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Shadow Fleet, Weak Oversight: How Russian Sanctions Evasion Reached Albania’s Ports

Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – Albania’s ports have emerged as a potential weak point in the international effort to enforce sanctions against Russia, following revelations that vessels linked by Ukrainian intelligence to Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” have visited the country since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. …

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Unexploded Ordnance Puts Jared Kushner’s Resort in Albania at Risk

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Unexploded Ordnance Puts Jared Kushner’s Resort in Albania at Risk appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here

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International Museum Day marked, free entry to museums on May 18 and May 21 in Albania

TIRANA, May 18 – The global museum community marks International Museum Day today. In this context, Albania offers free entry to museums on May 18 and May 21 for related cultural events. Meanwhile, the International Council of Museums established the day in 1977. The initiative aims to raise public awareness …

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Albania Cycling Tour 2026 starts, temporary road closures in Tirana

TIRANA, May 18 – Albania hosts the 83rd Albania Cycling Tour from today until 22 May. Twenty elite teams from Albania, the Balkans and Europe take part in the race. The first stage starts at 12:00. Cyclists begin in Tirana and finish in Lezha. The State Police announces temporary traffic …

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“Egnatia Fest 2026” Opens Tourist Season in Librazhd

Librazhd opened the tourism season with “Egnatia Fest 2026” in the Cherry Park. Around 54 businesses joined the event and promoted the area’s nature, history, traditions, and tourism potential. Minister Andis Salla attended the festival and highlighted the importance of local tourism and private investment for economic growth. Salla said …

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Dushaj, the Picturesque Village of Stone Towers Above Fushë-Bulqizë

Dushaj stands above Fushë-Bulqizë with stone towers, green valleys, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes. The village has become a growing destination for visitors seeking nature, history, and authentic Albanian hospitality. At the entrance of the village, the historic Kulla Hupi welcomes tourists preparing for the new tourism season. Workers continue restoration …

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OSBE Ambassador: Steps taken to improve journalists’ conditions, further efforts needed on transparency and editorial independence

TIRANA, May 18 – OSCE Ambassador to Tirana, Michele Tarran spoke at a media freedom conference. He said journalism represents a public service, not only a profession or an industry. He pointed to declining trust in institutions, disinformation and manipulation. He also cited reduced media pluralism, information insecurity, hate speech …

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Health and Social Welfare Minister at WHO Assembly: Albania strengthened commitment to child protection and well-being

TIRANA, May 18 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala took part in the 79th World Health Assembly session. The discussions opened with a focus on protecting children from online risks. They also addressed the impact of digital violence. At the opening stage of the event, the World Health …

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PM Rama on official visit to South Korea

TIRANA, May 18 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is on an official visit to the Republic of Korea from 17–21 May. He is accompanied by his wife Linda Rama and the official delegation. According to the Media and Information Agency, the visit aims to deepen cooperation between the two countries. …

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Swiss Ambassador Huber: Free media is foundation of democracy and fight against corruption

TIRANA, May 18 – Swiss Ambassador to Albania Ruth Huber spoke at a media freedom conference with local and international participants. She said free media represents a key pillar of democracy and institutional strengthening. In this context, she described the conference as an important regional forum for dialogue among journalists …

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French Wine Producers and Albanian Distributors Seek Stronger Trade Ties

Wine industry professionals gathered in Albania for “Tastin’ France”, an initiative by Business France that promotes the quality and heritage of French wines in international markets. The France-Albania Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized the event with support from the French Embassy in Albania and Kub France Tirana. The gathering …

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Koçiu: Peaceful Protest Is a Democratic Right, but Violence and Vandalism Are Not

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said on Monday that those who destroy businesses, attack State Police officers and set fire to the capital are not protesters but perpetrators of violence. In a social media statement, Koçiu stressed that authorities must respect and protect the right to peaceful protest. However, she …

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Gonxhja at Balkan Sea Fair: Tourism Revenue Doubled in Three Years

Tourism revenue in Albania has more than doubled in three years, while overnight stays outside the peak summer season have increased by around 78%, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said. Gonxhja attended the Balkan Blue Economy Summit at Marina Orikum as part of the Balkans Sea Fair. …

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Remembering Renowned Albanian Writer and Screenwriter Dhimitër Xhuvani

Albania on Monday commemorated writer, playwright, screenwriter and journalist Dhimitër Xhuvani, who died on October 19, 2009. Xhuvani was one of the most prominent figures in Albanian literature in the second half of the 20th century. Born in Pogradec on May 23, 1934, he initially trained in medicine and worked …

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Swiss Embassy Concerned Over Violence and Destruction of Public and Private Property

The Swiss Embassy in Albania has expressed concern over the recent outbreak of violence and damage to public and private property during demonstrations in the country. It called on all sides to exercise restraint, ease tensions and prioritize constructive dialogue. In a statement posted on social media, the embassy stressed …

