Albania’s State Police Directorate and General Inspectorate sign cooperation deal targeting illegal construction and environmental crime
TIRANA, April 21 – Albania’s State Police and the General Inspectorate signed a cooperation agreement on Tuesday to strengthen joint action against illegal construction, environmental crime and labour violations. The deal also covers food safety, medicines and medical equipment oversight. The agreement sets a framework for coordinated inspections and enforcement …
Heavy rainfall causes urban flooding in northern Albania city of Lezha
TIRANA, April 21 – Heavy rainfall in recent hours has caused flooding in several urban areas of the northern Albanian city of Lezha. Water accumulation disrupted movement for residents and vehicles across affected zones. Authorities reported the most severe conditions in the “Besëlidhja” and “Skënderbeg” neighbourhoods. Drainage systems struggled to …
European Wrestling Championships kicks off in Tirana with over 600 athletes competing
TIRANA, April 21 – The European Wrestling Championships for seniors kicks off in Tirana, hosting more than 600 athletes from 38 countries from April 20 to 26, 2026. The event takes place at the Olympic Park “Feti Borova,” where the official opening ceremony marked the start of competitions. Organizers scheduled …
Rama: New port law to boost coastal investment
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the new law on tourist ports will support coastal investment. He said the changes are necessary to avoid blocking investors. Rama spoke at a meeting in Tirana with agrotourism representatives. He rejected claims that the government changes the law to favor oligarchs. He said the …
Balla meets Moldovan MPs to strengthen parliamentary cooperation
Taulant Balla met with Moldovan MPs and representatives of the Moldovan Football Federation. He focused on strengthening interparliamentary cooperation between Albania and Moldova. He said both countries share a common path toward European Union membership. He highlighted the need for closer cooperation in the EU integration process. Balla said Albania …
Rama: “Park of Faith” to attract tourists to Tirana
Prime Minister Edi Rama said the “Park of Faith” will attract tourists to Tirana. He described the project as a strong magnet for the Petrela area. He added that the park will develop step by step as vegetation grows. Rama noted a strong rise in tourist numbers in March. He …
Cultural week features films, theater, and exhibitions in Albania
This week features a rich calendar of cultural and artistic events in Albania. The “Italian Screens – Il Nuovo Cinema Italiano” cycle presents Italian films until April 25. Screenings take place in Tirana, Vlora, Shkodra, and Prishtina. The program promotes cultural dialogue between Italy, Albania, and Kosovo. One of the …
Gonxhja: Albania simplifies agrotourism licensing procedures
Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the government is simplifying licensing procedures for agrotourism. Authorities are working with the Agriculture Ministry under the “Mountain Package.” Gonxhja said the goal is faster and easier procedures. The government wants to remove unnecessary administrative barriers. He added that officials are waiting for final feedback …
Hoxha: Luxembourg strongly supports Albania’s EU membership
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha visited Luxembourg. He met Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel. Both sides confirmed strong friendship and cooperation. They agreed to deepen ties in key areas. They focused on innovation, technology, and tourism. Hoxha said Luxembourg strongly supports Albania’s EU membership. He noted Luxembourg’s consistent …
US Department of Justice hosts Albanian anti-corruption prosecutors as cooperation deepens
TIRANA, April 21 – The United States Department of Justice Criminal Division met a senior delegation from Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure in Washington on Monday. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation against corruption and transnational organised crime. The Justice Department received the Albanian prosecutors alongside officials from the OPDAT programme. …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has expressed solidarity with Italy after a military helicopter crashed near Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina, killing three people and injuring 12 others. The helicopter supported the EUFOR Althea mission, the European Union’s peacekeeping operation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. “I am deeply saddened by this tragic …
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has expressed condolences to the families of the victims of a military helicopter crash near Brčko, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The crash involved a helicopter linked to the EUFOR mission. It killed three people and injured 12 others. Hoxha extended Albania’s condolences to the victims’ families, …
Work on the Saranda bypass is progressing rapidly, with completion expected next year. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared new footage of the construction site and said the project would reduce traffic and make travel easier for residents and tourists. The project, known as the “Sixth Road”, includes the construction of …
Albania has lost one of its most distinguished legal scholars. Academician Luan Omari, a founding member of the Academy of Sciences of Albania, died on October 29, 2026, at the age of 101. Omari devoted his life to legal research, education and the development of Albania’s constitutional system. Through his …
Roskovec has welcomed local and regional officials from the European Union and Mediterranean countries following the 17th session of the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) in Tirana. The visit brought together mayors, local councillors and representatives from Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Jordan, Morocco and Mauritania. They exchanged experiences and …
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha met Canadian Ambassador to Albania Elissa Golberg on October 29 to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities to deepen cooperation. Hoxha described Canada as a friend, NATO ally and trusted partner. He also thanked Ottawa for its contribution to Albania’s democratic consolidation and socio-economic development. Both …
Albania’s government has approved a draft law to establish a National Art Fund. The initiative will use part of the savings from public procurement to support artists and invest in the country’s cultural heritage. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the fund would allocate up to 10% of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a video showing construction work on Saranda’s “Sixth Road,” highlighting the importance of the investment in improving road infrastructure and easing traffic congestion in the city. According to Rama, the project aims to reduce traffic, make daily travel easier for residents, and provide better …
The Transparency Board has set new retail and wholesale prices for diesel and petrol in Albania following a meeting held on Thursday, October 29. According to the board’s decision, the maximum retail price of diesel will be 212 lek per litre, while the wholesale price must not exceed 200 lek …
The unexplained transfer of Tirana’s mayor to Fier prison has triggered tensions within the ruling Socialist Party and an immediate response from Tirana’s Municipal Council, raising serious concerns about administrative arbitrariness and the rule of law. Tirana Times, October 29, 2026 – The sudden transfer of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj …