Braho: Vetting Is Not Immunity, Judges and Prosecutors Remain Under SPAK Scrutiny
The head of Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK), Klodjan Braho, stated that the vetting process cannot be considered a guarantee or form of “immunity” for judges and prosecutors in the future, emphasizing that any potential acts of corruption will remain subject to criminal investigation. Speaking at the closing ceremony of …
“Concern Over Political Polarization and Confrontational Discourse” – European Parliament Adopts Resolution on Albania
The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted its resolution on Albania. The document praises Albania’s commitment to European Union integration and acknowledges the country’s ambition to conclude accession negotiations by the end of 2027. The resolution highlights “concern over continued political polarization and confrontational political discourse, which undermine parliamentary oversight, public …
Environmental Organizations Welcome European Parliament Vote on Protected Areas in Albania
Environmental organizations have welcomed the adoption of the European Parliament’s resolution on Albania, describing the vote as strong support for the country’s protected areas. In their reaction, the organizations stressed that “Members of the European Parliament have called on Albania to repeal legal amendments that allow development within protected areas …
Rama in Berlin Meets German Economy Minister, Economic Partnership and Western Balkans Investments in Focus
Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting with Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, Katherina Reiche, during his visit to Berlin at the invitation of the German business community. In a post on social media, Rama said that discussions focused on further strengthening the economic partnership between Albania …
Rama: EU Parliament Backs Albania Resolution, Zvërnec Development to Follow EU Environmental Standards
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted on Wednesday on social media following the vote on the resolution concerning Albania in the European Parliament. In his post, Rama commented on the debate surrounding the Vjosa-Narta protected area and the development project in Zvërnec, stressing that the amendment proposed in the resolution …
“Moratorium on Protected Areas” – What the European Parliament Approved Regarding Amendments on Zvërnec and Sazan
The European Parliament on Wednesday adopted its report on Albania, backing an amendment that raises concerns over the impact of the Strategic Investments Law and amendments to the Law on Protected Areas, while rejecting a more strongly worded version that included direct references to the tourism project on Sazan Island …
EU Approves Landmark Returns Regulation Inspired by Italy-Albania Model, Meloni Says
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has described the European Parliament’s approval of the new European Union regulation on the return of migrants without legal residence status as a “major success.” In a video shared on social media from Evian, where she is attending the G7 Summit, Meloni said the new …
German Media Highlights Albania as a Rising European Destination for 2026
A German media outlet has described Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive emerging travel destinations for 2026. According to Baden24, Albania is gaining increasing international attention thanks to its turquoise waters, unspoiled coastline, and affordable prices. As a result, many travelers now view the country as an appealing alternative …
Parliament Speaker Peleshi: Vetting subjected justice system to strongest scrutiny
TIRANA, June 17 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi described the justice reform as one of the deepest and most ambitious reforms ever undertaken by the Albanian state during a ceremony marking the conclusion of the Vetting process. In his address, Peleshi said the event closes an important chapter in the …
Edi Rama’s Sculpture Featured at Art Basel 2026
Visitors to Art Basel 2026 will see a public artwork by Albanian Prime Minister and artist Edi Rama. His bronze sculpture, Untitled (2026), is on display in the “Parcours” public art section at the end of Clarastrasse, overlooking the Rhine River. According to The Art Newspaper, Rama presents a new …
By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, July 3, 2026 – If you sit by the banks of the Nile on a quiet afternoon and allow its serene flow to guide your thoughts, you realize that the water remembers not only the lands it traverses, but also the people who shaped …
While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here
TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …
TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …
Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …
TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …
TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …
TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …
TIRANA, July 3 – Valbona Valley unfolds in the high folds of the Albanian Alps as a vast natural amphitheatre of stone, forest, and ice-cold water. A crystal-clear river cuts through the valley and shapes its dramatic northern identity. The Valbona River runs fast and clear. It reflects shifting tones …