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PM Rama says EU accession talks advancing at “unique speed”

TIRANA, April 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said negotiations with the European Union are advancing at a “unique speed,” with strong support from the European Commission. Speaking at an event on public sector job vacancies, Rama highlighted progress in the accession process and the role of public administration. He …

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Rama introduces public sector employment portal: A new window for young people

Prime Minister Edi Rama took part this Tuesday in an event where available job positions in the public sector were presented through the portal puna.gov.al. According to Rama, every young person, recent graduate, or professional seeking a new opportunity now has an easier way to get informed and apply for …

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“It is being said that negotiations have been blocked, halted,” Rama: Completely untrue, we are on schedule

At the event held for the presentation of job vacancies in the public sector, Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about the importance of public administration as well as the negotiations for accession to the European Union. The Prime Minister pointed out that public administration has contributed to Albania’s development in …

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Berisha calls on citizens to join April 17 protest and demands halving of fuel taxes

The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, accused the government of negligence and lack of sensitivity toward pensioners and vulnerable groups, while calling on citizens to mobilize for the April 17 protest in Tirana. He stated that this date should mark “the most powerful peaceful uprising” to respond to …

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Training with Albanian border police, U.S. Embassy: Enhancing expertise for national security

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana shared images on “X” from a recent training conducted between the Albanian border police and a U.S. overseas investigative unit. The embassy emphasized that the specialized training focused on practical techniques for detecting fraudulent documents and strengthening risk assessment skills. Further in the statement, the …

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The 5Ps of Service Excellence: A Practical Roadmap for Albanian and Western Balkan Service Providers

By Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, April 07, 2026 – In my earlier article for Tirana Times, I described Albania as a country that moves from being visited to being remembered. Having since deepened my engagement with the Albanian health tourism and hospitality ecosystem, and having had the privilege of …

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Deputy Speaker Spahiu visits Arbëresh community in Italy

TIRANA, April 7 – Deputy Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Klodiana Spahiu visited Italy, stopping in Hora e Arbëreshëvet, a key center of the Arbëresh community and Albanian cultural heritage. During her visit, Spahiu met with the town mayor, Rosario Petta. They discussed ways to strengthen institutional cooperation and preserve …

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Tourism in Gjirokastër shows positive trend but service improvements needed

TIRANA, April 7 – Tourism in Gjirokastër is showing strong growth this season, with increased interest from domestic and international visitors. Tour operators report satisfactory bookings and expect visitor numbers to rise further in the summer months. Despite this growth, several challenges persist that require urgent attention. One major concern …

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New road to Ksamil nearing completion ahead of summer season

TIRANA, April 7 – Ksamil, a top tourist destination in southern Albania, is preparing for the summer season with improved access and infrastructure. Visitor numbers have risen in recent years, prompting upgrades to support tourism. The new road connects Ksamil to the Pulëbardha beach junction. It features panoramic sidewalks and …

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Austria ranks fifth-largest investor in Albania in 2025

Austria ranked as the fifth-largest investor in Albania in 2025. Austrian investments reached €146 million, up 22.7% from 2024, according to the Bank of Albania. Austrian capital flows target key sectors. They focus on insurance, energy, and hospitality services. Businesses see strong growth potential in these areas. Austria’s total investments …

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Rama unveils six new housing schemes: social housing, subsidised loans and support for families in need

Housing will be one of the key priorities of the government’s “Rilindja 2.0” programme. Prime Minister Edi Rama has presented the new National Housing Programme, which aims to reshape the state’s approach to housing, particularly for young people and families. Rama said the programme follows a year of intensive work …

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Government moves to centralise management of confiscated buildings

Parliament is reviewing amendments to the law on confiscated illegal constructions. The changes aim to improve their administration and support their use for social housing and public purposes. The draft law would centralize the process under the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets (AAPSK). The agency would …

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Minister Ibrahimaj: Albania enters a new chapter in housing policy with 2030 national programme

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania is entering a new chapter in housing policy as she presented the National Housing Programme for Albania 2030. Ibrahimaj said the government has focused on supporting vulnerable groups since 2018. Around 30,000 families have received support through various housing programmes, while around …

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LDK leader Abdixhiku meets US Embassy chargé d’affaires over Kosovo’s political deadlock

LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku met today with Anu Prattipati, chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Kosovo, to discuss the country’s political situation. According to an LDK statement, the meeting focused on recent developments in the Assembly and the process of constituting Kosovo’s institutions. Abdixhiku briefed Prattipati on the LDK’s …

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American company Argent LNG and Albania sign memorandum of understanding to build LNG terminal

