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Implementation of penal amnesty begins for 1,300 inmates, first 541 released

*]: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=”65b85f6e-ddd5-4832-83f8-449e58c8e73f” data-turn-id-container=”65b85f6e-ddd5-4832-83f8-449e58c8e73f” data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-turn=”user”> The implementation of Albania’s penal amnesty law began on Wednesday across all correctional institutions, resulting in the immediate release of hundreds of inmates and sentence reductions for hundreds more. *]: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:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-turn=”assistant”> According to official …

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Euronews Albania reveals Socialist Party proposal for territorial reform, new municipal map unveiled

*]: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=”4b6d90cd-57c8-4e81-a50c-b61c5e8f6e62″ data-turn-id-container=”4b6d90cd-57c8-4e81-a50c-b61c5e8f6e62″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-9″ data-turn=”user”> The Special Parliamentary Committee on Territorial Reform met on Wednesday, but according to sources, no agreement was reached on the agenda, marking the conclusion of the committee’s working phase. *]: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:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> Sources say the …

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Hita meets regional police chiefs, prioritises tourist season security and crime crackdown

*]: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:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-5″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4290baec-3f0c-47e6-8e8f-0d211cf7012a-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania’s General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, held a working meeting with regional police directors and department heads to assess the public order and security situation and set operational priorities for the period ahead. The meeting focused on strengthening …

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Citizens’ protest in Tirana enters its 46th day outside the Prime Minister’s Office

The citizens’ protest in Tirana has entered its 46th consecutive day. As on previous days, demonstrators gathered on the boulevard in front of the Prime Minister’s Office, where they continued their rally with speeches and messages opposing the current government’s policies. The protesters are calling for political change, demanding the …

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Banks’ profits fall 13% in May, while lending and deposits continue to grow

*]: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=”07805a4b-f4b9-47c7-bcb3-a3f53f8a9ddb” data-turn-id-container=”07805a4b-f4b9-47c7-bcb3-a3f53f8a9ddb” data-testid=”conversation-turn-5″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s banking sector recorded a decline in profits during the first five months of 2026, although lending and deposits continued to expand. Data from the Albanian Association of Banks (AAB), based on statistics from the Bank of Albania, show that the …

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Albanian government approves opening of embassy in Dublin

The Albanian government has approved the opening of the Embassy of the Republic of Albania in Dublin, Ireland, expanding the country’s diplomatic network. The Council of Ministers adopted the decision under the Law on the Foreign Service of the Republic of Albania, following a proposal by the Minister for Europe …

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Albanian Protesters Celebrate as PM Backtracks on Controversial Environment Laws

Protesters in Albania hail ‘moral victory’ after PM Edi Rama declares in Brussels that his government will revisit controversial laws that pave the way for a luxury resort linked to Donald Trump’s family. Original post Here

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State Police and U.S. ICITAP reaffirm 30-year strategic partnership

TIRANA, July 15 – The State Police and the U.S. International Criminal Investigative Training Assistance Program (ICITAP) reaffirmed their strategic partnership, built over more than 30 years of cooperation. State Police Director General Skënder Hita met with ICITAP Europe and Asia Programme Representative Alexzandria Burns and ICITAP Albania Programme Director …

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Book “100 Years of Theatre in Shkodra (1879–1979)” highlights a century of Albanian stage history

The book “100 Years of Theatre in Shkodra: 1879–1979” by author Andrea Skanjeti has been published by the Academy of Sciences of Albania, presenting a century-long history of theatre in Shkodra, one of the country’s most important cultural centres. Academic and playwright Stefan Çapaliku contributed to preparing the book for …

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Deputy minister presents bill to strengthen Civil Society Support Agency

TIRANA, July 15 – Deputy Health and Social Protection Minister Denada Seferi presented a draft law to the parliamentary Committee on Human Rights and Public Information. The bill proposes amendments to the law governing the Civil Society Support Agency. Seferi said the draft aims to strengthen the agency’s institutional role. …

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Agriculture census to guide future support schemes in Albania

TIRANA, July 16 – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the draft law on the agriculture census will provide a key tool for shaping public policies and support schemes in the sector. Presenting the bill in Parliament, Salla said Albania’s agricultural sector has changed significantly since the last census. He highlighted …

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Artificial intelligence brings new challenges and opportunities for cinema

The National Center of Cinematography brought together film professionals to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the audiovisual industry and why Albania needs a clear legal framework for its use. During a roundtable held as part of the International AI Film Festival, filmmakers and experts, including director Fatmir Koçi, …

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World literature exhibition brings global classics to Albania’s National Library

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s National Library has opened an exhibition titled “World Literature Championship” at the “Sotir Kolea” center, inviting visitors to explore a different kind of competition during the final days of the World Football Championship. The exhibition presents some of the greatest authors of world literature and …

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Egnatia secure historic Champions League qualification with big win over Petrocub

