Blog
News

Forest fires reported in Voskopoja and Llogora

TIRANA, July 24 – Civil Emergency authorities of Korça Municipality reported the reactivation of a fire in the Voskopoja Administrative Unit. The flames have spread through a pine forest area. The fire poses a risk to the natural environment. Meanwhile, authorities reported another fire inside the Llogora forest. They suspect …

Read More
News

Why Waiting Is Not Neutral: The Costs of Non-Enlargement

Debates about EU enlargement tend to focus on the risks of admitting countries before they are ready. In her recent paper, Marta Szpala broadens the debate by examining what prolonged delay means for both candidate countries and the European Union itself. Tirana Times spoke with Szpala about how prolonged uncertainty …

Read More
News

Fake Social Media Accounts Target Albania Protest Supporters

Prime Minister Edi Rama has blamed social media algorithms for fuelling the so-called Flamingo Revolution protests, but data obtained by BIRN shows that hundreds of fake accounts have been created to push the government’s own narrative and denigrate the protesters. Original post Here

Read More
News

Za Fest Celebrates Its 10th Edition in Shkodra

The 10th edition of Za Fest begins today in Shkodra, bringing music, art, and culture to the city under the direction of festival founder and singer-songwriter Vlashent Sata. Organizers launched Za Fest in 2017 to promote Albanian culture through music, art, literature, and other creative forms. The festival first took …

Read More
News

EU Urges Political Parties to Avoid Pressure on Kosovo Judicial Council

The European Union Office in Kosovo has urged all political parties to avoid pressuring the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) and its members while they make decisions. The EU office said in a social media statement that Kosovo and the European Union rely on an independent, impartial, and apolitical judiciary to …

Read More
News

Navigation suspended in Vlora and Saranda due to rough sea conditions

TIRANA, July 24 – Port authorities in Vlora and Saranda have suspended navigation for small vessels, tourist boats and fishing vessels due to worsening sea conditions along the Albanian coast. The Port Captaincies said the measure will remain in force until 06:00 on July 25, 2026. The General Maritime Directorate …

Read More
News

Kumbaro: 5,478 Free Learning Packages Reach Albanian Children in Diaspora

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced that authorities have successfully distributed 5,478 free learning packages to Albanian children in 18 diaspora countries. The packages include textbooks for all three levels of Albanian language and culture education. Kumbaro said the Center for Diaspora Publications and the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs …

Read More
News

RTSH to continue supporting Albanian sports achievements, says Director General Eni Vasili

TIRANA, July 24 – The Albanian Ski Federation organized the gala event “Ski Excellence Night” to present the achievements of the 2025–2026 season, which it described as one of the most successful periods for Albanian winter sports. The event was broadcast by the Albanian Public Radio Television (RTSH). The season’s …

Read More
News

Government and Socialist lawmakers hold review meeting

TIRANA, July 24 – The Albanian government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group are holding a meeting this Friday at the Palace of Brigades. The participants are discussing government work, political developments and upcoming objectives. Prime Minister Edi Rama chaires the meeting. He is expected to address government priorities and …

Read More
News

Cloudy Friday with local rain and storm risk

TIRANA, July 24 – Albania will experience unstable weather conditions on Friday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The country will see periods of cloudiness, with clouds becoming more pronounced at midday and in the afternoon. Local light rain is expected across most areas. Meanwhile, short thunderstorms with lightning and …

Read More
News
274 Armed Forces personnel deployed to fight wildfires

TIRANA, August 13 – Firefighting operations continue on the ground and from the air. The Armed Forces are supporting operations in several areas across Albania. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said 274 Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed. They are using 21 vehicles, 1 water tanker, 3 ambulances and 9 firefighting …

News
Bank of Albania expects inflation to ease as growth continues

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania’s economy continues to grow, while the recent rise in inflation is mainly temporary, according to the Bank of Albania. The central bank said average inflation reached 3% in the second quarter, up from 2.5% in the first quarter. Higher fuel prices and some domestic services …

News
Korça Beer Festival marks 20th edition at new events venue

TIRANA, August 13 – The 20th Korça Beer Festival opened on Wednesday evening at the new Events Hub in Drenova. The festival runs until August 16 with 5 nights of music, beer, gastronomy and entertainment. Korça Mayor Sotiraq Filo said the opening night created a lively atmosphere. He described the …

News
Foreign tourists discover Gjirokastër through history and tradition

TIRANA, August 13 – Gjirokastër continues to attract tourists from around the world. Visitors experience the “stone city” through its history, architecture, traditions and hospitality. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video featuring tourists from Australia, Sweden, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands and other countries. Visitors praised the Cold War …

