Kukes mayor resigns after sex scandal
The mayor of Kukes, Safet Gjici, has publication of a video scandal where he is seen having sex in the office. Gjici emphasized that he fell prey to a trap prepared with details and that he has been in an intimate relationship with the girl who appears in the footage …
Op-ed: A rebuttal for Prime Minister Rama’s conceptual comments on Kosovo
By VETON SURROI Prime Minister Rama does not have to be a mediator between the “Euro-Atlantic community” and Kosovo. The Albanian language, technically, does not constitute any added value in communication between the “Euro-Atlantic community” and Kosovo. I listened to the presentation of the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, …
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, …
EU support is not abstract — it can be seen in the streets of Western Balkan cities, in growing businesses, and in the opportunities opening up for young people. The two-day “Creative HUB” event, organized by WeBalkans in Belgrade at the end of April, became a meeting point for journalists, …
Prosecutors dropped a probe into the alleged smuggling of Russian oil through an Albanian port in 2023, but behind the vessel in question lies a network of individuals and companies linked by Ukrainian intelligence agents to an alleged ‘shadow fleet’ used by Russia to bypass sanctions and finance its war …
TIRANA, May 13 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will visit Aachen, Germany on May 13–14 as a special guest among around 700 personalities attending the Charlemagne Prize ceremony. Organisers described him as part of the group of honour guests. Turning to this year’s award, the Charlemagne Prize 2026 will go …
The parliamentary committees on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora and on Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development held a joint meeting in Struga, North Macedonia, on May 12-13. The OSCE organized the event. The meeting brought together MPs from Albania and North Macedonia, along with ambassadors and senior OSCE officials. During …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met today in Tirana with a delegation from the Swedish Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, led by Morgan Johansson. During the meeting, Hoxha praised Sweden’s continued support for Albania’s European Union integration process. He also highlighted Sweden’s contribution to Albania’s democratic, institutional and …
Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu met with Albanian students in Struga and Tetovo during his two-day visit to North Macedonia. During the meetings, Vengu said Albanian students are not asking for ethnic privileges. Instead, he said they are demanding what he called “European normality” by seeking to take state exams …
The University of Arts marked its 60th anniversary today. It awarded certificates of appreciation to more than 30 personalities. These individuals contributed to the institution’s development. The ceremony took place in Tirana. Students, alumni, professors and cultural figures attended the event. Among the honorees was sculptor Kristaq Rama. He was …
A parliamentary dialogue on EU enlargement between Albania and Sweden was held today in Tirana at the “House of Europe”. The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group Taulant Balla said Albania is closer than ever to full EU membership. He stated that the country’s goal is to close accession …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu presented a package of measures in Saranda to ensure a safe and successful tourism season. She said Albania has seen a sharp increase in tourist numbers over the past five years. However, she stressed that the country has managed the flow without major problems. Moreover, …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met today with the new Turkish Ambassador to Albania Barış Ceyhun Erciyes. Peleshi said Albania and Turkey share a long-standing friendship and a consolidated strategic partnership. Moreover, he stressed that the relationship continues to strengthen in support of peace, security and economic development. In addition, …