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Kosovo’s president asks suspension of tax

President Thaci urged the Government to suspend 100 percent tax on Serbian and Bosnia-Herzegovina goods warning that resisting US and EU advice to suspend the tax might isolate Kosovo. Original post Here

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Eight dead after bus overturns in Macedonia

At least eight people died and more than 20 were injured after a bus rolled over on Skopje-Tetovo highway on Wednesday, authorities in Macedonia said. Original post Here

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US Congressman Engel reminds Serbia that no EU membership without recognizing Kosovo

US Congressman Eliot Engel made it clear to Serbia that there will be no EU membership without recognizing Kosovo. Original post Here

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Kosovo’s state mobile operator begins using new +383 dialling code only

State-owned Kosovo Telecom gave up using the Monaco’s +377 code for mobile calls, and as of this week is using the +383 international dialling code allocated to Kosovo by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 15 December 2016. Original post Here

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Kosovo Security Force cannot enter north without NATO’s approval, says Stoltenberg

NATO Secretary General reiterated Wednesday that the Kosovo Security Forces (KSF) cannot enter the northern part of the country without NATO’s permission. Original post Here

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Kosovo’s President, US Ambassador agree tariffs should be suspended

President Hashim Thaci met today US Ambassador to Kosovo, Philip S. Kosnett, to discuss current political developments focusing on resumption of dialogue with Serbia. Original post Here

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Serbia is taunting Kosovo, tax to be revoked after recognition – PM Haradinaj

Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj asked for understanding of the US allies for resisting revocation of tariffs on Serbian goods, saying that Serbia is taunting Kosovo and he wants a final comprehensive agreement with Belgrade before revoking the tax. Original post Here

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Kosovo’s President receives credentials from Turkish Ambassador

Newly appointed Ambassador of Turkey to Pristina, Çağrı Sakar, has presented presents the Letter of Credentials to Kosovo President Hashim Thaci. Original post Here

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Kosovo’s platform on dialogue with Serbia ready

Kosovo’s negotiation team in dialogue with Serbia has finalised a platform on dialogue. Co-head of the state negotiation team, Fatmir Limaj, says the draft platform will be forwarded to institutional leaders on Wednesday and be submitted to Parliament on Thursday for final approval. Original post Here

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No north or south, Kosovo is one – PM Haradinaj answers NATO’s Secretary General

Kosovo Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj answered to NATO’s Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg who said Tuesday that Kosovo Security Force should be deployed in northern part of the country only with KFOR’s consent. Original post Here

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The 5Ps of Service Excellence: A Practical Roadmap for Albanian and Western Balkan Service Providers

By Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, April 07, 2026 – In my earlier article for Tirana Times, I described Albania as a country that moves from being visited to being remembered. Having since deepened my engagement with the Albanian health tourism and hospitality ecosystem, and having had the privilege of …

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Deputy Speaker Spahiu visits Arbëresh community in Italy

TIRANA, April 7 – Deputy Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Klodiana Spahiu visited Italy, stopping in Hora e Arbëreshëvet, a key center of the Arbëresh community and Albanian cultural heritage. During her visit, Spahiu met with the town mayor, Rosario Petta. They discussed ways to strengthen institutional cooperation and preserve …

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Tourism in Gjirokastër shows positive trend but service improvements needed

TIRANA, April 7 – Tourism in Gjirokastër is showing strong growth this season, with increased interest from domestic and international visitors. Tour operators report satisfactory bookings and expect visitor numbers to rise further in the summer months. Despite this growth, several challenges persist that require urgent attention. One major concern …

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New road to Ksamil nearing completion ahead of summer season

TIRANA, April 7 – Ksamil, a top tourist destination in southern Albania, is preparing for the summer season with improved access and infrastructure. Visitor numbers have risen in recent years, prompting upgrades to support tourism. The new road connects Ksamil to the Pulëbardha beach junction. It features panoramic sidewalks and …

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Austria ranks fifth-largest investor in Albania in 2025

Austria ranked as the fifth-largest investor in Albania in 2025. Austrian investments reached €146 million, up 22.7% from 2024, according to the Bank of Albania. Austrian capital flows target key sectors. They focus on insurance, energy, and hospitality services. Businesses see strong growth potential in these areas. Austria’s total investments …

News
From Emigration to Agritourism: Reçi Urges Return to Albania

Esat Reçi spent years working in Greece. Then, he returned to his hometown in Kurbin. Before, he worked in construction. Now, he invests in agritourism. He turned his grandparents’ house into a guesthouse. Today, it attracts both local and foreign visitors. “Lahuta e Vjetër” sits among green hills. Moreover, it …

