President Begaj highlights historic value of Albania–Holy See ties, invites Pope Leo XIV to visit
TIRANA, May 26 – President Bajram Begaj said Albania’s relations with the Holy See carry major historical value after meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. He made the remarks in a social media post following the meeting. He also published photos from the encounter. Begaj described the meeting with …
Rama: Albania Set to Complete Opening Phase of EU Membership Talks
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania expects to complete the opening phase of European Union membership negotiations on Tuesday in Brussels. Rama spoke at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Durrës on Monday. He said Albania has opened all negotiation chapters in record time. He added that the country …
Greek Minister Dendias: Greek Minority Builds Friendship Between Albania and Greece
Greek Defense Minister Nikos Dendias visited Tirana on Monday and met Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. The two officials discussed the wider geopolitical situation in the region. Dendias also spoke about Himarë, which he said is linked to his family origins. He said the Greek ethnic minority remains a bridge …
Rama: Albania’s Economy Grows to 27 Billion Euros
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s economic growth reflects the country’s broader transformation. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Durrës, Rama said Albania’s economic output has increased from less than 10 billion euros to 27 billion euros. He said the average salary has reached 912 euros. The …
Rama: Socialist Party Has Always Defended National Interest
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Socialist Party has never stepped back when it comes to Albania’s national interest. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Durrës, Rama said protecting the national interest has been part of the party’s identity since its founding. He described the Socialist Party …
Rama: Socialist Party Brought Stability and Moved Albania Closer to the EU
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Socialist Party guaranteed stability and brought Albania closer to the European Union over the past 35 years. Speaking at the anniversary event in Durrës, Rama called the milestone an important moment for reflection and celebration. He thanked party members for their contribution through the …
Malaj: Stronger Business Dialogue Key to Competitiveness and Formalization
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met tourism businesses in Durrës on Monday to discuss sector challenges and cooperation with tax authorities. Malaj said stronger dialogue with businesses remains essential to improve competitiveness and further formalize the tourism sector. He added that these efforts will bring more value to Albania’s economy. He …
Balla Meets Law Students: European Integration Enters Decisive Phase
Taulant Balla met law students from European Law Students’ Association in Tirana on Sunday. The meeting took place within the National Council for European Integration. Balla said Albania has entered a decisive stage in the EU integration process. He pointed to the upcoming 8th Intergovernmental Conference with the European Union …
Nufi Meets Dendias: Focus on Cooperation and Regional Security
Ermal Nufi met Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias in Tirana on Monday. The two ministers discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security. They agreed to continue close dialogue between the two countries. They reaffirmed support for stability in the Western Balkans. They described regional security as a strategic priority …
Tourist Numbers Increase by 8.8%: More Than 700,000 Foreign Visitors Entered Albania in April
Albania continues to record growth in entries and exits across its territory during the month of April. According to data published by INSTAT, more than 1.4 million Albanian and foreign citizens entered the country in April 2026, marking an increase compared to the same period a year earlier. The data …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has expressed solidarity with Italy after a military helicopter crashed near Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, killing three people and injuring 12 others. The helicopter supported the EUFOR Althea mission, the European Union’s peacekeeping operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “I am deeply saddened by this tragic …
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has expressed condolences to the families of the victims of a military helicopter crash near Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The crash involved a helicopter linked to the EUFOR mission. It killed three people and injured 12 others. Hoxha extended Albania’s condolences to the victims’ families, …
Work on the Saranda bypass is progressing rapidly, with completion expected next year. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared new footage of the construction site and said the project would reduce traffic and make travel easier for residents and tourists. The project, known as the “Sixth Road”, includes the construction of …
Albania has lost one of its most distinguished legal scholars. Academician Luan Omari, a founding member of the Academy of Sciences of Albania, died on October 29, 2026, at the age of 101. Omari devoted his life to legal research, education and the development of Albania’s constitutional system. Through his …
Roskovec has welcomed local and regional officials from the European Union and Mediterranean countries following the 17th session of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) in Tirana. The visit brought together mayors, local councillors and representatives from Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Jordan, Morocco and Mauritania. They exchanged experiences and …
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met Canadian Ambassador to Albania Elissa Golberg on October 29 to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities to deepen cooperation. Hoxha described Canada as a friend, NATO ally and trusted partner. He also thanked Ottawa for its contribution to Albania’s democratic consolidation and socio-economic development. Both …
Albania’s government has approved a draft law to establish a National Art Fund. The initiative will use part of the savings from public procurement to support artists and invest in the country’s cultural heritage. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the fund would allocate up to 10% of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a video showing construction work on Saranda’s “Sixth Road,” highlighting the importance of the investment in improving road infrastructure and easing traffic congestion in the city. According to Rama, the project aims to reduce traffic, make daily travel easier for residents, and provide better …
The Transparency Board has set new retail and wholesale prices for diesel and petrol in Albania following a meeting held on Thursday, October 29. According to the board’s decision, the maximum retail price of diesel will be 212 lek per litre, while the wholesale price must not exceed 200 lek …
The unexplained transfer of Tirana’s mayor to Fier prison has triggered tensions within the ruling Socialist Party and an immediate response from Tirana’s Municipal Council, raising serious concerns about administrative arbitrariness and the rule of law. Tirana Times, October 29, 2026 – The sudden transfer of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj …