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Albania–Kosovo Rift Weakens the Albanian Voice 

The Rama–Kurti clash over the war crimes tribunal highlights deeper structural tensions, from unimplemented agreements to competing regional agendas.  The latest clash between Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Kosovo’s Albin Kurti is more than another exchange of political insults. It reflects the fragile state of relations between Albania and …

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Tirana Protesters Demand Justice for Kosovo War Leaders 

Hundreds of protesters rallied in the Albanian capital on Friday demanding justice for former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) on trial in The Hague, denouncing the proceedings as an attack on the wartime struggle against Serbian forces.  The demonstrators, many waving KLA flags and chanting slogans such as …

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Protesters in Albania Demand ‘Justice’ in Kosovo Wartime Leaders’ Trial

Protesters in the Albanian capital expressed anger at the ongoing trial of wartime Kosovo Liberation Army officers at the Specialist Chambers in The Hague, saying the defendants were freedom fighters, not criminals. Original post Here

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Albania in the Second War World : A Forgotten Theater of World War II

By Bernd Fischer It is becoming increasingly difficult to justify yet another book dealing with some aspect of World War II. Of all the armed conflicts of past centuries, World War II has engendered the most interest as well as an exhausting amount of written material. The opening of the …

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Vlora Airport Stirs Security Fears Over Russian Links

Albania’s Second National Airport Sparks Concerns for National Security and NATO The opening of Albania’s second international airport in Vlora, celebrated as a milestone in the country’s infrastructure modernization, has quickly become embroiled in controversy. Reports in Albanian media suggest that the concession holder, businessman and former Kosovo president Behgjet …

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Albania’s Currency Exchanges Tied to Drug Money Laundering

By Tirana Times Staff TIRANA, Albania,October 16,2025.  Behind brightly lit kiosks advertising euros, dollars and pounds, prosecutors say a hidden financial system is moving millions in illicit cash for some of Albania’s most powerful drug-trafficking groups. Recent investigations by the Special Anti-Corruption Structure, or SPAK, reveal that certain licensed currency …

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War Veterans’ Protest Sparks Tension Between Kosovo and Albania PMs

A protest planned for Friday in Tirana – against the Hague war crimes court’s trial of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci – has reignited feuding between Albania’s premier Edi Rama and the biggest party in Kosovo. Original post Here

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Albania Emerges as Destination Port for Illicit Oil from Russia and Libya

Low quality, sanctioned oil products originating in Russia and Libya are finding a way through Albanian ports, hidden behind forged cargo declarations or inside the modified hulls of fishing boats. Original post Here

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AI ‘Candidate’ Proposed for Albania Mayoral Election

After Albania’s government appointed an AI-generated digital assistant as a ‘minister’, a group of information technology experts have proposed an AI ‘candidate’ for the upcoming Tirana mayoral election. Original post Here

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Albania Beats Serbia, Keeps World Cup Dream Alive

By Tirana Times Staff | October 12, 2025 LESKOVAC . Albania stunned Serbia with a 1–0 victory on Saturday night, a result that not only strengthens its bid for a first-ever World Cup but also carries enormous symbolic weight in one of the most politically charged rivalries in European football. …

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Kosovo Records 27.8% Rise in Hotel Visitors

Kosovo recorded a significant increase in hotel visitors in July 2026, according to the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS). Hotels welcomed 99,053 visitors during the month. Domestic visitors accounted for 32,098, while foreign visitors reached 66,954. Compared with July 2025, when hotels recorded 77,481 visitors, the total number increased by …

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Gonxhja: Northern Towers Set for Restoration and Revitalization, Investments to Start by 2027

Albania is preparing to restore and revitalize its traditional northern towers. The government plans to start concrete investments by 2027. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the plan. He said the ministry is finalizing the national program with GIS and the State Cadastre Agency (ASHK). “Our goal is …

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Athletes from Albania and the Region Compete in 14th “Labeat” Triathlon

Shirokë, on the shores of Lake Shkodra, hosted the 14th edition of the “Labeat” Triathlon, bringing together athletes from Albania and across the region. The event combines swimming, cycling and running, creating a demanding competition that tests athletes across three disciplines. This year’s edition attracted around 90 competitors from Albania, …

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New Initiative to Finance Women Entrepreneurs Launches National Analytical Panel

The Bank of Albania and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) launched the “WE Finance Code Albania – Code for Financing Women Entrepreneurs” today. The initiative starts a national partnership to improve access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led or owned by women. The …

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Tirana Court Administration Boycotts Work Over Magistrates’ Salary Dispute

The administration of the Tirana Court boycotted work today. Employees protested after authorities failed to pay their August salaries. Although court administration employees do not directly take part in the institutional dispute over magistrates’ salaries, the salary blockage has affected them directly. Lawyer Arben Llangozi said in a social media …

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Le Figaro Nautisme: Albania’s Wild Coast Near Vlora, Karaburun and Sazan

