From the Nile to the Balkans
By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, July 3, 2026 – If you sit by the banks of the Nile on a quiet afternoon and allow its serene flow to guide your thoughts, you realize that the water remembers not only the lands it traverses, but also the people who shaped …
Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs
While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here
ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases
TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …
Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …
Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht
TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …
Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës
Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …
Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog
TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …
PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement
TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …
Former Kosova President Thaçi sends message to citizens
TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …
Valbona Valley draws global travelers to Albania’s wild north
TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …
The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly has approved the proposal of the Albanian parliamentary delegation to host the Autumn Session 2027 in Tirana, with the participation of all OSCE member states. First, Socialist Party Secretary General Blendi Klosi announced the decision and described it as an important achievement for Albanian parliamentary diplomacy. …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha commented today on last night’s protest in the capital. First, he said democracy, freedom, and rights are not given but earned through effort, sacrifice, and responsibility. He also said they come from dialogue and wisdom, not intimidation or imposition. In addition, he …
Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi held a meeting with Gunnar Schellenberger, President of the Parliament of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, focusing on strengthening parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. First, the two sides discussed expanding institutional relations and increasing cooperation in key areas such as economy, education, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama presents key government developments of the week and highlights a new partnership between Italy’s “Fincantieri” and the state-owned company “KAYO”. First, he says the agreement strengthens Albania’s defense sector and supports the revival of the country’s military industry. Next, he explains that the partnership expands to …
TIRANA, July 5 – Judicial reform remains one of Albania’s most significant achievements in recent years, according to Prime Minister Edi Rama in an interview with BBC News. He said the justice system must operate independently and act without political influence. Rama reiterated that judicial reform is a central milestone …
TIRANA, July 5 – The Italian media outlet “Paesi online” highlights Durrës in a feature story, describing it as one of the Adriatic’s most fascinating destinations, where ancient history and modern urban life coexist side by side. The article presents Durrës as one of Albania’s oldest cities, with more than …
TIRANA, July 5 – Firefighters brought a blaze under control in the Shëngjin mountain area near the main road in the “Sakë” neighbourhood in Lezha after an overnight operation. Fire units from Lezha and Tirana worked through the night to contain the flames. Lezha Mayor Pjerin Ndreu said firefighters stayed …
Russian Embassy rejects the claims as “completely unfounded” and tells Albanian officials not to “look for enemies where they do not exist.” Tirana Times, July 04, 2026 – Albania’s government is increasingly casting the country’s month-long anti-government protests as part of a foreign-backed effort to destabilize the country, with senior …
TIRANA, July 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has extended his congratulations to the United States of America on the occasion of July 4, Independence Day. He said July 4 is also a special celebration for Albanians. He highlighted the historic ties and friendship between the two countries. Rama referred …
TIRANA, July 4 – President Bajram Begaj has extended congratulations to the United States of America on the 250th anniversary of Independence Day. He conveyed his warmest wishes to President Donald Trump and the American people. Begaj said Albania deeply values its enduring friendship and strategic partnership with the United …