US Department of State confirms David Hale’s visit to Kosovo, Serbia
US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, David Hale, is expected to visit Belgrade and Pristina this week, to encourage both countries resume the EU-facilitated dialogue in Brussels on normalisation of relations. Original post Here
US asks Kosovo to suspend tax on Serbian goods
US senior official, Philip Reeker, during a visit to Skopje on Monday urged Kosovo to suspend the 100 percent tax on Serbian goods, and called on Serbia to focus on a strategic interest “instead of being aggressive in rejecting Kosovo.” Original post Here
German foreign policy advisors to visit Kosovo
Two top foreign-policy advisors to German Chancellor Angela Merkel are expected to visit Kosovo next week, Gazeta Express has learned. Original post Here
Kosovo’s Speaker hints ousting of Government
Speaker of Parliament, Kadri Veseli, said every Government which affects Kosovo-US relation and the US military base Bondsteel should be overthrown. Original post Here
Petition on unification of Mitrovica not discussed by MPs
Despite being in the agenda, Parliament’s Committee on Human Rights and Petitions has not discussed a petition signed by Mitrovica citizens asking unification of this ethnically-divided town. Chair of the Committee, Duda Balje said they have not received the petition from the Parliament’s presidency. Original post Here
Specialist Prosecutor’s Office summons another ex-KLA member
The Specialist Prosecutor’s Office has contacted last week a former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) and summoned him for questioning. Original post Here
US Diplomat: Serbia should recognize Kosovo
US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State, Matthew Palmer, said Serbia should recognize Kosovo as an independent, sovereign country and Kosovo should do the same. Original post Here
EU members ask suspension of tax, says Kosovo minister
Kosovo’s Minister of European Integration, Dhurata Hoxha, says her Office receives in daily basis requests from the EU member countries urging Kosovo to suspend tax on Serbian goods, Gazeta Express reports. Original post Here
Nike Gjeloshaj first Albanian mayor of Tuz, Montenegro
Albanian political parties won the elections in the newly established municipality of Tuz in Montenegro. The elections held on Sunday were calm and Albanian mayoral candidate won over 50 percent of votes. Original post Here
Kosovo’s PM urges President to give up his idea on land swap with Serbia
Prime Minister Ramush Haradinaj says the President Hashim Thaci and Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama likely have presented to the White House a draft on how a final agreement with Serbia would look like. Haradinaj doubts that Thaci and Rama proposed giving Serbia land in exchange of recognition for Kosovo. …
TIRANA, May 18 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Braathu spoke at a media freedom conference. He said free, independent and secure journalism represents a foundation for society and democracy. He also said ethical and transparent journalism is essential for any democratic system. He stressed that free …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the Shkodër Historical Museum, showing it filled with local and foreign visitors. He described the museum as having a lively and pleasant atmosphere. The museum began its organization in 1947 under the name “People’s Museum” and was fully established in 1949. It was …
TIRANA, May 18 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the 11th OSCE South East Europe Media Conference in Tirana. The event is titled “Strengthening Journalism as a Public Good” and focuses on media freedom and journalist safety. He said Albania remains committed to strengthening …
TIRANA, May 18 – e-Albania 2.0 introduces a redesigned platform for public services in Albania. It enables easier access for citizens. It also improves usability for persons with disabilities. In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the platform. He described it as a new step in the digital …
TIRANA, May 18 – Albania took part in the 25th meeting of the Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe Insurance Supervision Initiative in Warsaw, Poland. The meeting brought together supervisory authorities from across the region. The delegation of the Albanian Financial Supervisory Authority included Merita Gurabardhi, Aranit Muja and Lusjana …
TIRANA, May 18 – The Forensic Science Institute took part for the first time as a full member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes in Zurich, Switzerland. The meeting gathered directors of European forensic science institutes. Institute Director Perlat Çullaj presented the institute’s role and development. He outlined …
TIRANA. May 18 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the “Museum Week 2026” initiative in a social media post. He said the event will take place from 18 to 24 May across Albania. During the week, museums, archaeological parks and cultural heritage sites will open their …
TIRANA, May 18 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Civil Emergencies Support Base. He met Armed Forces personnel engaged in emergency response operations. The visit focused on wildfire preparedness ahead of the summer season. Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Arben Kingji attended the event. National Civil Protection …
TIRANA, May 18 – President Bajram Begaj met participants of the Higher Security and Defence Course held at the Armed Forces Defence and Security College. He praised the college for organising the programme. He also highlighted the spirit of cooperation and mutual understanding among participants. In addition, he stressed the …
Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – OTP Bank Albania has inaugurated new premises dedicated to the Private Banking segment, unveiling an exclusive space designed for clients seeking personalized service and advanced financial standards. Located in the heart of Tirana, the premises have been designed in line with OTP Group standards, …