Forensic Science Institute becomes full member of European forensic network
TIRANA, May 18 – The Forensic Science Institute took part for the first time as a full member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes in Zurich, Switzerland. The meeting gathered directors of European forensic science institutes. Institute Director Perlat Çullaj presented the institute’s role and development. He outlined …
Minister Gonxhja: Museum Week brings together culture, history and art
TIRANA. May 18 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the “Museum Week 2026” initiative in a social media post. He said the event will take place from 18 to 24 May across Albania. During the week, museums, archaeological parks and cultural heritage sites will open their …
Defense Minister Nufi at Civil Emergencies Support Base: We ensure faster response across the country
TIRANA, May 18 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Civil Emergencies Support Base. He met Armed Forces personnel engaged in emergency response operations. The visit focused on wildfire preparedness ahead of the summer season. Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Arben Kingji attended the event. National Civil Protection …
President Begaj meets Higher Security and Defence Course, says Western Balkans stability key to regional security
TIRANA, May 18 – President Bajram Begaj met participants of the Higher Security and Defence Course held at the Armed Forces Defence and Security College. He praised the college for organising the programme. He also highlighted the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding among participants. In addition, he stressed the …
OTP Bank Albania inaugurates new Private Banking premises in Tirana
Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – OTP Bank Albania has inaugurated new premises dedicated to the Private Banking segment, unveiling an exclusive space designed for clients seeking personalized service and advanced financial standards. Located in the heart of Tirana, the premises have been designed in line with OTP Group standards, …
Shadow Fleet, Weak Oversight: How Russian Sanctions Evasion Reached Albania’s Ports
Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – Albania’s ports have emerged as a potential weak point in the international effort to enforce sanctions against Russia, following revelations that vessels linked by Ukrainian intelligence to Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” have visited the country since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. …
Unexploded Ordnance Puts Jared Kushner’s Resort in Albania at Risk
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International Museum Day marked, free entry to museums on May 18 and May 21 in Albania
TIRANA, May 18 – The global museum community marks International Museum Day today. In this context, Albania offers free entry to museums on May 18 and May 21 for related cultural events. Meanwhile, the International Council of Museums established the day in 1977. The initiative aims to raise public awareness …
Albania Cycling Tour 2026 starts, temporary road closures in Tirana
TIRANA, May 18 – Albania hosts the 83rd Albania Cycling Tour from today until 22 May. Twenty elite teams from Albania, the Balkans and Europe take part in the race. The first stage starts at 12:00. Cyclists begin in Tirana and finish in Lezha. The State Police announces temporary traffic …
“Egnatia Fest 2026” Opens Tourist Season in Librazhd
Librazhd opened the tourism season with “Egnatia Fest 2026” in the Cherry Park. Around 54 businesses joined the event and promoted the area’s nature, history, traditions, and tourism potential. Minister Andis Salla attended the festival and highlighted the importance of local tourism and private investment for economic growth. Salla said …
Albanian skier Lara Colturi opened the 2026–2027 Alpine Ski World Cup season with a silver medal in the giant slalom in Sölden, Austria, finishing just 0.01 seconds behind the winner. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja congratulated Colturi on her performance, calling it another achievement that brings pride to …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu warned on Sunday that violence fueled by media coverage and longstanding political resentment poses a serious threat to the lives of both protesters and citizens. In a social media post, Koçiu described the injury of a young man from Elbasan as a wake-up call about …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said on Sunday that the government would introduce six measures to curb urban violence. The measures aim to protect citizens and public and private property. Koçiu stressed that authorities would uphold the constitutional right to protest but punish anyone who incites violence, exploits minors or …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sunday that he had personally arranged medical treatment in Italy for the young man from Elbasan who suffered an eye injury during protests. He also secured an air ambulance to transport the youth to what he described as Italy’s best hospital. Rama warned that …
Foreign tourists visiting Tirana have encountered unusual scenes in the capital in recent days. A group of visitors stopped outside the Prime Minister’s Office, where stone chairs and tables now stand following Prime Minister Edi Rama’s invitation to protesters. The tourists sat down and took photos. “Welcome to Tirana, and …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sunday that citizens had every right to demand his resignation and protest against the government, but no one could force him from office through violence. He made the remarks while presenting a new legislative package against urban violence. Rama defended the package, saying it …
Prime Minister Edi Rama presented a new law on Sunday that would require individuals to pay for damage they cause during public gatherings. The law sets fines of up to 500,000 lek for people who remain at violent protests after police warn them to leave. Rama said the law follows …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha on Sunday urged Albanians in Serbia’s Presheva Valley to turn out in large numbers for the country’s snap parliamentary elections. Hoxha described voting as a fundamental democratic right and an opportunity for citizens to make their voices heard. He stressed that every …
Skënderbeu defeated Partizani 2-0 in the eighth round of Albania’s Abissnet Superiore on Friday, deepening the capital club’s crisis. Meanwhile, Laçi secured a narrow 1-0 win over Vora. The Korçë side broke the deadlock in the 56th minute when Totre converted a penalty. Dejvid Janaqi sealed the victory in the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a new legislative package aimed at combating violence and urban anarchy, a day after Saturday’s protest in Tirana, which was marked by clashes, Molotov cocktail attacks on institutions, and damage to public and private property. Rama stressed that the package is based on the …