“It is being said that negotiations have been blocked, halted,” Rama: Completely untrue, we are on schedule
At the event held for the presentation of job vacancies in the public sector, Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about the importance of public administration as well as the negotiations for accession to the European Union. The Prime Minister pointed out that public administration has contributed to Albania’s development in …
Berisha calls on citizens to join April 17 protest and demands halving of fuel taxes
The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, accused the government of negligence and lack of sensitivity toward pensioners and vulnerable groups, while calling on citizens to mobilize for the April 17 protest in Tirana. He stated that this date should mark “the most powerful peaceful uprising” to respond to …
Training with Albanian border police, U.S. Embassy: Enhancing expertise for national security
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana shared images on “X” from a recent training conducted between the Albanian border police and a U.S. overseas investigative unit. The embassy emphasized that the specialized training focused on practical techniques for detecting fraudulent documents and strengthening risk assessment skills. Further in the statement, the …
The 5Ps of Service Excellence: A Practical Roadmap for Albanian and Western Balkan Service Providers
By Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, April 07, 2026 – In my earlier article for Tirana Times, I described Albania as a country that moves from being visited to being remembered. Having since deepened my engagement with the Albanian health tourism and hospitality ecosystem, and having had the privilege of …
Deputy Speaker Spahiu visits Arbëresh community in Italy
TIRANA, April 7 – Deputy Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Klodiana Spahiu visited Italy, stopping in Hora e Arbëreshëvet, a key center of the Arbëresh community and Albanian cultural heritage. During her visit, Spahiu met with the town mayor, Rosario Petta. They discussed ways to strengthen institutional cooperation and preserve …
Tourism in Gjirokastër shows positive trend but service improvements needed
TIRANA, April 7 – Tourism in Gjirokastër is showing strong growth this season, with increased interest from domestic and international visitors. Tour operators report satisfactory bookings and expect visitor numbers to rise further in the summer months. Despite this growth, several challenges persist that require urgent attention. One major concern …
New road to Ksamil nearing completion ahead of summer season
TIRANA, April 7 – Ksamil, a top tourist destination in southern Albania, is preparing for the summer season with improved access and infrastructure. Visitor numbers have risen in recent years, prompting upgrades to support tourism. The new road connects Ksamil to the Pulëbardha beach junction. It features panoramic sidewalks and …
Austria ranks fifth-largest investor in Albania in 2025
Austria ranked as the fifth-largest investor in Albania in 2025. Austrian investments reached €146 million, up 22.7% from 2024, according to the Bank of Albania. Austrian capital flows target key sectors. They focus on insurance, energy, and hospitality services. Businesses see strong growth potential in these areas. Austria’s total investments …
From Emigration to Agritourism: Reçi Urges Return to Albania
Esat Reçi spent years working in Greece. Then, he returned to his hometown in Kurbin. Before, he worked in construction. Now, he invests in agritourism. He turned his grandparents’ house into a guesthouse. Today, it attracts both local and foreign visitors. “Lahuta e Vjetër” sits among green hills. Moreover, it …
Driloni: A Peaceful Oasis That Attracts Tourists
Driloni Natural Park lies just 6 km from Pogradec. It ranks among Albania’s most beautiful tourist spots. Recent investments transformed the park into an eco-tourism hub. They also increased its appeal for visitors from Korçë. The infrastructure now includes about 4,000 meters of walking paths. In addition, the park area …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government has a concrete investment plan to accredit laboratories that control milk and dairy by-products. Rama warned that Albania’s milk sector would struggle to meet EU standards if the country were already a member. He said the entire production chain must be guaranteed. He …
U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker met Kosovo leaders to discuss the security situation. He also held talks with the KFOR mission commander. Prime Minister Albin Kurti discussed U.S. support and cooperation with the Kosovo Security Force. He highlighted training programs and efforts to increase defense capacities. Kurti said security …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the “Plis” guesthouse in the Valbona Valley as an example of sustainable mountain tourism. Rama said the guesthouse preserves the spirit of traditional Alpine homes while meeting modern standards. He described it as an ideal place to enjoy fresh air, cool weather, and the natural …
Andis Salla and German Ambassador Karl Bergner signed the EU4FoodSafety agreement in Tirana. The European Union and the German government co-finance the project. It strengthens food safety standards in Albania and improves consumer protection. Salla calls the project a key step toward EU integration. He says it marks progress in …
Shpëtim Bajoku and Donjeta Sadiku represent Kosovo at the World Boxing Cup Brazil 2026 in Foz do Iguaçu. The tournament runs from April 20 to April 27, 2026, and brings together elite boxers from around the world. It features 49 countries and 342 athletes, making it the largest edition in …
Ferit Hoxha invites Albanian professionals to join the diplomatic team in Brussels under the “Albania 2030” initiative. He says Albania advances its EU accession process and now needs highly skilled and dedicated professionals. He stresses that diplomats must represent the country with professionalism, integrity, and vision. Hoxha urges candidates with …
Edi Rama attends the Delphi Economic Forum in Greece on a three-day working visit from April 21–23. He participates in the Delphi Economic Forum, where global leaders, business representatives, academics, and experts meet to discuss major international challenges and promote cooperation. Rama meets Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to strengthen …
Toni Gogu meets OSCE Presence head Michel Tarran in Tirana to discuss justice reform and security sector priorities. Both sides reaffirm strong cooperation in advancing judicial reforms and strengthening Albania’s justice system. They focus on key areas such as the 2024–2030 Justice Strategy, victim protection, and institutional capacity building for …
Silvio Gonzato says Albania enters a decisive phase in EU accession negotiations, with food safety as one of the most complex reforms. Then, he speaks at a meeting with food business operators attended by Edi Rama. He explains that food safety protects citizens, strengthens consumer trust, and ensures fair competition. …
Arbjan Mazniku continues his official visit in Rome with an intensive agenda at the Italian Parliament. First, he meets members of the Italian Senate and Chamber of Deputies, where he focuses on Albania–Italy strategic relations, EU integration, and economic cooperation. Then, Italian representatives express strong and unconditional support for Albania’s …