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“The Flamingo Revolution” Goes Beyond Kushner and the Birds

By Jezerca Tigani Tirana Times, June 15, 2026 – Every time I visit Albania, the conversation is always the same — not about politics, elections, the new airport, or the promise of membership in the European Union. It is about leaving. For several years now, the country has been gripped …

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Albania Signs Three Council of Europe Conventions on Rule of Law, Democracy, and Human Rights

Albania signed three important conventions at the Council of Europe headquarters in Strasbourg, strengthening its commitment to the rule of law, democracy, and human rights, Justice Minister Toni Gogu said. He stated that the first convention focuses on the use of artificial intelligence. According to him, technology must remain under …

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Spahiu: Reforms Remain Key Priority for EU Integration

Deputy Speaker of Parliament Klodiana Spahiu said that reforms remain a top priority for Albania’s European Union integration process. She made the remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the French Senate Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Jean-François Rapin. First, both sides highlighted the strong relations between Albania and …

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VanHorn: Investors Need Trust as Albania Ensures a Level Playing Field

U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn said investors need trust, clear rules, and equal competition conditions as Albania advances its foreign investment screening framework. She made the remarks during a presentation by the American Chamber of Commerce on Foreign Direct Investment. First, VanHorn described Albania’s FDI screening framework as a …

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Hita Honors Two U.S. Diplomats for Strengthening Albania–U.S. Cooperation

The Albanian State Police held a ceremony at its General Directorate to honor two U.S. diplomats at the end of their missions in Albania. Police Director General Skënder Hita recognized the contributions of Deputy Chief of Mission Kathryn Hammond and Regional Security Officer Jonathan Ellis. First, Hita praised both diplomats …

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Fino: Chapter 31 Among the Most Advanced in Albania’s EU Negotiations

Deputy Foreign Minister Megi Fino said Chapter 31 remains one of the most advanced areas in Albania’s EU accession negotiations. She spoke during a hearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. She serves as chief negotiator for Chapter 31 and co-negotiator for Chapter 30. First, Fino said …

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Lekë Dukagjini and the Legacy of the Kanun

Prince Lekë Dukagjini died on June 15, 1481. He left behind a lasting legacy linked to the “Kanun,” Albania’s customary law system. First, the Kanun developed over a long historical period. However, Lekë Dukagjini’s name became strongly associated with it due to its widespread use and influence in northern Albania. …

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Koçiu: Albania Leads the Region in Price Stability with 2.8% Inflation

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said Albania continues to deliver strong economic results. As a result, the country ranks among the region’s best performers in both economic growth and inflation control. According to the latest statistics, Albania recorded an inflation rate of 2.8% in April 2026. This figure was lower …

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EU: Kushner-Linked Project Must Meet European Environmental Standards

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania has assured the European Commission that the €1.4 billion tourism project linked to Jared Kushner will fully comply with EU environmental standards. The Albanian government pledged to carry out a full environmental impact assessment. It also committed to following all EU rules on …

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Customs Administration Prepares Businesses for EU Common Transit System

Albania’s Customs Administration is advancing the implementation of the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS), a major step toward integration with the European Union’s Common Transit Convention. To support the process, customs authorities are conducting dedicated training sessions for system users. In these activities, representatives of the company developing the platform, …

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Rain across Albania on Friday, with winds reaching 30 m/s

Albania will experience unsettled weather on Friday, with cloud cover, rain and strong winds, mainly along the coast and in valleys. The Military Meteorological Service forecasts moderate to dense cloud cover, with occasional sunny intervals. Rain will begin in the early hours across most of the country, with light intensity …

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Draft law sets 15-day deadline for banks to answer customer complaints

The Ministry of Finance has opened public consultation on a draft law to strengthen financial supervision and consumer protection. The proposal would replace the banking law adopted in 2006 and align legislation with European Union standards. Under the draft, credit institutions must respond to customer complaints within 15 working days, …

News
Chestnut Hill agritourism welcomes visitors to Tropoja

Chestnut Hill, nestled among Tropoja’s chestnut trees, has become one of the area’s leading agritourism businesses. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the venture on social media, describing its views above the clouds as magical. The guesthouse has 12 rooms and welcomes visitors from Europe, America, Singapore and Australia. …

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Kosova’s PM Kurti calls UK a special partner and ally

Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti met his British counterpart, Andy Burnham, at the conclusion of the European Political Community (EPC) meeting. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Kurti described the United Kingdom as a special partner and ally of the Republic of Kosova. Kurti expressed gratitude for Britain’s continued and …

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Police chiefs from Albania and Italy plan new strategy against organised crime

Albanian State Police Director General Skender Hita met senior Italian police officials in Rome to strengthen cooperation against criminal groups operating in both countries. He met Raffaele Grassi, Deputy Director General of Public Security and Central Director of Criminal Police, and General Nicola Massimo Masciulli, head of Italy’s Anti-Mafia Investigation …