News
Driloni: A Peaceful Oasis That Attracts Tourists

Driloni Natural Park lies just 6 km from Pogradec. It ranks among Albania’s most beautiful tourist spots. Recent investments transformed the park into an eco-tourism hub. They also increased its appeal for visitors from Korçë. The infrastructure now includes about 4,000 meters of walking paths. In addition, the park area …

News
Kosova’s PM Kurti sees no progress on presidential deal after Democratic League talks

TIRANA, April 7 – Prime Minister Albin Kurti of Kosova said after a two-hour meeting with Democratic League of Kosova leader Lumir Abdixhiku that the discussions produced no new developments. Kurti remained optimistic that talks could eventually lead to an agreement but stressed that today’s meeting did not yield results. …

News
Vaçe Zela, Albania’s queen of song

TIRANA, April 7 – Today marks the birthday of Vaçe Zela, one of Albania’s most beloved musical icons. Her powerful and emotive voice shaped the country’s musical identity and continues to inspire generations. Born in Lushnjë in 1939, Zela rose to national fame through her performances on RTSH and as …

News
Justice Minister Gogu meets students in Elbasan: European integration guides daily justice

TIRANA, April 7 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu met students in Elbasan to discuss European Union integration and judicial reform. Gogu emphasized on social media that “Europe is not just a political destination. It is a daily standard of operation.” He highlighted concrete results from judicial reform, including new institutions, …

News

The 5Ps of Service Excellence: A Practical Roadmap for Albanian and Western Balkan Service Providers

By Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, April 07, 2026 – In my earlier article for Tirana Times, I described Albania as a country that moves from being visited to being remembered. Having since deepened my engagement with the Albanian health tourism and hospitality ecosystem, and having had the privilege of …

News

Deputy Speaker Spahiu visits Arbëresh community in Italy

TIRANA, April 7 – Deputy Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Klodiana Spahiu visited Italy, stopping in Hora e Arbëreshëvet, a key center of the Arbëresh community and Albanian cultural heritage. During her visit, Spahiu met with the town mayor, Rosario Petta. They discussed ways to strengthen institutional cooperation and preserve …

News

Tourism in Gjirokastër shows positive trend but service improvements needed

TIRANA, April 7 – Tourism in Gjirokastër is showing strong growth this season, with increased interest from domestic and international visitors. Tour operators report satisfactory bookings and expect visitor numbers to rise further in the summer months. Despite this growth, several challenges persist that require urgent attention. One major concern …

News

New road to Ksamil nearing completion ahead of summer season

TIRANA, April 7 – Ksamil, a top tourist destination in southern Albania, is preparing for the summer season with improved access and infrastructure. Visitor numbers have risen in recent years, prompting upgrades to support tourism. The new road connects Ksamil to the Pulëbardha beach junction. It features panoramic sidewalks and …

News

Austria ranks fifth-largest investor in Albania in 2025

Austria ranked as the fifth-largest investor in Albania in 2025. Austrian investments reached €146 million, up 22.7% from 2024, according to the Bank of Albania. Austrian capital flows target key sectors. They focus on insurance, energy, and hospitality services. Businesses see strong growth potential in these areas. Austria’s total investments …

News

From Emigration to Agritourism: Reçi Urges Return to Albania

Esat Reçi spent years working in Greece. Then, he returned to his hometown in Kurbin. Before, he worked in construction. Now, he invests in agritourism. He turned his grandparents’ house into a guesthouse. Today, it attracts both local and foreign visitors. “Lahuta e Vjetër” sits among green hills. Moreover, it …

News

Driloni: A Peaceful Oasis That Attracts Tourists

Driloni Natural Park lies just 6 km from Pogradec. It ranks among Albania’s most beautiful tourist spots. Recent investments transformed the park into an eco-tourism hub. They also increased its appeal for visitors from Korçë. The infrastructure now includes about 4,000 meters of walking paths. In addition, the park area …

News

Kosova’s PM Kurti sees no progress on presidential deal after Democratic League talks

TIRANA, April 7 – Prime Minister Albin Kurti of Kosova said after a two-hour meeting with Democratic League of Kosova leader Lumir Abdixhiku that the discussions produced no new developments. Kurti remained optimistic that talks could eventually lead to an agreement but stressed that today’s meeting did not yield results. …

News

Vaçe Zela, Albania’s queen of song

TIRANA, April 7 – Today marks the birthday of Vaçe Zela, one of Albania’s most beloved musical icons. Her powerful and emotive voice shaped the country’s musical identity and continues to inspire generations. Born in Lushnjë in 1939, Zela rose to national fame through her performances on RTSH and as …

News

Justice Minister Gogu meets students in Elbasan: European integration guides daily justice

TIRANA, April 7 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu met students in Elbasan to discuss European Union integration and judicial reform. Gogu emphasized on social media that “Europe is not just a political destination. It is a daily standard of operation.” He highlighted concrete results from judicial reform, including new institutions, …