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Editorial: A risky charade: Albanian PM’s deal with Italy to host EU’s irregular migrants is wrong and impractical

The controversial deal between the Albanian PM and Italian counterpart is wrong and risky for Albania as well as impractical for Italy.  TIRANA TIMES EDITORIAL  Eureka! At a stroke of a pen, the problem of irregular migration to the EU through Italy from Africa and the Middle East appears solved. …

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Rama; Over 36,000 families benefited baby bonuses since January 1, 2023

Over 36,000 families have benefited from the bonus for newborns Since January 1, 2023 declared Tuesday Prime Minister Edi Rama through a post on social networks. In his statement, PM Rama emphasized that the government will continue to finance the Baby Bonus Program, with a fund of 2.2 billion ALL, …

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Vlora man arrested for dealing cannabis

A 44-year-old man was put in handcuffs this Tuesday in Vlora in the framework of the police mega-operation coded “Temple”. This citizen was spotted selling cannabis near schools in the city. During the control of the 44-year-old, the Police found cannabis, divided into about 500 doses, ready for sale, which …

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Accused for election fraud, the court hear evidence from witnesses on the Beleri’s case

This Tuesday, at 12:00, a hearing will be held in the Special Court against the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri, who is accused of election corruption. ABC News reporter Ermal Vija reports that 12 witnesses will be heard in this session. “This is the third session that takes place …

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Session against elected Himara’s mayor held at Special Court

The Supreme Court has determined the Special Court as competent to examine the request for a special permit for Fredi Beleri. Journalist Ermal Vija reports that the decision was taken in the consultation room by judges Sander Simonaj, Sokol Binaj and Ilir Panda. Beleri requests permission to be sworn in …

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Elbasan engulfed by smoke due to scrap metal point fire

Smoke has covered the city of Elbasan even this Tuesday, after a huge fire engulfed the point of the Kurum scrap metal center, in the area of the former Metalurgjik. According to the local media, it can be seen that there is still smoke at the scrapyard. Chief of Civil …

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Albania will host Italy’s asylum seekers, Rama and Meloni announce  

TIRANA, Nov. 6, 2023 – In a surprise move at a Monday press conference in Rome, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have announced a bilateral agreement under which non-European asylum seekers that aim to reach the EU through Italy will be shipped to processing …

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Rama’s visit to Italy, hosted by Meloni

Prime Minister Edi Rama is on a visit to Italy. He, along with Minister Taulant Balla, Niko Peleshi and Igli Hasani, were hosted by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy, Giorgia Meloni at Chigi Palace in Rome. Meanwhile, it is expected that they will have a joint press …

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Tirana youth arrested on drug charges

A 25-year-old man was arrested for selling narcotics in different areas of Tirana this Monday morning. During the “Qereka” operation, it was possible to seize 3.5 kg of cannabis, which is suspected to have been obtained by young F.B in Krujë. Court of First Instance of Tirana General Jurisdiction has …

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Democrat MP summoned by SPAK after clash with socialist

MP of the Democratic Party (DP), Bledion Nallbati, appeared on Monday morning at the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK). Nallbati will give clarifications regarding the clash with the Socialist MP, Vullnet Sinaj. A few days ago, the report of the head of the SP Parliamentary Group arrived at the Special Prosecutor’s …

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EU Appoints Sofia Moreira de Sousa as New Ambassador to Albania

The European Union has appointed Sofia Moreira de Sousa as its new ambassador to Albania. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced the appointment as part of the EU’s 2026 diplomatic rotation. Currently, Moreira de Sousa leads the European Commission Representation in Portugal. Previously, she …

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Lake Shkodra Joins UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves

The UNESCO has officially designated Lake Shkodra as a transboundary Biosphere Reserve. As a result, the lake has joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This recognition highlights the ecological importance of one of the region’s most valuable natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video from the …

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Rama: Shkodra Continues to Grow as a Tourist Destination

Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said that Shkodra has become a thriving tourist destination that continues to grow year after year. Speaking at the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Shkodra, Rama rejected accusations that government policies have damaged Albanian cities and regions. Instead, he argued …

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Task Force Meets on Tourism Season 2026, Focus on Safety and Services

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, chaired a meeting of the interinstitutional task force for the 2026 summer tourism season. The task force coordinated measures to ensure a smooth and safe tourist season across Albania. Officials focused on key priorities such as beach safety, waste management, food …

News
President Begaj Meets Croatian Parliament Speaker in Tirana, Pushes Forward EU Accession Talks and Chapter Closures

President Bajram Begaj of Bajram Begaj met the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandroković, in Tirana. First, he focused on European integration. He stressed closing negotiation chapters. He pushed for finalizing Albania’s accession process. Next, Begaj praised strong relations with Croatia. He highlighted the strategic partnership. In addition, he …

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Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” Celebrates Literary Excellence with Prestigious Awards in North Macedonia

The Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” took place from 4–7 June in Skanderbeg Square in Shkup. First, it became a major cultural hub for Albanian literature and publishing. It brought together publishers, authors, researchers, and readers from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Next, the fair hosted book promotions and literary …

News
Gonxhja: Pogradec Historic Center Renovation to Be Completed in October

The urban restoration project in the historic center of Pogradec is progressing steadily. It has already reached 80% completion. First, the project focuses on restoring traditional buildings. It also improves public squares and urban infrastructure. In addition, it creates thematic tourist routes. Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports Ministria e …

News
EU food safety project EU4FoodSafety starts in Tirana

TIRANA, June 8 – Albania launched the EU4FoodSafety project in Tirana on World Food Safety Day. The initiative aims to strengthen the food safety system and align it further with European standards. The Albanian government supports the project. The European Union and the German government finance it. It focuses on …

News
Inflation in May reaches 3% as transport and housing drive price rises

TIRANA, June 8 – Consumer prices in Albania continued to rise in May, pushing annual inflation to 3%, up from 2.2% a year earlier, according to data published by INSTAT. Meanwhile, the statistical institute said the increase over the past two months mainly reflects higher fuel prices. It linked the …

News
Gjirokastër; Traditional stone coffee ritual attracts visitors in historic bazaar

TIRANA, June 8 – A traditional stone coffee preparation ritual has become an attraction for tourists visiting Gjirokastër, where visitors now experience a local hospitality practice in the city’s historic bazaar. Artisan Lubjana Baho has set up a hospitality corner in one of the cobbled streets. Meanwhile, she introduces visitors …

News

EU Appoints Sofia Moreira de Sousa as New Ambassador to Albania

The European Union has appointed Sofia Moreira de Sousa as its new ambassador to Albania. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced the appointment as part of the EU’s 2026 diplomatic rotation. Currently, Moreira de Sousa leads the European Commission Representation in Portugal. Previously, she …

News

Lake Shkodra Joins UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves

The UNESCO has officially designated Lake Shkodra as a transboundary Biosphere Reserve. As a result, the lake has joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This recognition highlights the ecological importance of one of the region’s most valuable natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video from the …

News

Rama: Shkodra Continues to Grow as a Tourist Destination

Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said that Shkodra has become a thriving tourist destination that continues to grow year after year. Speaking at the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Shkodra, Rama rejected accusations that government policies have damaged Albanian cities and regions. Instead, he argued …

News

Task Force Meets on Tourism Season 2026, Focus on Safety and Services

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, chaired a meeting of the interinstitutional task force for the 2026 summer tourism season. The task force coordinated measures to ensure a smooth and safe tourist season across Albania. Officials focused on key priorities such as beach safety, waste management, food …

News

President Begaj Meets Croatian Parliament Speaker in Tirana, Pushes Forward EU Accession Talks and Chapter Closures

President Bajram Begaj of Bajram Begaj met the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandroković, in Tirana. First, he focused on European integration. He stressed closing negotiation chapters. He pushed for finalizing Albania’s accession process. Next, Begaj praised strong relations with Croatia. He highlighted the strategic partnership. In addition, he …

News

Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” Celebrates Literary Excellence with Prestigious Awards in North Macedonia

The Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” took place from 4–7 June in Skanderbeg Square in Shkup. First, it became a major cultural hub for Albanian literature and publishing. It brought together publishers, authors, researchers, and readers from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Next, the fair hosted book promotions and literary …

News

Gonxhja: Pogradec Historic Center Renovation to Be Completed in October

The urban restoration project in the historic center of Pogradec is progressing steadily. It has already reached 80% completion. First, the project focuses on restoring traditional buildings. It also improves public squares and urban infrastructure. In addition, it creates thematic tourist routes. Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports Ministria e …

News

EU food safety project EU4FoodSafety starts in Tirana

TIRANA, June 8 – Albania launched the EU4FoodSafety project in Tirana on World Food Safety Day. The initiative aims to strengthen the food safety system and align it further with European standards. The Albanian government supports the project. The European Union and the German government finance it. It focuses on …

News

Inflation in May reaches 3% as transport and housing drive price rises

TIRANA, June 8 – Consumer prices in Albania continued to rise in May, pushing annual inflation to 3%, up from 2.2% a year earlier, according to data published by INSTAT. Meanwhile, the statistical institute said the increase over the past two months mainly reflects higher fuel prices. It linked the …

News

Gjirokastër; Traditional stone coffee ritual attracts visitors in historic bazaar

TIRANA, June 8 – A traditional stone coffee preparation ritual has become an attraction for tourists visiting Gjirokastër, where visitors now experience a local hospitality practice in the city’s historic bazaar. Artisan Lubjana Baho has set up a hospitality corner in one of the cobbled streets. Meanwhile, she introduces visitors …