Rama: We must seize the train of history and take Albania into the EU
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Durrës today. He stressed the need for strong support. He said it is crucial to advance Albania’s EU integration. Rama said Albanians are lucky. He said key partners now support Albania. He called it a chance to realize a …
Lef Nosi: Independence Signatory Executed by Communist Regime
Lef Nosi, a signatory of Albania’s Independence, was also a philatelist, polyglot, archivist, ethnographer, and politician. He was born in Elbasan on April 9, 1877. He completed primary school in his hometown. Then, he studied pharmacy in Athens but returned early to focus on national history and culture. In 1908, …
Parliament approves marina law and anti-money laundering changes; Olta Rrushaj elected to Bank of Albania Supervisory Council
The Albanian Parliament held a plenary session today. Lawmakers debated governance and EU integration issues. First, opposition leader Gazment Bardhi criticized the strategic investment law. He said it does not serve public interest. Instead, he said it benefits a limited group. Next, MP Jorida Tabaku opposed changes to Parliament’s Rules …
Exclusive / Gonzato: There is no blockage in Albania’s EU integration processes
This Thursday, the EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, spoke to Euronews Albania in an interview with moderator Mirela Milori. Gonzato discussed Albania’s integration process and stated that there is no blockage in the process. On the other hand, he emphasized that these are confidential discussions in accordance with the …
Foreign Interference and Election Observation in Hungary’s 2026 Parliamentary Vote
by David J. Kostelancik Tirana Times, April 09, 2026 – Hungary’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 12, 2026, are unfolding in an environment shaped not only by domestic political competition but also by broader geopolitical tensions and debates about external influence. Charges of election interference have involved disinformation from state-controlled media, allegations …
Over 100 athletes compete in Albania’s national tournament for people with intellectual disabilities
TIRANA, April 9 – Over 100 athletes from across Albania joined the National Athletics and Table Tennis Tournament for people with intellectual disabilities. The event promotes inclusive sports and social equality. Athletes competed with energy and respect. They showed how sports can overcome social and physical barriers. The Albanian National …
Speaker Peleshi: Strengthening parliamentary cooperation with the Bundestag
TIRANA, April 9 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met with Gunnar Schellenberger, President of the Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament. They focused on enhancing inter-parliamentary ties and boosting economic cooperation between Albania and Germany. Peleshi highlighted the need to intensify collaboration between the Albanian Parliament and the Bundestag, and to expand exchanges …
“Islands”: Albania rises on tourism map as Ksamil draws Caribbean comparisons
TIRANA, April 9 – Albania is gaining attention as a beach destination in Europe. An article in the U.S. travel magazine Islands highlights the coastal village of Ksamil as a rising hotspot. The report asks which European destination offers Caribbean-style beaches at lower cost in 2026. It points to Albania’s …
Albania women’s team targets strong start against Wales in 2027 World Cup qualifiers
TIRANA, April 9 – Albania’s women’s national team continued preparations for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. The team held its latest training session at the “House of Football.” Albania will face Wales on April 14 at 20:15 at “Stok Cae Ras” stadium. Players are following an intensive training program ahead …
Economy and Innovation Minister: New law aims to boost strategic investments in tourist ports
TIRANA, April 9 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented a draft law to amend the framework on tourist ports. She said the initiative will simplify procedures for strategic investments in resorts, marinas, and tourist ports. Ibrahimaj said Albania has recorded strong tourism growth. The country welcomed 6.4 million …
Albania inaugurated its Honorary Consulate in Naples today. Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the ceremony at Villa Doria d’Angri. Honorary Consul Giuseppe Lettieri, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli and Albanian Ambassador to Italy Anila Bitri also attended. Campania Region President Roberto Fico, Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi and Naples Prefect …
Croatian Ambassador to Albania Zlatko Kramarić said today that Kosovo should accept the Special Court’s decision on Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, regardless of how painful it may be. Speaking to the media, Kramarić said a conviction of Thaçi would not help Kosovo’s image. “We need …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said Albania is ready to join European efforts against disinformation and hybrid threats. Hoxha welcomed a resolution adopted today by the European Parliament on the European Democracy Shield. The resolution recognizes the Western Balkans as a key target of foreign information manipulation …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that Albania and Italy share a long history of closeness and alliance. He also described Italy as Albania’s strongest representative of interests within the European Union. “When I said that Italy is Albania’s European alter ego, I meant something sacred: a very long history …
The National Tourism Agency and “Tradita.al” have formalized a partnership to promote Albania’s cultural heritage, traditions, handicrafts, gastronomy and authentic products. National Tourism Agency Director General Jola Hysaj and “Tradita.al” founder Edlira Sulaj signed the Memorandum of Cooperation. The agreement marks a new step toward joint initiatives that promote Albanian …
Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj took part in a regional meeting of chief EU negotiators from the Western Balkans in Skopje. Jaupaj said the meeting focused on the European Union’s new budget for 2028-2034. He said the participants also discussed the EU integration process and the environmental dimension of the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama sent a congratulatory letter to Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti on the start of his new government mandate. The Kosovo Prime Minister’s Office published Rama’s message today. In the letter, Rama reaffirmed the Albanian government’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Kosovo at all levels. “Your new …
Protecting Lake Ohrid and strengthening cross-border environmental cooperation were at the center of a meeting between Albania’s Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj and his North Macedonian counterpart Muamet Hoxha in Skopje. The meeting took place during a regional gathering of chief negotiators and officials responsible for European integration. Jaupaj said the …
Reshat Arbana celebrates his 86th birthday today. He remains one of the most important figures in Albanian cinema and theatre. Arbana was born in Tirana on September 15, 1940. He graduated from the Higher Institute of Arts and began his artistic career in theatre. He later became one of Albania’s …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met today with the new Dutch Ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster. They discussed ways to intensify political dialogue and strengthen bilateral relations. The two sides praised cooperation between Albania and the Netherlands. They also focused on parliamentary ties and exchanges between the Albanian Parliament, the …