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Feuding Leaders of Albania and Kosovo Quietly ‘Forget’ Joint Govt Meetings

The silent passage of the tenth anniversary of Albania-Kosovo intergovernmental meetings this year underscores a relationship at a historic low – but who is to blame for this rift remains disputed. Original post Here

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Ten Years On, What Has the ‘Berlin Process’ Done for the Western Balkans?

The Berlin Process initiative was launched in 2014 to boost the EU integration and alignment of the six Western Balkan countries. Despite continuing political problems in the region, it has delivered significant progress. Original post Here

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Italian-Run Reception Centres in Albania ‘Ready to Accommodate Migrants’

The Italian ambassador to Tirana announced that two centres built to accommodate migrants who initially arrived in Italy are now ready to receive people, after months of delays. Original post Here

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Turkish president visit opens doors to Tirana Grand Mosque, reaffirms strong ties

TIRANA, Oct. 11, 2024 – Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made an official visit to Tirana on Thursday, reiterating the strong ties between the two countries — opening the doors to the region’s largest mosque, providing drones for the Albanian military and promising to double trade ties.  President Erdogan and …

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San Daniele (DOP)

The Carrefour supermarket that I sometimes go to in Italy is my favourite supermarket. I’ve been to a few in Europe. I’ve been to Rewe in Germany and Albert Heijn in the Netherlands; what have you. Nothing for me can come close to the Carrefour at Via Cassia in Rome. …

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Turkish President’s ‘Mosque Diplomacy’ Divides Albania’s Muslims

The lavish opening ceremony of a grand new mosque gifted by Turkey masks concern in Albania over whether Ankara’s generosity comes at a price. Original post Here

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THE ADRIA SECURITY SUMMIT 2024 IS OFFICIALLY OPEN IN SARAJEVO

With the participation of 3,000 guests from over 50 countries, the latest advancements in the security sector will be presented   THE ADRIA SECURITY SUMMIT 2024 IS OFFICIALLY OPEN IN SARAJEVO – THE LARGEST SECURITY INDUSTRY EVENT IN SE EUROPE (Sarajevo, October 9, 2024) “Our goal is not only to …

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Spain and Albania: Walking Together Towards a Shared European Future

by Ambassador Álvaro Renedo Zalba​* As we celebrate Spain’s national Holiday, please allow me to look back and reflect on the significance of the date we commemorate today. On October 12th, 1492, Christopher Columbus, at the behest of the Catholic Monarchs of Spain, Isabel of Castile and Fernando of Aragón, …

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Albanian Police Seek Prosecution of Democratic Party Officials over Unrest

Proceedings have been initiated against three senior officials of the opposition Democratic Party after anti-government protesters threw Molotov cocktails and clashed with police at a demonstration in Tirana. Original post Here

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2024 Jorgji Qirjako Translation Prize applications open

TIRANA, Oct. 8, 2024 – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has announced the opening of applications for the prestigious annual translation award set up to honor Jorgji Qirjako, the institute’s former deputy director and one of Albania’s most prolific translators of international non-fiction and academic works. “Jorgji Qirjako …

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Albania Gambles on Re-Legalising ‘Dangerous’ Online Sports Betting

The government is preparing to bring back online sports betting, seven years after a widespread gambling clampdown. But mental health experts warn that Albania is ill-equipped to deal with a rise in gambling addiction. Original post Here

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Fire situation improves in Priska, Tirana

TIRANA, August 13 – The fire situation in Priska has improved after firefighters and 2 helicopters worked to contain 3 fires that started on Wednesday evening. The fires emerged in Daias village, between Lundra and Priska. Ground and aerial operations helped stop the flames from spreading. Authorities continue to monitor …

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President Begaj urges caution over fires, thanks firefighters

TIRANA, August 13 – President Bajram Begaj urged citizens to remain cautious as high temperatures increase the risk of fires. He also expressed solidarity with firefighters and others fighting the flames. Begaj said firefighters, Armed Forces personnel and others fighting fires deserve public gratitude. He praised their courage and sacrifice …

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Hot weather continues with light rain

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania will experience relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Thursday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with moderate cloud cover at times. Clouds will become denser over mountainous areas around midday and during the afternoon, mainly in the east and southeast. …

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Orikum combines seaside holidays with ancient heritage

TIRANA, August 13 – Orikum, 15 km from Vlora, is one of Albania’s attractive coastal destinations. Its natural scenery, sea and history create a distinctive landscape. Crystal-clear waters, natural resources and historical heritage attract domestic and foreign tourists during August. Many visitors choose the area each year to enjoy its …

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Armed Forces support firefighting operation in Kruja

TIRANA, August 13 – The Armed Forces are supporting firefighting operations in Abaze neighbourhood in Kruja. Their teams are helping protect residents and property. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said the personnel are working with other emergency structures to contain the flames. He said the Armed Forces remain ready to support …

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A Quarter Century Since Ohrid: The Agreement That Gave North Macedonia Its Future

by Ferit Hoxha, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – There are moments in history when a country’s future is shaped by a single document. Such agreements are rare, but their impact can endure for generations. The Ohrid Framework Agreement is one such example. …

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Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

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Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

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25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

News

Albania Gambles on Re-Legalising ‘Dangerous’ Online Sports Betting

The government is preparing to bring back online sports betting, seven years after a widespread gambling clampdown. But mental health experts warn that Albania is ill-equipped to deal with a rise in gambling addiction. Original post Here

News

Fire situation improves in Priska, Tirana

TIRANA, August 13 – The fire situation in Priska has improved after firefighters and 2 helicopters worked to contain 3 fires that started on Wednesday evening. The fires emerged in Daias village, between Lundra and Priska. Ground and aerial operations helped stop the flames from spreading. Authorities continue to monitor …

News

President Begaj urges caution over fires, thanks firefighters

TIRANA, August 13 – President Bajram Begaj urged citizens to remain cautious as high temperatures increase the risk of fires. He also expressed solidarity with firefighters and others fighting the flames. Begaj said firefighters, Armed Forces personnel and others fighting fires deserve public gratitude. He praised their courage and sacrifice …

News

Hot weather continues with light rain

TIRANA, August 13 – Albania will experience relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Thursday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with moderate cloud cover at times. Clouds will become denser over mountainous areas around midday and during the afternoon, mainly in the east and southeast. …

News

Orikum combines seaside holidays with ancient heritage

TIRANA, August 13 – Orikum, 15 km from Vlora, is one of Albania’s attractive coastal destinations. Its natural scenery, sea and history create a distinctive landscape. Crystal-clear waters, natural resources and historical heritage attract domestic and foreign tourists during August. Many visitors choose the area each year to enjoy its …

News

Armed Forces support firefighting operation in Kruja

TIRANA, August 13 – The Armed Forces are supporting firefighting operations in Abaze neighbourhood in Kruja. Their teams are helping protect residents and property. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said the personnel are working with other emergency structures to contain the flames. He said the Armed Forces remain ready to support …

News

A Quarter Century Since Ohrid: The Agreement That Gave North Macedonia Its Future

by Ferit Hoxha, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – There are moments in history when a country’s future is shaped by a single document. Such agreements are rare, but their impact can endure for generations. The Ohrid Framework Agreement is one such example. …

News

Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

News

Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

News

25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …