Blog
News

Begaj at the Ulcinj Book Fair: Books Should Be Treated as a National Priority

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> President Bajram Begaj attended the opening ceremony of the 25th anniversary edition of the Ulcinj Book Fair. The fair is regarded as one of the region’s most important cultural events, bringing together authors, publishers, writers, and book enthusiasts from Montenegro, Albania, …

Read More
News

Defense Ministry Defends Procurement Process for Three Firefighting Aircraft

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”70e2f248-5867-4c1f-8cac-5495e6e2f2fb” data-turn-id-container=”70e2f248-5867-4c1f-8cac-5495e6e2f2fb” data-testid=”conversation-turn-15″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s Ministry of Defense has responded to recent claims made by the Democratic Party regarding the procurement process for the purchase of three firefighting aircraft. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> In its statement, the ministry said that …

Read More
News

Elbasan Begins Public Consultations on New Territorial Reform Following Protests

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-5″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Following protests in several municipalities across Elbasan County against the proposed Administrative-Territorial Reform, local authorities have officially launched the public consultation process. Opposition to the proposed territorial map first emerged in Prrenjas, where hundreds of residents protested against plans to merge …

Read More
News

Lamallari Inspects Security Measures in Himarë, Says Safety Remains Top Priority During Tourist Season

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”9de6290b-9798-49d9-a732-6c80566e0f98″ data-turn-id-container=”9de6290b-9798-49d9-a732-6c80566e0f98″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-turn=”user”> Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, together with State Police Director General Skënder Hita, inspected security measures in Himarë to assess preparations for the summer tourist season. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-6″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-6″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-turn=”assistant”> During a meeting with Himarë Mayor Vangjel …

Read More
News

Albania Introduces Eye Injections to Prevent Blindness in Premature Babies

Albania has introduced, for the first time, eye injections designed to prevent blindness in premature babies. Ophthalmologists say that not every premature infant requires the treatment, and that close cooperation between maternity hospitals and the Ophthalmology Department at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” (QSUT) is essential for accurately identifying …

Read More
News

Kosovo Indicts 20 People, Including Radoičić, for War Crimes in Gjakovë

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-turn=”assistant”> Kosovo’s Special Prosecution Office has filed war crimes charges against 20 individuals over crimes allegedly committed in Gjakovë during the 1998–1999 Kosovo war. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, one of the defendants is Milan Radoičić. The group is accused of …

Read More
News

Bank of Albania keeps key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%

TIRANA, August 6 – The Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania kept the key interest rate unchanged at 2.5% on Wednesday. The council said the current monetary policy stance supports price stability and economic growth. The decision followed the approval of the Quarterly Monetary Policy Report. Governor Gent Sejko …

Read More
News

Clear weather, temperatures remain high

TIRANA, August 6 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will experience stable and hot weather conditions on Thursday. The weather will remain clear across the country. Meanwhile, light passing clouds may appear over mountainous areas from midday to afternoon. Winds will blow from the southeast to southwest at an …

Read More
News

“Washington Post” explores Albania’s authentic travel experience beyond social media fame

TIRANA, August 6 – The “Washington Post” has published a travel feature by reporter Natalie Compton, highlighting Albania’s growing popularity while exploring the country beyond its image on social media. The article follows a journey through northern and southern Albania, from the quiet landscapes of the Shkodër region to the …

Read More
News

Durrës Port handles over 349,000 passengers from January to July

TIRANA, August 6 – More than 349,000 passengers travelled through the Ferry Terminal of Durrës Port during January-July 2026, confirming its role as Albania’s main maritime gateway for passenger transport. The Durrës Port Authority told the Albanian Telegraphic Agency that 349,423 passengers used the terminal during the first seven months …

Read More
News
Albanian Court Puts Turkish Activist in Custody After Extradition Demand

Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here

News
“Fustanella” exhibition showcases Albanian cultural identity in Berat

TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …

News
Defense minister visits Italian shipyard to support Fincantieri Albania project

TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …

News
Power distributor strengthens grid for summer season in Lezha and Shëngjin

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …

News
Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …

News
Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …

News
SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku

Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …

News
Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road

TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …

News
New Road Code measures enter into force, stricter penalties for traffic violations

TIRANA, August 7 – New amendments to Albania’s Road Code entered into force today. The changes introduce stricter measures for traffic violations to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Drivers who repeatedly operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol will permanently lose their driving licence. The new rules also …

News
Public consultations begin on new territorial map

TIRANA, August 7 – Cërrik and Maliq municipalities have started public consultations on the new territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46. Cërrik Municipality said it launched the process after receiving a notification from Parliament. The consultation period on the draft …

News

Albanian Court Puts Turkish Activist in Custody After Extradition Demand

Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here

News

“Fustanella” exhibition showcases Albanian cultural identity in Berat

TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …

News

Defense minister visits Italian shipyard to support Fincantieri Albania project

TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …

News

Power distributor strengthens grid for summer season in Lezha and Shëngjin

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …

News

Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …

News

Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …

News

SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku

Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …

News

Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road

TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …

News

New Road Code measures enter into force, stricter penalties for traffic violations

TIRANA, August 7 – New amendments to Albania’s Road Code entered into force today. The changes introduce stricter measures for traffic violations to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Drivers who repeatedly operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol will permanently lose their driving licence. The new rules also …

News

Public consultations begin on new territorial map

TIRANA, August 7 – Cërrik and Maliq municipalities have started public consultations on the new territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46. Cërrik Municipality said it launched the process after receiving a notification from Parliament. The consultation period on the draft …