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Fier incinerator/ Court has taken the decision for ex MP’s Koka and 15 other defendants

This Monday, the Special Court has decided to accept the request for summary judgment for the defendants of the Fier incinerator. Journalist Ermal Vija reports for ABC News that the request for a summary trial has been accepted for former minister Lefter Koka, former deputy Alqi Blako, former official of …

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Albania PM Accused of Plotting ‘Takeover’ of Illustrious Academy

Reported plan to place Albania’s Academy of Albanological Studies under the control of the Academy of Science – which is led by a pro-government politician – has drawn angry protests. Original post Here

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Man arrested for smuggling emigrants

A 35-year-old man was arrested in Korça for smuggling emigrats against payment. According to the police, the arrested person is Leksi Veshollari. The authorities say that the young man had put 23 immigrants from third countries into the van, while taking a sum of money from them, which varied from …

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Three injured in Fier gas cylinder blast

A serious incident happened around 09:15 in Patos of Fier.  It is learned that in the “Griza” neighborhood, a house was engulfed in flames, which was caused by a gas leak from a cylinder. Meanwhile, three members of the family, Fatmir Saliaj, Ylvie Saliaj and Daniela Shperdheja, were injured and …

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Shkoder, young man dies in motorbike accident

A serious accident occurred during the night in Shkodër where a 28-year-old man passed away due to the injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Based on the authorities’ information, the event took place in the place called “Castle Wall”, in the “Liria” neighborhood. Police revealed that citizen with initials Sh. …

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President Begaj decrees the law on pay rises

President Bajram Begaj has decreed the law on salary increase. It is about increasing the salaries of the entire public administration, including central and local government. In total, 130 thousand employees will benefit. Salaries will increase during this year and next year, where it is expected that the average salary …

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Tirana, 2 police officers arrested for corruption

Two police officers have been arrested in Tirana for corruption.  The officers were caught while taking 100 euros from a driver, in order to avoid his punishment with a fine for violating the traffic rules. During the control carried out against the two officers, an amount of money was found, …

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Russian symbols on the cars of the Kosovo Police and KFOR

While Serbs continues to gathers in the north of the country, the letter “Z” has been marked on the cars of the Kosovo Police and those of KFOR, Putin’s symbol in the war of conquest in Ukraine. Also, masked people were seen among the Serbian protesters today, for whom the …

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Përparim Kalo talks poetry at event marking publication of ‘Eja’

Perparim Kalo talks poetry at event marking publication of ‘Eja’ The Tirana Times Library has hosted an event to mark the publication of a new book with poetry translated by Përparim Kalo into Albanian, “Eja”.  Mr. Kalo, one of Albania’s top lawyers and a former Constitutional Court judge, has a …

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The ‘Big Brother’ Factor: How Reality TV Winner Aided Albanian Socialists’ Election Victory

The winner of the popular reality show gave ruling Socialist politicians vital visibility just ahead of the country’s local elections. Original post Here

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Albania and Netherlands reaffirm partnership in politics, security and European affairs

TIRANA, May 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels. The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations between Albania and the Netherlands. They confirmed a high level of cooperation and expressed …

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European Union to disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro, says Kos

TIRANA, May 11 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the European Union will disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro under the Growth Plan. Meanwhile, she stated that implementation of the Growth Plan is progressing well. She confirmed that nearly 200 million euros will be released …

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PM Rama: Only 12% of public tenders have single bidders, Albania below EU average

TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has reached an advanced stage of progress in public procurement and in its position within European Union accession negotiations. Speaking at a joint press conference with Reida Kashta (Shahollari), head of the Public Procurement Agency and negotiator for Chapter 5 …

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Upper Grabova: The Hidden “Twin” of Voskopoja in Mount Valamara

Grabova e Sipërme sits hidden in the highlands between Gramsh and Korçë, on the slopes of Mount Valamara. First, the village stands at about 1,250 meters above sea level and preserves a striking natural landscape shaped by mountain waters and deep valleys. Then, its stone houses and traditional architecture reflect …

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Tirana International Airport on track for record year, 13.3 million passengers projected

TIRANA, May 11 – Tirana International Airport continued strong growth in 2026, confirming its position as one of the fastest-expanding airports in the region. Airport management data shows around 3.3 million passengers handled in the first four months of the year. This figure marks a 10.4% increase compared to the …

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Travel + Leisure: Albania Emerges as Europe’s Hidden Coastal Gem

Travel + Leisure highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive and still underexplored destinations. First, the article describes the Albanian Riviera as a strong alternative to the French Côte d’Azur, thanks to its clear waters, historic villages, and ancient ruins. Then, writer Ada Calhoun shares her one-week journey through …

