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“We Want Dignified Healthcare Services”: Residents Protest Conditions at Lushnja Hospital

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”857c6676-97fd-49c0-963e-85cfdd8a5fe9″ data-turn-id-container=”857c6676-97fd-49c0-963e-85cfdd8a5fe9″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-5″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Dozens of residents of Lushnja held a protest on Sunday morning, voicing their opposition to what they described as substandard conditions at Lushnja Hospital. The demonstration was initiated by Democratic Party MP Saimir Korreshi. *]: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:8d03c183-ccb9-43e0-ad59-f450389fa326-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d03c183-ccb9-43e0-ad59-f450389fa326-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> “The …

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Rama Cites the Bahamas as an Example of Tourism Development: “Flamingos Are Not a Problem, but a Privilege”

Prime Minister Edi Rama has continued his series of social media posts, this time focusing on the relationship between nature and tourism development, using flamingos and their role in international tourist destinations as an example. In his post, Rama referred to Nassau, Bahamas, where the renowned luxury resort Baha Mar and its flamingos have, according …

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Kosovo Elections: German Ambassador Says Four Teams Are Monitoring the Process, “Everything Is Calm and Running Smoothly”

German Ambassador to Kosovo Rainer Rudolph was in the field on Sunday monitoring the progress of Kosovo’s snap parliamentary elections. In a video shared on social media, Rudolph said that election monitoring is being carried out by four teams as part of an observation effort organized by the European Union Office in Pristina. …

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British Ambassador to Kosovo: New Institutions Should Be Formed as Soon as Possible After the Elections

The United Kingdom’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Jonathan Hargreaves, has stated that once the electoral process is completed, Kosovo needs to establish its new institutions as quickly as possible and ensure political stability. Speaking to KosovaPress while observing the election process in Zubin Potok, Hargreaves said that he is part of the diplomatic observation mission …

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Korça Opens the Tourist Season with the International Carnival Festival

The city of Korça has officially launched its tourist season with the International Carnival Festival, where numerous Albanian and international groups paraded through the city’s main streets, bringing color, music, and a festive atmosphere. For several consecutive years, the carnival has become one of the city’s most distinctive traditions, with not only the …

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Day 8 of Protests: Citizens Begin March and Gather in Front of the Prime Minister’s Office

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”be261de4-5834-44b1-a20d-f764503f7188″ data-turn-id-container=”be261de4-5834-44b1-a20d-f764503f7188″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Representatives of civil society, activists, and citizens gathered once again this Sunday in Skanderbeg Square, from where they marched along Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard on the eighth day of protests against the planned development project in Zvërnec. *]: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:8d03c183-ccb9-43e0-ad59-f450389fa326-6″ …

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Elbasan: Rama Says Albania Is Facing “Resistance” to Development, Points to Montenegro as an Example

Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at an event in Elbasan marking the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party, also addressed the protests that have taken place in recent days across the country. Referring to foreign investments in Montenegro, Rama argued that such projects have played a key role in that country’s development, while in Albania, …

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DnV: Voter Turnout 10% Lower Than in the Two Parliamentary Elections Held in 2025

*]: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:8d03c183-ccb9-43e0-ad59-f450389fa326-9″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d03c183-ccb9-43e0-ad59-f450389fa326-9″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-20″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Democracy in Action (DnV) issued a statement to the media on Sunday afternoon, providing updates on the progress of Kosovo’s snap parliamentary elections. According to DnV, voter turnout has been significantly lower than in the two parliamentary elections held in …

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Saudi Ambassador Presents Credentials To Albanian President As Ties Gain Momentum

Tirana Times, June 05, 2026 –  Saudi Arabia’s new ambassador to Albania, Turki Ibraheem Almadhi, presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj, marking the formal start of his diplomatic mission in Tirana. Begaj welcomed the ambassador and wished him success, reaffirming Albania’s commitment to further strengthening friendly relations and cooperation …

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PM Rama says Zvërnec protests misrepresented by international media

TIRANA, June 7 – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said protests against a proposed investment in Zvërnec have been exaggerated by international media, arguing that no approved project currently exists. In a message addressed to international news organizations, including CNN International, Rama said the latest protest drew about 2,000 participants. …

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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 …

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Lake Shkodra Joins UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves

The UNESCO has officially designated Lake Shkodra as a transboundary Biosphere Reserve. As a result, the lake has joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This recognition highlights the ecological importance of one of the region’s most valuable natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video from the …

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Rama: Shkodra Continues to Grow as a Tourist Destination

Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said that Shkodra has become a thriving tourist destination that continues to grow year after year. Speaking at the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Shkodra, Rama rejected accusations that government policies have damaged Albanian cities and regions. Instead, he argued …

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Task Force Meets on Tourism Season 2026, Focus on Safety and Services

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, chaired a meeting of the interinstitutional task force for the 2026 summer tourism season. The task force coordinated measures to ensure a smooth and safe tourist season across Albania. Officials focused on key priorities such as beach safety, waste management, food …

