Q&A: Türkiye-Albania relations face a bright future, says Ambassador Atay
Marking 100 years of diplomatic relations between Albania and Türkiye, Tirana Times interviewed Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye Tayyar Kağan Atay. Türkiye and Albania enjoy excellent relations and they have a bright future ahead, Ambassador Atay says, citing the strategic partnership the two countries enjoy as well as their …
Fraternal Discord: Rama’s Cancellation of Meeting With Kurti Strains Kosovo-Albania Ties
The cancellation of a joint meeting between the two governments due to the tense situation in Kosovo’s Serb-majority north has further damaged already frayed relations between Albin Kurti and Edi Rama. Original post Here
UK Rights Activists Condemn Push to Classify Albania as ‘Safe’
Dozens of rights organizations in the UK have urged parliament not to classify Albania as a ‘safe country’, so clearing the way for the fast-track repatriation of Albanian asylum seekers. Original post Here
Ex-MP of Ruling Party to Lead Albania’s Public Broadcaster
Alfred Peza, a former ruling Socialist Party official and MP, was elected director at the public radio and television broadcasting service, which could cause further concerns about the political independence of the service. Original post Here
UK Parliament Deems Most Albanian Asylum Requests Unfounded
Parliamentary inquiry concludes that most Albanians crossing the Channel in small boats are drawn to the country for economic reasons, not because they are persecuted. Original post Here
Albanian leaders in Montenegro appeal to citizens to vote
Early parliamentary elections are being held today in Montenegro, which were called after the government of Albanian Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic was ousted by a motion of no confidence in the parliament last fall. In these elections, 15 parties and coalitions compete for 81 seats in the parliament. Voting centers …
PM announces return of national folklore festival in Gjirokastra’s castle
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced this Sunday the return of the National Folk Festival in Gjirokastra Castle. On a social networks’s reaction, PM Rama emphasized that the stone city will be full of colors, rhythms and songs and dances. “GOOD MORNING and with the good news of the return …
The anthem of Kosovo turns 15 today
Today, the national anthem of Kosovo turns 15 years since its approval in the Assembly of 120 members, which declared independence on February 17, 2008. The proposal with the number “Europa” was approved on June 11, 2008, in a special session as the national anthem with 72 votes in favor, …
A 30-year old is arrested for selling drugs
A 30-year-old man in Gjirokastër has been arrested by Police, after he was caught red-handed selling the narcotic cocaine divided into doses. So, during the arrest, about 45,000 new lek profited from their sale, a vehicle and 2 mobile phones were seized from the young man. “The amount of the …
Popular rapper’s bar engulfed by flames in Durres
Bar of the famous rapper, Noizy, was engulfed in flames in the early hours of this Sunday morning. According to police information, there has been only material damage as a result of the fire. On its part, the investigative group, in cooperation with the Prosecutor’s Office, continues to work to …
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 …