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Albania’s EU bid faces IBAR delay

Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Albania’s path toward European Union membership has entered a more uncertain phase as discussions over a key assessment report remain unfinished, exposing a gap between technical progress in reforms and the political consensus required among member states to move forward. At the center of …

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Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy

By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …

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Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens

Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …

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Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth

From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …

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Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë

Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …

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Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games

Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …

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Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”

The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …

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Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …

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Edi Rama: No Compromise on Food Safety for EU Integration

Edi Rama said there will be no compromise on food safety. He spoke in Berat with olive oil producers. First, he highlighted food safety as a key condition for EU integration. He said standards must match those of the European Union. Then, he warned producers. He said non-compliant products will …

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Delina Ibrahimaj said investment and cooperation in agro-processing are key for exports and EU integration

She spoke during a visit to an olive oil processing business. Edi Rama and other cabinet members were present. First, she stressed higher standards in production. She said agriculture and agro-processing must improve to enter the EU market. Then, she highlighted a new model of cooperation. Over 70 olive oil …

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Begaj: Defence investment and NATO partnership key to national security

President Bajram Begaj attended the final stage of the “Arber Shield 2026” exercise in Bizë. The Light Infantry Battalion Group completed the exercise and received a “Mission Capable” certification under NATO standards. Speaking at the ceremony, Begaj praised the Armed Forces for their high level of training, discipline and professionalism. …

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Braho: FBI, BKH representatives join joint investigations, bank transfers among key areas

SPAK Chief Klodjan Braho attended the 42nd Conference of the FBI National Academy Associates European Chapter (FBINAA European Chapter) today. Braho said Albania has made progress in investigating and tackling organized crime. Interior Minister Ervin Demo, State Police Director General Skënder Hita, heads of law enforcement agencies, FBINAA International President …

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Rama in Michigan: Albania aims to take its seat at EU table by 2030

Prime Minister Edi Rama discussed Albania’s European Union integration process during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama said Albania has entered a new phase of its EU accession talks. He said the country has opened all negotiating chapters and now aims to start closing them. He said …

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Rama: Today, Albania is a name and a flag respected by all

Prime Minister Edi Rama met with the Albanian community in Michigan. He highlighted the diaspora’s role and Albania’s growing presence on the international stage. Rama also spoke about the upcoming NATO Summit in Tirana. He said hosting the summit reflects Albania’s growing role within the alliance. “Albania will host the …

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EU Ambassador Meets SPAK Chief, Reaffirms Support for Fight Against Organised Crime and Corruption

The European Union’s new Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, has held her first official meeting with the head of the Special Prosecution Office, Klodian Braho. The meeting focused on strengthening the fight against organised crime and high-level corruption, with the aim of consolidating the rule of law in …

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15-Year-Old Albanian Dies in Italy, Young Footballer Hit by Car While Cycling

A 15-year-old Albanian boy has died in Italy after being hit by a car while riding his bicycle. Manuel Korreshi, who lived in Castegnero Nanto, was struck by a vehicle along the Riviera Berica, near Ponte di Barbarano. The teenager was taken to San Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza, but despite …

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Rama Meets Albanians in Michigan: We Will Open an Albanian Consulate, Our Priority Is Albania 2030

Prime Minister Edi Rama began his several-day visit to the United States with a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan, ahead of his participation in events related to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In his remarks, Rama focused on the role of the diaspora, European integration, …

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Day 114: Citizens Protest Outside Prime Minister’s Office, Another Rally Planned Outside Parliament on Thursday

Once again this Monday, numerous citizens and activists took to the streets for the latest protest, which has now entered its 114th day. As they do every afternoon, protesters initially gathered in Skanderbeg Square after 6:30 p.m., chanting slogans including: “Your end has come,” “A new Albania,” “Rama resign,” and …

