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Finance Minister Malaj: Albania a regional leader in economic growth and stability

TIRANA, June 16 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said Albania continues to rank among the most stable economies in the region. He said the country combines economic growth with the lowest inflation rate in the Western Balkans. Malaj referred to Eurostat harmonised inflation data for April 2026. The data show …

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“Le Figaro”: Albania leads French tourists’ preferences for summer holidays

TIRANA, June 16 – According to an article published by the French daily “Le Figaro”, Albania is emerging as one of the most attractive Mediterranean destinations for French tourists seeking summer holiday alternatives. The report, written by Sevin Rey – Sahin, highlights Albania alongside Slovenia and Montenegro as increasingly popular …

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Clear weather expected, temperatures rise up to 34°C

TIRANA, June 16 – The Military Meteorological Service said on Tuesday that Albania will be under stable atmospheric conditions. Weather is forecast to remain clear across most of the country. Light and passing cloud cover is expected, mainly during midday and afternoon hours. In eastern mountainous areas, cloud cover may …

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Cultural heritage sites exceed 400,000 visitors in five months

TIRANA, June 16 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said cultural heritage remains one of Albania’s strongest success stories. He referred to the steady rise in visitor numbers at heritage sites. From January to May 2026, cultural institutions and heritage centres recorded 424,082 visitors. The figure includes …

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Arts and Education Conference Highlights Research, AI, and Cultural Cooperation

The University of Arts in Tirana held the second International Conference on Arts and Education. The event brought together about 105 participants from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Italy, and Greece. Researchers presented around 95 scientific papers. First, participants shared studies across multiple fields. These included music, cultural heritage, education, …

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Defence Minister Nufi meets senior US official, highlights cooperation with United States

TIRANA, June 16 – Minister of Defence Ermal Nufi met in Washington with Mary Beth Morgan, acting director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The meeting took place during his official visit to the United States. In a social media post, Nufi said the discussion focused on advancing projects of …

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President Begaj visits Uzbekistan, calls for deeper bilateral cooperation

TIRANA, June 16 – President of the Republic Bajram Begaj is on an official visit to Uzbekistan at the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The visit marks the first official trip by an Albanian president to Uzbekistan since diplomatic relations started in 1993. Meanwhile in Tashkent, President Mirziyoyev welcomed the …

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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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National Gallery of Arts transforms

TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ – The National Gallery of Arts is being completely transformed to modernize its spaces and better preserve and showcase its artistic heritage. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in the social media photos from the construction site, where work is underway to completely transform the premises, as …

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Bad weather in Kukës; Baji reports rockfalls on roads and power outages in several villages

TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ — Light rain is falling across the entire Kukës region, and all national highways remain open to traffic. Prefect of Kukës region Dritan Baji stated to ATA today that, ” Heavy rainfall has triggered rockfalls and debris across several sections of the national highway network.” He …

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Socialist Party National Assembly convenes

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – The Socialist Party Assembly has got underway today in Lalëzi bay, with a focus on preparations for the upcoming local elections. Socialist Party (SP) General Secretary Blendi Klosi opened today’s meeting, which features a key item on its agenda: the launch of the Socialist Party’s …

News
Heavy rain in Shkodër region, but no homes have flooded

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/- Shkodër Regional Prefecture reported that heavy rainfall has not caused any residential flooding in the county so far. In Shalë municipal unit, the crews are working to clear debris and reopen roads blocked by the downpour. Meanwhile, in the village of Kamicë, high water levels in …

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Rama: EC recommends preparations to draft Albania’s EU membership treaty

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – During a meeting of the Socialist Party’s (SP) National Assembly, Prime Minister Edi Rama—who also serves as the leader of the Socialist Party— emphasized this defining moment on the country’s road to the EU. According to the prime minister, this is a moment when politics …

News
Albania showcases tourism in Thessaloniki; Hysaj meets Greek officials to boost cooperation

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – Albania is showcasing its tourism potential at the PHILOXENIA 2026 International Tourism Fair in Thessaloniki from November 13–15. The initiative aims to expand cooperation with international markets and strengthen tourism-related ties with neighboring countries. In this context, General Director of the National Tourism Agency Jola …

News
Koopman on EU candidate status for Kosovo: “We’re not there yet,” Specialist Chambers law “extremely unhelpful”