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Public procurement key chapter in EU negotiations, Albania advancing global agreement talks

TIRANA, May 11 – Public Procurement Agency Director General and Chapter 5 negotiator Reida Kashta said public procurement stands as one of the key chapters in Albania’s European Union integration process. She said the EU places it within the new negotiation methodology under the fundamental cluster. Kashta made the remarks …

News
Eurovision 2026: Alis draws attention at opening ceremony on turquoise carpet parade

TIRANA, May 11 – The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 turquoise carpet turned into a parade of colours, emotions, and international presentations, with 35 countries taking part in the opening event attended by global media and fans. At the same time, Albania joined the ceremony with Alis Kallaçi as this year’s …

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Prime Minister Rama launches Albanian Digital Solution as new state digital technology company

TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the creation of a new state-owned digital technology company, Albanian Digital Solution, aimed at strengthening innovation and digital public services in Albania. He made the announcement during a press conference with Reida Kashta, chief negotiator for Chapter 5 on Public Procurement …

News
Institutional cooperation strengthened in fight against trafficking of cultural heritage

TIRANA, May 11 – The General Directorate of Customs took part in a two-day activity on combating illegal trafficking of cultural heritage, organized within a project aimed at strengthening capacities and law enforcement cooperation. The event brought together cultural heritage professionals and law enforcement institutions. It focused on improving inter-institutional …

News

Albania and Netherlands reaffirm partnership in politics, security and European affairs

TIRANA, May 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Dutch Foreign Minister Tom Berendsen on the sidelines of the Foreign Affairs Council (FAC) meeting in Brussels. The two ministers reviewed bilateral relations between Albania and the Netherlands. They confirmed a high level of cooperation and expressed …

News

European Union to disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro, says Kos

TIRANA, May 11 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said the European Union will disburse 200 million euros for Albania and Montenegro under the Growth Plan. Meanwhile, she stated that implementation of the Growth Plan is progressing well. She confirmed that nearly 200 million euros will be released …

News

PM Rama: Only 12% of public tenders have single bidders, Albania below EU average

TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has reached an advanced stage of progress in public procurement and in its position within European Union accession negotiations. Speaking at a joint press conference with Reida Kashta (Shahollari), head of the Public Procurement Agency and negotiator for Chapter 5 …

News

Upper Grabova: The Hidden “Twin” of Voskopoja in Mount Valamara

Grabova e Sipërme sits hidden in the highlands between Gramsh and Korçë, on the slopes of Mount Valamara. First, the village stands at about 1,250 meters above sea level and preserves a striking natural landscape shaped by mountain waters and deep valleys. Then, its stone houses and traditional architecture reflect …

News

Tirana International Airport on track for record year, 13.3 million passengers projected

TIRANA, May 11 – Tirana International Airport continued strong growth in 2026, confirming its position as one of the fastest-expanding airports in the region. Airport management data shows around 3.3 million passengers handled in the first four months of the year. This figure marks a 10.4% increase compared to the …

News

Travel + Leisure: Albania Emerges as Europe’s Hidden Coastal Gem

Travel + Leisure highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive and still underexplored destinations. First, the article describes the Albanian Riviera as a strong alternative to the French Côte d’Azur, thanks to its clear waters, historic villages, and ancient ruins. Then, writer Ada Calhoun shares her one-week journey through …

News

Public procurement key chapter in EU negotiations, Albania advancing global agreement talks

TIRANA, May 11 – Public Procurement Agency Director General and Chapter 5 negotiator Reida Kashta said public procurement stands as one of the key chapters in Albania’s European Union integration process. She said the EU places it within the new negotiation methodology under the fundamental cluster. Kashta made the remarks …

News

Eurovision 2026: Alis draws attention at opening ceremony on turquoise carpet parade

TIRANA, May 11 – The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 turquoise carpet turned into a parade of colours, emotions, and international presentations, with 35 countries taking part in the opening event attended by global media and fans. At the same time, Albania joined the ceremony with Alis Kallaçi as this year’s …

News

Prime Minister Rama launches Albanian Digital Solution as new state digital technology company

TIRANA, May 11 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the creation of a new state-owned digital technology company, Albanian Digital Solution, aimed at strengthening innovation and digital public services in Albania. He made the announcement during a press conference with Reida Kashta, chief negotiator for Chapter 5 on Public Procurement …

News

Institutional cooperation strengthened in fight against trafficking of cultural heritage

TIRANA, May 11 – The General Directorate of Customs took part in a two-day activity on combating illegal trafficking of cultural heritage, organized within a project aimed at strengthening capacities and law enforcement cooperation. The event brought together cultural heritage professionals and law enforcement institutions. It focused on improving inter-institutional …