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Rama in Azerbaijan: To invest towards renewable energy

Prime Minister Edi Rama, from Baku where he is participating in the 10th Summit of the Southern Gas Corridor as the guest of honor of President Ilham Alije, declared that the Southern Gas Corridor has made Europe safer. He added that the percentage of gas that will come from Russia …

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“EU is closer to us”, Rama: Growth plan, key platform for integration

In the joint media conference with Commissioner Varhelyi, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the EU is now closer to the Western Balkans. Rama estimated that the economic growth plan is a key platform to accelerate European integration. “Welcome to Tirana, all of you who come from the region. I …

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Rama: All WB countries said “yes” to possibility of cooperation, investments in arms production

Prime Minister Edi Rama, commented Thursday the declaration of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy for potential joint arms production. In the press conference with the EU Enlargement Commissioner Oliver Varhelyi at the end of the Growth and Convergence for the Western Balkans Summit, Rama said that “Albania does not …

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Regional summit on the growth and convergence plan to take place Thursday

Another Summit will take place on Thursday in Albania. The Regional Summit on the Growth and Convergence Plan with have a focus on the integration of the Western Balkans towards the European Union, as well as the implementation of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. This summit will also …

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Summit on the EU’s economic growth plan for the region, Western Balkan leaders gathers in Tirana

Today the leaders of the Western Balkan countries and the European Commissioner for Enlargement, Oliver Varhelyi, will gather for the regional summit on the European Union’s economic growth plan for the region. The EU’s plan for the Western Balkans aims at the economic advancement of the region, accelerating necessary reforms, …

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Rama: Let’s take the necessary steps near the union, otherwise we will fail

Prime Minister Edi Rama, in the opening speech of the summit between the EU and the Western Balkans on the new growth plan, emphasized that the union must find new ways to help the region. He emphasized that the necessary steps must be taken to join the union, otherwise we …

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Rama: In June we apply for the euro payment area

In June, Albania intends to apply to the common euro payments area. The statement was made by Prime Minister Rama, during his speech at the EU-Western Balkans summit in Tirana. In his speech, Rama said that Albania will work hard to carry out this exercise, as he considered, not easy. …

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NAPOKON …. SË FUNDI… КОНЕЧНО

By Marko Čadež As of 1 March this year, citizens of Serbia, Albania and North Macedonia will FINALLY be able to live and work in any of the three countries as in their own. In boring bureaucratic words “The Agreement on the Conditions for Free Access to the Labor Market …

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In Tirana summit, Ukrainian President Zelensky thanks Albania for support, seeks joint munitions production

TIRANA, Feb. 28, 2024 – Making his first visit to Albania, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Balkan nations, and Albania in particular, for support in countering Russian aggression in his country, calling specifically for cooperation in munitions production, which Ukraine urgently needs in its fight against Russia.  He made the …

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Rama-Zelensky discuss over potential joint arms production

The Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama and Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed with each-other even for a possibility of joint arms production. Ukrainian President, Zelenskyy said after the meeting that since the first days of the full-scale invasion, Albania has supported Ukraine in our struggle for freedom and territorial integrity. …

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Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

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Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

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25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

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Lura National Park wildfire, around 220 forces deployed on the ground, air and ground operations underway

TIRANA, August 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today that operations to manage the wildfire in Lura National Park continue at high intensity. The fire affects the Runja area above Borie Lura village. In a social media statement, Nufi said all relevant structures remain engaged in the operation. They …

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New draft law changes defence and security procurement

TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …

News
The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics

Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …

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Apollonia Archaeological Park welcomes visitors from around the world

TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …

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Shkodër Art Gallery to resume rich artistic calendar in September

TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …

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Perseid meteor shower to light up Tirana’s night sky

TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …

News
EU opposes Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River

TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …

News

Archbishop Joani attends Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s 65th anniversary in Imbros

TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …

News

Customs revenue rises 3.7% in 7 months

TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …

News

25 years since Ohrid Agreement, FM Hoxha: North Macedonia’s stability is part of Balkan security

TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …

News

Lura National Park wildfire, around 220 forces deployed on the ground, air and ground operations underway

TIRANA, August 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today that operations to manage the wildfire in Lura National Park continue at high intensity. The fire affects the Runja area above Borie Lura village. In a social media statement, Nufi said all relevant structures remain engaged in the operation. They …

News

New draft law changes defence and security procurement

TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …

News

The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics

Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …

News

Apollonia Archaeological Park welcomes visitors from around the world

TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …

News

Shkodër Art Gallery to resume rich artistic calendar in September

TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …

News

Perseid meteor shower to light up Tirana’s night sky

TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …

News

EU opposes Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River

TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …