OTP Bank Albania inaugurates new Private Banking premises in Tirana
Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – OTP Bank Albania has inaugurated new premises dedicated to the Private Banking segment, unveiling an exclusive space designed for clients seeking personalized service and advanced financial standards. Located in the heart of Tirana, the premises have been designed in line with OTP Group standards, …
Shadow Fleet, Weak Oversight: How Russian Sanctions Evasion Reached Albania’s Ports
Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – Albania’s ports have emerged as a potential weak point in the international effort to enforce sanctions against Russia, following revelations that vessels linked by Ukrainian intelligence to Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” have visited the country since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. …
Unexploded Ordnance Puts Jared Kushner’s Resort in Albania at Risk
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International Museum Day marked, free entry to museums on May 18 and May 21 in Albania
TIRANA, May 18 – The global museum community marks International Museum Day today. In this context, Albania offers free entry to museums on May 18 and May 21 for related cultural events. Meanwhile, the International Council of Museums established the day in 1977. The initiative aims to raise public awareness …
Albania Cycling Tour 2026 starts, temporary road closures in Tirana
TIRANA, May 18 – Albania hosts the 83rd Albania Cycling Tour from today until 22 May. Twenty elite teams from Albania, the Balkans and Europe take part in the race. The first stage starts at 12:00. Cyclists begin in Tirana and finish in Lezha. The State Police announces temporary traffic …
“Egnatia Fest 2026” Opens Tourist Season in Librazhd
Librazhd opened the tourism season with “Egnatia Fest 2026” in the Cherry Park. Around 54 businesses joined the event and promoted the area’s nature, history, traditions, and tourism potential. Minister Andis Salla attended the festival and highlighted the importance of local tourism and private investment for economic growth. Salla said …
Dushaj, the Picturesque Village of Stone Towers Above Fushë-Bulqizë
Dushaj stands above Fushë-Bulqizë with stone towers, green valleys, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes. The village has become a growing destination for visitors seeking nature, history, and authentic Albanian hospitality. At the entrance of the village, the historic Kulla Hupi welcomes tourists preparing for the new tourism season. Workers continue restoration …
OSBE Ambassador: Steps taken to improve journalists’ conditions, further efforts needed on transparency and editorial independence
TIRANA, May 18 – OSCE Ambassador to Tirana, Michele Tarran spoke at a media freedom conference. He said journalism represents a public service, not only a profession or an industry. He pointed to declining trust in institutions, disinformation and manipulation. He also cited reduced media pluralism, information insecurity, hate speech …
Health and Social Welfare Minister at WHO Assembly: Albania strengthened commitment to child protection and well-being
TIRANA, May 18 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala took part in the 79th World Health Assembly session. The discussions opened with a focus on protecting children from online risks. They also addressed the impact of digital violence. At the opening stage of the event, the World Health …
PM Rama on official visit to South Korea
TIRANA, May 18 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is on an official visit to the Republic of Korea from 17–21 May. He is accompanied by his wife Linda Rama and the official delegation. According to the Media and Information Agency, the visit aims to deepen cooperation between the two countries. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused those behind violent protests of seeking to destabilize Albania and divert the country’s path toward the future. Speaking at a joint press conference with Interior Minister Ervin Demo, Rama alleged that organized crime and foreign actors stood behind the violent element of the protests. …
Clashes between protesters and police spread across Tirana on Saturday after a student protest began outside the Ministry of Education at 2 p.m. Some demonstrators threw stones at the building and police officers, prompting police to respond with water cannons and tear gas. Protesters then moved to Skanderbeg Square and …
The European Union has welcomed Kosovo President Justina Shiroka Pula’s decision to return the Law on the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague to Parliament for reconsideration, adding that it expects to be consulted if discussions on the legislation resume. “The EU has consistently expressed deep concern about the initiative …
Protesters mobilized by the Democratic Party (DP) set fire to the seats placed by Prime Minister Edi Rama outside the government building as an invitation for dialogue. Prime Minister Edi Rama responded in a post on his Facebook page, accusing the Democratic Party of “urban terror.” “And here comes the …
Euronews is broadcasting Saturday’s protest in Tirana live, reporting that opposition supporters and students have mobilized in the Albanian capital. According to authorities, 2,500 police officers have been deployed across the streets of Tirana. Protesters took to the streets of the capital on Saturday, as police used water cannons and …
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced that an MP, a police officer, media representatives and several protesters sought medical treatment at the University Hospital Centre of Tirana (QSUT) and the University Trauma Hospital (SUT) during today’s protest. According to preliminary information, all those who received medical attention …
Albania, the Board of Peace, the International Stabilization Force (ISF), and the Gaza Task Force have officially finalized a Participating State Agreement, paving the way for Albania’s involvement in the International Stabilization Force. Albania will provide additional support for security operations and operational planning capabilities for the mission in Gaza. …
1,500 police officers have been deployed to ensure security during the protest announced by the Democratic Party (DP), which is expected to begin at 12:00 p.m. Several water cannon trucks have also been stationed around the Prime Minister’s Office and are expected to be used against protesters if acts of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, in a statement on social media, reiterated his claim that violence during recent protests in Tirana was caused by ideologically radicalized individuals, religious extremists, and people with criminal backgrounds disguised as students. Rama stressed that protesting is a right that must be guaranteed in every democratic …
Prime Minister Edi Rama and Interior Minister Ervin Demo held a joint press conference this Saturday regarding the protests in the capital. Rama said that insisting on continuing protests while refusing dialogue was pointless, stressing that protesters were afraid to engage in talks for fear of being labelled traitors. “When …