News
President Begaj Meets Croatian Parliament Speaker in Tirana, Pushes Forward EU Accession Talks and Chapter Closures

President Bajram Begaj of Bajram Begaj met the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandroković, in Tirana. First, he focused on European integration. He stressed closing negotiation chapters. He pushed for finalizing Albania’s accession process. Next, Begaj praised strong relations with Croatia. He highlighted the strategic partnership. In addition, he …

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Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” Celebrates Literary Excellence with Prestigious Awards in North Macedonia

The Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” took place from 4–7 June in Skanderbeg Square in Shkup. First, it became a major cultural hub for Albanian literature and publishing. It brought together publishers, authors, researchers, and readers from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Next, the fair hosted book promotions and literary …

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Gonxhja: Pogradec Historic Center Renovation to Be Completed in October

The urban restoration project in the historic center of Pogradec is progressing steadily. It has already reached 80% completion. First, the project focuses on restoring traditional buildings. It also improves public squares and urban infrastructure. In addition, it creates thematic tourist routes. Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports Ministria e …

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EU food safety project EU4FoodSafety starts in Tirana

TIRANA, June 8 – Albania launched the EU4FoodSafety project in Tirana on World Food Safety Day. The initiative aims to strengthen the food safety system and align it further with European standards. The Albanian government supports the project. The European Union and the German government finance it. It focuses on …

News
Inflation in May reaches 3% as transport and housing drive price rises

TIRANA, June 8 – Consumer prices in Albania continued to rise in May, pushing annual inflation to 3%, up from 2.2% a year earlier, according to data published by INSTAT. Meanwhile, the statistical institute said the increase over the past two months mainly reflects higher fuel prices. It linked the …

News
Gjirokastër; Traditional stone coffee ritual attracts visitors in historic bazaar

TIRANA, June 8 – A traditional stone coffee preparation ritual has become an attraction for tourists visiting Gjirokastër, where visitors now experience a local hospitality practice in the city’s historic bazaar. Artisan Lubjana Baho has set up a hospitality corner in one of the cobbled streets. Meanwhile, she introduces visitors …

News

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 …

News

Lake Shkodra Joins UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves

The UNESCO has officially designated Lake Shkodra as a transboundary Biosphere Reserve. As a result, the lake has joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This recognition highlights the ecological importance of one of the region’s most valuable natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video from the …

News

Rama: Shkodra Continues to Grow as a Tourist Destination

Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said that Shkodra has become a thriving tourist destination that continues to grow year after year. Speaking at the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Shkodra, Rama rejected accusations that government policies have damaged Albanian cities and regions. Instead, he argued …

News

Task Force Meets on Tourism Season 2026, Focus on Safety and Services

The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, chaired a meeting of the interinstitutional task force for the 2026 summer tourism season. The task force coordinated measures to ensure a smooth and safe tourist season across Albania. Officials focused on key priorities such as beach safety, waste management, food …

News

President Begaj Meets Croatian Parliament Speaker in Tirana, Pushes Forward EU Accession Talks and Chapter Closures

President Bajram Begaj of Bajram Begaj met the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament, Gordan Jandroković, in Tirana. First, he focused on European integration. He stressed closing negotiation chapters. He pushed for finalizing Albania’s accession process. Next, Begaj praised strong relations with Croatia. He highlighted the strategic partnership. In addition, he …

News

Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” Celebrates Literary Excellence with Prestigious Awards in North Macedonia

The Albanian Book Fair “Shkupi 2026” took place from 4–7 June in Skanderbeg Square in Shkup. First, it became a major cultural hub for Albanian literature and publishing. It brought together publishers, authors, researchers, and readers from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. Next, the fair hosted book promotions and literary …

News

Gonxhja: Pogradec Historic Center Renovation to Be Completed in October

The urban restoration project in the historic center of Pogradec is progressing steadily. It has already reached 80% completion. First, the project focuses on restoring traditional buildings. It also improves public squares and urban infrastructure. In addition, it creates thematic tourist routes. Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports Ministria e …

News

EU food safety project EU4FoodSafety starts in Tirana

TIRANA, June 8 – Albania launched the EU4FoodSafety project in Tirana on World Food Safety Day. The initiative aims to strengthen the food safety system and align it further with European standards. The Albanian government supports the project. The European Union and the German government finance it. It focuses on …

News

Inflation in May reaches 3% as transport and housing drive price rises

TIRANA, June 8 – Consumer prices in Albania continued to rise in May, pushing annual inflation to 3%, up from 2.2% a year earlier, according to data published by INSTAT. Meanwhile, the statistical institute said the increase over the past two months mainly reflects higher fuel prices. It linked the …

News

Gjirokastër; Traditional stone coffee ritual attracts visitors in historic bazaar

TIRANA, June 8 – A traditional stone coffee preparation ritual has become an attraction for tourists visiting Gjirokastër, where visitors now experience a local hospitality practice in the city’s historic bazaar. Artisan Lubjana Baho has set up a hospitality corner in one of the cobbled streets. Meanwhile, she introduces visitors …