TIRANA, July 16 – Albanian champions Egnatia have reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Moldova’s champions Petrocub 6-1 in the return leg at the “Arena Egnatia”. The Rrogozhina-based team had drawn 1-1 in the first leg away from home. However, Egnatia delivered a dominant …

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Albania submits third reform agenda report to European Commission

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania has submitted the third reporting cycle of its Reform Agenda to the European Commission under the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF). The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) submitted the report, which includes 38 reform measures across 5 policy areas. Meanwhile, the …

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EU ambassador Gonzato calls for irreversible justice reform in Albania

TIRANA, July 16 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato said the Justice Reform must become irreversible as Albanian justice institutions reviewed the progress of the 2024–2030 Cross-Sectoral Justice Strategy. The Ministry of Justice organised the discussion with the participation of heads of justice institutions. The EU Delegation in …

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Germany and European Union provide €13.5 million for Albania’s food safety reforms

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Parliament reviewed an agreement with Germany that will support a €13.5 million food safety project for 2026–2030, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said on Thursday. Salla presented the bill ratifying the 2025 Technical Cooperation Agreement with Germany. He said the agreement provides the …

News
AI-backed “Smart City” project enters implementation phase, PM Rama says

TIRANA, July 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s “Smart City” project marks a new stage in strengthening public security through artificial intelligence. Speaking at the project’s Command and Control Center, Rama said the system is now entering implementation and will gradually expand across the country. He said artificial …

News
Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship makes first call at Port of Durrës

TIRANA, July 16 – The Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, arrived at the Port of Durrës for the first time with about 650 passengers on board. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the ship’s arrival on social media. He said company representatives praised …

News
Albania Closes First EU Chapters, Hard Tests Ahead

The provisional closure of three negotiating chapters represents an important milestone for Albania. Yet the Brussels conference also showed that the country’s further progress will depend on difficult reforms concerning the rule of law, environmental protection and the implementation of European standards. Tirana Times, July 16, 2026 – Albania provisionally …

News

Agriculture census to guide future support schemes in Albania

TIRANA, July 16 – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the draft law on the agriculture census will provide a key tool for shaping public policies and support schemes in the sector. Presenting the bill in Parliament, Salla said Albania’s agricultural sector has changed significantly since the last census. He highlighted …

News

Artificial intelligence brings new challenges and opportunities for cinema

The National Center of Cinematography brought together film professionals to discuss how Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing the audiovisual industry and why Albania needs a clear legal framework for its use. During a roundtable held as part of the International AI Film Festival, filmmakers and experts, including director Fatmir Koçi, …

News

World literature exhibition brings global classics to Albania’s National Library

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s National Library has opened an exhibition titled “World Literature Championship” at the “Sotir Kolea” center, inviting visitors to explore a different kind of competition during the final days of the World Football Championship. The exhibition presents some of the greatest authors of world literature and …

News

Egnatia secure historic Champions League qualification with big win over Petrocub

TIRANA, July 16 – Albanian champions Egnatia have reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Moldova’s champions Petrocub 6-1 in the return leg at the “Arena Egnatia”. The Rrogozhina-based team had drawn 1-1 in the first leg away from home. However, Egnatia delivered a dominant …

News

Albania submits third reform agenda report to European Commission

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania has submitted the third reporting cycle of its Reform Agenda to the European Commission under the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF). The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) submitted the report, which includes 38 reform measures across 5 policy areas. Meanwhile, the …

News

EU ambassador Gonzato calls for irreversible justice reform in Albania

TIRANA, July 16 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato said the Justice Reform must become irreversible as Albanian justice institutions reviewed the progress of the 2024–2030 Cross-Sectoral Justice Strategy. The Ministry of Justice organised the discussion with the participation of heads of justice institutions. The EU Delegation in …

News

Germany and European Union provide €13.5 million for Albania’s food safety reforms

TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Parliament reviewed an agreement with Germany that will support a €13.5 million food safety project for 2026–2030, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said on Thursday. Salla presented the bill ratifying the 2025 Technical Cooperation Agreement with Germany. He said the agreement provides the …

News

AI-backed “Smart City” project enters implementation phase, PM Rama says

TIRANA, July 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s “Smart City” project marks a new stage in strengthening public security through artificial intelligence. Speaking at the project’s Command and Control Center, Rama said the system is now entering implementation and will gradually expand across the country. He said artificial …

News

Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship makes first call at Port of Durrës

TIRANA, July 16 – The Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, arrived at the Port of Durrës for the first time with about 650 passengers on board. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the ship’s arrival on social media. He said company representatives praised …

News

Albania Closes First EU Chapters, Hard Tests Ahead

The provisional closure of three negotiating chapters represents an important milestone for Albania. Yet the Brussels conference also showed that the country’s further progress will depend on difficult reforms concerning the rule of law, environmental protection and the implementation of European standards. Tirana Times, July 16, 2026 – Albania provisionally …