A spectacular and largely untouched coastline stretches opposite Vlora. France’s “Le Figaro Nautisme” highlights the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island as a unique destination between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. In an article by Charlotte Lacroix, the French media outlet describes a coastline of crystal-clear waters, steep cliffs, caves and …

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Rama Meets New EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa

Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the European Union’s new ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, at the Prime Minister’s Office today. Moreira de Sousa has officially taken charge of the EU Delegation in Tirana. Rama shared photos from the meeting on social media. “Welcome to Tirana, the new Ambassador …

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OSHEE Moves Toward a Smart Energy Grid, Hima: Digitalization and AI Will Play Key Role

The Electricity Distribution Operator (OSHEE Group) plans to develop a smarter energy grid. General Administrator Mentor Hima said digitalization, smart meters, automation and artificial intelligence will play a key role in this transformation. Hima presented the vision at the “3rd International Conference on Renewable Energies and Smart Technologies – IEEE …

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Gonxhja: Nearly 1.1 Million Visitors Explore Cultural Sites, Gjirokastra Castle Leads

Albania continues to attract visitors with more than its coastal and mountain destinations. Cultural and historical attractions also draw growing interest. Cultural heritage institutions and sites recorded a significant increase in visitors during the first eight months of 2026. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced today that …

News
Albanian Port Bars Alleged Russian-Linked ‘Shadow Fleet’ Oil Tanker

Ukraine welcomes Albania’s ‘demonstration of solidarity’ in blocking the ‘Hanuman’ tanker, whose operator, it believes, is linked to Kremlin allies. Original post Here

News

Kosovo Records 27.8% Rise in Hotel Visitors

Kosovo recorded a significant increase in hotel visitors in July 2026, according to the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS). Hotels welcomed 99,053 visitors during the month. Domestic visitors accounted for 32,098, while foreign visitors reached 66,954. Compared with July 2025, when hotels recorded 77,481 visitors, the total number increased by …

News

Gonxhja: Northern Towers Set for Restoration and Revitalization, Investments to Start by 2027

Albania is preparing to restore and revitalize its traditional northern towers. The government plans to start concrete investments by 2027. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the plan. He said the ministry is finalizing the national program with GIS and the State Cadastre Agency (ASHK). “Our goal is …

News

Athletes from Albania and the Region Compete in 14th “Labeat” Triathlon

Shirokë, on the shores of Lake Shkodra, hosted the 14th edition of the “Labeat” Triathlon, bringing together athletes from Albania and across the region. The event combines swimming, cycling and running, creating a demanding competition that tests athletes across three disciplines. This year’s edition attracted around 90 competitors from Albania, …

News

New Initiative to Finance Women Entrepreneurs Launches National Analytical Panel

The Bank of Albania and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) launched the “WE Finance Code Albania – Code for Financing Women Entrepreneurs” today. The initiative starts a national partnership to improve access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led or owned by women. The …

News

Tirana Court Administration Boycotts Work Over Magistrates’ Salary Dispute

The administration of the Tirana Court boycotted work today. Employees protested after authorities failed to pay their August salaries. Although court administration employees do not directly take part in the institutional dispute over magistrates’ salaries, the salary blockage has affected them directly. Lawyer Arben Llangozi said in a social media …

News

Le Figaro Nautisme: Albania’s Wild Coast Near Vlora, Karaburun and Sazan

A spectacular and largely untouched coastline stretches opposite Vlora. France’s “Le Figaro Nautisme” highlights the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island as a unique destination between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. In an article by Charlotte Lacroix, the French media outlet describes a coastline of crystal-clear waters, steep cliffs, caves and …

News

Rama Meets New EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa

Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the European Union’s new ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, at the Prime Minister’s Office today. Moreira de Sousa has officially taken charge of the EU Delegation in Tirana. Rama shared photos from the meeting on social media. “Welcome to Tirana, the new Ambassador …

News

OSHEE Moves Toward a Smart Energy Grid, Hima: Digitalization and AI Will Play Key Role

The Electricity Distribution Operator (OSHEE Group) plans to develop a smarter energy grid. General Administrator Mentor Hima said digitalization, smart meters, automation and artificial intelligence will play a key role in this transformation. Hima presented the vision at the “3rd International Conference on Renewable Energies and Smart Technologies – IEEE …

News

Gonxhja: Nearly 1.1 Million Visitors Explore Cultural Sites, Gjirokastra Castle Leads

Albania continues to attract visitors with more than its coastal and mountain destinations. Cultural and historical attractions also draw growing interest. Cultural heritage institutions and sites recorded a significant increase in visitors during the first eight months of 2026. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced today that …

News

Albanian Port Bars Alleged Russian-Linked ‘Shadow Fleet’ Oil Tanker

Ukraine welcomes Albania’s ‘demonstration of solidarity’ in blocking the ‘Hanuman’ tanker, whose operator, it believes, is linked to Kremlin allies. Original post Here