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Exhibition in Elbasan Ethnographic Museum raises awareness against illegal trafficking of cultural heritage

The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Korçë and the Ethnographic Museum of Elbasan have organised an exhibition to raise awareness about the illegal trafficking of cultural property. The exhibition, titled “Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future – Heritage Belongs Where It Is”, opened ahead of the International Day against …

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Tirana marathon to bring traffic restrictions on Sunday

Tirana will host the 10th edition of the Tirana Marathon on Sunday, November 15. The event will restrict traffic on several main roads. The Tirana Municipality and State Police have prepared a joint plan to close some roads and divert vehicles. The restrictions will apply from 08:00 to 16:00 on …

News
Electronic seals introduced for fuel tankers to combat smuggling and tax evasion

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj has inspected the new electronic sealing system at Porto Romano. The system will apply to all tankers transporting hydrocarbons in Albania, covering the entire transport chain from entry points to exit points and enabling electronic monitoring of tanker movements. According to Malaj, the system will simplify …

News
Autumn adds new charm to Tirana, attracting more tourists

Autumn has brought a new atmosphere to Tirana. Its vibrant colours have added to the experience of visitors exploring the Albanian capital during the mild November days. Tourists can enjoy walks along the city’s main streets, visit cultural monuments and discover its museums. These activities make Tirana an attractive destination …

News
Korça’s leatherworking tradition passes from one generation to the next

Spiro Shaka, 28, is turning his family’s leatherworking tradition into a business in Korça. Raised in a family that has practised the craft for more than 20 years, he now runs a shop selling mainly leather bags, belts, wallets and a small collection of shoes. Through his business, Shaka aims …

News

Rain across Albania on Friday, with winds reaching 30 m/s

Albania will experience unsettled weather on Friday, with cloud cover, rain and strong winds, mainly along the coast and in valleys. The Military Meteorological Service forecasts moderate to dense cloud cover, with occasional sunny intervals. Rain will begin in the early hours across most of the country, with light intensity …

News

Draft law sets 15-day deadline for banks to answer customer complaints

The Ministry of Finance has opened public consultation on a draft law to strengthen financial supervision and consumer protection. The proposal would replace the banking law adopted in 2006 and align legislation with European Union standards. Under the draft, credit institutions must respond to customer complaints within 15 working days, …

News

Chestnut Hill agritourism welcomes visitors to Tropoja

Chestnut Hill, nestled among Tropoja’s chestnut trees, has become one of the area’s leading agritourism businesses. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the venture on social media, describing its views above the clouds as magical. The guesthouse has 12 rooms and welcomes visitors from Europe, America, Singapore and Australia. …

News

Kosova’s PM Kurti calls UK a special partner and ally

Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti met his British counterpart, Andy Burnham, at the conclusion of the European Political Community (EPC) meeting. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Kurti described the United Kingdom as a special partner and ally of the Republic of Kosova. Kurti expressed gratitude for Britain’s continued and …

News

Police chiefs from Albania and Italy plan new strategy against organised crime

Albanian State Police Director General Skender Hita met senior Italian police officials in Rome to strengthen cooperation against criminal groups operating in both countries. He met Raffaele Grassi, Deputy Director General of Public Security and Central Director of Criminal Police, and General Nicola Massimo Masciulli, head of Italy’s Anti-Mafia Investigation …

News

Exhibition in Elbasan Ethnographic Museum raises awareness against illegal trafficking of cultural heritage

The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Korçë and the Ethnographic Museum of Elbasan have organised an exhibition to raise awareness about the illegal trafficking of cultural property. The exhibition, titled “Preserving the Past, Protecting the Future – Heritage Belongs Where It Is”, opened ahead of the International Day against …

News

Tirana marathon to bring traffic restrictions on Sunday

Tirana will host the 10th edition of the Tirana Marathon on Sunday, November 15. The event will restrict traffic on several main roads. The Tirana Municipality and State Police have prepared a joint plan to close some roads and divert vehicles. The restrictions will apply from 08:00 to 16:00 on …

News

Electronic seals introduced for fuel tankers to combat smuggling and tax evasion

Finance Minister Petrit Malaj has inspected the new electronic sealing system at Porto Romano. The system will apply to all tankers transporting hydrocarbons in Albania, covering the entire transport chain from entry points to exit points and enabling electronic monitoring of tanker movements. According to Malaj, the system will simplify …

News

Autumn adds new charm to Tirana, attracting more tourists

Autumn has brought a new atmosphere to Tirana. Its vibrant colours have added to the experience of visitors exploring the Albanian capital during the mild November days. Tourists can enjoy walks along the city’s main streets, visit cultural monuments and discover its museums. These activities make Tirana an attractive destination …

News

Korça’s leatherworking tradition passes from one generation to the next

Spiro Shaka, 28, is turning his family’s leatherworking tradition into a business in Korça. Raised in a family that has practised the craft for more than 20 years, he now runs a shop selling mainly leather bags, belts, wallets and a small collection of shoes. Through his business, Shaka aims …