Albania Could Face Costly Arbitration Battle After Scrapping Vlora Airport Plans
Experts say the government’s move to ditch a controversial concession contract to build Vlora International Airport, at significant cost to taxpayers, highlights structural weaknesses in Albania’s public-private partnership framework. Original post Here
Zelenskyy’s Kosovo Stance Puts Solidarity With Ukraine to the Test
Pristina and Tirana push back against Kyiv’s stance, insisting that Kosovo’s sovereignty cannot be diminished or equated with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Tirana Times , August 09, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation in Belgrade that Kyiv has not changed its position on Kosovo has triggered criticism in Albania and …
Mecca Defense Pact Signals Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Shape a New Security Order
The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 – The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan represents more …
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
“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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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%. …
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, …
TIRANA, August 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to the dispute between Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha and Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric over Serbia’s intention to change the course of the Ibër River. Rama described the exchange as an interesting summer debate. He said Albania has no …
TIRANA, August 11 – Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Clear skies will prevail across the country. Passing clouds will develop over mountainous areas from midday through the afternoon. Local rain may accompany the clouds in the high mountains of southern Albania. …
TIRANA, August 11 – Authorities reported 25 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Firefighters have extinguished most of the blazes. Five remain active and 1 area remains under monitoring. The Ministry of Defence said 37 firefighting vehicles and 365 operational personnel joined the response. The Armed Forces provided …
TIRANA, August 11 – Dropull and its surrounding areas are emerging as an increasingly attractive tourist destination in Gjirokastër Municipality. Local tourism officials report a steady rise in visitor numbers each year. Foreign tourists have visited sites including the Adrianople amphitheatre in Sofratika, the Church of Lower Peshkëpi and Sotir …
TIRANA, August 11 – Shkodër Municipality is setting up a new tourist information office in the city centre. The facility will guide visitors and provide information about local destinations, activities and tourism services. The office will have dedicated staff and digital services. Visitors will receive free information throughout the day. …
TIRANA, August 11 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has responded to Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric over the dispute surrounding the Ibër River. Duric said Albania had no hydrological basis to comment on Serbia’s management of its water resources. Hoxha said Albania would react if someone threatened Serbia’s water supply. …
TIRANA, August 11 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu has highlighted the balance between judicial independence and executive responsibility. He said the minister must not interfere in specific court cases. “Where judges and prosecutors act, the executive stays silent,” Gogu wrote in the first of 3 notes he plans to publish …
TIRANA, August 11 – Albania recorded a positive natural population increase in the second quarter of 2026. The country registered 218 more births than deaths, according to preliminary data from the Institute of Statistics. Between April and June, authorities recorded 5,083 births, down 3% from the same period in 2025. …
TIRANA, August 11 – Customs revenue reached ALL 23.5 billion in July 2026. The figure increased by around ALL 223 million from the same month in 2025. According to data from the General Directorate of Customs, several major revenue items drove the increase. Value-added tax provided the largest contribution, with …
TIRANA, August 11 – Albania has increased funding for civil emergencies more than 13-fold over the past seven years. The budget rose from ALL 430 million in 2020 to ALL 5.79 billion in 2026, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said on Monday. Malaj said the higher funding will strengthen capacity to …