Rama: ‘Folk Fest’ concert part of November festivities
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced this Monday that the “Folk Fest” concert will join the November festivities. In a social media statement, PM Rama emphasized that all Albanians will take the stage with the participation of groups from Kosovo, North Macedonia and Arbëreshët. “111 years of independence. The November holidays …
Albania and Italy seek extradition after Turkish police nab globetrotting drug kingpin
TIRANA, Nov. 11, 2023 – Albanian authorities have announced plans to initiate extradition proceedings to bring home one of the country’s most wanted men and an internationally notorious drug kingpin, Dritan Rexhepi, following his recent arrest by Turkish police in an Istanbul hideout. Albania, where Rexhepi has been convicted of …
Refusing to sign letter on EU talks, Greece escalates standoff with Albania over Beleri case
TIRANA, Nov. 11, 2023 – In a notable diplomatic move, Greece has opted not to sign a joint letter from the 27 European Union member-states urging the start of negotiations for the initial phase of accession chapters with Albania. The decision underscores a substantial escalation of tensions driven by the …
Albanian executed inside vehicle in Ecuador
Arjani Rizaj is an Albanian who was executed on the evening of Thursday, November 9 in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Rizaj was shot while inside his vehicle, which was parked near the emergency room of the Luis Vernaza hospital, in the center of the city of Guyaquil in Ecuador, local media reported. …
Online gambling, four arrested in Fier
Four people have fallen into the hands of the Fier police, two others have been criminally prosecuted, while another has been declared wanted for illegal organization of gambling. A 24-year-old man and a 45-year-old man were arrested after the latter organized gambling games in his bar in the “15 Tetori” …
Migration deal, Rama says Albania will refuse requests from other countries
Edi Rama, the head of the Albanian government, has given another interview to the Italian media regarding the agreement for the construction in Albania of two centers for housing migrants rescued at sea by Italian ships. For the prestigious “Corriere della Sera”, Edi Rama said that the agreement with the …
Police vetting process to begin in November
The Police Surveillance Agency will conduct the police vetting process throughout the month of November. It is reported that the sessions will be open to the media and the public. According to AMP, the first two lots have been cast on the division of assessment bodies, the appointment of the …
Rama: There will be a significant salary increase for 30,000 teachers
Over 30,000 teachers will benefit from a salary increase with your budget for the next year. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the news on Friday morning through a post on social networks. “Good morning and with the good news that with the new budget for next year there will be …
About 25,000 undeclared euro seized in Kakavija border
A 26-year-old man was criminally prosecuted this Friday at the Kakavija Border Point, after he tried to enter Greece with 24,800 euros, which he did not declare. Following the procedural actions for this case, the amount of money was seized and the materials were referred to the Prosecutor’s Office, where …
Albanian ‘King of Cocaine’ arrested in Istanbul
New details have been learned for the arrest of Dritan Rexhepi, described as the head of the drug cartel. ABC News reporter Ervin Leka reports that Rexhepi entered Turkey from Istanbul airport with a Colombian passport, registered under the name Benjamin Omar Perez Garcia. The Minister of Internal Affairs of …
TIRANA, June 7 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said protests against a proposed investment in Zvërnec have been exaggerated by international media, arguing that no approved project currently exists. In a message addressed to international news organizations, including CNN International, Rama said the latest protest drew about 2,000 participants. …
TIRANA, June 7 – Voters in Kosova headed to the polls on Saturday to elect the 11th legislature of the 120-seat parliament. The Central Election Commission distributed voting materials across all 38 municipalities. A total of 23 political parties and three coalitions are competing, with 917 candidates running for office. …
TIRANA, June 7 – The Spring Festival returned to the Albanian stage after a 23-year break. It selected 12 finalists on its opening night, in a show marked by nostalgia, live orchestration and competition. The event took place at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. It brought together emerging …
TIRANA, June 6 – Lake Shkodër has received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, gaining international recognition for one of Albania’s most important natural assets. Meanwhile, Shkodër Mayor Benet Beci describes the decision as a source of pride for the city and for communities living around the lake. He says the designation …
TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to the Albanian Public Radio and Television tonight after a long absence. Twenty artists will take the stage in the opening show, which will feature special guests and a mix of classic and contemporary music. Meanwhile, the festival’s hosts, singer Bleona Qereti …
The prime minister casts the widening unrest as a “hybrid war,” citing antisemitic narratives, claims about resettling Palestinians and AI-manipulated content. Tirana Times, June 6, 2026 — Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused Iran of standing behind the growing protests in Tirana against the proposed Zvërnec tourism project, shifting the …
TIRANA, June 6 – European Union and Western Balkan leaders meet in Tivat for the Western Balkans–EU summit. They focus on speeding up enlargement and advancing reforms across candidate countries. Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa says enlargement remains merit-based, but he adds that the process must become faster and …
TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to Albania after two decades. It takes place on June 6 and 7 at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana. The event brings together established and emerging artists. Organisers present the festival as a revival of a major cultural …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Sazan Island will remain property of the Albanian state. He stressed that it will not be privatized. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Vlora, Rama said Sazan is a national asset. Therefore, any development project will be carried out in partnership …
Albania received strong support from European Union leaders at the summit in Tivat, Montenegro. EU officials said the country is moving in the right direction toward membership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU’s goals are clear. She stated that Montenegro is expected to join the EU …