Albania is considering plans to build an LNG terminal on its coast. The facility would receive U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) by ship, store it and convert it back into gas. Pipelines would then carry the gas to the Balkans and Southeast Europe. Part of the supply could also reach …

News
Albania seeks new film partnerships with US and Canadian filmmakers

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania is exploring new opportunities for cooperation in the film industry with artists and filmmakers from the United States and Canada. Gonxhja and Jonid Jorgji, head of the National Center of Cinematography, met with the group to discuss potential areas of collaboration. …

News
Foreign tourists embrace Shkodër and Albania’s northern landscapes

The streets of Shkodër, along with destinations such as Lake Koman and the Albanian Alps, continue to attract foreign visitors. Many tourists choose to spend several days exploring Albania’s nature and culture. “I come from the United States, and this is my first time in Albania. I really like it …

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Rama: Vlora Olive Grove Exports Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil to Europe and US

“Bregu i Lofatave,” an olive grove in Risili, Vlora, produces premium extra virgin olive oil for domestic and international markets. The farm now exports its products to several European countries and the United States. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video of the olive grove on social media. He highlighted …

News
Berisha meets Albanian-American community in Texas

Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has continued his visit to the United States with a meeting with the Albanian-American community in Texas. The meeting focused on discussions with Albanian-Americans who live and work in the state. Berisha also praised the community for its warm welcome and strong participation. In a …

News
FM Hoxha praises ATSH; Calls News Agencies the backbone of information

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, took part in the “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference. The Italian news agency ANSA organized the conference during the 34th General Assembly of the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE). The event brought together senior representatives from …

News

Rama unveils six new housing schemes: social housing, subsidised loans and support for families in need

Housing will be one of the key priorities of the government’s “Rilindja 2.0” programme. Prime Minister Edi Rama has presented the new National Housing Programme, which aims to reshape the state’s approach to housing, particularly for young people and families. Rama said the programme follows a year of intensive work …

News

Government moves to centralise management of confiscated buildings

Parliament is reviewing amendments to the law on confiscated illegal constructions. The changes aim to improve their administration and support their use for social housing and public purposes. The draft law would centralize the process under the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets (AAPSK). The agency would …

News

Minister Ibrahimaj: Albania enters a new chapter in housing policy with 2030 national programme

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania is entering a new chapter in housing policy as she presented the National Housing Programme for Albania 2030. Ibrahimaj said the government has focused on supporting vulnerable groups since 2018. Around 30,000 families have received support through various housing programmes, while around …

News

LDK leader Abdixhiku meets US Embassy chargé d’affaires over Kosovo’s political deadlock

LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku met today with Anu Prattipati, chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Kosovo, to discuss the country’s political situation. According to an LDK statement, the meeting focused on recent developments in the Assembly and the process of constituting Kosovo’s institutions. Abdixhiku briefed Prattipati on the LDK’s …

News

American company Argent LNG and Albania sign memorandum of understanding to build LNG terminal

Albania is considering plans to build an LNG terminal on its coast. The facility would receive U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) by ship, store it and convert it back into gas. Pipelines would then carry the gas to the Balkans and Southeast Europe. Part of the supply could also reach …

News

Albania seeks new film partnerships with US and Canadian filmmakers

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania is exploring new opportunities for cooperation in the film industry with artists and filmmakers from the United States and Canada. Gonxhja and Jonid Jorgji, head of the National Center of Cinematography, met with the group to discuss potential areas of collaboration. …

News

Foreign tourists embrace Shkodër and Albania’s northern landscapes

The streets of Shkodër, along with destinations such as Lake Koman and the Albanian Alps, continue to attract foreign visitors. Many tourists choose to spend several days exploring Albania’s nature and culture. “I come from the United States, and this is my first time in Albania. I really like it …

News

Rama: Vlora Olive Grove Exports Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil to Europe and US

“Bregu i Lofatave,” an olive grove in Risili, Vlora, produces premium extra virgin olive oil for domestic and international markets. The farm now exports its products to several European countries and the United States. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video of the olive grove on social media. He highlighted …

News

Berisha meets Albanian-American community in Texas

Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has continued his visit to the United States with a meeting with the Albanian-American community in Texas. The meeting focused on discussions with Albanian-Americans who live and work in the state. Berisha also praised the community for its warm welcome and strong participation. In a …

News

FM Hoxha praises ATSH; Calls News Agencies the backbone of information

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, took part in the “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference. The Italian news agency ANSA organized the conference during the 34th General Assembly of the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE). The event brought together senior representatives from …