Rama at Joint Press Conference with Costa: We Are 100% Aligned with the EU, Our Focus Is on Implementing Reforms
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at a joint press conference with European Council President Antonio Costa, thanked the latter for his direct engagement in Albania’s European integration journey since the launch of the country’s EU accession negotiations. Rama stressed that Albania has no disagreements with the European Union, only common …
Zvërnec Resort Under SPAK Investigation, Rama: Probe into Property Ownership Is Welcome, Project Will Continue
Prime Minister Edi Rama said he welcomes the investigation launched by SPAK (the Special Anti-Corruption Structure) into the ownership history of the property on which a resort is planned to be built in the Zvërnec area. Rama stressed that the project will continue regardless of the investigation, adding that the …
“Enlargement Is a Necessity”: Antonio Costa Says Rule of Law and Judicial Independence Are Essential for EU Membership
European Council President Antonio Costa was in Tirana on Tuesday, where he held a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama. Costa stated that EU member states have viewed Albania’s progress in the accession process positively. He also emphasized that Albania must intensify its efforts in the fight against …
Trump Nominates New Ambassadors for Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated several candidates for ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to a number of Western Balkan countries. Michael Young of Utah has been nominated to serve as the United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Serbia. Ronald Johnson of Massachusetts has been nominated as Ambassador to Bosnia …
Albania Lost 28,500 Residents in 2025 as Average Age Reaches 45
Albania has entered a new phase of its demographic crisis. The latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) show that the country’s population fell to 2.33 million as of January 1, 2026, losing more than 28,000 residents in just one year. Although births continue to outnumber deaths, emigration is …
Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company Fined €110,000 Over Metering Irregularities
Kosovo’s Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation (MINTI) has imposed a €110,000 fine on the Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company (KEDS) following the discovery of irregularities in electricity meters. According to MINTI, inspections were carried out after consumer complaints received during May. Field verifications revealed that 18 electricity meters had …
Canada’s Local Partnerships Drive Change Across Albania
Tirana Times, June 01, 2026 – As Albania continues to strengthen democratic governance, promote inclusive growth, and support sustainable community-driven development, Canada is positioning itself as a constructive and pragmatic partner through one of its most distinctive instruments of international engagement: the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. Known as CFLI, the program …
Minister Blendi Gonxhja to present National Culture Strategy 2026–2030
TIRANA, June 2 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja invited citizens to join a public consultation on the National Culture Strategy 2026–2030. He said the process aims to present the vision for cultural development in the coming years. The strategy will be presented on June 3. Meanwhile, …
Travelpack promotes Albania with dedicated brochure, places it among Europe’s hottest destinations – Travel Week report
TIRANA, June 2 – Albania attracts growing attention in the international tourism market. Juliet Dennis reports this in “Travel Week”. Meanwhile, British operator Travelpack launches its first dedicated Albania programme. The move responds to rising demand. The company describes the country as one of Europe’s hottest tourism markets. A 32-page …
Albania-Poland social security deal to protect citizens’ rights, says Manjani
TIRANA, June 3 – Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani said a social security agreement between Albania and Poland will strengthen social protection for citizens who live and work in both countries. Speaking at the Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration, Manjani said the agreement ensures recognition …
Defense cooperation, economic ties and the fight against transnational crime take center stage in Eric Wendt’s agenda, signaling a more pragmatic approach to U.S.-Albanian relations. TIRANA, Albania – U.S. Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt has identified defense cooperation, increased trade and investment, and the fight against transnational crime as Washington’s …
By Zef Preçi TIRANA, Albania – At the end of April, in the presence of Albania’s prime minister and U.S. Ambassador to Greece Kimberly Guilfoyle, the state-owned company Albgaz signed a 20-year agreement with Greece’s Aktor LNG USA for the supply of American liquefied natural gas (LNG). The government presented …
Prosecutors are considering organized crime charges against Vlora Hyseni as the expanding investigation raises questions about national security and Prime Minister Edi Rama’s decision to appoint her. TIRANA, Albania — Albania’s former intelligence chief, Vlora Hyseni, already under house arrest on suspicion of disclosing classified information and assisting a businessman …
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla has presented a budget of around ALL 18 billion for 2027, a 10% increase on the initial 2026 allocation. The plan prioritises farmer support, agricultural competitiveness, food safety and preparations for European Union integration. Rural development remains the main funding priority, with ALL …
The National Gallery of Arts has opened In the Present – Creativity Fund 2026 at HangArt-Kinostudio. The exhibition brings together new works by 16 Albanian artists. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport launched the open call for the first time in 2026. The gallery selected 10 established artists and …
European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa has handed Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha a copy of the 2026 Progress Report on Albania during a meeting at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Hoxha described the report as the most comprehensive annual assessment of Albania’s progress towards European …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj and Italian President Sergio Mattarella received the mayors of all Arbëreshë municipalities in Italy at the Quirinal Palace in Rome. The meeting highlighted the community’s enduring role in Albanian-Italian relations and its contribution to their shared European heritage. Begaj described the Arbëreshë as the foundation of …
Kosovo’s imports exceeded €6.3 billion in the first ten months of 2026, marking an 8.5% increase compared to the previous year. According to the figures, Albania remains Kosovo’s main export partner, while China has overtaken Germany as the leading country of origin for imported goods. Kosovo imported more than €6.3 …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj and Italian President Sergio Mattarella jointly welcomed the mayors of all Arbëresh municipalities in Italy at the Quirinal Palace in Rome. The meeting was held in recognition of the Arbëresh community, which has preserved the Albanian language, traditions, and identity for more than five centuries. During …
At a time when emergencies and various disasters are putting response capabilities to the test, search and rescue teams are working to improve their readiness and skills to handle critical situations. As part of these efforts, teams from Albania and Kosovo held a joint training exercise in the Krraba area. …