“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 …
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 …
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 …
VanHorn: Investors Need Trust as Albania Ensures a Level Playing Field
U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn said investors need trust, clear rules, and equal competition conditions as Albania advances its foreign investment screening framework. She made the remarks during a presentation by the American Chamber of Commerce on Foreign Direct Investment. First, VanHorn described Albania’s FDI screening framework as a …
Hita Honors Two U.S. Diplomats for Strengthening Albania–U.S. Cooperation
The Albanian State Police held a ceremony at its General Directorate to honor two U.S. diplomats at the end of their missions in Albania. Police Director General Skënder Hita recognized the contributions of Deputy Chief of Mission Kathryn Hammond and Regional Security Officer Jonathan Ellis. First, Hita praised both diplomats …
Fino: Chapter 31 Among the Most Advanced in Albania’s EU Negotiations
Deputy Foreign Minister Megi Fino said Chapter 31 remains one of the most advanced areas in Albania’s EU accession negotiations. She spoke during a hearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs. She serves as chief negotiator for Chapter 31 and co-negotiator for Chapter 30. First, Fino said …
Lekë Dukagjini and the Legacy of the Kanun
Prince Lekë Dukagjini died on June 15, 1481. He left behind a lasting legacy linked to the “Kanun,” Albania’s customary law system. First, the Kanun developed over a long historical period. However, Lekë Dukagjini’s name became strongly associated with it due to its widespread use and influence in northern Albania. …
Koçiu: Albania Leads the Region in Price Stability with 2.8% Inflation
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said Albania continues to deliver strong economic results. As a result, the country ranks among the region’s best performers in both economic growth and inflation control. According to the latest statistics, Albania recorded an inflation rate of 2.8% in April 2026. This figure was lower …
EU: Kushner-Linked Project Must Meet European Environmental Standards
EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania has assured the European Commission that the €1.4 billion tourism project linked to Jared Kushner will fully comply with EU environmental standards. The Albanian government pledged to carry out a full environmental impact assessment. It also committed to following all EU rules on …
Customs Administration Prepares Businesses for EU Common Transit System
Albania’s Customs Administration is advancing the implementation of the New Computerised Transit System (NCTS), a major step toward integration with the European Union’s Common Transit Convention. To support the process, customs authorities are conducting dedicated training sessions for system users. In these activities, representatives of the company developing the platform, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced changes to the Socialist Party’s regional leadership at a meeting of its National Assembly taking place this Saturday in Lalzi Bay. Under the reshuffle, Ervin Demo and Albana Koçiu will jointly lead the party’s operations in Tirana. The changes come as the Socialist Party prepares …
Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Prime Minister Edi Rama discussed the European Commission’s latest enlargement report, describing its recommendation for Albania as historic. Rama said the report contained a passage that, in his view, had received too little attention given its significance for Albania’s European integration. He was …
Prime Minister Edi Rama commented on the protests that have taken place across Albania in recent weeks, saying demonstrators had thrown stones and Molotov cocktails. He said the Socialist Party would step up its efforts to engage with citizens. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama said the opposition …
Prime Minister Edi Rama responded to criticism of media freedom in Albania, claiming that government critics are widely represented in the Albanian media and that Albania stands apart from other countries when it comes to freedom of expression. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama said 60% of the …
TIRANA, November 14 /ATA/ – Democratic Party Chairman Sali Berisha spoke today during an online discussion with supporters. He addressed Prime Minister Rama’s speech at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, as well as recent developments—specifically the European Commission’s report and the decision against holding the 2027 NATO summit in Tirana, …
TIRANA, November 14 /ATSH/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama stated today that the new fiscal package is not the result of an ideological shift to the left, but rather a direct outcome of the country’s economic growth, which has made previously unaffordable measures possible. Addressing the Socialist Party Assembly, Rama …
TIRANA, Nov. 14 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Saturday that preparations for Albania’s European Union accession treaty were a major political indication of the country’s direction, rejecting claims that the government was suppressing critics or undermining judicial independence. Addressing the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama described the …
TIRANA, Nov. 14 /ATA/ – Socialist Party leader and Prime Minister Edi Rama said Saturday a national debate would be held soon to discuss both the progress Albania has made and the many challenges facing the country and its people. Speaking at the assembly, Rama said Albania was now closer …
TIRANA, Nov. 14 /ATA/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Saturday that neither he nor the ruling Socialist Party acted as lawyers for anyone, following “the media storm” over his comments on former deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama said relations between …
TIRANA, Nov. 14 /ATA/- By Maela Marini/ – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Saturday that a new legal package on pre-trial detention was under consultation, describing Albania’s detention practices as the most excessive in Europe. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s National Assembly, Rama said Albania had twice as many …