How a Sanctioned Russian Oligarch’s Business Interests Reached Albanian Public Contracts
Millions of euros flowed to companies linked to Strabag while Oleg Deripaska remained a major shareholder, exposing gaps in Albania’s ability to identify who ultimately benefits from public money Tirana Times, September 17, 2026 – For years, Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska’s economic interests in Albania were largely invisible. They did …
Taulant Xhaka Backs Former KLA Leaders: Always With You
The Hague verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders has drawn reactions from the sports world. Former Albania national team footballer Taulant Xhaka has publicly expressed his support for Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. Xhaka posted a poster on Instagram featuring the four former KLA …
Endrit Thaçi Backs OVL-KLA Protest
Endrit Thaçi, son of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, has voiced support for a protest organized by the War Veterans’ Organization of the Kosovo Liberation Army (OVL-KLA). He shared the organization’s call for a “Protest in Defense of the KLA.” Meanwhile, the protest will take place on Friday at 12:00 …
Albanian public broadcaster begins transformation process with European Broadcasting Union support
RTSH has officially begun implementing its 2026–2030 transformation and restructuring process. The Task Force established to lead and coordinate the process held its first meeting today. The European Broadcasting Union organized the meeting as a workshop focused on RTSH’s Transformation Strategy and its implementation. Radka Betcheva, the European Broadcasting Union’s …
Judge Smith Launches Procedures for Victim Reparations Following KLA Leaders’ Convictions
Charles L. Smith, the presiding judge of the Trial Panel, has issued a decision launching procedures for reparations to victims in the case against Hashim Thaçi, Jakup Krasniqi, Rexhep Selimi and Kadri Veseli. The Trial Panel issued the decision on September 16 and published it today. It decided to initiate …
Gogu: Albania to Continue Digitalization While Protecting Citizens’ Rights
Justice Minister Toni Gogu said today that Albania will continue its digitalization process and use of artificial intelligence. He stressed that the country will protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Gogu spoke in Parliament during the review of the draft law on the ratification of the Council …
Adriatic Charter: Kingji Meets US General Grynkewich
Defense cooperation and regional security issues were at the center of meetings held during the 2026 US-Adriatic Charter Conference of Chiefs of Defense in Zadar, Croatia. The US Embassy in Tirana said that US General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of the US European Command (USEUCOM) and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), …
Kurti Meets Hamza to Discuss Ways to Challenge Hague Verdict
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met today with Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) leader Bedri Hamza. The meeting came one day after the Kosovo Specialist Chambers issued verdicts against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. The four former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders received combined sentences of …
Diaspora Holds Protest in Times Square Over Hague Verdict, Hajdari: Freedom for Liberators
The Albanian diaspora in the United States held a protest in Times Square, New York, following the first-instance verdict by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague against four former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders. Tirana Prefect Shkëlqim Hajdari shared images from the gathering on social media. He conveyed the …
Begaj Meets Konrad Adenauer Foundation Representatives: Albania Advancing on EU Accession Path
President Bajram Begaj met today with German representatives of the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, Dieter Althaus, former Prime Minister of Thuringia and board member, and Thomas Kunze, the foundation’s current head in Albania. Begaj thanked Germany for its continued support for Albania’s European Union accession process. He also praised the Konrad …
Rozafa Castle in Shkodër is undergoing restoration and redevelopment as part of a project to strengthen the tourism and cultural potential of the Shkodër Archaeological Park. Work has started at the lower section of the castle, where workers are building a parking area to address a long-standing issue for visitors. …
Representatives of the United States Coast Guard visited Durrës Port under the International Port Security Program to review measures and procedures for port security. The delegation received a briefing on the port’s security situation, the implementation of standards under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and cooperation among …
Albania’s State Police Director General Skënder Hita held a series of meetings with senior law enforcement officials from partner countries during the European Police Chiefs Convention. The talks focused on strengthening police cooperation, information sharing and operational coordination. Hita met the directors general of the state police forces of Italy, …
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj took part in the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome, Italy. He presented Albania’s priorities for a more sustainable water future in Europe and the Mediterranean together with representatives of the European Commission and the Union for the Mediterranean. At the panel on a new European vision …
Vuno village on the Albanian Riviera has officially been declared a Historic Centre by a decision of Albania’s Council of Ministers. The decision strengthens institutional protection for the village’s architectural and historical heritage while creating new opportunities for tourism and the local economy. Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo described the decision …
More than 100 Albanian hotel projects will go before international investors and hotel operators on October 2 in Tirana. The Albanian Investment Development Agency will host the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 for the first time. The event will take place at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The forum …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said five architectural proposals would compete in an international competition for the redevelopment of the “Taiwan” building in Tirana’s Rinia Park. He made the statement while presenting the Tirana Fountain Tower project. Rama said the capital now has different needs and ambitions from those of previous …
Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs welcomed the agreement among Albanian political parties and entities in the Presheva Valley to run on a joint list in Serbia’s October 25, 2026 parliamentary elections. The ministry congratulated the Albanian political actors in the Presheva Valley for what it described as responsibility, …
The Saint Quiricus and Julitta Monastery in Dhuvjan, Dropull, Gjirokastër Region, is undergoing restoration with support from the World Monuments Fund. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja inspected the current phase of the project. The project also includes trail signs linking the area’s monuments. Gonxhja said the work will …
UEFA has appointed an Irish refereeing team for Saturday’s Finland-Albania match. Rob Hennessy will serve as the referee. The 35-year-old Hennessy has held international status since 2017. In addition to officiating matches in the Irish league, he has refereed two UEFA Conference League games this season. Saturday’s match will be …