International children’s book day celebrates reading and creativity
TIRANA, April 2 – At the discussion held today at schools and libraries, children marked International Children’s Book Day. The date honours the birthday of Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. His famous stories include The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Match Girl, and Thumbelina. …
Malaj at Hani i Hotit: Easing Business, Boosting EU Integration
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj visited the Hani i Hotit border checkpoint. He reviewed customs processes and measures to speed up procedures, increase security, and ensure transparency. Malaj spoke with staff about high traffic, waiting times, and coordination with Montenegrin authorities. He stressed that modernizing customs helps businesses and supports Albania’s …
Saranda Welcomes “Sapphire Princess” Cruise with 2,776 Tourists
The cruise ship Sapphire Princess arrived at Saranda Port early today with 2,776 passengers from around the world. Port Director Admir Malaj said this is the second cruise visit this month, following the March 17 stop with 2,600 tourists. Most visitors come from the U.S., UK, Canada, and Spain, with …
Albania doubles support for children with disabilities on World Autism Day
TIRANA, April 2 – The Albanian government will double monthly payments for around 11,000 children with disabilities. It will also recognise social and health insurance for about 14,000 caregivers and assistants. Officials announced the measures on World Autism Day during an event in Berat. Health and Social Protection Minister Evis …
Supporting people with autism reflects society’s humanism, says President Begaj
TIRANA, April 2 – President Bajram Begaj highlighted the importance of supporting people with autism spectrum disorder (autism). He said caring for them shows the true humanism of a society. In a statement today, Begaj emphasized that autism requires attention both socially and from the state. “We must ensure they …
Aleksandër Moisiu remembered on his birthday by the Academy of Sciences
TIRANA, April 2 – The Academy of Sciences today commemorated actor Aleksandër Moisiu on his birthday. Moisiu was born on 2 April 1879 in Trieste, Italy, but his family originated from Kavaja. He completed secondary school in Graz, Austria, in 1898. After his father’s death, the family moved to Vienna. …
Presidency: institutions remain vigilant as Middle East conflict unfolds
TIRANA, April 2 – The Presidency confirmed today that all national security institutions are closely monitoring developments following recent tensions in the Middle East. The statement comes after the US Embassy in Tirana issued a message to American citizens, prompting media inquiries about the National Security Council’s activities. In a …
Expropriations Approved for Infrastructure Projects in Elbasan, Shkodër, and Mat
The Council of Ministers approved expropriations for public interest linked to key infrastructure projects. Elbasan-Lekaj Road, Corridor 8, Lot I (Phases I-III): Owners will receive full compensation of 46,241,507.4 lekë. The expropriation goes to the Albanian Road Authority. “Marin Beçikemi” Road Reconstruction, Shkodër: The property owner receives 859,611 lekë. The …
PM Rama: EU membership is not just formal, it transforms Albania’s status
TIRANA, April 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama held a discussion with young students on Albania’s EU accession process, highlighting its importance for youth. Rama said EU membership is not a mere political formality. It represents a deep transformation of the country’s status and opportunities for citizens. “With EU membership, …
State Minister Pirdeni urges youth to join excellence program amid EU integration process
TIRANA, April 2 – State Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni spoke with young students about Albania’s EU accession negotiations, emphasizing their role in the process. Pirdeni described European integration as a difficult but highly rewarding journey, with vital impact on the country’s future. “Integration is not easy, …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj attended the farewell ceremony for King Harald V of Norway in Oslo, joining monarchs and world leaders in paying tribute to the late Norwegian king. The ceremony took place at Oslo Cathedral following a solemn procession from the Royal Palace. Representatives from several countries attended the …
A high-level NATO delegation visited the Port of Durres on Wednesday to assess its port capacities and strategic role in regional security and logistics. The delegation was led by the Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples. Representatives of the Albanian Armed Forces and Naval Force Commander Rear Admiral …
Albanian citizens can now rate consular services online as part of a new initiative aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of services. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced the new evaluation system on Wednesday. Starting today, citizens can scan a QR code at any location where …
The Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has approved a new Country Programme for Albania for 2027–2031. The five-year programme will support Albania’s development. It will also accelerate reforms and advance the country’s European Union integration process. The programme has three main priorities. First, it will promote …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” on Wednesday. The Italian news agency ANSA and the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies (ABNA) organized the conference. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Central European Initiative (CEI) also supported the event. …
Tirana Times, September 09, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has uncovered new evidence in its widening investigation of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, increasing pressure on one of the most powerful figures of the governing Socialist Party. SPAK said Wednesday that a special …
The Institute of GeoSciences (IGJEO) warns of a high fire risk this afternoon and tomorrow in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier counties. Meanwhile, other parts of the country will face a moderate risk. However, the high-risk level will affect only localised areas in some counties. These include northeastern Lezhë, northeastern Tirana …
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Michel Tarran, said in Pogradec that the territorial reform remains under discussion and that no final decision has been made so far. Asked about the consultation process, Tarran stressed that the OSCE does not impose a specific model for territorial organization. He …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …
The lek strengthened against major foreign currencies in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday, compared with the previous day. According to the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Albania, the euro fell by 0.05 lek, to 92.02 lek, while the US dollar dropped by 0.19 lek, to …