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No More Fake Enlargement

By Genc Pollo Tirana Times, September 21, 2026 – At Thessaloniki in June 2003, the European Union made a promise that sounded historic and irreversible. The heads of state and government declared that the future of the Western Balkans lay within the European Union. The phrase “EU perspective” was Brussels …

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Rama: Kosovo’s People Do Not See Themselves in Hague Verdict Against Former KLA Leaders

Prime Minister Edi Rama described the Hague verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders as a painful moment for Kosovo and Albanians. He spoke during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama said he struggled to find the right words. He said the Hague decision felt like …

News

Begaj: Defence investment and NATO partnership key to national security

President Bajram Begaj attended the final stage of the “Arber Shield 2026” exercise in Bizë. The Light Infantry Battalion Group completed the exercise and received a “Mission Capable” certification under NATO standards. Speaking at the ceremony, Begaj praised the Armed Forces for their high level of training, discipline and professionalism. …

News

Braho: FBI, BKH representatives join joint investigations, bank transfers among key areas

SPAK Chief Klodjan Braho attended the 42nd Conference of the FBI National Academy Associates European Chapter (FBINAA European Chapter) today. Braho said Albania has made progress in investigating and tackling organized crime. Interior Minister Ervin Demo, State Police Director General Skënder Hita, heads of law enforcement agencies, FBINAA International President …

News

Rama in Michigan: Albania aims to take its seat at EU table by 2030

Prime Minister Edi Rama discussed Albania’s European Union integration process during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama said Albania has entered a new phase of its EU accession talks. He said the country has opened all negotiating chapters and now aims to start closing them. He said …

News

Rama: Today, Albania is a name and a flag respected by all

Prime Minister Edi Rama met with the Albanian community in Michigan. He highlighted the diaspora’s role and Albania’s growing presence on the international stage. Rama also spoke about the upcoming NATO Summit in Tirana. He said hosting the summit reflects Albania’s growing role within the alliance. “Albania will host the …

News

EU Ambassador Meets SPAK Chief, Reaffirms Support for Fight Against Organised Crime and Corruption

The European Union’s new Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, has held her first official meeting with the head of the Special Prosecution Office, Klodian Braho. The meeting focused on strengthening the fight against organised crime and high-level corruption, with the aim of consolidating the rule of law in …

News

15-Year-Old Albanian Dies in Italy, Young Footballer Hit by Car While Cycling

A 15-year-old Albanian boy has died in Italy after being hit by a car while riding his bicycle. Manuel Korreshi, who lived in Castegnero Nanto, was struck by a vehicle along the Riviera Berica, near Ponte di Barbarano. The teenager was taken to San Bortolo Hospital in Vicenza, but despite …

News

Rama Meets Albanians in Michigan: We Will Open an Albanian Consulate, Our Priority Is Albania 2030

Prime Minister Edi Rama began his several-day visit to the United States with a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan, ahead of his participation in events related to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In his remarks, Rama focused on the role of the diaspora, European integration, …

News

Day 114: Citizens Protest Outside Prime Minister’s Office, Another Rally Planned Outside Parliament on Thursday

Once again this Monday, numerous citizens and activists took to the streets for the latest protest, which has now entered its 114th day. As they do every afternoon, protesters initially gathered in Skanderbeg Square after 6:30 p.m., chanting slogans including: “Your end has come,” “A new Albania,” “Rama resign,” and …

News

No More Fake Enlargement

By Genc Pollo Tirana Times, September 21, 2026 – At Thessaloniki in June 2003, the European Union made a promise that sounded historic and irreversible. The heads of state and government declared that the future of the Western Balkans lay within the European Union. The phrase “EU perspective” was Brussels …

News

Rama: Kosovo’s People Do Not See Themselves in Hague Verdict Against Former KLA Leaders

Prime Minister Edi Rama described the Hague verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders as a painful moment for Kosovo and Albanians. He spoke during a meeting with the Albanian community in Michigan. Rama said he struggled to find the right words. He said the Hague decision felt like …