Albania–Italy Migration Deal Continues
Tirana Times, May 13, 2026 — The Albania–Italy migration agreement remains in force, despite a brief but politically sensitive controversy triggered by comments from Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha on whether the protocol could continue beyond its initial five-year term. The debate began after Hoxha, in an interview with Euractiv, was asked …
The Forgotten Synagogue and the Belated Love for Jewish Culture
By Auron Tare These days, in the noisy marketplace of Albanian opinions, a new theme is being articulated: the “love” of certain Albanian public gentlemen for Jewish culture and, beyond it, for Israeli politics. Some say it is pure love; others suspect it is interest; and others see it as …
Localised light rain showers with alternating clear spells
TIRANA, May 13 – The Military Meteorological Service said the country will face relatively unstable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. It said the weather will feature alternating clear spells and periods of moderate to dense cloud cover, especially over the eastern and southern areas. In these regions, it said, localised light …
Yzeiraj: Albania Remains Attractive for Foreign Investment
Endrit Yzeiraj said Albania is strengthening economic cooperation with North Macedonia through joint initiatives aimed at increasing trade and investment. He made the remarks at the Business Forum “North Macedonia–Albania: Beyond Borders” held in Skopje. The forum was organized by the Albanian Embassy in Skopje in cooperation with the Economic …
“Double Your Entrepreneurship”, Finance Minister Malaj: 250 mln euro loan and sovereign guarantee for SMEs
TIRANA, May 13 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said small and medium-sized enterprises form a key pillar of the Albanian economy. He made the statement at the signing ceremony for the partnership between the state, the banking system, and businesses under the “Double Your Entrepreneurship” programme. He said SMEs account …
“Clean Trails, Protected Forests”, youth join initiative on Kune Island
TIRANA, May 13 – The national programme “Clean Trails, Protected Forests” continued across the country with a focus on environmental protection and maintenance of tourist trails. This time, a group of students from Lezha joined the initiative on Kune Island. They responded to calls for broader civic engagement, as authorities …
Eurovision 2026 Bulku: Today we will hold the main rehearsal, it will be a serious and dignified competition
TIRANA, May 13 – The 70th Eurovision Song Contest opened on Tuesday in Vienna. Albania will compete in the second semi-final on May 14. Speaking live on “Mirëmëngjes Shqipëri” [Good Morning Albania], Rajmonda Bulku, part of the Albanian delegation supporting singer Alis, said the team will hold its main rehearsal …
Acting Kosovan FM Konjufca meets EU Special Envoy Sorensen, backs mutual recognition in Serbia dialogue
TIRANA, May 13 – Kosova remains committed to concluding dialogue with Serbia through mutual recognition, acting Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca said. He confirmed the position after a meeting in Brussels with Kosova chief negotiator Agron Bajrami and EU Special Envoy Peter Sorensen. Further, Konjufca said the talks focused on a …
Sejko: Cybersecurity Is Key Pillar for Financial Stability
Gent Sejko spoke at the Albania–Israel Cybersecurity Summit and stressed the growing importance of cyber protection for financial stability and national security. He said cyber risk has become part of daily reality as geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change increase exposure to attacks. Sejko noted that digital transformation and the …
Metro: Albania Tops Europe’s Budget-Friendly Holiday Destinations
Albania ranks among Europe’s top affordable summer destinations, according to the UK newspaper Metro. The article highlights Albania’s coastline, nature, and low prices. It compares the country favorably with Spain and Greece. Journalist Alice Murphy says families now spend more carefully. As a result, many tourists choose cheaper destinations. She …
Prosecutors dropped a probe into the alleged smuggling of Russian oil through an Albanian port in 2023, but behind the vessel in question lies a network of individuals and companies linked by Ukrainian intelligence agents to an alleged ‘shadow fleet’ used by Russia to bypass sanctions and finance its war …
TIRANA, May 13 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will visit Aachen, Germany on May 13–14 as a special guest among around 700 personalities attending the Charlemagne Prize ceremony. Organisers described him as part of the group of honour guests. Turning to this year’s award, the Charlemagne Prize 2026 will go …
The parliamentary committees on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora and on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development held a joint meeting in Struga, North Macedonia, on May 12-13. The OSCE organized the event. The meeting brought together MPs from Albania and North Macedonia, along with ambassadors and senior OSCE officials. During …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met today in Tirana with a delegation from the Swedish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Morgan Johansson. During the meeting, Hoxha praised Sweden’s continued support for Albania’s European Union integration process. He also highlighted Sweden’s contribution to Albania’s democratic, institutional and …
Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu met with Albanian students in Struga and Tetovo during his two-day visit to North Macedonia. During the meetings, Vengu said Albanian students are not asking for ethnic privileges. Instead, he said they are demanding what he called “European normality” by seeking to take state exams …
The University of Arts marked its 60th anniversary today. It awarded certificates of appreciation to more than 30 personalities. These individuals contributed to the institution’s development. The ceremony took place in Tirana. Students, alumni, professors and cultural figures attended the event. Among the honorees was sculptor Kristaq Rama. He was …
A parliamentary dialogue on EU enlargement between Albania and Sweden was held today in Tirana at the “House of Europe”. The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group Taulant Balla said Albania is closer than ever to full EU membership. He stated that the country’s goal is to close accession …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu presented a package of measures in Saranda to ensure a safe and successful tourism season. She said Albania has seen a sharp increase in tourist numbers over the past five years. However, she stressed that the country has managed the flow without major problems. Moreover, …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met today with the new Turkish Ambassador to Albania Barış Ceyhun Erciyes. Peleshi said Albania and Turkey share a long-standing friendship and a consolidated strategic partnership. Moreover, he stressed that the relationship continues to strengthen in support of peace, security and economic development. In addition, …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu visited the “Welcome Center” in Saranda, a multifunctional facility that will open soon. She said the project combines modern infrastructure and European standards with Albania’s tradition of hospitality. Moreover, Koçiu toured the new building together with Saranda Mayor Oltion Çaçi. The site includes 100 public …