Gonxhja: Creative industries make 3% of GDP and employ over 21,000 people
The National Center of Cinematography and the National Youth Agency held the event “Turn Passion into Profession” today. Tourism, Culture, and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja attended the event. He said the initiative answers doubts about creative industries in Albania. Gonxhja said the sector contributes about 3% of GDP. It employs …
Gonzato: Speculation exists, but no block in Albania’s EU integration
EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato spoke to Euronews Albania. He said Albania’s EU integration continues normally. He rejected claims of a block. He called them speculation. Gonzato said member states hold regular discussions. They follow standard EU procedures. They conduct them confidentially. He addressed reports about countries with reservations. …
Rama: We must seize the train of history and take Albania into the EU
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Durrës today. He stressed the need for strong support. He said it is crucial to advance Albania’s EU integration. Rama said Albanians are lucky. He said key partners now support Albania. He called it a chance to realize a …
Lef Nosi: Independence Signatory Executed by Communist Regime
Lef Nosi, a signatory of Albania’s Independence, was also a philatelist, polyglot, archivist, ethnographer, and politician. He was born in Elbasan on April 9, 1877. He completed primary school in his hometown. Then, he studied pharmacy in Athens but returned early to focus on national history and culture. In 1908, …
Parliament approves marina law and anti-money laundering changes; Olta Rrushaj elected to Bank of Albania Supervisory Council
The Albanian Parliament held a plenary session today. Lawmakers debated governance and EU integration issues. First, opposition leader Gazment Bardhi criticized the strategic investment law. He said it does not serve public interest. Instead, he said it benefits a limited group. Next, MP Jorida Tabaku opposed changes to Parliament’s Rules …
Exclusive / Gonzato: There is no blockage in Albania’s EU integration processes
This Thursday, the EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, spoke to Euronews Albania in an interview with moderator Mirela Milori. Gonzato discussed Albania’s integration process and stated that there is no blockage in the process. On the other hand, he emphasized that these are confidential discussions in accordance with the …
Foreign Interference and Election Observation in Hungary’s 2026 Parliamentary Vote
by David J. Kostelancik Tirana Times, April 09, 2026 – Hungary’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 12, 2026, are unfolding in an environment shaped not only by domestic political competition but also by broader geopolitical tensions and debates about external influence. Charges of election interference have involved disinformation from state-controlled media, allegations …
Over 100 athletes compete in Albania’s national tournament for people with intellectual disabilities
TIRANA, April 9 – Over 100 athletes from across Albania joined the National Athletics and Table Tennis Tournament for people with intellectual disabilities. The event promotes inclusive sports and social equality. Athletes competed with energy and respect. They showed how sports can overcome social and physical barriers. The Albanian National …
Speaker Peleshi: Strengthening parliamentary cooperation with the Bundestag
TIRANA, April 9 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met with Gunnar Schellenberger, President of the Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament. They focused on enhancing inter-parliamentary ties and boosting economic cooperation between Albania and Germany. Peleshi highlighted the need to intensify collaboration between the Albanian Parliament and the Bundestag, and to expand exchanges …
“Islands”: Albania rises on tourism map as Ksamil draws Caribbean comparisons
TIRANA, April 9 – Albania is gaining attention as a beach destination in Europe. An article in the U.S. travel magazine Islands highlights the coastal village of Ksamil as a rising hotspot. The report asks which European destination offers Caribbean-style beaches at lower cost in 2026. It points to Albania’s …
Prime Minister Edi Rama began a several-day visit to the United States as part of Albania’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly. Rama will begin his visit this afternoon in Michigan, where he will meet with members of the Albanian community. He also invited members of the community to …
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj signed today a technical cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Environment and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The agreement will strengthen cooperation between Albania and IUCN. It will also bring IUCN’s technical expertise into Albania’s European Union integration process, particularly the work under …
Tirana is hosting a major security meeting with experts from the United States and Europe. The event brings together senior officials to discuss organized crime, terrorism and new security threats. From September 19 to 23, Tirana hosts the 42nd European Chapter Meeting of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA). The …
Daily protests in Tirana, known as the “Flamingo Revolution,” and their confrontation with Prime Minister Edi Rama have drawn attention from German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. According to the newspaper, the protests have continued for more than 100 days but have not turned into a mass uprising. Meanwhile, Prime Minister …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha shared on X a video message from Prime Minister Edi Rama about Albania’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hoxha said the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly is underway. He added that the General Debate will begin …
Opportunities to develop agritourism in rural areas are increasingly encouraging people to return to their hometowns and invest in inherited properties. Prime Minister Edi Rama presented three such success stories today on his “Flasim” podcast. The stories show how returning home, including after years abroad, can create successful businesses. Entela …
Albanian patriot and activist of the National Renaissance Çerçiz Topulli was born in Gjirokastra on September 20, 1880. The family environment in which he grew up, particularly the example of his older brother, Bajo Topulli, played an important role in shaping his patriotic ideals. In 1907, Çerçiz Topulli took command …
Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the Government of Kosovo remains committed to supporting efforts to challenge the verdict issued by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders. Speaking during his visit to the United States, Kurti said the government would use all available means to support …
Egnatia defeated Partizani 2-1 in the fifth week of Albania’s Kategoria Superiore, returning to winning ways after last week’s loss to Elbasani. The Albanian champions took the lead in the 31st minute. Loukili found the net to make it 1-0. Egnatia continued to control the game and doubled its lead …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared images today of the festive atmosphere in Korça, where the “Serenights” festival has brought music and culture to the streets of the Old Bazaar. “A weekend in the Korça of serenades,” Koçiu wrote on social media as she shared footage from the event. The …