office said the draft creates a detailed framework for regulating political financing, while calling for further clarifications …

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Tourism minister looks at preparations in Jala and Dhërmi ahead of summer season

TIRANA, May 14 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja looked at preparations on the beaches of Jala and Dhërmi ahead of the new summer season. He reviewed readiness measures and ongoing work along the coastal areas. Gonxhja said operators and local authorities still need to complete several …

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Defense Minister meets NATO Joint Force Command Naples Commander Admiral, focuses on regional security and hybrid threats

TIRANA, May 14 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met today in Tirana with Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, during an official visit to Albania. Opening the talks, Nufi underlined that the visit reflects the strong partnership between the Albanian Armed Forces and NATO Allies, …

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President Begaj meets NATO Joint Force Command Naples Commander Admiral Wikoff, reaffirms defence cooperation and NATO commitment

TIRANA, May 14 – President Bajram Begaj met in Tirana with Admiral George M. Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command Naples, praising his leadership in what he described as a complex geopolitical environment. Opening the meeting, Begaj highlighted the key role of the Naples-based command in maintaining security, peace …

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Eurovision 2026: PM Rama calls for strong support as Albania prepares for tonight’s performance by Alis

TIRANA, May 14 – Albania turns its attention to Vienna tonight as Eurovision 2026 enters its second semi-final, with artist Alis set to perform the song “Nân”. Prime Minister Edi Rama called on the public and the Albanian diaspora to support the country’s entry. He urged voters to choose number …

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EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos to visit Prishtina on Friday

TIRANA, May 14 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos will visit Prishtina on Friday. The trip marks her first visit to Kosova since she took office in 2024. She arrives on Thursday evening from London, where she holds two meetings earlier in the day. Kos will hold three …

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Kosova marks 27th anniversary of Qyshk massacre

TIRANA, May 14 – Kosova on Wednesday marked the 27th anniversary of the Qyshk massacre, one of the crimes committed during the 1998–1999 war. Serbian forces killed 44 Albanian men in the village on May 14, 1999. The attack ranks among the many massacres reported during the conflict in Kosova. …

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“Youth Tech Center” opens in Lushnjë for young innovators

A new space dedicated to young people passionate about technology and innovation has opened in the city of Lushnjë. The center is called “Youth Tech” and is located near the city museum. It has already attracted strong interest from local youth. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared moments from the center …

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Foreign minister says Albania on track for European Union membership by 2030

TIRANA, May 14 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha told parliament on Wednesday that Albania remains on track for European Union membership by 2030 if the current pace of reforms continues. He made the remarks during discussions on a draft resolution on Albania’s European integration process. Hoxha said European Union support …

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Anti-Government Protests in Albania: The Student Revolt and the Escalation of the Political Crisis

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

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Clashes Escalate in Tirana as Protesters Set Kiosks Ablaze

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 …

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Begaj: Violence Is Not the Answer; Albania Needs Calm, Responsibility and Dialogue

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 …

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OSCE Ready to Facilitate Dialogue in Albania

The OSCE Presence in Albania has welcomed President Bajram Begaj’s call for calm and inclusive dialogue amid the recent unrest. It has also offered to help facilitate talks if the parties request its support. In a statement, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) joined the President’s appeal …

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Student Protests: EU Delegation Urges Young People to Avoid All Acts of Violence

The EU Delegation in Tirana issued a statement on Thursday regarding the student protests, condemning the escalation of violence and damage to property. In its statement, the delegation called on protesters to refrain from violence. According to the EU, constructive dialogue among all parties is the only way forward to …

News
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro Reacts to Student and High School Protests

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro has responded following three days of protests by university and high school students, calling on parents, teachers, and the wider community to work together to ensure the safety of young people and prevent the situation from escalating. In a message addressed to parents, pupils, and university …

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Tirana Chamber of Commerce: Businesses Must Not Become Targets of Political Tensions

The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reacted to acts of violence and damage to public and private property during protests in the capital, condemning attacks on institutions, banks, shopping centers, and business premises. In its statement, the Chamber emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a …

News
Businesses Take Precautions Amid Protests, Shops Seen Installing Security Shutters

Student protests continue to escalate in the capital. In the former Blloku area, private businesses have begun taking protective measures, installing security shutters and reinforcing their commercial premises. These security measures follow incidents reported in recent hours, during which some young protesters attacked and damaged private property, as well as …

News
Albania’s Police Chief Reports 71 Officers Injured During Three Days of Protests in Tirana

The General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, said during a press conference at the State Police General Directorate that 71 police officers had been injured in acts of violence over the three days of protests in Tirana. Hita called on parents and teachers not to allow children and …

News
Health Ministry: 14 Injured During Protests, Police Officers and Protesters Still Receiving Medical Treatment

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has provided the latest update on the condition of those injured during the protests. According to the official statement, a total of 14 injured people were admitted to the University Trauma Hospital, including eight police officers, four protesters and two minors. Four police …

News

Anti-Government Protests in Albania: The Student Revolt and the Escalation of the Political Crisis

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

News

Clashes Escalate in Tirana as Protesters Set Kiosks Ablaze

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 …

News

Begaj: Violence Is Not the Answer; Albania Needs Calm, Responsibility and Dialogue

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 …

News

OSCE Ready to Facilitate Dialogue in Albania

The OSCE Presence in Albania has welcomed President Bajram Begaj’s call for calm and inclusive dialogue amid the recent unrest. It has also offered to help facilitate talks if the parties request its support. In a statement, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) joined the President’s appeal …

News

Student Protests: EU Delegation Urges Young People to Avoid All Acts of Violence

The EU Delegation in Tirana issued a statement on Thursday regarding the student protests, condemning the escalation of violence and damage to property. In its statement, the delegation called on protesters to refrain from violence. According to the EU, constructive dialogue among all parties is the only way forward to …

News

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro Reacts to Student and High School Protests

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro has responded following three days of protests by university and high school students, calling on parents, teachers, and the wider community to work together to ensure the safety of young people and prevent the situation from escalating. In a message addressed to parents, pupils, and university …

News

Tirana Chamber of Commerce: Businesses Must Not Become Targets of Political Tensions

The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reacted to acts of violence and damage to public and private property during protests in the capital, condemning attacks on institutions, banks, shopping centers, and business premises. In its statement, the Chamber emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a …

News

Businesses Take Precautions Amid Protests, Shops Seen Installing Security Shutters

Student protests continue to escalate in the capital. In the former Blloku area, private businesses have begun taking protective measures, installing security shutters and reinforcing their commercial premises. These security measures follow incidents reported in recent hours, during which some young protesters attacked and damaged private property, as well as …

News

Albania’s Police Chief Reports 71 Officers Injured During Three Days of Protests in Tirana

The General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, said during a press conference at the State Police General Directorate that 71 police officers had been injured in acts of violence over the three days of protests in Tirana. Hita called on parents and teachers not to allow children and …

News

Health Ministry: 14 Injured During Protests, Police Officers and Protesters Still Receiving Medical Treatment

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has provided the latest update on the condition of those injured during the protests. According to the official statement, a total of 14 injured people were admitted to the University Trauma Hospital, including eight police officers, four protesters and two minors. Four police …