News
Rama Invites Protesters to Dialogue: “Anytime, Anywhere, Without Conditions”

Prime Minister Edi Rama has renewed his call for dialogue with protesters, urging them to reject violence, stone-throwing and arson targeting public institutions. Rama said the government stands ready to hold talks at any time and without conditions. He also called on protest organizers to lead by example and help …

News
European Parliament Condemns Violence During Protests in Tirana

Marco Tarquinio, chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Albania, and Andreas Schieder, the Parliament’s standing rapporteur for Albania, have voiced concern over the escalation of protests in Tirana. “We condemn the violent escalation of these protests, attacks on public institutions and the destruction of public and private …

News
Rama: Albania Targeted in Well-Coordinated Attack by Force Designated Terrorist by US

Prime Minister Edi Rama met Interior Minister Ervin Demo and senior State Police officials on Monday to address the violent protests that have rocked the capital in recent days. During the meeting, Rama accused Russia of seeking to undermine Albania’s economic growth, discourage investment and obstruct its EU integration. He …

News
Neevis Hasani Wins Bronze at World Karate Championships in Poland

Albanian karate athlete Neevis Hasani won the bronze medal at the World Karate Championships in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, securing a place among the world’s top three junior athletes in the under-55kg category. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the achievement, praising Hasani’s performance on the international stage. Hasani secured …

News
Rama: Protests Are a Right, but Violence Is a Crime

Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that citizens have the right to protest but must not resort to violence, as demonstrations continued in the capital in recent days. In a social media post, Rama shared a photo from protests across Europe and urged citizens not to fall for what …

News

French Wine Producers and Albanian Distributors Seek Stronger Trade Ties

Wine industry professionals gathered in Albania for “Tastin’ France”, an initiative by Business France that promotes the quality and heritage of French wines in international markets. The France-Albania Chamber of Commerce and Industry organized the event with support from the French Embassy in Albania and Kub France Tirana. The gathering …

News

Koçiu: Peaceful Protest Is a Democratic Right, but Violence and Vandalism Are Not

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said on Monday that those who destroy businesses, attack State Police officers and set fire to the capital are not protesters but perpetrators of violence. In a social media statement, Koçiu stressed that authorities must respect and protect the right to peaceful protest. However, she …

News

Gonxhja at Balkan Sea Fair: Tourism Revenue Doubled in Three Years

Tourism revenue in Albania has more than doubled in three years, while overnight stays outside the peak summer season have increased by around 78%, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said. Gonxhja attended the Balkan Blue Economy Summit at Marina Orikum as part of the Balkans Sea Fair. …

News

Remembering Renowned Albanian Writer and Screenwriter Dhimitër Xhuvani

Albania on Monday commemorated writer, playwright, screenwriter and journalist Dhimitër Xhuvani, who died on October 19, 2009. Xhuvani was one of the most prominent figures in Albanian literature in the second half of the 20th century. Born in Pogradec on May 23, 1934, he initially trained in medicine and worked …

News

Swiss Embassy Concerned Over Violence and Destruction of Public and Private Property

The Swiss Embassy in Albania has expressed concern over the recent outbreak of violence and damage to public and private property during demonstrations in the country. It called on all sides to exercise restraint, ease tensions and prioritize constructive dialogue. In a statement posted on social media, the embassy stressed …

News

Rama Invites Protesters to Dialogue: “Anytime, Anywhere, Without Conditions”

Prime Minister Edi Rama has renewed his call for dialogue with protesters, urging them to reject violence, stone-throwing and arson targeting public institutions. Rama said the government stands ready to hold talks at any time and without conditions. He also called on protest organizers to lead by example and help …

News

European Parliament Condemns Violence During Protests in Tirana

Marco Tarquinio, chair of the European Parliament’s Delegation for Relations with Albania, and Andreas Schieder, the Parliament’s standing rapporteur for Albania, have voiced concern over the escalation of protests in Tirana. “We condemn the violent escalation of these protests, attacks on public institutions and the destruction of public and private …

News

Rama: Albania Targeted in Well-Coordinated Attack by Force Designated Terrorist by US

Prime Minister Edi Rama met Interior Minister Ervin Demo and senior State Police officials on Monday to address the violent protests that have rocked the capital in recent days. During the meeting, Rama accused Russia of seeking to undermine Albania’s economic growth, discourage investment and obstruct its EU integration. He …

News

Neevis Hasani Wins Bronze at World Karate Championships in Poland

Albanian karate athlete Neevis Hasani won the bronze medal at the World Karate Championships in Bielsko-Biała, Poland, securing a place among the world’s top three junior athletes in the under-55kg category. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the achievement, praising Hasani’s performance on the international stage. Hasani secured …

News

Rama: Protests Are a Right, but Violence Is a Crime

Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that citizens have the right to protest but must not resort to violence, as demonstrations continued in the capital in recent days. In a social media post, Rama shared a photo from protests across Europe and urged citizens not to fall for what …