President Begaj meets Higher Security and Defence Course, says Western Balkans stability key to regional security
TIRANA, May 18 – President Bajram Begaj met participants of the Higher Security and Defence Course held at the Armed Forces Defence and Security College. He praised the college for organising the programme. He also highlighted the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding among participants. In addition, he stressed the …
OTP Bank Albania inaugurates new Private Banking premises in Tirana
Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – OTP Bank Albania has inaugurated new premises dedicated to the Private Banking segment, unveiling an exclusive space designed for clients seeking personalized service and advanced financial standards. Located in the heart of Tirana, the premises have been designed in line with OTP Group standards, …
Shadow Fleet, Weak Oversight: How Russian Sanctions Evasion Reached Albania’s Ports
Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – Albania’s ports have emerged as a potential weak point in the international effort to enforce sanctions against Russia, following revelations that vessels linked by Ukrainian intelligence to Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet” have visited the country since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. …
Unexploded Ordnance Puts Jared Kushner’s Resort in Albania at Risk
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International Museum Day marked, free entry to museums on May 18 and May 21 in Albania
TIRANA, May 18 – The global museum community marks International Museum Day today. In this context, Albania offers free entry to museums on May 18 and May 21 for related cultural events. Meanwhile, the International Council of Museums established the day in 1977. The initiative aims to raise public awareness …
Albania Cycling Tour 2026 starts, temporary road closures in Tirana
TIRANA, May 18 – Albania hosts the 83rd Albania Cycling Tour from today until 22 May. Twenty elite teams from Albania, the Balkans and Europe take part in the race. The first stage starts at 12:00. Cyclists begin in Tirana and finish in Lezha. The State Police announces temporary traffic …
“Egnatia Fest 2026” Opens Tourist Season in Librazhd
Librazhd opened the tourism season with “Egnatia Fest 2026” in the Cherry Park. Around 54 businesses joined the event and promoted the area’s nature, history, traditions, and tourism potential. Minister Andis Salla attended the festival and highlighted the importance of local tourism and private investment for economic growth. Salla said …
Dushaj, the Picturesque Village of Stone Towers Above Fushë-Bulqizë
Dushaj stands above Fushë-Bulqizë with stone towers, green valleys, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes. The village has become a growing destination for visitors seeking nature, history, and authentic Albanian hospitality. At the entrance of the village, the historic Kulla Hupi welcomes tourists preparing for the new tourism season. Workers continue restoration …
OSBE Ambassador: Steps taken to improve journalists’ conditions, further efforts needed on transparency and editorial independence
TIRANA, May 18 – OSCE Ambassador to Tirana, Michele Tarran spoke at a media freedom conference. He said journalism represents a public service, not only a profession or an industry. He pointed to declining trust in institutions, disinformation and manipulation. He also cited reduced media pluralism, information insecurity, hate speech …
Health and Social Welfare Minister at WHO Assembly: Albania strengthened commitment to child protection and well-being
TIRANA, May 18 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala took part in the 79th World Health Assembly session. The discussions opened with a focus on protecting children from online risks. They also addressed the impact of digital violence. At the opening stage of the event, the World Health …
TIRANA, June 1 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania will continue its plan to develop Zvërnec as a major global tourism destination. He made the remarks during a government meeting in Tirana. He responded to concerns raised by environmental groups and civil society organizations. Meanwhile, Rama said Albania risks …
Jurgen Uldedaj won the IBO Cruiserweight world title on Saturday after defeating Nigerian boxer Austine Nnamdi in a 12-round fight. First, Uldedaj controlled a tough and competitive bout from start to finish. He then delivered a strong performance across all rounds to secure the victory on points. As a result, …
TIRANA, June 1 – More than 400 children took part in the “Run & Have Fun” sports and recreational event in Tirana. Tirana Running Club organized the activity with support from the Municipality of Tirana. The event took place at the Grand Park of the Artificial Lake. The children joined …
The luxury cruise ship Le Boréal arrived on Friday at the port of Sarandë, marking its first visit to the coastal city. First, the 142-meter French-owned vessel brought around 200 international tourists to Albania’s southern coastline. Most of the passengers, about 180 visitors, came from France, while the rest arrived …
TIRANA, June 1 – Enlightenment thinker and ideologue of the Albanian National Awakening Sami Frashëri was born on June 1, 1850 in Frashër, Përmet. He completed his early education in his hometown. He later studied at the “Zosimea” gymnasium in Ioannina. There, he learned several foreign languages, including Ancient Greek, …
Albania has emerged as a key highlight in a growing Balkan travel route that is attracting strong international attention, according to an article published in the Spanish magazine La Vanguardia. First, the article describes the Balkans as one of Europe’s most in-demand tourist regions this year, driven by a mix …
TIRANA, June 1 – Actor of Albanian origin Bekim Fehmiu was born on June 1, 1936 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He studied film at the University of Belgrade between 1956 and 1960. He later built an international career through films such as “Odyssey” and “The Feather Collectors”. These works …
TIRANA, June 1 – Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said Albania’s agricultural sector will rely increasingly on technology and real-time data, as officials presented “YLLI”, the first virtual assistant for Albanian farmers, at the “Digital Agriculture for Albania 2030” conference in Tirana. The new tool forms part of …
TIRANA, June 1 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania should aim for a higher level of tourism development as the country considers major investment projects such as the one planned in Zvërnec. Speaking on Monday, Rama said authorities have not yet received the project and have not completed the …
TIRANA, June 1 – Fun Fair Albania concluded on Monday after four days of activities that began on May 29. The event offered entertainment and recreational activities from morning until evening. Children’s Day brought additional crowds to the fair. As a result, dozens of activities, games, creative workshops and surprises …