PM Rama receives Greek defence minister in Tirana
TIRANA, May 25 – Prime Minister Edi Rama received Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias in Tirana during his official visit to Albania. Meanwhile, Rama shared images from the meeting on social media. He described Dendias as a valued friend and a strong supporter of the strategic partnership between Albania and …
US congress members visit Balkans, Kosova trip also planned
TIRANA, May 25 – US congress members Keith Self, a Republican, and Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat, are visiting Serbia. They will also visit the Presheva Valley, a region with an ethnic Albanian majority. Meanwhile, Serbian parliament speaker Ana Brnabic will receive the delegation in Belgrade. The congress members will also …
Prime Minister Rama to attend eighth intergovernmental conference with EU in Brussels
TIRANA, May 25 – Albania and the European Union will hold tomorrow the eighth Intergovernmental Conference on accession negotiations in Brussels. The meeting focuses on advancing reforms under Cluster 1 “Fundamentals” of the negotiation process. The conference will confirm Albania’s fulfilment of interim benchmarks. It will also define final benchmarks …
Opposition Democratic Party MP calls for special national status for Albanian Film Archive
TIRANA, May 25 – Democratic Party of the opposition MP Ina Zhupa, chair of the Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, visited the National Film Archive of Albania. Zhupa called for stronger institutional attention and concrete government support for the archive. She described it as a key institution for preserving …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: May 25, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Protect Nature, EU interactive contest promotes Albania’s biodiversity
TIRANA May 25 – The Delegation of the European Union in Albania has launched the “Protect Nature” contest. The initiative promotes biodiversity and environmental protection through an interactive experience in several Albanian cities. The campaign covers Tirana, Shkodër, Durrës, and Vlora. It uses green stickers placed in public areas. Each …
Vatican honors Albanian ambassador Majlinda Frangaj for contribution to bilateral relations
TIRANA, May 25 – The Vatican has awarded Albanian ambassador to the Holy See Majlinda Frangaj the title “Dame Grand Cross of the Piano Order”, one of the highest civil decorations of the Holy See. The Piano Order was founded by Pope Pius IX. It is considered one of the …
Rama: Bënja Baths to become a modern tourism destination in nature
Renovation works at Bënja Baths are continuing. The site is located about 14 kilometers from the city of Përmet. It lies in the Petran administrative unit, near the meeting point of the Vjosa River and the Lengarica stream. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the transformation will be completed soon. He …
Tirana hosts elite padel tournament, free entry at Skanderbeg Square from 26–30 May
TIRANA, May 25 – Tirana will become an international centre for elite padel sport. The city will host a major tournament from 26 to 30 May at Skanderbeg Square, with free entry for the public. Top international players will compete in the event. They will play for key ranking points …
Gjirokastër Castle continues to attract visitors, Gonxhja says
Gjirokastër Castle remains one of Albania’s most visited cultural heritage sites, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today. He noted that the monument is enjoying another successful tourist season, with growing interest in cultural tourism in southern Albania. Gonxhja shared images from the site showing the castle …
TIRANA, Albania — Albania’s proposed fiscal package for 2027 has triggered unusually broad opposition from domestic and foreign business organizations, with American, German and Italian investors warning that higher taxes and sudden changes in fiscal policy could undermine the country’s competitiveness and discourage future investment. The objections come as Prime …
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Albania’s 2027 Fiscal Package and the Risks to Investment appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Albania’s 2027 budget will reach €10 billion for the first time, with 30% allocated to social protection, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said in a television interview. As part of the plan, the government has allocated €250 million to pensions in 2027, including funding for pension indexation. In addition, it plans …
The Port of Vlora Harbour Master’s Office has banned departures by small vessels and fishing boats planning to operate outside the Bay of Vlora from November 11 to 14 due to worsening weather conditions. The forecast warns of southerly to southeasterly winds reaching force 7–8 on the Beaufort scale, with …
The European Film Academy’s Board held its three-day meeting in Albania, bringing leading European producers and filmmakers to Vlora. During their stay, board members met Albanian film professionals and explored the country’s history, culture and filming potential. The visit aimed to create new partnerships and promote Albania as a destination …
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Mikhail Bogachek as the next US ambassador to Kosova, submitting his name to the Senate for confirmation. The White House announced the nomination on November 10. Meanwhile, the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina remains under the leadership of Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati. Former ambassador Jeff …
Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu held three meetings in Rome with Italian officials to strengthen cooperation between the two countries in the field of justice. During a visit to the Italian Senate, Gogu met Maurizio Gasparri, chair of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee. He thanked Gasparri for ratifying the …
Albania’s draft 2027 budget allocates around ALL 18 billion to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, a 10% increase on the initial 2026 budget, Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said. Rural development remains the main priority, with ALL 8.4 billion, including ALL 5.3 billion for the national support scheme, up …
Restoration and improvement works have finished at Kanina Castle in Vlora. The historic monument is now ready to welcome visitors with improved infrastructure, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced. The project included conservation and structural works, alongside infrastructure upgrades, to protect the castle’s historical and cultural heritage. In …
Albania’s national team continued preparations for their upcoming matches against Finland and Belarus with a training session at the House of Football on Wednesday. The Albanian Football Association said all players trained at full intensity and were available to coach Rolando Maran. The team began the session in the gym …