Gert Jan Koopman, the European Commission’s Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, discussed Kosovo’s prospects of obtaining EU candidate status. The senior EU enlargement official said he “personally believes” that the EU should begin reviewing Kosovo’s membership application, which was submitted in December 2022. “Personally, I believe it is very …

News
Citizens continue protests outside Prime Minister’s Office

TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ Students and citizens staged another protest outside the Prime Minister’s Office this afternoon, marking the 167th consecutive day of demonstrations against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. Gathered on the boulevard in front of the building, protesters renewed their call for Rama to step down. The protest is …

News
Albanian, Italian police vow to step up cooperation against organised crime and illicit trafficking

TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ – Albanian State Police Director General Skënder Hita met senior Italian police and anti-mafia officials during an official visit to Italy, with talks focusing on strengthening joint efforts against organised crime and criminal networks operating in both countries. Hita and his delegation were received at the …

News
Albanian Development Fund focuses on strategic investments and regional growth

Regional development priorities, support for strategic investments and new opportunities for economic growth were at the centre of the latest meeting of the Albanian Development Fund’s Board of Directors. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the meeting, alongside Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister …

News

National Gallery of Arts transforms

TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ – The National Gallery of Arts is being completely transformed to modernize its spaces and better preserve and showcase its artistic heritage. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared in the social media photos from the construction site, where work is underway to completely transform the premises, as …

News

Bad weather in Kukës; Baji reports rockfalls on roads and power outages in several villages

TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ — Light rain is falling across the entire Kukës region, and all national highways remain open to traffic. Prefect of Kukës region Dritan Baji stated to ATA today that, ” Heavy rainfall has triggered rockfalls and debris across several sections of the national highway network.” He …

News

Socialist Party National Assembly convenes

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – The Socialist Party Assembly has got underway today in Lalëzi bay, with a focus on preparations for the upcoming local elections. Socialist Party (SP) General Secretary Blendi Klosi opened today’s meeting, which features a key item on its agenda: the launch of the Socialist Party’s …

News

Heavy rain in Shkodër region, but no homes have flooded

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/- Shkodër Regional Prefecture reported that heavy rainfall has not caused any residential flooding in the county so far. In Shalë municipal unit, the crews are working to clear debris and reopen roads blocked by the downpour. Meanwhile, in the village of Kamicë, high water levels in …

News

Rama: EC recommends preparations to draft Albania’s EU membership treaty

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – During a meeting of the Socialist Party’s (SP) National Assembly, Prime Minister Edi Rama—who also serves as the leader of the Socialist Party— emphasized this defining moment on the country’s road to the EU. According to the prime minister, this is a moment when politics …

News

Albania showcases tourism in Thessaloniki; Hysaj meets Greek officials to boost cooperation

TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – Albania is showcasing its tourism potential at the PHILOXENIA 2026 International Tourism Fair in Thessaloniki from November 13–15. The initiative aims to expand cooperation with international markets and strengthen tourism-related ties with neighboring countries. In this context, General Director of the National Tourism Agency Jola …

News

Koopman on EU candidate status for Kosovo: “We’re not there yet,” Specialist Chambers law “extremely unhelpful”

Gert Jan Koopman, the European Commission’s Director-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, discussed Kosovo’s prospects of obtaining EU candidate status. The senior EU enlargement official said he “personally believes” that the EU should begin reviewing Kosovo’s membership application, which was submitted in December 2022. “Personally, I believe it is very …

News

Citizens continue protests outside Prime Minister’s Office

TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ Students and citizens staged another protest outside the Prime Minister’s Office this afternoon, marking the 167th consecutive day of demonstrations against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. Gathered on the boulevard in front of the building, protesters renewed their call for Rama to step down. The protest is …

News

Albanian, Italian police vow to step up cooperation against organised crime and illicit trafficking

TIRANA, Nov 13 /ATA/ – Albanian State Police Director General Skënder Hita met senior Italian police and anti-mafia officials during an official visit to Italy, with talks focusing on strengthening joint efforts against organised crime and criminal networks operating in both countries. Hita and his delegation were received at the …

News

Albanian Development Fund focuses on strategic investments and regional growth

Regional development priorities, support for strategic investments and new opportunities for economic growth were at the centre of the latest meeting of the Albanian Development Fund’s Board of Directors. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the meeting, alongside Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister …