TKOB prepares tribute evening for Albanian bass-baritone Lukë Kaçaj
The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB) is preparing a special evening dedicated to the great Albanian bass-baritone Lukë Kaçaj. The event will pay tribute to one of the most powerful voices in Albanian opera. It will also honor his life, marked by artistic achievement and personal hardship. Lukë …
Golem Becomes a Tourism Hotspot, Short-Term Rental Market Records Strong Growth
Golem is emerging as one of Albania’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, recording significant increases in both demand and supply in the short-term rental market. According to data from AirDNA, a platform specializing in short-term rental market analytics for platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, the area recorded the strongest growth in …
Non-Performing Loan Ratio Fell to 3.75% in April
The ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) returned to a downward trend in April. According to statistics from the Bank of Albania, the NPL ratio declined to 3.75%, down from 3.85% recorded in March. The indicator also continued to decrease on an annual basis, compared to 4.03% in April 2025. The …
Albanian Medicinal Plants Attract Tourists in Gjirokastër, Demand for Traditional Products Rises
Medicinal plants and traditional Albanian products are attracting growing interest from tourists in Gjirokastër, particularly foreign visitors seeking natural and authentic products from the region. Mountain tea, lavender, spices, and endemic plants are among the most sought-after products in the city’s historic bazaar, becoming an important part of its tourism …
Activists and Citizens Begin March Toward the Prime Minister’s Office
Although in smaller numbers than on previous days, activists and citizens once again gathered this Thursday, marking the 12th day of protests. After assembling in Skanderbeg Square at around 6:00 p.m., demonstrators began marching toward the Prime Minister’s Office, chanting slogans such as “Rama to prison, Berisha to prison” and …
Hoxha: We Aim to Close All EU Negotiation Chapters Within the Next Year
During a discussion with foreign journalists, Minister Ferit Hoxha stated that Albania has set an ambitious but achievable objective of concluding all European Union negotiation chapters within the next year. Hoxha emphasized that the achievements made so far in the European integration process were also considered ambitious, recalling that only …
Foreign Minister: Protests in Albania Are Not a Concern for the EU, Freedom of Expression at a High Level
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha stated that Albania is experiencing a high level of freedom of expression and that the protests taking place in the country do not currently constitute a concern for European Union member states. Asked by journalist Flora McCarthy from Dublin whether Ireland, which …
U.S. State Department Responds to Euronews Albania on Berisha’s ‘Non Grata’ Status
The Press Office of the U.S. Department of State has responded to an inquiry from Euronews Albania regarding reports circulating on Thursday morning that the United States had revoked the “non grata” designation imposed on Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha. In response to a question from journalist Thimi Samarxhiu, the …
Berisha’s Return and Albania’s Unfinished Transition
Washington’s reported lifting of the U.S. travel ineligibility measure against Albania’s former president and prime minister reopens one of the most controversial chapters in U.S.-Albanian relations at a moment when Albania’s streets are demanding an end to the old post-communist order. Tirana Times, June 11, 2026 – For Sali Berisha, …
Public beach areas remain accessible in Jala Beach in Himara
TIRANA, June 11 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared images from Jala Beach in Himara, highlighting the public beach areas available to visitors. Inspection teams from the National Coastline Agency carried out field monitoring along the beach. The checks confirmed that public beach spaces remained available …
Albanian businesses are required by law to facilitate payments by card but complain of exorbitant bank fees. Original post Here
The proposed amendments to Albania’s sponsorship law aim to encourage businesses to fund sports, arts and cultural activities through tax incentives, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today. Under the proposed scheme, businesses could deduct up to 30% of their corporate income tax through sponsorships of activities …
The Albanian government today approved amendments to its agreement with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), which supports the country’s EU accession negotiations. The Council of Ministers approved Amendment No. 1 to the implementation agreement between the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and GIZ. The agreement forms part of …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi today expressed his condolences following the deaths of four members of the Turkish Armed Forces in an S-70 helicopter crash in Malatya, Turkey. In a message posted on social media, Nufi expressed his sorrow over the tragic accident and extended his deepest sympathies to the victims’ …
Prime Minister Edi Rama today shared a photo on social media from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing a group of European leaders and senior representatives walking down an escalator together. At the centre of the photo, Rama appears alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The European Political Community …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has called for a stronger focus on economic diplomacy, highlighting its role in the country’s development and European Union integration. Hoxha made the remarks during a discussion at Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest, where he presented Albania’s vision for …
Albania’s Interior Minister Ervin Demo met his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi, in Rome. They discussed stronger security cooperation and easier access to public services for Albanians living in Italy. The talks focused on three main issues. First, the two ministers discussed developing Albania’s Security Academy with support from Italian expertise. …
Albania’s government has approved changes to the composition and responsibilities of the country’s negotiating team for European Union membership. The Council of Ministers adopted the decision today. It amends the previous decision of May 6, 2020, by redistributing responsibilities across several negotiation chapters and appointing new members to the team. …
Albania beat Finland 2-0 at Air Albania Stadium in Tirana in the fifth round of UEFA Nations League Group C1. The victory lifted Albania to 12 points and first place in the group. Ernest Muçi opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a fine long-range strike. Rey Manaj doubled …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attended the 2026 Future of the North Atlantic Forum in Oslo, Norway. The forum is organised by the British and Norwegian governments and brings together senior political and military officials and defence industry representatives from allied countries. Speaking aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince …