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THE HISTORY OF AN ART GALLERY

ON THE OCCASION OF 10th ANNIVERSARY OF GALERIAKALO   With the exhibition titled PROMENADE organized last week, FONDACIONI KALO ART and GALERIAKALO celebrated their 10th anniversary. A selected number of artworks by Masters, and other well-established artists were displayed on that occasion.  GALERIAKALO was founded in November 2014 to support …

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Environment Paying Price of Albania’s Failure to Rehabilitate after Mining

A law requiring mining companies to rehabilitate the environment after their operations shut down is being almost completely ignored, and the state has failed to step in. Original post Here

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Albania joins SEPA, marking tangible step in economic integration with the EU

TIRANA, Nov. 22, 2024 – Albania’s application to join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) has been approved, and the country will join on Jan. 1, 2025, alongside Montenegro, the central bank announced Thursday.  SEPA membership is particularly important because it is a rare tangible measure of EU integration at …

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Albania Condemns ‘Passivisation’ of Albanians’ Addresses in South Serbia

Albania joined Kosovo in criticising Serbia’s practice of marking ethnic Albanians’ addresses as ‘inactive’, describing it as a “violation of human rights and standards for the protection of minorities”. Original post Here

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Western Balkans’ Biodiversity Threatened by Development and Mismanagement, Report Warns

German-based EuroNatur Foundation report highlights escalating threats to ecosystems im Western Balkans, saying development pressures, policy gaps and poor enforcement of rules jeopardise their future. Original post Here

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As Borders Tighten, Violence Rises on Migrant Route Through the Balkans

With the EU tightening its borders, violent transnational smuggling groups have strengthened their grip on the smuggling route that brings refugees and migrants to Europe through the Balkans. Original post Here

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Balkan Countries at UN Climate Summit: Touting Renewables, Chasing Gas Deals

The COP29 climate change summit in Baku has proven a lucrative side hustle for the host – gas-producing, oil-rich Azerbaijan – with Balkan visitors lining up to strike deals. Original post Here

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The Re-election of Donald Trump and its Implications

By Bernd J. Fischer Professor Emeritus ,Indiana University On November 6th the world woke to what was, for many, an unexpected event, the re-election of Donald Trump as president of the United States. Since then, there has been considerable speculation generated concerning how this happened, and some anxiety about what …

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Albanian Minister’s Bargain Lakeside Land Purchase ‘Raises Red Flags’

Experts say the details of a 2021 land deal involving Albania’s current justice minister warrant investigation. Original post Here

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Reality Bites: Illegal, Isolated, Overworked Albanians Count Cost of UK Dream

Though numbers are down, Albanians are still being drawn to British shores by the social media promise of a better life. The reality is often very different. Original post Here

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Albania Gambles on Re-Legalising ‘Dangerous’ Online Sports Betting

The government is preparing to bring back online sports betting, seven years after a widespread gambling clampdown. But mental health experts warn that Albania is ill-equipped to deal with a rise in gambling addiction. Original post Here

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Fire situation improves in Priska, Tirana

TIRANA, August 13 – The fire situation in Priska has improved after firefighters and 2 helicopters worked to contain 3 fires that started on Wednesday evening. The fires emerged in Daias village, between Lundra and Priska. Ground and aerial operations helped stop the flames from spreading. Authorities continue to monitor …

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President Begaj urges caution over fires, thanks firefighters

TIRANA, August 13 – President Bajram Begaj urged citizens to remain cautious as high temperatures increase the risk of fires. He also expressed solidarity with firefighters and others fighting the flames. Begaj said firefighters, Armed Forces personnel and others fighting fires deserve public gratitude. He praised their courage and sacrifice …

News
Hot weather continues with light rain

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania will experience relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Thursday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with moderate cloud cover at times. Clouds will become denser over mountainous areas around midday and during the afternoon, mainly in the east and southeast. …

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Orikum combines seaside holidays with ancient heritage

TIRANA, August 13 – Orikum, 15 km from Vlora, is one of Albania’s attractive coastal destinations. Its natural scenery, sea and history create a distinctive landscape. Crystal-clear waters, natural resources and historical heritage attract domestic and foreign tourists during August. Many visitors choose the area each year to enjoy its …

News
Armed Forces support firefighting operation in Kruja

TIRANA, August 13 – The Armed Forces are supporting firefighting operations in Abaze neighbourhood in Kruja. Their teams are helping protect residents and property. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said the personnel are working with other emergency structures to contain the flames. He said the Armed Forces remain ready to support …

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A Quarter Century Since Ohrid: The Agreement That Gave North Macedonia Its Future

by Ferit Hoxha, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – There are moments in history when a country’s future is shaped by a single document. Such agreements are rare, but their impact can endure for generations. The Ohrid Framework Agreement is one such example. …

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Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

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Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

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25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

News

Albania Gambles on Re-Legalising ‘Dangerous’ Online Sports Betting

The government is preparing to bring back online sports betting, seven years after a widespread gambling clampdown. But mental health experts warn that Albania is ill-equipped to deal with a rise in gambling addiction. Original post Here

News

Fire situation improves in Priska, Tirana

TIRANA, August 13 – The fire situation in Priska has improved after firefighters and 2 helicopters worked to contain 3 fires that started on Wednesday evening. The fires emerged in Daias village, between Lundra and Priska. Ground and aerial operations helped stop the flames from spreading. Authorities continue to monitor …

News

President Begaj urges caution over fires, thanks firefighters

TIRANA, August 13 – President Bajram Begaj urged citizens to remain cautious as high temperatures increase the risk of fires. He also expressed solidarity with firefighters and others fighting the flames. Begaj said firefighters, Armed Forces personnel and others fighting fires deserve public gratitude. He praised their courage and sacrifice …

News

Hot weather continues with light rain

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania will experience relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Thursday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with moderate cloud cover at times. Clouds will become denser over mountainous areas around midday and during the afternoon, mainly in the east and southeast. …

News

Orikum combines seaside holidays with ancient heritage

TIRANA, August 13 – Orikum, 15 km from Vlora, is one of Albania’s attractive coastal destinations. Its natural scenery, sea and history create a distinctive landscape. Crystal-clear waters, natural resources and historical heritage attract domestic and foreign tourists during August. Many visitors choose the area each year to enjoy its …

News

Armed Forces support firefighting operation in Kruja

TIRANA, August 13 – The Armed Forces are supporting firefighting operations in Abaze neighbourhood in Kruja. Their teams are helping protect residents and property. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said the personnel are working with other emergency structures to contain the flames. He said the Armed Forces remain ready to support …

News

A Quarter Century Since Ohrid: The Agreement That Gave North Macedonia Its Future

by Ferit Hoxha, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – There are moments in history when a country’s future is shaped by a single document. Such agreements are rare, but their impact can endure for generations. The Ohrid Framework Agreement is one such example. …

News

Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

News

Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

News

25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …