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Gonzato: Speculation exists, but no block in Albania’s EU integration

EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato spoke to Euronews Albania. He said Albania’s EU integration continues normally. He rejected claims of a block. He called them speculation. Gonzato said member states hold regular discussions. They follow standard EU procedures. They conduct them confidentially. He addressed reports about countries with reservations. …

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Rama: We must seize the train of history and take Albania into the EU

Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Durrës today. He stressed the need for strong support. He said it is crucial to advance Albania’s EU integration. Rama said Albanians are lucky. He said key partners now support Albania. He called it a chance to realize a …

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Lef Nosi: Independence Signatory Executed by Communist Regime

Lef Nosi, a signatory of Albania’s Independence, was also a philatelist, polyglot, archivist, ethnographer, and politician. He was born in Elbasan on April 9, 1877. He completed primary school in his hometown. Then, he studied pharmacy in Athens but returned early to focus on national history and culture. In 1908, …

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Parliament approves marina law and anti-money laundering changes; Olta Rrushaj elected to Bank of Albania Supervisory Council

The Albanian Parliament held a plenary session today. Lawmakers debated governance and EU integration issues. First, opposition leader Gazment Bardhi criticized the strategic investment law. He said it does not serve public interest. Instead, he said it benefits a limited group. Next, MP Jorida Tabaku opposed changes to Parliament’s Rules …

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Exclusive / Gonzato: There is no blockage in Albania’s EU integration processes

This Thursday, the EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, spoke to Euronews Albania in an interview with moderator Mirela Milori. Gonzato discussed Albania’s integration process and stated that there is no blockage in the process. On the other hand, he emphasized that these are confidential discussions in accordance with the …

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Foreign Interference and Election Observation in Hungary’s 2026 Parliamentary Vote

by David J. Kostelancik Tirana Times, April 09, 2026 – Hungary’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 12, 2026, are unfolding in an environment shaped not only by domestic political competition but also by broader geopolitical tensions and debates about external influence. Charges of election interference have involved disinformation from state-controlled media, allegations …

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Over 100 athletes compete in Albania’s national tournament for people with intellectual disabilities

TIRANA, April 9 – Over 100 athletes from across Albania joined the National Athletics and Table Tennis Tournament for people with intellectual disabilities. The event promotes inclusive sports and social equality. Athletes competed with energy and respect. They showed how sports can overcome social and physical barriers. The Albanian National …

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Speaker Peleshi: Strengthening parliamentary cooperation with the Bundestag

TIRANA, April 9 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met with Gunnar Schellenberger, President of the Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament. They focused on enhancing inter-parliamentary ties and boosting economic cooperation between Albania and Germany. Peleshi highlighted the need to intensify collaboration between the Albanian Parliament and the Bundestag, and to expand exchanges …

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“Islands”: Albania rises on tourism map as Ksamil draws Caribbean comparisons

TIRANA, April 9 – Albania is gaining attention as a beach destination in Europe. An article in the U.S. travel magazine Islands highlights the coastal village of Ksamil as a rising hotspot. The report asks which European destination offers Caribbean-style beaches at lower cost in 2026. It points to Albania’s …

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Albania women’s team targets strong start against Wales in 2027 World Cup qualifiers

TIRANA, April 9 – Albania’s women’s national team continued preparations for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. The team held its latest training session at the “House of Football.” Albania will face Wales on April 14 at 20:15 at “Stok Cae Ras” stadium. Players are following an intensive training program ahead …

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Kosova acting president Haxhiu receives Danish ambassador

Kosova’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu met Denmark’s non-resident Ambassador Christian Gronbech-Jensen. They discussed relations between the two countries, current developments in Kosova and opportunities to deepen cooperation. Haxhiu expressed gratitude for Denmark’s support for Kosova and its contribution to peace, security and development. Meanwhile, she and Ambassador Gronbech-Jensen reaffirmed their …

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Brilliance of the Seas Cruise Ship Brings More Than 2,000 Tourists to Sarandë

The cruise ship “Brilliance of the Seas” has arrived in Sarandë, bringing 2,195 tourists from different countries. According to the Port of Sarandë, the visitors explored several destinations and attractions in Sarandë and nearby areas. They enjoyed the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and local hospitality. The cruise ship’s arrival …

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Albanian and British armed forces hold friendly football match

The Armed Forces of Albania and the United Kingdom held a friendly football match to strengthen relations, mutual respect and cooperation between the two NATO allies. The Ministry of Defence said the sporting event aimed to promote the spirit of cooperation and alliance through sport. The ministry said teamwork, discipline, …

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Albania coach Maran tests tactics ahead of Belarus match

Albania held its latest training session at the House of Football as preparations continue for four UEFA Nations League matches. Albania head coach Rolando Maran started the session in the gym before moving to the pitch. The team worked on tactics, different playing systems and set pieces. Kristjan Asllani continued …

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‘Art Library’ Introduces Young People to Leading Figures of Albanian Visual Art

The National Center of Books and Reading has launched the “Art Library” series at the “Jordan Misja” Artistic Lyceum. The initiative brings together words and images while highlighting key figures in the history of Albanian visual art. The series will continue throughout the school year with monthly meetings. At the …

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PISA Board to meet in Tirana for first time in October

The PISA Board will hold its meeting in Tirana for the first time in October, Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said. She described the meeting as one of the major international events for education and quality assessment. Kumbaro said hosting the PISA Board meeting places Albania at the centre of discussions …

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UEFA Women’s U-17 Euro: Albania Begin Camp as Coach Lulaj Calls Up 20 Players

Albania’s U-17 women’s national team begins its training camp today as the squad prepares for the first round of the 2027 UEFA Women’s U-17 European Championship qualifiers. Head coach Cyme Lulaj has announced a 20-player squad for Albania’s matches against Kosovo, Ireland and Azerbaijan. The young Reds and Blacks will …

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Interior Minister Demo highlights technology’s role in public security

Interior Minister Ervin Demo highlighted the growing role of technology in public security and government services at the Future Tech 2026 fair. He said technology has become a priority for his ministry and an increasingly important part of citizens’ lives. Demo said technology now supports every area of State Police …

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Albania Under-19 coach Tafaj calls up 22 players for Lithuania friendlies

Albania Under-19 will play two friendly matches against Lithuania on September 30 and October 2 at Vora Stadium. Albania Under-19 coach Fatjon Tafaj will begin the team’s training camp in Tirana today. The coaching staff has named 22 players for the two matches. Ten play in the Albanian league, while …

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Tirana hosts international convention on regional cultural cooperation

Tirana is hosting the SEEDS International Convention, held under the project “Strengthening Entrepreneurship Economic Development Sustainably in South Adriatic Area.” The opening ceremony on September 23 brought together Deputy Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Marinela Prifti, representatives of the European Union Delegation in Albania, the Joint Secretariat, project partners and …

News

Kosova acting president Haxhiu receives Danish ambassador

Kosova’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu met Denmark’s non-resident Ambassador Christian Gronbech-Jensen. They discussed relations between the two countries, current developments in Kosova and opportunities to deepen cooperation. Haxhiu expressed gratitude for Denmark’s support for Kosova and its contribution to peace, security and development. Meanwhile, she and Ambassador Gronbech-Jensen reaffirmed their …

News

Brilliance of the Seas Cruise Ship Brings More Than 2,000 Tourists to Sarandë

The cruise ship “Brilliance of the Seas” has arrived in Sarandë, bringing 2,195 tourists from different countries. According to the Port of Sarandë, the visitors explored several destinations and attractions in Sarandë and nearby areas. They enjoyed the region’s natural beauty, cultural heritage and local hospitality. The cruise ship’s arrival …

News

Albanian and British armed forces hold friendly football match

The Armed Forces of Albania and the United Kingdom held a friendly football match to strengthen relations, mutual respect and cooperation between the two NATO allies. The Ministry of Defence said the sporting event aimed to promote the spirit of cooperation and alliance through sport. The ministry said teamwork, discipline, …

News

Albania coach Maran tests tactics ahead of Belarus match

Albania held its latest training session at the House of Football as preparations continue for four UEFA Nations League matches. Albania head coach Rolando Maran started the session in the gym before moving to the pitch. The team worked on tactics, different playing systems and set pieces. Kristjan Asllani continued …

News

‘Art Library’ Introduces Young People to Leading Figures of Albanian Visual Art

The National Center of Books and Reading has launched the “Art Library” series at the “Jordan Misja” Artistic Lyceum. The initiative brings together words and images while highlighting key figures in the history of Albanian visual art. The series will continue throughout the school year with monthly meetings. At the …

News

PISA Board to meet in Tirana for first time in October

The PISA Board will hold its meeting in Tirana for the first time in October, Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said. She described the meeting as one of the major international events for education and quality assessment. Kumbaro said hosting the PISA Board meeting places Albania at the centre of discussions …

News

UEFA Women’s U-17 Euro: Albania Begin Camp as Coach Lulaj Calls Up 20 Players

Albania’s U-17 women’s national team begins its training camp today as the squad prepares for the first round of the 2027 UEFA Women’s U-17 European Championship qualifiers. Head coach Cyme Lulaj has announced a 20-player squad for Albania’s matches against Kosovo, Ireland and Azerbaijan. The young Reds and Blacks will …

News

Interior Minister Demo highlights technology’s role in public security

Interior Minister Ervin Demo highlighted the growing role of technology in public security and government services at the Future Tech 2026 fair. He said technology has become a priority for his ministry and an increasingly important part of citizens’ lives. Demo said technology now supports every area of State Police …

News

Albania Under-19 coach Tafaj calls up 22 players for Lithuania friendlies

Albania Under-19 will play two friendly matches against Lithuania on September 30 and October 2 at Vora Stadium. Albania Under-19 coach Fatjon Tafaj will begin the team’s training camp in Tirana today. The coaching staff has named 22 players for the two matches. Ten play in the Albanian league, while …

News

Tirana hosts international convention on regional cultural cooperation

Tirana is hosting the SEEDS International Convention, held under the project “Strengthening Entrepreneurship Economic Development Sustainably in South Adriatic Area.” The opening ceremony on September 23 brought together Deputy Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Marinela Prifti, representatives of the European Union Delegation in Albania, the Joint Secretariat, project partners and …