News
Eyes on the Sky for the Solar Eclipse in the Balkans

People gathered at vantage points all across the Balkans to enjoy the unique experience of watching the solar eclipse on Thursday evening. Original post Here

News
10 fires recorded in Lezha, deliberate arson under investigation

TIRANA, August 13 – The Municipality of Lezha recorded 10 fires across its territory on Wednesday. Mayor Pjerin Ndreu urged residents to remain extremely cautious. He also called on them to report to authorities anyone identified as starting a fire. Ndreu said firefighters responded to 10 fires in different areas …

News
Agritourism AL platform helps visitors discover rural destinations

TIRANA, August 13 – The Agritourism AL application has become an information platform for agritourism and rural tourism destinations in Albania. It helps tourists and visitors plan trips and discover offers linked to nature, gastronomy and Albanian traditions. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said users can download the …

News
Mahmut Orhan to perform in Drymades on August 15

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania has become a popular summer destination for international electronic music artists. On August 15, Turkish DJ and producer Mahmut Orhan will perform at MOYO Drymades. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the event. The performance will start at 20:00 and continue into the …

News
12 active fires reported across Albania, 418 hectares burned

TIRANA, August 13 – Authorities reported 45 fires across Albania during the past 24 hours. Twelve remain active and 1 remains under monitoring. The Agency for Media and Information said 72 firefighting vehicles and 839 operational personnel have joined the response. The Armed Forces have provided 250 personnel, 5 helicopters …

News
Ministers visit tourism measures in Saranda

TIRANA, August 13 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja, and Saranda Mayor Oltion Çaçi visited tourism measures in Saranda. Lamallari said rising tourist numbers bring greater responsibility for the State Police. He stressed the need to protect residents and visitors. He also called for …

News

274 Armed Forces personnel deployed to fight wildfires

TIRANA, August 13 – Firefighting operations continue on the ground and from the air. The Armed Forces are supporting operations in several areas across Albania. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said 274 Armed Forces personnel are currently deployed. They are using 21 vehicles, 1 water tanker, 3 ambulances and 9 firefighting …

News

Bank of Albania expects inflation to ease as growth continues

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania’s economy continues to grow, while the recent rise in inflation is mainly temporary, according to the Bank of Albania. The central bank said average inflation reached 3% in the second quarter, up from 2.5% in the first quarter. Higher fuel prices and some domestic services …

News

Korça Beer Festival marks 20th edition at new events venue

TIRANA, August 13 – The 20th Korça Beer Festival opened on Wednesday evening at the new Events Hub in Drenova. The festival runs until August 16 with 5 nights of music, beer, gastronomy and entertainment. Korça Mayor Sotiraq Filo said the opening night created a lively atmosphere. He described the …

News

Foreign tourists discover Gjirokastër through history and tradition

TIRANA, August 13 – Gjirokastër continues to attract tourists from around the world. Visitors experience the “stone city” through its history, architecture, traditions and hospitality. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video featuring tourists from Australia, Sweden, New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands and other countries. Visitors praised the Cold War …

News

Eyes on the Sky for the Solar Eclipse in the Balkans

People gathered at vantage points all across the Balkans to enjoy the unique experience of watching the solar eclipse on Thursday evening. Original post Here

News

10 fires recorded in Lezha, deliberate arson under investigation

TIRANA, August 13 – The Municipality of Lezha recorded 10 fires across its territory on Wednesday. Mayor Pjerin Ndreu urged residents to remain extremely cautious. He also called on them to report to authorities anyone identified as starting a fire. Ndreu said firefighters responded to 10 fires in different areas …

News

Agritourism AL platform helps visitors discover rural destinations

TIRANA, August 13 – The Agritourism AL application has become an information platform for agritourism and rural tourism destinations in Albania. It helps tourists and visitors plan trips and discover offers linked to nature, gastronomy and Albanian traditions. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said users can download the …

News

Mahmut Orhan to perform in Drymades on August 15

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania has become a popular summer destination for international electronic music artists. On August 15, Turkish DJ and producer Mahmut Orhan will perform at MOYO Drymades. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the event. The performance will start at 20:00 and continue into the …

News

12 active fires reported across Albania, 418 hectares burned

TIRANA, August 13 – Authorities reported 45 fires across Albania during the past 24 hours. Twelve remain active and 1 remains under monitoring. The Agency for Media and Information said 72 firefighting vehicles and 839 operational personnel have joined the response. The Armed Forces have provided 250 personnel, 5 helicopters …

News

Ministers visit tourism measures in Saranda

TIRANA, August 13 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja, and Saranda Mayor Oltion Çaçi visited tourism measures in Saranda. Lamallari said rising tourist numbers bring greater responsibility for the State Police. He stressed the need to protect residents and visitors. He also called for …