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PM Rama: Only 12% of public tenders have single bidders, Albania below EU average

TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has reached an advanced stage of progress in public procurement and in its position within European Union accession negotiations. Speaking at a joint press conference with Reida Kashta (Shahollari), head of the Public Procurement Agency and negotiator for Chapter 5 …

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Upper Grabova: The Hidden “Twin” of Voskopoja in Mount Valamara

Grabova e Sipërme sits hidden in the highlands between Gramsh and Korçë, on the slopes of Mount Valamara. First, the village stands at about 1,250 meters above sea level and preserves a striking natural landscape shaped by mountain waters and deep valleys. Then, its stone houses and traditional architecture reflect …

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Tirana International Airport on track for record year, 13.3 million passengers projected

TIRANA, May 11 – Tirana International Airport continued strong growth in 2026, confirming its position as one of the fastest-expanding airports in the region. Airport management data shows around 3.3 million passengers handled in the first four months of the year. This figure marks a 10.4% increase compared to the …

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Travel + Leisure: Albania Emerges as Europe’s Hidden Coastal Gem

Travel + Leisure highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive and still underexplored destinations. First, the article describes the Albanian Riviera as a strong alternative to the French Côte d’Azur, thanks to its clear waters, historic villages, and ancient ruins. Then, writer Ada Calhoun shares her one-week journey through …

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Public procurement key chapter in EU negotiations, Albania advancing global agreement talks

TIRANA, May 11 – Public Procurement Agency Director General and Chapter 5 negotiator Reida Kashta said public procurement stands as one of the key chapters in Albania’s European Union integration process. She said the EU places it within the new negotiation methodology under the fundamental cluster. Kashta made the remarks …

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Eurovision 2026: Alis draws attention at opening ceremony on turquoise carpet parade

TIRANA, May 11 – The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 turquoise carpet turned into a parade of colours, emotions, and international presentations, with 35 countries taking part in the opening event attended by global media and fans. At the same time, Albania joined the ceremony with Alis Kallaçi as this year’s …

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Prime Minister Rama launches Albanian Digital Solution as new state digital technology company

TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the creation of a new state-owned digital technology company, Albanian Digital Solution, aimed at strengthening innovation and digital public services in Albania. He made the announcement during a press conference with Reida Kashta, chief negotiator for Chapter 5 on Public Procurement …

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Institutional cooperation strengthened in fight against trafficking of cultural heritage

TIRANA, May 11 – The General Directorate of Customs took part in a two-day activity on combating illegal trafficking of cultural heritage, organized within a project aimed at strengthening capacities and law enforcement cooperation. The event brought together cultural heritage professionals and law enforcement institutions. It focused on improving inter-institutional …

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Kanye Concert in Prague Puts Spotlight on Tensions over Freedom of Expression

Pro-Israel Czechia may provide US rapper and ‘reformed antisemite’ Kanye West oddly favourable ground to return to the European stage this summer. Original post Here

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Besfort Lamallari visited the National September 11 Memorial & Museum during his trip to New York

The Albanian Interior Minister shared photos from the visit on social media. He described the museum as a tribute to one of the most shocking events in modern history. Besfort Lamallari paid respect to the victims and honored the courage of those who served during the attacks. He said the …

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Petro Zheji: Celebrating Albania’s Renowned Translator and Linguistic Thinker

Petro Zheji (1929–2015) ranks among Albania’s most distinguished translators. During the communist era, he helped introduce major works of world literature to Albanian readers, alongside prominent translators such as Mitrush Kuteli, Jusuf Vrioni, Klio Evangjeli and Vedat Kokona. His translations covered a wide range of literary traditions, including German, Spanish, …

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Albanian State Police denies claims that Serbian officers joined its ranks

Albania’s State Police has dismissed social media reports claiming that Serbian police officers have joined its ranks. The force described the allegations as false and malicious. The police said the claims seek to exploit nationalist sentiment, stir tensions and undermine public trust. It warned that such allegations could fuel conflict …

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rench media outlet Ulysse: Albania among 10 European destinations recommended for autumn holidays

Albania features among 10 European destinations recommended for autumn holidays in a selection published by French media outlet Ulysse. The list highlights places where visitors can enjoy nature, beaches and cultural attractions in October. In an article by Luc Rongier, Albania appears alongside Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, southern France, Croatia, …

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Rama blames opposition and foreign forces for violence during Tirana protests

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama today condemned violence during three days of protests in Tirana. Speaking outside a private business gutted by fire, he blamed the opposition and alleged that foreign forces also sought to destabilize Albania. He claimed these actors wanted to obstruct the country’s path towards European Union …

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Durrës Port records sharp growth in vehicle and container handling

Durrës Port recorded significant growth in commercial activity during the first eight months of 2026. Data from the Durrës Port Authority show increases in both vehicle and container handling compared with the same period last year. The port handled a total of 15,827 vehicles between January and August 2026. This …

