World literature exhibition brings global classics to Albania’s National Library
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s National Library has opened an exhibition titled “World Literature Championship” at the “Sotir Kolea” center, inviting visitors to explore a different kind of competition during the final days of the World Football Championship. The exhibition presents some of the greatest authors of world literature and …
Egnatia secure historic Champions League qualification with big win over Petrocub
TIRANA, July 16 – Albanian champions Egnatia have reached the second qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League after defeating Moldova’s champions Petrocub 6-1 in the return leg at the “Arena Egnatia”. The Rrogozhina-based team had drawn 1-1 in the first leg away from home. However, Egnatia delivered a dominant …
Albania submits third reform agenda report to European Commission
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania has submitted the third reporting cycle of its Reform Agenda to the European Commission under the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF). The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) submitted the report, which includes 38 reform measures across 5 policy areas. Meanwhile, the …
EU ambassador Gonzato calls for irreversible justice reform in Albania
TIRANA, July 16 – European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato said the Justice Reform must become irreversible as Albanian justice institutions reviewed the progress of the 2024–2030 Cross-Sectoral Justice Strategy. The Ministry of Justice organised the discussion with the participation of heads of justice institutions. The EU Delegation in …
Germany and European Union provide €13.5 million for Albania’s food safety reforms
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania’s Parliament reviewed an agreement with Germany that will support a €13.5 million food safety project for 2026–2030, Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said on Thursday. Salla presented the bill ratifying the 2025 Technical Cooperation Agreement with Germany. He said the agreement provides the …
AI-backed “Smart City” project enters implementation phase, PM Rama says
TIRANA, July 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s “Smart City” project marks a new stage in strengthening public security through artificial intelligence. Speaking at the project’s Command and Control Center, Rama said the system is now entering implementation and will gradually expand across the country. He said artificial …
Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship makes first call at Port of Durrës
TIRANA, July 16 – The Seven Seas Splendor cruise ship, operated by Regent Seven Seas Cruises, arrived at the Port of Durrës for the first time with about 650 passengers on board. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the ship’s arrival on social media. He said company representatives praised …
Albania Closes First EU Chapters, Hard Tests Ahead
The provisional closure of three negotiating chapters represents an important milestone for Albania. Yet the Brussels conference also showed that the country’s further progress will depend on difficult reforms concerning the rule of law, environmental protection and the implementation of European standards. Tirana Times, July 16, 2026 – Albania provisionally …
Government approves procedure for public announcement of underwater cultural discoveries
The Albanian government has approved a new procedure for the public announcement of cultural heritage assets discovered at sea, strengthening the protection and preservation of the country’s underwater cultural heritage. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said Albania’s location along the Adriatic and Ionian coasts, together with its …
Ksamil attracts visitors with crystal-clear waters and warm hospitality
TIRANA, July 16 – Ksamil continues to rank among Albania’s most popular summer destinations, attracting visitors from around the world with its crystal-clear waters, small islands and Mediterranean scenery. Many tourists describe the resort as an ideal place to relax. They praise the clear sea, stunning coastal views and peaceful …
TIRANA, August 5 – The Kakavija border crossing with Greece continues to operate smoothly despite the peak summer travel season. Border Police report normal traffic flow, with no queues or long waiting times for travellers or vehicles. Meanwhile, officers processed 7,448 travellers during the past 24 hours. Authorities recorded 4,359 …
TIRANA, August 5 – Albania and Italy have established Fincantieri Albania, marking a new step in their strategic partnership and the development of Albania’s maritime industry. Officials signed the company’s founding act and statute at the Naval Vessels Division of Italy’s Fincantieri in Genoa. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> The Albanian Road Authority (ASRA) has announced that on August 6 and 7, 2026, traffic will be restricted on two lanes of the main Tirana–Durrës highway near the new Kashar overpass from 00:00 to 04:30. According to the authority, the restrictions …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-turn=”assistant”> Border crossing points in Korçë County continue to experience an increasing flow of travelers entering and leaving Albania. Over the past 24 hours, 5,252 Albanian and foreign nationals entered the country through the Kapshticë Border Crossing Point, while 4,658 people crossed …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”1a058c7f-d397-4086-bfe5-d644c7da2d09″ data-turn-id-container=”1a058c7f-d397-4086-bfe5-d644c7da2d09″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-turn=”user”> A fire that broke out around midday on Wednesday in the village of Penkovë, in the Municipality of Selenicë, spread to an auto salvage yard used for storing vehicles for spare parts. The blaze destroyed dozens of vehicles, causing significant material …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> Several neighborhoods in Vlorë continue to lack access to public transportation, including the Transballkanike area, where more than 5,000 residents live and around 1,000 businesses operate. Despite its large population, no urban bus service has operated along this route for more …
A large fire broke out on Wednesday afternoon in an olive grove located about 100 meters from the Elbasan–Mjekës–Cërrujë–Gramsh 400 kV substation, raising concerns due to its proximity to critical power infrastructure. The blaze burned an area of olive trees, while thick smoke spread across the surrounding area. However, thanks …
A meeting between Vetëvendosje (LVV) leader Albin Kurti and Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) leader Lumir Abdixhiku, aimed at reaching a coalition agreement, has concluded without a deal. Speaking briefly after the meeting, Kurti said there was no progress to announce. “We have no news, as long as we don’t have an agreement. …
Amid the constant buzz of thousands of bees and the scent of blooming flowers, Behexhet Ruda begins the same daily routine he has followed for more than 43 years. In the village of Shushicë, near Elbasan, the 66-year-old beekeeper tends to his hives with the same dedication that began in childhood, when he accompanied his …
TIRANA, August 5 – The Spanish travel blog “Viajablog” has presented Albania as a destination for every season. Writing for the blog, Quique Cardona highlights the country’s diverse climate and geographical position between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. The article describes Albania as a destination where visitors can explore the …