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: …
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 …
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
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 …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Tirana to host European Bank for Reconstruction and Development annual meeting in 2028
TIRANA, June 9 – Tirana will host the 2028 annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a major international event expected to bring together financial institution leaders, government representatives, investors, and development partners from dozens of countries. Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj announced the decision at …
Gonxhja Warns Political Uncertainty Could Affect Tourism and the Economy
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja highlighted record figures at Tirana International Airport and warned that political uncertainty could affect both tourism and the national economy. According to Gonxhja, the airport recorded its highest daily traffic on May 30. On that day, 51,420 passengers traveled through the airport, while …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi paid tribute today at the Commonwealth War Cemetery and the German Military Cemetery in Tirana’s Artificial Lake Park. During the commemorative ceremony, Nufi laid wreaths in honour of those who fought and died for freedom, as well as all those who lost their lives during World …
The National Museum “Gjergj Kastrioti Skanderbeg” and the Krujë Ethnographic Museum remain among Albania’s leading destinations for historical and cultural tourism. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the two museums today, highlighting their appeal to both domestic and international visitors. “Krujë Museum is one of our most visited heritage …
November 8 marks 564 years since Archbishop of Durrës Pal Engjëlli recorded the “Baptismal Formula”, the earliest known dated document in the Albanian language. He wrote it on November 8, 1462, making it a landmark in the history of written Albanian. Although the document uses Latin, it contains a baptismal …
More than 300 Albanian and foreign companies from 12 countries gathered in Tirana for the 32nd edition of the Tirana International Fair. The four-day event took place at the Palace of Congresses from November 3 to 6. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the event today. Organised by Klik …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has launched “Talk to the Prime Minister”, a new online platform that connects students and citizens directly with the head of government. Through the platform, users can ask questions, criticise decisions, raise concerns and propose solutions. Rama introduced the initiative a few days ago and shared …
Albania will allocate 848.5 million lek to tourism development in 2027. The funding will support international promotion, new tourism products, destination management and digital services. The government also aims to extend the tourist season, diversify its offer and improve service quality. The Tourism Development Programme will use the budget to …
TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ – “Gjergj Kastrioti Skënderbeu” National Museum and Kruja Ethnographic Museum are among the most significant destinations for historical and cultural tourism in Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images today of these two museums, which attract great interest from both domestic and international tourists visiting Kruja. …
TIRANA, November 8 /ATSH/ — With autumn painting the Langarica Valley in rich colors, the thermal waters of Bënja in Përmet remain a favorite escape for travelers looking to unwind in its peaceful natural springs. The Bënja thermal springs are among Përmet’s most well-known natural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama …
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 …
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 …