Late Antique Archaeological Discoveries Reveal Major Temple Complex in Bushat
Archaeologists have uncovered significant remains in Bushat, in Shkodër. They found parts of a large temple. They also uncovered sections of the ancient city wall. In addition, they identified a Late Antique building. First, the discovery came during joint excavations. The University of Tirana’s Department of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage …
Durrës-Tirana-Rinas railway operator consultation begins, service expected by end of 2027
TIRANA, June 9 – The Albanian government has launched a market consultation process to select the operator that will provide public passenger rail transport services on the Durrës-Tirana-Tirana International Airport railway line. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy has published a call for expressions of interest. The ministry has …
PM Rama: 63% of vocational graduates employed after graduation, aim for one in three students to choose this path
TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said vocational education in Albania has undergone a major transformation in recent years. He said the sector has moved from a degraded system to an attractive option for young people. Meanwhile, Rama spoke during an event on vocational education and training. He …
Economist global forum, Sala: Albania pursues deep reforms for stronger and more inclusive health system
TIRANA, June 9 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala took part in the 11th World Cancer Forum 2026 organized by The Economist. Participants discussed challenges and solutions for equal access to cancer care across Europe. Meanwhile, Sala said inequalities in cancer treatment cannot be addressed through fragmented reforms. …
Art and Culture Week Calendar Highlights Israeli Cultural Week, Painting Colony in Himarë and Nationwide Events
This week, Albania hosts a busy cultural program across multiple cities. First, the Israeli Cultural Week runs from 9–11 June. It promotes cultural dialogue. It also highlights Israeli artistic energy and creativity. Next, the program opens with a concert by Israeli artist Hillel at the National Theatre of Opera and …
UEFA Report: Albania Leads Europe in Interest in Football
Albania leads Europe in interest in football, according to the latest UEFA Grow Market Research report. UEFA conducted the study in partnership with Nielsen Sport. The report shows that 78% of Albanian adults follow football. This figure stands far above the European average of 48%. It also marks a sharp …
PM Rama rejects Iranian claims, says country will never be turned against peoples
TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected on Monday remarks by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, who dismissed allegations of Iranian involvement in hybrid or cyber activities in Albania. Rama said Albanian institutions, public services and digital infrastructure were targeted by cyberattacks that international investigations have linked …
“fanpage.it”: Albania among most affordable Mediterranean destinations, combining sea, history and low costs
TIRANA, June 9 – Albania is emerging as one of the most attractive destinations in the Mediterranean. Valeria Paglionico writes this in an article published by the Italian media outlet “fanpage.it”. She cites beaches, history, hospitality and low prices as key factors. Paglionico highlights a wide travel offer across the …
Weather forecast: Clear conditions with passing clouds, temperatures up to 33°C
TIRANA, June 9 – The Military Meteorological Service said on Tuesday that Albania will be under stable atmospheric conditions. Skies will be mostly clear. Cloud cover will pass during midday hours. In addition, light and occasional rainfall will develop in mountainous areas during the afternoon. These showers will remain weak …
EU Appoints Sofia Moreira de Sousa as New Ambassador to Albania
The European Union has appointed Sofia Moreira de Sousa as its new ambassador to Albania. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced the appointment as part of the EU’s 2026 diplomatic rotation. Currently, Moreira de Sousa leads the European Commission Representation in Portugal. Previously, she …
by Elez Biberaj Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – One year after Prime Minister Edi Rama swept to a fourth consecutive term, Albania finds itself in a profoundly different place than the triumphant narrative he projected. The government that claimed unrivaled authority now faces the most sustained civic uprising in …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, to discuss Albania’s progress and prospects on its path toward European Union membership. During the meeting, the two officials reviewed developments in Albania’s EU integration process. They also exchanged …
Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, met in Vienna with Austrian Chancellor Christian Stocker during an official visit to Austria. Kurti thanked Austria for its long-standing support for Kosovo since the 1990s. He also highlighted Austria’s role in state-building efforts and its contribution through the NATO-led KFOR mission. Furthermore, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected claims that a planned Zvërnec project involves political backing from the White House or former U.S. President Donald Trump. He addressed journalists from EU member states at a press conference. He said public debate distorts the facts and focuses on family connections. Furthermore, he said …
The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet marked the 100th anniversary of the birth of composer Tonin Harapi, recognizing him as one of the most important figures in Albanian national music. He was born on June 9, 1926, in Shkodër. He grew up in a rich musical environment. He learned …
Prime Minister Edi Rama responded to a statement by U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, who claimed that over 100,000 Albanian citizens protested a tourism investment project in Zvërnec. Rama reacted on the social media platform “X.” He said no approved project, construction permit, or final development plan exists. Furthermore, he said …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Albania guarantees the right to protest and allows citizens to demonstrate freely. He spoke at a press conference with EU journalists at the Prime Minister’s Office. Furthermore, he addressed recent protests against the Zvërnec investment project. He said a violent incident involving a security …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met in Dublin with Ireland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Helen McEntee. He said both sides reaffirmed excellent bilateral relations between Albania and Ireland. Furthermore, Hoxha said the two countries held constructive discussions on strengthening political dialogue. They also agreed to …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi held an official visit in Athens, where he met the Speaker of the Hellenic Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis. Furthermore, the visit took place as part of Albania’s parliamentary diplomacy tour with key strategic partners in Europe and the region. During the meeting, both sides praised the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the planned shipbuilding project in Pashaliman will create major employment opportunities and strengthen vocational education in Albania. He spoke at the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education. He said the project will initially create 400 jobs and later expand to 800. Furthermore, Rama highlighted an …