Justice Minister Toni Gogu meets Council of Europe rapporteurs, focuses on judicial reform and anti-corruption
TIRANA, April 1 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu met yesterday with Council of Europe Parliamentary Assembly rapporteurs Ionut-Marian Stroe and Pawel Jablonski. The discussion centered on the progress of judicial reform and upcoming challenges. Gogu emphasized that the vetting process is nearing completion, while judicial institutions have entered a new …
National Padel Championship Concludes, Winners Announced
Albania’s national padel championship concluded today, highlighting the sport’s rapid growth in the country. Around 120 athletes competed over three days across multiple categories, showcasing high skill, dedication, and sportsmanship. The Albanian Padel Federation organized the event with support from the Albanian National Olympic Committee. Winners: Men’s Category 1: Alensio …
Socialist Parliamentary Leader Taulant Balla meets CoE rapporteurs: Ready to advance electoral and territorial reform with opposition
TIRANA, April 1 – Chairman of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla met today with the rapporteurs for Albania at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Ionuț-Marian Stroe and Paweł Jabłoński. Balla assured that the parliamentary majority is ready to move forward together with the opposition on …
Inspection reform in focus: Chief Inspector Sula highlights strengthening field controls and consumer protection as key for EU integration
TIRANA, April 1 – Chief Inspector Dashnor Sula organized a working session to review the implementation of inspection system reforms in daily field practice. The meeting aimed to improve control standards and ensure consumer protection, both essential for meeting European Union requirements. Sula stressed that a well-functioning inspection system increases …
20 cm of snow reported on Boboshtica–Dardha road in Korça, route remains open for traffic
TIRANA, April 1 – Snowfall reached up to 20 cm overnight on the Boboshtica–Dardha road in the Korça area, according to the Albanian Road Authority, Central-East Directorate. Authorities confirmed that vehicle movement continues without major problems. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, follow road signs, and adjust speed according to …
Bylis-Klos set for new cultural and tourist transformation
TIRANA, April 1 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced that the Archaeological Park of Bylis and Klos is entering a new development phase. The project will turn the sites into a full cultural and tourist experience. At yesterday’s meeting of the National Council for Territory and …
Albanian power company signs 22.5 million euro deal with European Bank for Reconstruction and Development for underground substation
TIRANA, April 1 – The Albanian electricity company OSHEE signed a 22.5 million euro financing deal with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The agreement covers the construction of a new underground substation. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said the project will strengthen the power network. It …
The WISA project for women in media and digital safety launched at Europe House
Europe House hosted the launch ceremony of “Weaving Digital Safety – Albania’s Women in Media Network Initiative (WISA)” today. The project aims to empower women in media and boost digital security in the sector. WISA responds to the challenges and needs of women working in media. It builds on their …
Albania marks 17 years in NATO, President Begaj: Country a pillar of stability and security
TIRANA, April 1 – Albanian President Bajram Begaj marked the 17th anniversary of the country’s NATO membership, calling it a historic achievement. He said joining the alliance strengthened Albania’s security, sovereignty, and role in the Euro-Atlantic community. In a social media post, Begaj highlighted Albania’s contribution as a reliable ally …
“School Sports Teams” Kick Off Tough Matches for Regional Championship
The fourth edition of the “School Sports Teams” project has started. The initiative promotes physical activity and sports in pre-university schools. Matches are underway between schools in every region. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared highlights from this year’s championship. The event features 608 teams from nine-year schools and high schools …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj attended the farewell ceremony for King Harald V of Norway in Oslo, joining monarchs and world leaders in paying tribute to the late Norwegian king. The ceremony took place at Oslo Cathedral following a solemn procession from the Royal Palace. Representatives from several countries attended the …
A high-level NATO delegation visited the Port of Durres on Wednesday to assess its port capacities and strategic role in regional security and logistics. The delegation was led by the Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples. Representatives of the Albanian Armed Forces and Naval Force Commander Rear Admiral …
Albanian citizens can now rate consular services online as part of a new initiative aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of services. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced the new evaluation system on Wednesday. Starting today, citizens can scan a QR code at any location where …
The Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has approved a new Country Programme for Albania for 2027–2031. The five-year programme will support Albania’s development. It will also accelerate reforms and advance the country’s European Union integration process. The programme has three main priorities. First, it will promote …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” on Wednesday. The Italian news agency ANSA and the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies (ABNA) organized the conference. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Central European Initiative (CEI) also supported the event. …
Tirana Times, September 09, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has uncovered new evidence in its widening investigation of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, increasing pressure on one of the most powerful figures of the governing Socialist Party. SPAK said Wednesday that a special …
The Institute of GeoSciences (IGJEO) warns of a high fire risk this afternoon and tomorrow in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier counties. Meanwhile, other parts of the country will face a moderate risk. However, the high-risk level will affect only localised areas in some counties. These include northeastern Lezhë, northeastern Tirana …
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Michel Tarran, said in Pogradec that the territorial reform remains under discussion and that no final decision has been made so far. Asked about the consultation process, Tarran stressed that the OSCE does not impose a specific model for territorial organization. He …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …
The lek strengthened against major foreign currencies in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday, compared with the previous day. According to the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Albania, the euro fell by 0.05 lek, to 92.02 lek, while the US dollar dropped by 0.19 lek, to …