On Autocracy, Hungary, and the Cost of Crying Wolf
by Nikola Kedhi Tirana Times, April 20, 2026 – On the evening of April 12, 2026, Viktor Orbán, Europe’s most scrutinized, most condemned, most exhaustively theorized leader, conceded defeat in a parliamentary election. Péter Magyar’s Tisza party had won over 53 percent of the vote. The man whom the European …
Rama shares weekly photo album: from Diaspora Summit to Spain and Italy visits
Prime Minister Edi Rama released a weekly photo album showing key engagements. He inspected Vlorë and reviewed preparations for the tourist season. Local authorities carried out work on the ground under his supervision. He visited the “Lungomare 4” project and pushed improvements in public spaces. The project targets high-traffic tourist …
Civil aviation sector moves toward sustainable fuels, five new terminal expansions expected in May
TIRANA, April 20 – Albanian Civil Aviation Authority Executive Director Maksim Et’hemaj outlined rapid structural changes in Albania’s aviation sector, driven by tourism growth, infrastructure pressure, and a shift toward cleaner fuels. Global instability and volatile fuel prices continue to challenge the sector, he said. Aviation operators now accelerate work …
New olive oil cooperative model launched in Lushnjë
Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla presented a new agricultural cooperation model in Lushnjë. He joined Mayor Eriselda Sefa to launch a Agricultural Cooperation Society (SHBB) in the olive oil sector. The initiative includes 17 local farmers. It aims to improve organization and strengthen cooperation in production. The …
Kosova designates Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as terrorist organization
TIRANA, April 20 – Kosova government designated Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization on Monday during a cabinet meeting in Prishtina. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the decision strengthens Kosova’s commitment to international security and democratic values. He linked the move to cooperation with strategic allies against …
PM Rama tells for Italian ‘Il Giornale’ migration deal with Italy is exclusive, not replicable
TIRANA, April 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the migration agreement between Albania and Italy remains a unique arrangement and cannot be replicated by other European countries. He made the remarks in an interview with Italian daily Il Giornale. Rama said several European Union member states have expressed interest …
Borsh Castle to open as new museum site
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared updates on restoration works at Kalaja e Borshit. First, authorities carry out major restoration works. They aim to preserve the monument and improve visitor experience. Next, the project restores and stabilizes the castle structures. It also renovates the mosque inside the …
Marubi Museum opens doors free for International Monuments Day
The Marubi National Museum of Photography offered free entry for International Day of Monuments and Sites. First, it invited the public to explore its exhibitions at no cost. Next, visitors experienced the exhibition “Zofia Rydet: Sociological Record.” Then, they visited “Rrok Zojzi: Ethnographic Expeditions.” In addition, the museum showcased its …
“From internment to Hollywood”, Aldo Shllaku shares his success journey in the US
Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted composer Aldo Shllaku on the “FLASIM” podcast. First, Shllaku shared his difficult childhood. He said he was born in Elbasan during his family’s internment under the communist regime. Next, he explained his education in music. He studied in Elbasan and later left Albania after high …
Albanian top flight: Elbasani secures place in championship ‘Final 4’
TIRANA, April 20 – Kategoria Superiore, Albania’s top-tier football league, continued its 32nd round on Sunday with decisive results in the race for the championship playoffs. Elbasani clinched a 2-1 away win over Teuta in Durrës. The result secured their mathematical qualification for the league’s “Final 4” phase. Partizani drew …
The Albanian Customs Administration is strengthening regional cooperation to fight cross-border crime. It works with international authorities through the Southeast European Law Enforcement Center (SELEC), sharing information and coordinating operations. The administration also supports joint efforts to improve regional security. As part of this work, it reports information on seizures …
The Lungomare 3 project is transforming Radhimë and expanding Vlora’s potential for quality tourism. The investment has upgraded coastal infrastructure and created modern public spaces for residents and visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared new footage of Radhimë, highlighting the ongoing urban transformation along the Vlora coast. The new promenade …
The Albanian government has approved a new Transport Sector Strategy and action plan through 2030. The Council of Ministers adopted the decision on Tuesday. The strategy and action plan will guide the measures and policies planned for the transport sector over the next four years. Under the decision, the Ministry …
Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and solidarity with those injured in the deadly train crash in Spain. According to the report, 68 people lost their lives and around 50 others suffered serious injuries after two high-speed …
Durana Tech Park is entering a new phase of development. The park has gained international recognition for its innovative business model and is now preparing to build its physical infrastructure in Albania. Currently, the park hosts 88 companies and is evaluating five more. Of the resident companies, 52% have foreign …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the state budget has exceeded €10 billion for the first time in Albania’s history. He made the announcement in a message on economic performance and addressed students as well. The government has submitted the 2027 draft budget to the Assembly for discussion and approval. Rama …
The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination has brought together national stakeholders to explore new opportunities for regional cooperation and financing. The meeting also marked the first thematic workshop under the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic-Ionian Region Stakeholders Engagement Point (StEP) project. Representatives of public institutions, development …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced plans to reduce the price of diesel by 32 Albanian Lek (ALL) per litre by removing the circulation tax from fuel. Under the proposed changes, the government would shift the tax to vehicles and collect it through the relevant road transport directorate. The measure …
The European Union has told Serbia’s incoming government, which will be formed following the elections, that it is expected to engage constructively in the dialogue aimed at normalizing relations with Kosovo, including implementing all agreements reached so far. An EU spokesperson made the statement, stressing that the outcome of the …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has reacted to the tragic train crash in Spain, where at least 68 people lost their lives following a collision between two high-speed trains. In a message posted on social media platform X, Begaj expressed his condolences to the families of the victims and the Spanish …