Albania–Turkey friendship group to advance youth cooperation
Members of the Foreign Affairs Committee visited Turkey to strengthen interparliamentary cooperation. Talks focused on joint programs for young people. The Albanian delegation included Igli Hasani, Ervin Hoxha, Sara Mila, and Edmond Haxhinasto. They met with Fatma Aksal, head of the Turkey–Albania Parliamentary Friendship Group. Mila proposed creating a cooperation …
Albania, Czech Republic reaffirm commitment to EU integration
Ferit Hoxha met with the Special Envoy of the Czech Republic for the Western Balkans, Edita Hrda. The meeting focused on EU enlargement in the region. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to the enlargement process of the European Union in the Western Balkans. They described it as a strategic …
World Bank: Albania economy to grow 3.4% driven by tourism
The World Bank projects that the economy of Albania will grow by 3.4% this year, mainly driven by tourism. However, the institution warns that the conflict in the Middle East remains a major risk that could slow economic growth. It calls for stronger structural reforms to sustain the current momentum. …
Public debt in Albania falls to 48.79% of GDP, lowest level in a decade
Public debt in Albania has followed a clear downward trend in the first quarter of 2026, falling to 48.79% of GDP, the lowest level recorded in the past decade. Preliminary data from the Ministry of Finance show that the decline is not only linked to economic growth but also to …
Klodjan Braho hosts Austrian Justice Minister Anna Sporrer in Tirana
Klodjan Braho received the Minister of Justice of Austria, Anna Sporrer, at the Special Prosecution Office (SPAK) in Tirana. The meeting took place as part of ongoing cooperation between the two countries. It followed a joint operation earlier this month, during which Albanian and Austrian authorities shut down several call …
Ismet Krasniqi highlights economic impact of Mediterranean Games in Prishtina
Ismet Krasniqi says the Mediterranean Games in Prishtina will create strong economic and development opportunities for Kosovo. He makes these remarks during an investors’ conference in Prishtina. He stresses that major sports events generate tourism, create jobs, support local businesses, and strengthen international partnerships. He states that Prishtina can become …
40 years ago: Bujar Lako and Guljelm Radoja appear in historic ATSH archive
Albanian Telegraphic Agency presents archival photos taken 40 years ago, on April 29, 1986. Photographer Meksi Xhufka captures the images during the artistic program “Bashkë me ju.” The production stages the show at the “Partizani” Sports Palace (today “Asllan Rusi”), instead of the Albanian Television studios. The photos show well-known …
Central Procurement Operator advances toward green and social procurement
TIRANA, April 29 – The Central Procurement Operator takes part in an international workshop in Poland organised by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development. The event focuses on integrating Environmental, Social and Governance criteria into public procurement, a key priority in European sector reform. In this context, the institution …
Justice Minister Gogu meets Austrian counterpart Sporrer, confirms support for EU integration
TIRANA, April 29 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu meets Austria’s Justice Minister Anna Sporrer in Tirana. The talks focus on Albania’s European Union integration process and cooperation in the justice sector. Gogu says Albania enters a decisive phase in negotiations with the European Union. He adds that the country advances …
Shipbuilding agreement signed in Tirana for Vlora Bay naval base, over 400 jobs expected, says defence minister Nufi
TIRANA, April 29 – Albanian company Kayo and Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri signed an agreement in Tirana to produce vessels at the Vlora Bay naval base in Albania. The project will serve the Albanian Armed Forces and allied countries. Prime Minister Edi Rama and Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attended the signing …
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Anti-Government Protests in Albania: The Student Revolt and the Escalation of the Political Crisis appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Masked protesters continued to clash with police in Tirana on Thursday. They damaged public spaces and private businesses as unrest spread across the capital. After vandalizing businesses on Elbasan Street, masked youths set a kiosk ablaze on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Flames engulfed the structure and sent thick smoke into …
President Bajram Begaj has called on citizens and all parties involved in the recent protests to reject violence and prioritize dialogue. He stressed that Albania needs calm, responsibility and cooperation. In a message to the public, Begaj said he had followed both the protesters’ demands and the acts of violence …
The OSCE Presence in Albania has welcomed President Bajram Begaj’s call for calm and inclusive dialogue amid the recent unrest. It has also offered to help facilitate talks if the parties request its support. In a statement, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) joined the President’s appeal …
The EU Delegation in Tirana issued a statement on Thursday regarding the student protests, condemning the escalation of violence and damage to property. In its statement, the delegation called on protesters to refrain from violence. According to the EU, constructive dialogue among all parties is the only way forward to …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro has responded following three days of protests by university and high school students, calling on parents, teachers, and the wider community to work together to ensure the safety of young people and prevent the situation from escalating. In a message addressed to parents, pupils, and university …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reacted to acts of violence and damage to public and private property during protests in the capital, condemning attacks on institutions, banks, shopping centers, and business premises. In its statement, the Chamber emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a …
Student protests continue to escalate in the capital. In the former Blloku area, private businesses have begun taking protective measures, installing security shutters and reinforcing their commercial premises. These security measures follow incidents reported in recent hours, during which some young protesters attacked and damaged private property, as well as …
The General Director of the State Police, Skënder Hita, said during a press conference at the State Police General Directorate that 71 police officers had been injured in acts of violence over the three days of protests in Tirana. Hita called on parents and teachers not to allow children and …
The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has provided the latest update on the condition of those injured during the protests. According to the official statement, a total of 14 injured people were admitted to the University Trauma Hospital, including eight police officers, four protesters and two minors. Four police …