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Balla: EU integration requires reforms and citizen engagement

Parliamentary Group Chair of the Socialist Party Taulant Balla said Albania’s European Union integration requires continued reforms and strong citizen involvement. He spoke during a discussion with students of the European University of Tirana held at Preza Castle. Balla focused on the progress of reforms and the fulfillment of conditions …

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Young innovators present “ideas that become industry” on Rama’s podcast

Three young innovators presented their projects on the podcast “Flasim”, hosted by Prime Minister Edi Rama. First, they introduced ideas focused on technology, research and agriculture. Then, they explained how innovation can become industry in Albania. Fabjola presented a self-healing concrete technology. She said the material uses industrial waste. It …

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Rubio honors Mother Teresa’s legacy during visit to Missionaries of Charity

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio paid tribute to the legacy of Mother Teresa during a visit to the Missionaries of Charity. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana shared Rubio’s statement on social media. Rubio said Mother Teresa left an extraordinary legacy of compassion and service. He said he was honored …

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EU Delegation: Solidarity with Ukraine and Albania after attack highlights brutality of war

The European Union Delegation in Albania has condemned the latest Russian drone and missile attacks on Ukraine. It said the strikes targeted Kyiv during the night and caused several casualties. It also said the residential complex where the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania in Ukraine lives was hit. The …

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MEPJ issues verbal note to Russia over attack on residence of Albanian ambassador

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs summoned the Ambassador of the Russian Federation in Tirana, Alexey Zaitsev, to deliver a strong protest. The ministry responded to massive drone and missile attacks overnight in Ukraine. It said the attacks hit the residential complex where …

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State Department Report: US Warns of Russian and Chinese Influence in the Western Balkans, Albania Seen as a Strategic Partner

*]: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=”894728e9-f4d0-4440-9a73-58edcb4bf864″ data-turn-id-container=”894728e9-f4d0-4440-9a73-58edcb4bf864″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The United States Department of State, in cooperation with other federal institutions, has submitted an official report to Congress on policy in the Western Balkans, emphasizing that regional stability, security, and US economic interests remain priorities in a region considered …

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Berisha After Re-Election as Head of the Democratic Party: Democrats Defeated the Most Dangerous Narco-Mafia in Europe Yesterday

The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, after being re-elected as head of the party, published a lengthy message on his Facebook page, emphasizing that the vote of Democrats in yesterday’s elections defeated what he described as the most dangerous narco-mafia in Europe. According to him, the vote of …

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Tepelena: Rising Food Prices Becoming Unaffordable for Consumers

In Tepelena, food product prices are continuing to rise, becoming increasingly unaffordable for consumers. The increase has affected not only basic food items but also the fruit and vegetable market, with residents describing the prices as too high to cope with. The economic difficulties are being felt especially by the …

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“Vlach Culture” Festival in Gjirokastër Promotes Preservation of Language and Traditions

The cultural weekend in Gjirokastër featured the “Vlach Culture” Festival, which promotes the folklore and traditions of the Aromanian community in Albania. Organized in the village of Andon Poçi, the festival brought together artists, folk groups, and ensembles from Gjirokastër, Korça, Vlora, and other regions. The event also included the …

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EU Allocates €49 Million for Albania, Rama: A European Success Story

Prime Minister Edi Rama has welcomed the European Union’s decision to grant further financial support to Albania within the framework of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. *]: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:bbf1546b-a1c5-48dd-adc3-3986143cd709-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:bbf1546b-a1c5-48dd-adc3-3986143cd709-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> This week, Brussels approved the disbursement of €49 million for Albania, bringing …

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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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Kosova votes as citizens elect 120-seat parliament

TIRANA, June 7 – Voters in Kosova headed to the polls on Saturday to elect the 11th legislature of the 120-seat parliament. The Central Election Commission distributed voting materials across all 38 municipalities. A total of 23 political parties and three coalitions are competing, with 917 candidates running for office. …

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Spring Festival names 12 finalists after opening night

TIRANA, June 7 – The Spring Festival returned to the Albanian stage after a 23-year break. It selected 12 finalists on its opening night, in a show marked by nostalgia, live orchestration and competition. The event took place at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. It brought together emerging …

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Lake Shkodër receives UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status

TIRANA, June 6 – Lake Shkodër has received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, gaining international recognition for one of Albania’s most important natural assets. Meanwhile, Shkodër Mayor Benet Beci describes the decision as a source of pride for the city and for communities living around the lake. He says the designation …

