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Economic Slowdown: Business Activity Grew by Just 1.1% in 2025

Although Albania’s economy expanded by 3.9% in 2025, according to preliminary data from INSTAT, nearly 72% of that growth was driven by just two sectors that are not directly linked to real business activity: public administration and net taxes. Based on preliminary estimates derived from quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) …

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PM Rama Welcomes Turkey’s New Ambassador to Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos on X from a meeting with Turkey’s new ambassador to Albania, Ceyhun Erciyes. “It is a pleasure to welcome the new ambassador of our brotherly Turkey,” Rama wrote on X. The Prime Minister also reposted a message from the Turkish Embassy in Tirana, which …

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PM Kurti: Kosovo Did Not Need New Elections, Work on Forming Institutions to Begin Soon

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has stated that the June 7 elections were unnecessary and that the outcome itself proves it, stressing that citizens have once again delivered a clear message. “This is our first in-person meeting since the June 7 elections. Kosovo did not need these elections, and the …

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Tourists from around the world bring Tirana to life

*]: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:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-351″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-351″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-2″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> *]: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:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-352″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-352″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Tirana wakes up every day with voices from around the world, and tourists choose Albania as their holiday destination. Moreover, they fill the city with energy and movement as they …

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New Tirana–Palma de Mallorca Flight Route from Rinas Airport

The Tirana International Airport is expanding its international network. It is adding a new air route that connects Albania with one of the most popular Mediterranean tourist destinations. First, the airport announced the launch of the new Tirana–Palma de Mallorca route. The inaugural flight took place today. It operates in …

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“National Geographic”: Lake Ohrid, Europe’s hidden gem between ancient history and natural beauty

*]: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:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-353″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-353″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> From the mountains of Slovenia to the wild landscapes of Finland and the calm shores of France, some of Europe’s most beautiful lakes remain far from large tourist crowds. In this context, Lake Ohrid stands out as one of the …

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Albania and Eurojust commit to strengthening cooperation against cross-border crime

Albania’s Minister of Interior, Besfort Lamallari, held a meeting in The Hague with Eurojust President Michael Schmid. They discussed how to strengthen cooperation against cross-border crime. During the meeting, Lamallari highlighted the strong partnership between Albania and Eurojust. Moreover, he noted that this cooperation already delivers concrete results in complex …

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“Latitudes”: Albania’s hidden treasures, from Theth to Filikur

While millions of tourists choose Albania every year for the famous beaches of the Riviera or the lively atmosphere of Tirana, another side of the country still remains far from mass tourism. Indeed, from spectacular canyons and hidden mountain villages to untouched coves and breathtaking northern landscapes, these destinations offer …

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Minister Karakaçi: Albania moves toward a gigabit society with major investments in modern networks and 5G coverage

Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said Albania aligns its communication networks with EU standards. Moreover, he stressed a clear goal: modern fiber networks to end users and 5G coverage by 2030. He spoke at an event on underground urban infrastructure. In addition, he focused on removing overhead cables …

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“Urban Renaissance 2.0” to launch in July, targets gaps in water and sewage infrastructure

The “Urban Renaissance 2.0” program, set to be presented in early July, will address issues in water supply and sewage systems. Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about the initiative during an event with local government leaders. Moreover, he described it as a large-scale program with strategic importance for communities across …

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Rama shares footage of Kanye West concert venue: €4 million is an investment, not an expense

Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again defended the upcoming Kanye West concert in Tirana, scheduled for Saturday evening. In a post on social media, Rama shared footage of the completed concert venue, saying the stadium is ready and that the event will place Albania on the global map of music fans. The prime …

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Kolonja attracts foreign tourists with traditional cuisine and unspoilt nature

*]: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:e5659a20-7ccd-4ac7-ac8b-8f8f08377e9a-28″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:e5659a20-7ccd-4ac7-ac8b-8f8f08377e9a-28″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-58″ data-turn=”assistant”> Visitors to the southeastern Albanian region of Kolonja are not only exploring its natural attractions and cultural heritage sites, but also learning how to prepare traditional dishes before enjoying them. Cooking alongside local residents has become one of the area’s most popular experiences …

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Competition Authority launches grocery price monitoring following public complaints

Albania’s Competition Authority has launched a market monitoring process focused on the retail sale of essential grocery products, following complaints from citizens and concerns raised by members of parliament over the prices of everyday consumer goods. According to an official statement, the monitoring will cover the country’s main supermarket chains …

News
Rama shares negative review of Rozafa Castle: Hopes prosecutors will act against ‘blackmailers’

Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again reacted to negative online reviews, this time sharing a video highlighting critical ratings of Rozafa Castle in Shkodra. The prime minister said such posts are harming Albania’s tourism sector and expressed hope that prosecutors will swiftly take action against those he described as individuals who …

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Rama on protests: Algorithm amplified negativity, ‘adding fuel to the fire’

Prime Minister Edi Rama met with young people in Jalë on Saturday, where he discussed the recent protests and the impact of social media algorithms. Rama said algorithms play a significant role in amplifying negativity, online noise and manipulated content, describing such videos as “fuel added to a fire” that, he argued, was started by …

