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Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy

By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …

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Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens

Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …

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Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth

From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …

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Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë

Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …

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Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games

Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …

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Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”

The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …

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Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …

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Edi Rama: No Compromise on Food Safety for EU Integration

Edi Rama said there will be no compromise on food safety. He spoke in Berat with olive oil producers. First, he highlighted food safety as a key condition for EU integration. He said standards must match those of the European Union. Then, he warned producers. He said non-compliant products will …

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Delina Ibrahimaj said investment and cooperation in agro-processing are key for exports and EU integration

She spoke during a visit to an olive oil processing business. Edi Rama and other cabinet members were present. First, she stressed higher standards in production. She said agriculture and agro-processing must improve to enter the EU market. Then, she highlighted a new model of cooperation. Over 70 olive oil …

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Blendi Gonxhja said traditional crochet art is a candidate for UNESCO recognition

Blendi Gonxhja said traditional crochet art is a UNESCO candidate. He announced the nomination of “ojnat.” He submitted it in a joint file with Romania and Turkey. First, he highlighted its cultural value. He said Albanian women passed it down through generations. Then, he explained the technique. Artisans use fine …

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Rama: Contract with Fincantieri for military ship production in Pashaliman

The Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He promoted major development and investment plans. First, he said Vlora transforms into a key tourism hub. He stressed that projects attract more visitors and investors. Moreover, he said Albania offers a safe environment for living and business. Therefore, he compared Vlora …

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Rama: Tourism interest rises, prices must follow long-term vision

Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He focused on tourism growth and investment strategy.First, he said tourism demand continues to grow. He added that Albania can attract visitors beyond the summer season. Moreover, he said investment interest is increasing. Therefore, he urged operators to use this opportunity. In addition, …

News
PM Rama urges diaspora investment through “mountains package”, says Albania offers real profit opportunities

TIRANA, April 14 – Prime Minister Edi Rama called on the Albanian diaspora to invest in their homeland during the Fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana. He introduced the “Mountains Package” as a policy tool for rural development and investment. At the opening of his address, he described the initiative as …

News
Speaker Peleshi says diaspora Albanians represent a global success model at fourth Diaspora Summit

TIRANA, April 14 – The Fourth Diaspora Summit continued at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana. Officials highlighted the role of Albanians abroad in national development and European integration. Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi described the gathering as important for Albania’s EU path. At the opening of his address, he …

News
Rama: Tourist numbers rise in March from US and EU countries

Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He focused on tourism growth and development. First, he said tourist arrivals increased in March compared to last year. He highlighted strong growth from Europe and the United States. Moreover, he shared detailed statistics. For example, visitors from Italy rose by 11%, while …

News
48 years at the loom: Krujë artisan weaves history into every thread

In the heart of the Pazari i Vjetër i Krujës, Dëshira Maja has worked for 48 years. She creates carpets, blankets, and bags with Albanian motifs. First, she continues a family tradition. She learned the craft from her mother. She still follows the same traditional methods today. Moreover, she works …

News
Elbasani wins 3–0 against Partizani despite playing with 10 men

Elbasani defeated Partizani Tirana 3–0 in a key Superliga match. First, Elbasani started the game strongly. They stayed competitive in a tight first half. Moreover, the match turned intense in the second half. Elbasani received a red card when Emiljano Musta was sent off. However, Elbasani did not slow down. …

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Women’s World Cup 2027: Albania prepare for Wales qualifier

Albania women’s national football team completed preparations for their qualifier against Wales for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualification. First, the team finished training in good condition. The squad reported strong fitness and no injury problems. Moreover, the players focused fully on the upcoming match. The coaching staff emphasized …

News
PM Rama says diaspora voice now part of decision-making, calls EU path a civilisational choice

TIRANA, April 14 – Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed the Fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana and said the diaspora now participates directly in national decision-making. He linked the change to external voting rights and wider political inclusion. At the opening of the address, voting from abroad shifted from demand to …

News
Vlora “Museum of Water” project assessed for year-round tourism potential

TIRANA, April 14 – Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja held talks with an international team of architects and local experts on the proposed “Illiri Oceanarium – Museum of Water” project in Vlora. The initiative aims to develop a regional tourism, cultural, and research destination. The meeting brought together …

News

Rama: Contract with Fincantieri for military ship production in Pashaliman

The Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He promoted major development and investment plans. First, he said Vlora transforms into a key tourism hub. He stressed that projects attract more visitors and investors. Moreover, he said Albania offers a safe environment for living and business. Therefore, he compared Vlora …

News

Rama: Tourism interest rises, prices must follow long-term vision

Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He focused on tourism growth and investment strategy.First, he said tourism demand continues to grow. He added that Albania can attract visitors beyond the summer season. Moreover, he said investment interest is increasing. Therefore, he urged operators to use this opportunity. In addition, …

News

PM Rama urges diaspora investment through “mountains package”, says Albania offers real profit opportunities

TIRANA, April 14 – Prime Minister Edi Rama called on the Albanian diaspora to invest in their homeland during the Fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana. He introduced the “Mountains Package” as a policy tool for rural development and investment. At the opening of his address, he described the initiative as …

News

Speaker Peleshi says diaspora Albanians represent a global success model at fourth Diaspora Summit

TIRANA, April 14 – The Fourth Diaspora Summit continued at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana. Officials highlighted the role of Albanians abroad in national development and European integration. Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi described the gathering as important for Albania’s EU path. At the opening of his address, he …

News

Rama: Tourist numbers rise in March from US and EU countries

Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He focused on tourism growth and development. First, he said tourist arrivals increased in March compared to last year. He highlighted strong growth from Europe and the United States. Moreover, he shared detailed statistics. For example, visitors from Italy rose by 11%, while …

News

48 years at the loom: Krujë artisan weaves history into every thread

In the heart of the Pazari i Vjetër i Krujës, Dëshira Maja has worked for 48 years. She creates carpets, blankets, and bags with Albanian motifs. First, she continues a family tradition. She learned the craft from her mother. She still follows the same traditional methods today. Moreover, she works …

News

Elbasani wins 3–0 against Partizani despite playing with 10 men

Elbasani defeated Partizani Tirana 3–0 in a key Superliga match. First, Elbasani started the game strongly. They stayed competitive in a tight first half. Moreover, the match turned intense in the second half. Elbasani received a red card when Emiljano Musta was sent off. However, Elbasani did not slow down. …

News

Women’s World Cup 2027: Albania prepare for Wales qualifier

Albania women’s national football team completed preparations for their qualifier against Wales for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualification. First, the team finished training in good condition. The squad reported strong fitness and no injury problems. Moreover, the players focused fully on the upcoming match. The coaching staff emphasized …

News

PM Rama says diaspora voice now part of decision-making, calls EU path a civilisational choice

TIRANA, April 14 – Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed the Fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana and said the diaspora now participates directly in national decision-making. He linked the change to external voting rights and wider political inclusion. At the opening of the address, voting from abroad shifted from demand to …

News

Vlora “Museum of Water” project assessed for year-round tourism potential

TIRANA, April 14 – Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja held talks with an international team of architects and local experts on the proposed “Illiri Oceanarium – Museum of Water” project in Vlora. The initiative aims to develop a regional tourism, cultural, and research destination. The meeting brought together …