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Debate over the bar exam in Albanian deepens after student protest

Reactions following the protest of Albanian students over taking the bar exam in the Albanian language have sparked political and legal debate in North Macedonia. Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski stated that the government is working to find a solution, calling for students not to be used as a political tool. …

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Minister Hoxha in Durrës: Youth, the main pillar of Albania’s path toward the EU

The Minister for Integration, Hoxha, held a meeting with students and pupils in the city of Durrës, emphasizing the importance of youth engagement in Albania’s European integration process. As part of the “EU and You: Europe Starts Here” tour, Minister Hoxha, together with his colleague Adea Pirdeni, met with students …

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State Health Inspectorate scrutinizes dental clinics and laboratories

The State Health Inspectorate has carried out inspections of dental clinics and laboratories across the country. A lack of hygiene and sanitary conditions, as well as failure to renew licenses, has led to penalties for dozens of clinics. More than 1,200 dental clinics and laboratories nationwide were inspected by the …

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Minister of State for Public Administration announces unified public jobs portal and administrative reforms

TIRANA, April 7 – Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni presented new measures to reform and modernize Albania’s public administration during an event on public sector employment. She announced the launch of a unified recruitment portal for public administration jobs. The National Agency for Employment and …

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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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German Ambassador Bergner: Justice Reform a Key Factor in Albania’s Advancement Toward the EU

Germany supports Albania’s membership in the European Union. However, Berlin says the pace of accession talks will depend on the implementation of reforms. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, German Ambassador to Tirana Karl Bergner praised Albania’s progress. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law and …

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Foreign Direct Investment Rises 50% to €1.14 Billion in Six Months

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Albania rose sharply during the first six months of 2026. FDI reached €1.144 billion, marking a 50% increase compared with the same period last year. Data from the Bank of Albania on the country’s balance of payments show that FDI flows reached €741 million in …

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Direct Luxembourg-Tirana Flights to Launch in 2027, Hoxha: Another European Airline Enters Albania

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced today that Luxair will launch direct flights between Luxembourg and Tirana. Hoxha welcomed the arrival of another European airline in Albania. He described the development as excellent news for the country. Starting March 29, 2027, Luxair will operate the new route …

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Albania, US Company Argent LNG Sign Deal to Explore Adriatic Gas Terminal

Albania is exploring plans to build an LNG terminal on its Adriatic coast. The proposed terminal would receive US liquefied natural gas (LNG) by ship. It would then store the LNG and convert it from a liquid into gas. The gas could enter regional pipelines and reach countries across the …

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Peleshi: Parliamentary Cooperation with Austria Will Continue to Grow

Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi met with Michael Hammer, chairman of the Austrian National Council’s Friendship Group with Albania, and its delegation. Peleshi highlighted the long-standing friendship between Albania and Austria. He said the two countries have strengthened their ties over the years through political cooperation and exchanges …

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Berisha Honored with the Key to the City of Mesquite, Texas

The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, has been honored with the Key to the City of Mesquite, Texas, as part of his visit to the United States. The key was presented to Berisha by Mesquite Mayor Daniel Aleman Jr., according to the Democratic Party’s press office. “During the …

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Judges Issue Joint Statement: Salaries Must Be Unblocked Immediately or We Will Reduce Court Proceedings

Judges across the Republic gathered for an extraordinary meeting at the Justice Center, where they adopted a joint position regarding the freezing of magistrates’ salaries. The statement was read by Judge Alda Sadiku, who stressed that the judiciary’s demands are not subject to negotiation because, according to the judges, they …

News
Average Salary Reaches 92,150 Lek, 1 in 4 Employees Earn the Minimum Wage

The average salary in Albania exceeded 92,000 lek in the second quarter of the year, increasing by 10% in one year. However, significant disparities remain, with the finance and technology sectors paying more than double the national average. The average salary in Albania continued to rise during the second quarter …

News
The Hague Prosecution Seeks Six-Year Prison Sentence for Hashim Thaçi

Following the closing arguments presented by Chief Prosecutor Kimberly West and the prosecutor in the case, the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in The Hague has requested a six-year prison sentence for former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi in the case concerning obstruction of justice. “Based on all the evidence and facts, the …

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Rama Unveils “Housing Program”: Confiscated Properties to Be Used for Housing

The government is expected to take a new approach to housing. The new National Housing Program provides for six new schemes, focusing on young families and young people who face difficulties in securing a home. During the presentation, Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the program is not simply a …

News

German Ambassador Bergner: Justice Reform a Key Factor in Albania’s Advancement Toward the EU

Germany supports Albania’s membership in the European Union. However, Berlin says the pace of accession talks will depend on the implementation of reforms. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, German Ambassador to Tirana Karl Bergner praised Albania’s progress. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law and …

News

Foreign Direct Investment Rises 50% to €1.14 Billion in Six Months

Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Albania rose sharply during the first six months of 2026. FDI reached €1.144 billion, marking a 50% increase compared with the same period last year. Data from the Bank of Albania on the country’s balance of payments show that FDI flows reached €741 million in …

News

Direct Luxembourg-Tirana Flights to Launch in 2027, Hoxha: Another European Airline Enters Albania

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced today that Luxair will launch direct flights between Luxembourg and Tirana. Hoxha welcomed the arrival of another European airline in Albania. He described the development as excellent news for the country. Starting March 29, 2027, Luxair will operate the new route …

News

Albania, US Company Argent LNG Sign Deal to Explore Adriatic Gas Terminal

Albania is exploring plans to build an LNG terminal on its Adriatic coast. The proposed terminal would receive US liquefied natural gas (LNG) by ship. It would then store the LNG and convert it from a liquid into gas. The gas could enter regional pipelines and reach countries across the …

News

Peleshi: Parliamentary Cooperation with Austria Will Continue to Grow

Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi met with Michael Hammer, chairman of the Austrian National Council’s Friendship Group with Albania, and its delegation. Peleshi highlighted the long-standing friendship between Albania and Austria. He said the two countries have strengthened their ties over the years through political cooperation and exchanges …

News

Berisha Honored with the Key to the City of Mesquite, Texas

The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, has been honored with the Key to the City of Mesquite, Texas, as part of his visit to the United States. The key was presented to Berisha by Mesquite Mayor Daniel Aleman Jr., according to the Democratic Party’s press office. “During the …

News

Judges Issue Joint Statement: Salaries Must Be Unblocked Immediately or We Will Reduce Court Proceedings

Judges across the Republic gathered for an extraordinary meeting at the Justice Center, where they adopted a joint position regarding the freezing of magistrates’ salaries. The statement was read by Judge Alda Sadiku, who stressed that the judiciary’s demands are not subject to negotiation because, according to the judges, they …

News

Average Salary Reaches 92,150 Lek, 1 in 4 Employees Earn the Minimum Wage

The average salary in Albania exceeded 92,000 lek in the second quarter of the year, increasing by 10% in one year. However, significant disparities remain, with the finance and technology sectors paying more than double the national average. The average salary in Albania continued to rise during the second quarter …

News

The Hague Prosecution Seeks Six-Year Prison Sentence for Hashim Thaçi

Following the closing arguments presented by Chief Prosecutor Kimberly West and the prosecutor in the case, the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office in The Hague has requested a six-year prison sentence for former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi in the case concerning obstruction of justice. “Based on all the evidence and facts, the …

News

Rama Unveils “Housing Program”: Confiscated Properties to Be Used for Housing

The government is expected to take a new approach to housing. The new National Housing Program provides for six new schemes, focusing on young families and young people who face difficulties in securing a home. During the presentation, Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the program is not simply a …