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Spring Festival returns to RTSH as 20 artists compete on opening night

TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to the Albanian Public Radio and Television tonight after a long absence. Twenty artists will take the stage in the opening show, which will feature special guests and a mix of classic and contemporary music. Meanwhile, the festival’s hosts, singer Bleona Qereti …

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PM Rama: Iran Is Behind Tirana Protests

The prime minister casts the widening unrest as a “hybrid war,” citing antisemitic narratives, claims about resettling Palestinians and AI-manipulated content. Tirana Times, June 6, 2026 — Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused Iran of standing behind the growing protests in Tirana against the proposed Zvërnec tourism project, shifting the …

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Western Balkans – EU summit in Montenegro pushes for faster enlargement and reforms

TIRANA, June 6 – European Union and Western Balkan leaders meet in Tivat for the Western Balkans–EU summit. They focus on speeding up enlargement and advancing reforms across candidate countries. Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa says enlargement remains merit-based, but he adds that the process must become faster and …

News
Nik Xhelilaj and Bleona Qereti host revived RTSH’s Spring Festival

TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to Albania after two decades. It takes place on June 6 and 7 at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana. The event brings together established and emerging artists. Organisers present the festival as a revival of a major cultural …

News
Rama: Sazan Island Remains State Property, Not for Privatization

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Sazan Island will remain property of the Albanian state. He stressed that it will not be privatized. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Vlora, Rama said Sazan is a national asset. Therefore, any development project will be carried out in partnership …

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EU Leaders: Albania Next in Line After Montenegro for Membership

Albania received strong support from European Union leaders at the summit in Tivat, Montenegro. EU officials said the country is moving in the right direction toward membership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU’s goals are clear. She stated that Montenegro is expected to join the EU …

News

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. …

News

Kosova votes as citizens elect 120-seat parliament

TIRANA, June 7 – Voters in Kosova headed to the polls on Saturday to elect the 11th legislature of the 120-seat parliament. The Central Election Commission distributed voting materials across all 38 municipalities. A total of 23 political parties and three coalitions are competing, with 917 candidates running for office. …

News

Spring Festival names 12 finalists after opening night

TIRANA, June 7 – The Spring Festival returned to the Albanian stage after a 23-year break. It selected 12 finalists on its opening night, in a show marked by nostalgia, live orchestration and competition. The event took place at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. It brought together emerging …

News

Lake Shkodër receives UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status

TIRANA, June 6 – Lake Shkodër has received UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, gaining international recognition for one of Albania’s most important natural assets. Meanwhile, Shkodër Mayor Benet Beci describes the decision as a source of pride for the city and for communities living around the lake. He says the designation …

News

Spring Festival returns to RTSH as 20 artists compete on opening night

TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to the Albanian Public Radio and Television tonight after a long absence. Twenty artists will take the stage in the opening show, which will feature special guests and a mix of classic and contemporary music. Meanwhile, the festival’s hosts, singer Bleona Qereti …

News

PM Rama: Iran Is Behind Tirana Protests

The prime minister casts the widening unrest as a “hybrid war,” citing antisemitic narratives, claims about resettling Palestinians and AI-manipulated content. Tirana Times, June 6, 2026 — Prime Minister Edi Rama has accused Iran of standing behind the growing protests in Tirana against the proposed Zvërnec tourism project, shifting the …

News

Western Balkans – EU summit in Montenegro pushes for faster enlargement and reforms

TIRANA, June 6 – European Union and Western Balkan leaders meet in Tivat for the Western Balkans–EU summit. They focus on speeding up enlargement and advancing reforms across candidate countries. Meanwhile, European Council President António Costa says enlargement remains merit-based, but he adds that the process must become faster and …

News

Nik Xhelilaj and Bleona Qereti host revived RTSH’s Spring Festival

TIRANA, June 6 – The Spring Festival returns to Albania after two decades. It takes place on June 6 and 7 at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet in Tirana. The event brings together established and emerging artists. Organisers present the festival as a revival of a major cultural …

News

Rama: Sazan Island Remains State Property, Not for Privatization

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Sazan Island will remain property of the Albanian state. He stressed that it will not be privatized. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Vlora, Rama said Sazan is a national asset. Therefore, any development project will be carried out in partnership …

News

EU Leaders: Albania Next in Line After Montenegro for Membership

Albania received strong support from European Union leaders at the summit in Tivat, Montenegro. EU officials said the country is moving in the right direction toward membership. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said the EU’s goals are clear. She stated that Montenegro is expected to join the EU …