News
Tirana Businesses Condemn Protest Violence, Call for Protection of Public and Private Property

The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry and eight business associations have condemned violence and property damage during recent protests in the capital. They have urged authorities to take concrete measures to protect public order and safety. In a joint statement, the organizations expressed concern over attacks on public institutions, …

News
Egnatia Open Conference League Campaign with 1-1 Draw Against Midtjylland

Egnatia began its historic UEFA Conference League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Danish side Midtjylland at Elbasan Arena on Thursday. Gruda scored for the Albanian side, which claimed its first point in the competition’s league phase. Egnatia took the lead in the 26th minute when Gruda headed home a …

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Anti-Government Protests in Albania: The Student Revolt and the Escalation of the Political Crisis

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Anti-Government Protests in Albania: The Student Revolt and the Escalation of the Political Crisis appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here

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Clashes Escalate in Tirana as Protesters Set Kiosks Ablaze

Masked protesters continued to clash with police in Tirana on Thursday. They damaged public spaces and private businesses as unrest spread across the capital. After vandalizing businesses on Elbasan Street, masked youths set a kiosk ablaze on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Flames engulfed the structure and sent thick smoke into …

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Begaj: Violence Is Not the Answer; Albania Needs Calm, Responsibility and Dialogue

President Bajram Begaj has called on citizens and all parties involved in the recent protests to reject violence and prioritize dialogue. He stressed that Albania needs calm, responsibility and cooperation. In a message to the public, Begaj said he had followed both the protesters’ demands and the acts of violence …

News

Petro Zheji: Celebrating Albania’s Renowned Translator and Linguistic Thinker

Petro Zheji (1929–2015) ranks among Albania’s most distinguished translators. During the communist era, he helped introduce major works of world literature to Albanian readers, alongside prominent translators such as Mitrush Kuteli, Jusuf Vrioni, Klio Evangjeli and Vedat Kokona. His translations covered a wide range of literary traditions, including German, Spanish, …

News

Albanian State Police denies claims that Serbian officers joined its ranks

Albania’s State Police has dismissed social media reports claiming that Serbian police officers have joined its ranks. The force described the allegations as false and malicious. The police said the claims seek to exploit nationalist sentiment, stir tensions and undermine public trust. It warned that such allegations could fuel conflict …

News

rench media outlet Ulysse: Albania among 10 European destinations recommended for autumn holidays

Albania features among 10 European destinations recommended for autumn holidays in a selection published by French media outlet Ulysse. The list highlights places where visitors can enjoy nature, beaches and cultural attractions in October. In an article by Luc Rongier, Albania appears alongside Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, southern France, Croatia, …

News

Rama blames opposition and foreign forces for violence during Tirana protests

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama today condemned violence during three days of protests in Tirana. Speaking outside a private business gutted by fire, he blamed the opposition and alleged that foreign forces also sought to destabilize Albania. He claimed these actors wanted to obstruct the country’s path towards European Union …

News

Durrës Port records sharp growth in vehicle and container handling

Durrës Port recorded significant growth in commercial activity during the first eight months of 2026. Data from the Durrës Port Authority show increases in both vehicle and container handling compared with the same period last year. The port handled a total of 15,827 vehicles between January and August 2026. This …

News

Tirana Businesses Condemn Protest Violence, Call for Protection of Public and Private Property

The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry and eight business associations have condemned violence and property damage during recent protests in the capital. They have urged authorities to take concrete measures to protect public order and safety. In a joint statement, the organizations expressed concern over attacks on public institutions, …

News

Egnatia Open Conference League Campaign with 1-1 Draw Against Midtjylland

Egnatia began its historic UEFA Conference League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Danish side Midtjylland at Elbasan Arena on Thursday. Gruda scored for the Albanian side, which claimed its first point in the competition’s league phase. Egnatia took the lead in the 26th minute when Gruda headed home a …

News

Anti-Government Protests in Albania: The Student Revolt and the Escalation of the Political Crisis

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Anti-Government Protests in Albania: The Student Revolt and the Escalation of the Political Crisis appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here

News

Clashes Escalate in Tirana as Protesters Set Kiosks Ablaze

Masked protesters continued to clash with police in Tirana on Thursday. They damaged public spaces and private businesses as unrest spread across the capital. After vandalizing businesses on Elbasan Street, masked youths set a kiosk ablaze on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Flames engulfed the structure and sent thick smoke into …

News

Begaj: Violence Is Not the Answer; Albania Needs Calm, Responsibility and Dialogue

President Bajram Begaj has called on citizens and all parties involved in the recent protests to reject violence and prioritize dialogue. He stressed that Albania needs calm, responsibility and cooperation. In a message to the public, Begaj said he had followed both the protesters’ demands and the acts of violence …