Vlorë: Spring “postcard” views attract tourists between sea and sky
Vlorë looks like a spring postcard at the end of April. The city combines clear blue skies with calm seas. Although the beach season has not officially started, visitors continue to arrive. They enjoy the sunshine and even swim in the sea. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo from …
Fincantieri–Kayo agreement signed for naval production in Vlora, PM Rama says first two ships will strengthen Albanian Navy
TIRANA, April 29 – A cooperation agreement between Italian company Fincantieri and company KAYO marks a step toward the modernization of the Albanian Armed Forces. The project focuses on the construction of military vessels in the Vlora Bay Naval Base naval base. The agreement establishes a new company that will …
Fire safety inspection plan launched in Tirana after apartment blaze
TIRANA, April 29 – The acting Mayor of Tirana, Anuela Ristani, meets emergency structures, municipal police, and fire service teams. The meeting follows a fire in an apartment building in the “Farmacia 10” area, where 71 apartments burned. Ristani praises the coordinated response of all structures. She says the quick …
Marubi Museum joins Milan-based international photography network
TIRANA, April 29 – The National Museum of Photography “Marubi” joins Rete Fotografia, an international network based in Milan that brings together institutions and organisations active in the field of photography. The museum describes the membership as an important development for Albanian photography. It highlights new opportunities for international visibility …
SASPAC launches new website on development priorities
SASPAC has launched a new online platform. The website is now accessible to the public. The platform brings together all foreign assistance data in Albania. It presents transparent and structured information. Users can find details on EU IPA programmes and funding. The site also lists donors, partners and implementing institutions. …
Aleksandër Lalo, Albanian composer of iconic film scores
TIRANA, April 28 – Albanian composer Aleksandër Lalo (1949–2017), born on 27 April 1949, remains a key figure in the country’s film music tradition. He would have turned 77 years old. His work shaped Albanian cinema across several decades. He developed a distinctive musical language that combined emotional depth with …
Former Constitutional Court chief Rustem Gjata passes away
Rustem Gjata, former head of the Constitutional Court, has died. His son, lawyer Çlirim Gjata, shared the news on social media. Rustem Gjata won a seat as a Democratic Party MP in the first pluralist elections in 1992. He helped draft the law on the Constitutional Court as a member …
Bajram Begaj: Western Balkans’ EU integration strategic for a safer, more competitive Europe
President Bajram Begaj attended the 11th Three Seas Initiative summit in Dubrovnik, Croatia. He called for tangible results to speed up regional economic development and EU integration. He said the Western Balkans is now a strategic front for Europe. Begaj described the initiative as a success story. He said it …
Sofjan Jaupaj, Majlinda Dhuka meet German minister on environment reforms
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka met German Environment Minister Carsten Schneider. They discussed Albania’s progress in EU negotiations. Talks focused on Chapter 27 – Environment and Climate Change. The German minister expressed full support for Albania’s EU path. He confirmed strong partnership in advancing reforms and …
Andreas Schieder: Albania progressing well toward EU membership
Andreas Schieder praised Albania’s progress in EU integration. He said negotiations could close by 2027–2028. He highlighted major reforms, especially in justice. He described them as among the deepest in the Western Balkans. Schieder said Albania has changed dramatically for the better. He stressed the need to present this progress …
Dinamo City and Egnatia will face each other in the Albanian Cup final 2025/2026 on Wednesday night. The match will take place at Air Albania Stadium in Tirana, starting at 19:00. In addition, this will be the second consecutive final between the two teams, increasing the rivalry and excitement. Historically, …
TIRANA, May 13 – A new government–bank agreement aims to strengthen business financing in Albania. The programme “Double Your Entrepreneurship” supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also targets wider economic growth. At the event in Tirana, Prime Minister Edi Rama met banking sector representatives. Minister of Economy and Innovation …
TIRANA, May 13 – The Albanian Mixed Martial Arts Federation took part in the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Balkan Championship held from May 7 to 10 in Belgrade, Serbia. The federation said the team completed its participation successfully and delivered a strong performance at international level. Turning to competition …
TIRANA, May 13 – The exhibition “A Journey Through the History of News”, opened by the Albanian news agency (ATSH) on May 9 at Tirana Castle, is attracting strong interest from local and foreign visitors. Visitors described the exhibition as an important contribution to understanding the history and development of …
TIRANA, May 13 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu visited the new “Hospitality Centre” in Sarandë, a multifunctional facility expected to open soon for the tourist season. Officials said the project combines modern infrastructure and European standards with Albanian hospitality traditions. Sarandë Mayor Oltion Çaçi accompanied Koçiu during the visit. …
TIRANA, May 13 – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that some actors are attempting to destabilise the Western Balkans and pull the region backwards. During a visit to Montenegro, he said the alliance remains committed to ensuring past conflicts remain in history. Turning to security concerns, Rutte said NATO …
TIRANA, May 13 – The parliamentary Committee for Culture, Tourism and Diaspora of Albania and the Committee for Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development of Albania held a joint meeting in Struga, North Macedonia, on May 12–13. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe supported the event. Lawmakers from …
TIRANA, May 13 – The Albanian government approved a new subsidy scheme for public transport operators following higher fuel prices. The measure provides 50 lek per litre of fuel for transport companies. After the government meeting, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said the subsidy covers urban, intercity and …
As part of its strategy to make personal and family care more affordable for every consumer, Rossmann & Lala is further expanding its price reductions to some of the most frequently used everyday categories: oral care, household cleaning products, and international chocolate brands. This step follows the successful price repositioning …
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 …