Albania’s Civic Awakening: A Year After Rama’s Landslide, the Illusion of Invincibility Breaks
by Elez Biberaj Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – One year after Prime Minister Edi Rama swept to a fourth consecutive term, Albania finds itself in a profoundly different place than the triumphant narrative he projected. The government that claimed unrivaled authority now faces the most sustained civic uprising in …
Hoxha-Byrne: Ireland Supports EU Enlargement, Albania Advances Through Reform Agenda
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, to discuss Albania’s progress and prospects on its path toward European Union membership. During the meeting, the two officials reviewed developments in Albania’s EU integration process. They also exchanged …
Kurti Meets Austrian Chancellor: Kosovo’s Council of Europe Membership a Priority
Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, met in Vienna with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker during an official visit to Austria. Kurti thanked Austria for its long-standing support for Kosovo since the 1990s. He also highlighted Austria’s role in state-building efforts and its contribution through the NATO-led KFOR mission. Furthermore, …
PM Rama: Kushner and Ivanka Trump Are Investors, Not Political Actors
Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected claims that a planned Zvërnec project involves political backing from the White House or former U.S. President Donald Trump. He addressed journalists from EU member states at a press conference. He said public debate distorts the facts and focuses on family connections. Furthermore, he said …
Tonin Harapi: A Major Figure of Albanian Music
The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of composer Tonin Harapi, recognizing him as one of the most important figures in Albanian national music. He was born on June 9, 1926, in Shkodër. He grew up in a rich musical environment. He learned …
Rama Responds to Senator Bernie Sanders: Albania Is Not a Stage for Foreign Political Battles
Prime Minister Edi Rama responded to a statement by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who claimed that over 100,000 Albanian citizens protested a tourism investment project in Zvërnec. Rama reacted on the social media platform “X.” He said no approved project, construction permit, or final development plan exists. Furthermore, he said …
Rama to EU Journalists: Albania Is a Free Country Where People Can Protest
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Albania guarantees the right to protest and allows citizens to demonstrate freely. He spoke at a press conference with EU journalists at the Prime Minister’s Office. Furthermore, he addressed recent protests against the Zvërnec investment project. He said a violent incident involving a security …
Hoxha: Albania to Open Embassy in Ireland Soon, Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met in Dublin with Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee. He said both sides reaffirmed excellent bilateral relations between Albania and Ireland. Furthermore, Hoxha said the two countries held constructive discussions on strengthening political dialogue. They also agreed to …
Peleshi Meets Greek Counterpart: Greece Supports Albania’s EU Membership
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi held an official visit in Athens, where he met the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis. Furthermore, the visit took place as part of Albania’s parliamentary diplomacy tour with key strategic partners in Europe and the region. During the meeting, both sides praised the …
PM Rama: Pashaliman Shipbuilding Project to Create Up to 800 Jobs
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the planned shipbuilding project in Pashaliman will create major employment opportunities and strengthen vocational education in Albania. He spoke at the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education. He said the project will initially create 400 jobs and later expand to 800. Furthermore, Rama highlighted an …
The Benja Thermal Springs in Përmet continue to attract domestic and foreign tourists as autumn brings cooler temperatures to the Langarica Valley. Visitors come to enjoy the natural hot springs and the peaceful surroundings. The springs rank among Përmet’s best-known natural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the …
Albania ranks among the countries that have undergone the most dramatic tourism transformations in Europe, evolving from one of the continent’s most isolated nations into an increasingly popular destination for international visitors, Israeli media outlet Ynet News reports. Journalist Asaf Rosen highlights the country’s opening after the fall of communism, …
Eni Vasili, director-general of Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH), has outlined the institution’s funding needs and technology priorities for 2027. Speaking to the Committee on Human Rights and Public Information, she highlighted digitalisation, infrastructure modernisation and rising operating costs. The state budget allocation for RTSH is projected at ALL 940 …
Eni Vasili, director-general of Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH), has identified modern television infrastructure as a key priority for the public broadcaster. Speaking to the Committee on Human Rights and Public Information, she stressed the need to bring its production studio into operation. RTSH currently produces most of its own …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has presented a 2027 budget plan allocating ALL 10.5 billion to vocational education, entrepreneurship and innovation. The ministry’s overall budget stands at ALL 42 billion. Vocational education and employment services will receive ALL 8.9 billion. Investment of ALL 1.22 billion will support vocational schools, …
Gjirokastër Castle welcomed 300,000 domestic and foreign visitors between January and October 2026. Visitor numbers rose by 6.5% compared with the same period in 2025. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja shared the latest figures and reported a 10.5% increase in revenue over the same period last year. “Between …
Valbona Valley remains one of Albania’s most treasured mountain destinations, offering a unique experience for visitors seeking tranquillity, unspoilt nature and breathtaking scenery. During autumn, vibrant seasonal colours make the valley even more captivating, turning it into a natural postcard of the Albanian Alps. Prime Minister Edi Rama today shared …
Eni Vasili, director-general of Albanian Radio and Television, has outlined RTSH’s priorities for services aimed at Albanians abroad and foreign-language audiences in 2027. She presented them during a hearing with the Committee on Civic Initiatives as part of discussions on the 2027 budget. The priorities include establishing an international correspondent …
Restoration teams are improving the infrastructure at Rozafa Castle in Shkodër, one of the country’s most important historical and cultural monuments. Work began around two months ago. Crews have completed the Castle Museum’s façade and are now repairing the cobblestone paving in an inner courtyard. “We are currently working on …
Albania’s annual inflation rate reached 3.4% in October 2026, up from 2.3% in the same month last year. Consumer prices also rose by 0.5% compared with September, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation, adding 1.36 percentage points. Transport …