News
Kanye West welcomed by Edi Rama, Albanian PM shares footage of meeting

One of the world’s best-known rappers, Kanye West, was welcomed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who shared footage of their meeting on social media. The video shows Rama introducing the American artist to aspects of Albania’s culture and history. West arrived in Albania ahead of his concert scheduled for …

News
Hoxha tells young people in Jalë: EU membership requires your involvement – Europe starts at home

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha, together with Prime Minister Edi Rama, took part in an open discussion with 150 young activists from Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro at #RinCamp2026. Albania’s EU accession process and the country’s progress towards membership were among the key topics discussed during the panel organised by the National …

News
K’cimi dancing of Tropojë – Gazmend Freitag

by Monika Grill Tirana Times, July 11, 2026 – “K’cimi i Tropoja” – the dance that endured over centuries and kept the Albanian identity alive, has been officially declared part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. “K’cimi i Tropoja” refers to a traditional …

News
Kanye West concert in Tirana today, road restrictions announced

Tirana, July 11 – International artist Kanye West will perform today in Tirana. The concert will take place at Eagle Stadium, a venue built specifically in the Kashar area. To ensure public safety and manage traffic, Tirana Police has announced temporary road restrictions around the event area. From 07:00 to …

News
Justice reforms bring Albania closer to European Union membership

Tirana, July 11 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu said justice system reforms and the implementation of the National Reform Agenda under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans are concrete steps toward Albania’s European Union membership. Gogu said a strong, independent and accountable justice system remains a key pillar of …

News

Rama shares footage of Kanye West concert venue: €4 million is an investment, not an expense

Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again defended the upcoming Kanye West concert in Tirana, scheduled for Saturday evening. In a post on social media, Rama shared footage of the completed concert venue, saying the stadium is ready and that the event will place Albania on the global map of music fans. The prime …

News

Kolonja attracts foreign tourists with traditional cuisine and unspoilt nature

*]: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:e5659a20-7ccd-4ac7-ac8b-8f8f08377e9a-28″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:e5659a20-7ccd-4ac7-ac8b-8f8f08377e9a-28″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-58″ data-turn=”assistant”> Visitors to the southeastern Albanian region of Kolonja are not only exploring its natural attractions and cultural heritage sites, but also learning how to prepare traditional dishes before enjoying them. Cooking alongside local residents has become one of the area’s most popular experiences …

News

Competition Authority launches grocery price monitoring following public complaints

Albania’s Competition Authority has launched a market monitoring process focused on the retail sale of essential grocery products, following complaints from citizens and concerns raised by members of parliament over the prices of everyday consumer goods. According to an official statement, the monitoring will cover the country’s main supermarket chains …

News

Rama shares negative review of Rozafa Castle: Hopes prosecutors will act against ‘blackmailers’

Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again reacted to negative online reviews, this time sharing a video highlighting critical ratings of Rozafa Castle in Shkodra. The prime minister said such posts are harming Albania’s tourism sector and expressed hope that prosecutors will swiftly take action against those he described as individuals who …

News

Rama on protests: Algorithm amplified negativity, ‘adding fuel to the fire’

Prime Minister Edi Rama met with young people in Jalë on Saturday, where he discussed the recent protests and the impact of social media algorithms. Rama said algorithms play a significant role in amplifying negativity, online noise and manipulated content, describing such videos as “fuel added to a fire” that, he argued, was started by …

News

Kanye West welcomed by Edi Rama, Albanian PM shares footage of meeting

One of the world’s best-known rappers, Kanye West, was welcomed by Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama, who shared footage of their meeting on social media. The video shows Rama introducing the American artist to aspects of Albania’s culture and history. West arrived in Albania ahead of his concert scheduled for …

News

Hoxha tells young people in Jalë: EU membership requires your involvement – Europe starts at home

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha, together with Prime Minister Edi Rama, took part in an open discussion with 150 young activists from Albania, North Macedonia and Montenegro at #RinCamp2026. Albania’s EU accession process and the country’s progress towards membership were among the key topics discussed during the panel organised by the National …

News

K’cimi dancing of Tropojë – Gazmend Freitag

by Monika Grill Tirana Times, July 11, 2026 – “K’cimi i Tropoja” – the dance that endured over centuries and kept the Albanian identity alive, has been officially declared part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. “K’cimi i Tropoja” refers to a traditional …

News

Kanye West concert in Tirana today, road restrictions announced

Tirana, July 11 – International artist Kanye West will perform today in Tirana. The concert will take place at Eagle Stadium, a venue built specifically in the Kashar area. To ensure public safety and manage traffic, Tirana Police has announced temporary road restrictions around the event area. From 07:00 to …

News

Justice reforms bring Albania closer to European Union membership

Tirana, July 11 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu said justice system reforms and the implementation of the National Reform Agenda under the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans are concrete steps toward Albania’s European Union membership. Gogu said a strong, independent and accountable justice system remains a key pillar of …