“Nan” to represent Albania at Eurovision 2026, minister Gonxhja meets Alis
TIRANA, May 1 – Ahead of Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Albania’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja met artist Alis. Alis will represent Albania with the song “Nan”. Gonxhja shared details of the meeting on social media. He highlighted the emotional and artistic depth of the project. He …
Koçiu, Salla Visit New “N’Belik” Agrotourism in Dumre, Boost Rural Development
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu and Agriculture Minister Andis Salla visit the new “N’Belik” agrotourism site in Dumre. MP Arbjan Mazniku joins the visit. Entrepreneur Mariglen Azizolli builds the family-run project near Belsh. The site uses local organic products and connects farm production directly to the table. It offers a …
Albania Marks 75 Years of Air Force, Begaj Announces New Transformation Chapter
President Bajram Begaj marks the 75th anniversary of Albania’s Military Aviation at Kuçova Air Base. He honors generations of personnel, including first commander Edip Ohri and 43 fallen heroes. Begaj highlights the Air Force’s transformation from isolation to NATO standards. He says the force has followed Albania’s path toward integration. …
Nufi: Air Force Modernization Remains Strategic Priority
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi marks the 75th anniversary of Albania’s Military Aviation at NATO’s Kuçova Air Base. Senior officials, military leaders, and veterans attend the ceremony. Nufi announces the reopening of the Aviation School in Vlorë after two decades. The school will train military and civilian pilots, as well as …
Albania Showcases Investment Opportunities to German Businesses in Berlin
Albania presents its investment potential at a Germany–Albania business conference in Berlin. Officials and entrepreneurs from both countries attend the event to boost economic cooperation. The Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) hosts a workshop on investment opportunities and investor protection. AIDA Director Laura Saro highlights Germany as a key economic …
EU Regrets Kosovo Parties Fail to Agree on Consensus President Candidate
The European Union expresses regret after Kosovo’s political parties fail to agree on a unified presidential candidate. An EU spokesperson urges political actors to strengthen dialogue and ensure institutional stability. He warns that Kosovo risks missing key opportunities, including benefits from the Growth Plan. Lawmakers fail to elect a new …
Kanye West to Headline Historic One-Night Show in Tirana
Tirana prepares to host a major international music event on July 11, 2026. Kanye West will perform a one-night-only show in Albania. Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja announces the event and calls it a milestone for the country. He says the concert will place Albania on the global events map. Organizers …
Berat and Gjirokastër Highlight Global Model for Heritage Management
Albania presents Berat and Gjirokastër as international examples of heritage management at a conference in Mostar. Regional heritage directorates showcase an integrated management model for the two historic cities. Both cities belong to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Experts present strategies on funding preservation and sustainable growth. They highlight investments …
Arts University and National Opera Sign Cooperation Agreement
The University of Arts and the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble sign a cooperation agreement in Tirana. Director General Aulon Naçi and Rector Erald Bakalli formalize the partnership. The agreement strengthens institutional cooperation. It creates new opportunities for students to gain professional experience and join artistic productions. …
Gjirokastër Extends Visiting Hours at Cultural Monuments for Tourist Season
The official start of the tourist season in Gjirokastër has led to extended visiting hours at cultural heritage sites for visitors and tourists. According to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage, from May 1 to October 31, Gjirokastër Castle and the Antigonea Archaeological Park will welcome ticketed visitors under a …
European Commissioner Michael McGrath has described Albania as one of the leading countries in the EU accession process. “Albania belongs in the EU,” he said in a social media post after meeting Prime Minister Edi Rama. He pledged continued EU support but stressed that important work remains. The meeting focused …
Albania has reached an advanced stage in its bid to join the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). Prime Minister’s Office officials shared updates on the visit of DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya, which supports the accession process. The visit highlights Albania’s digital transformation achievements, outlines the next steps toward membership and reinforces …
Constitutional Court President Fiona Papajorgji met European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath during his first visit to Albania. They discussed the court’s work, institutional capacity and the implementation of its decisions. The talks also focused on strengthening judicial reform and safeguarding the …
Albania has taken a step toward expanding green finance and directing investment into sustainable activities. The Bank of Albania presented the final draft of the National Green Activities Classification with support from the European Investment Bank. Second Deputy Governor Natasha Ahmetaj said the framework will influence how banks and investors …
German Ambassador to Kosovo Rainer Rudolph said Kosovo can now pursue its European agenda more actively after resolving its institutional crisis. He spoke at a reception marking German Unity Day. Rudolph said stable institutions will allow Kosovo to renew its focus on European integration. He warned that the process will …
European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, has stated that Albania is one of the frontrunners in the European Union accession process. In a social media post following his meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama, McGrath stressed that Albania “belongs in the EU”, …
The Osman Taka Dance has been included in Albania’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja, while Prime Minister Edi Rama also commented on the decision, describing the dance as one of the expressions of Cham identity and tradition. …
Albania’s garment manufacturing industry is facing increasingly serious difficulties. From around 65,000 employees previously working in the manufacturing sector, the workforce has now fallen to approximately 40,000, while nearly 150 garment factories have shut down in recent years. The alarm was raised in Elbasan during a meeting between the Albanian …
The election of respected academic Justina Shiroka-Pula averts another political crisis and highlights Kosovo’s tradition of female leadership and religious coexistence, while offering new prospects for political stability and international engagement. Tirana Times, October 08, 2026 — The election of Justina Shiroka-Pula as Kosovo’s new president has brought an end …
OSCE Presence in Albania Ambassador Michel Tarran met High Inspector of Justice Artur Metani to discuss recent developments in the judicial system and issues related to the inspector’s mandate. According to the OSCE Presence, the talks focused on the role of the High Inspector of Justice in ensuring accountability in …