Hoxha meets Commissioner Kos in Brussels: Sustainable reforms toward the EU
The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, met in Brussels with the European Union Commissioner for Enlargement, Marta Kos. Minister Hoxha stated that the focus of the meeting was the advanced process of accession negotiations, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the current momentum and continuing forward with consistency …
Caught in the act with Molotov cocktails, decision issued for 11 arrested from the PD protest
The Tirana Court has issued its decision for the 11 protesters who were caught with Molotov cocktails during the rally of the Democratic Party of Albania. The decision ordered the measure “arrest in prison” for 5 of them, while 6 individuals were assigned the measure “obligation to appear.” Specifically, those …
Kosovo declares Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps a terrorist organization
The Government of Kosovo has designated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization during a meeting held on Monday in Pristina. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said that “through this decision, Kosovo strengthens its stance in defense of international security, democratic values, and human rights.” “This is a …
Rental income rises, reaching around €400 million in 2025
Renting out property is becoming an increasingly profitable source of income in Albania. Official data from the Ministry of Finance of Albania show that revenue from income tax on rents reached €60 million in 2025, up from €55 million in 2024—an increase of 8.5%. This tax corresponds to total rental …
Meeting with agrotourism representatives, Rama: Support for small and medium-sized enterprises
Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting on Monday afternoon with representatives of the agrotourism sector in Tirana. Rama was accompanied at the meeting by the political leader of the region, Ogerta Manastirliu. During his speech, Rama presented the program “Double Your Enterprise.” He emphasized that this project will be …
Albulena Haxhiu authorizes participation of the Kosovo Security Force in an international operation in Gaza
The Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, has authorized the deployment of the Kosovo Security Force to an international peacekeeping operation, as part of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Ms. Albulena Haxhiu, following approval by the Assembly of Kosovo, today authorized the deployment of …
On Autocracy, Hungary, and the Cost of Crying Wolf
by Nikola Kedhi Tirana Times, April 20, 2026 – On the evening of April 12, 2026, Viktor Orbán, Europe’s most scrutinized, most condemned, most exhaustively theorized leader, conceded defeat in a parliamentary election. Péter Magyar’s Tisza party had won over 53 percent of the vote. The man whom the European …
Rama shares weekly photo album: from Diaspora Summit to Spain and Italy visits
Prime Minister Edi Rama released a weekly photo album showing key engagements. He inspected Vlorë and reviewed preparations for the tourist season. Local authorities carried out work on the ground under his supervision. He visited the “Lungomare 4” project and pushed improvements in public spaces. The project targets high-traffic tourist …
Civil aviation sector moves toward sustainable fuels, five new terminal expansions expected in May
TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian Civil Aviation Authority Executive Director Maksim Et’hemaj outlined rapid structural changes in Albania’s aviation sector, driven by tourism growth, infrastructure pressure, and a shift toward cleaner fuels. Global instability and volatile fuel prices continue to challenge the sector, he said. Aviation operators now accelerate work …
New olive oil cooperative model launched in Lushnjë
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla presented a new agricultural cooperation model in Lushnjë. He joined Mayor Eriselda Sefa to launch a Agricultural Cooperation Society (SHBB) in the olive oil sector. The initiative includes 17 local farmers. It aims to improve organization and strengthen cooperation in production. The …
More than 9.4 million foreign nationals entered Albania in the first eight months of 2026, according to INSTAT. The figure represents a 5.3% increase from the same period in 2025. In August alone, foreign entries rose 2% year on year. The pace slowed from July, when entries increased 7.1%, but …
Work is continuing on the Shëngjin bypass in Lezha, which will ease traffic and improve access to coastal tourist areas. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the construction site and said the bypass is expected to be fully completed by March 2027. The 8.1-kilometre road runs along the slopes …
Albanian lawmaker Taulant Balla met US General Wesley Clark during his visit to New York. Clark served as Supreme Allied Commander Europe and led NATO’s air campaign in 1999 during the war in Kosova. Balla expressed gratitude to Clark for his role during NATO’s intervention and for his support for …
New US Ambassador Eric Wendt arrived in Tirana on Friday. He is expected to present his credentials to President Bajram Begaj on Saturday. The ceremony will take place at 11:00 at the Palace of Brigades. Begaj and Wendt are also expected to hold a private meeting. The US Senate confirmed …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s national flag has reached a higher standing internationally than ever before. He made the remarks during his visit to New York, where he is attending the United Nations General Assembly. In a post on X, Rama said his mission to take the national flag …
Albania and Greece aim to strengthen customs cooperation. Their plans include joint border management, electronic data exchange and easier trade and movement between the two countries. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja met his Greek counterpart, Dimitrios Bourikos, in Tirana for the 14th Bilateral High-Level Meeting. The meeting covered joint …
Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the eighth edition of the European Corporate Council, where he focused in his remarks on the importance of peace, economic development and creating opportunities for future generations. Rama described his participation in the forum as a “special honour and privilege”, praising its role …
The Council of Ministers has officially declared the village of Vuno an immovable cultural property with the status of a “Historic Centre”. The decision, approved at the government meeting on September 25, 2026, also provides for the designation of a protective zone, as well as the approval of a plan …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has stated from New York that the United States could have done more to prevent, in his view, the start of the process that led to the conviction of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. During a speech at …
The Council of Ministers approved a series of changes on Friday concerning the leadership of institutions and the composition of the government. Oltjon Muzaka has been dismissed from his position as Deputy Minister of Health and Social Welfare and appointed Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs. Changes have also been made …