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97 years since adoption of statute of Albanian Orthodox Autocephalous Church

TIRANA, June 30 – Albania marked 97 years since the adoption of the Statute of the Albanian Orthodox Autocephalous Church on June 30, 1929. The development followed the country’s independence in 1912. Religious institutions also moved toward separation from traditional external dependencies shaped by political and administrative conditions. In the …

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PM Rama: Zvërnec investment to create 10,000 jobs as Vlora Bay naval base deal strengthens maritime industry cooperation

TIRANA, June 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said foreign investment drives jobs and economic growth in Albania. He said the Zvërnec project alone will create 10,000 jobs. Speaking in Pashaliman, Vlora, Rama attended the signing of a cooperation memorandum between Italy’s “Fincantieri”, Albania’s “Kayo”, and the “Pavarësia” industrial school. …

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The Political Myth of the “Beautiful Protest”

A Barthesian Reading By Diana Gëllçi, Ph.D. Tirana Times, June 30, 2026 – A beautiful protest has been unfolding in Tirana for several weeks. What is particularly interesting is that the same description has been adopted not only by the protesters themselves but also by government officials and media outlets aligned …

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Bulldozers Leave Their Mark on Albanian Seafront Coveted by Developers

Preparatory works for construction of a resort linked to Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, which helped spark Albania’s ongoing demonstrations, have been suspended – but they’ve left their mark on this protected habitat. Original post Here

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Ibrahimaj: Copyright Protection Drives Innovation and Fair Competition

Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj has stressed the importance of respecting copyright. She said it is not only a legal obligation but also a key way to support creativity, innovation, and fair competition. In a social media message, Ibrahimaj noted that people enjoy music, films, books, photographs, and …

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Kosovo Appoints First Female Defence Attaché to Albania

Kosovo has appointed Lieutenant Colonel Fatbardha Osaj as its new Defence Attaché to Albania. She officially assumed her post in Tirana, becoming the first woman to hold this position. The Ministry of Defence of Kosovo described the appointment as an important institutional milestone. It said the decision reflects the ministry’s …

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Tuesday brings clouds, local rain and isolated storms, temperatures up to 37°C

TIRANA, June 30 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will be affected by relatively unstable weather conditions on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the day will start mostly clear. Later, cloud cover will increase from moderate to locally dense, especially in the eastern areas. In addition, local rainfall will develop across much …

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KLA symbols should not be used in protests or political campaigns, veteran leader says

TIRANA, June 30 – Hysni Gucati leads the Organization of Veterans of the Kosova Liberation Army (KLA). He spoke about the lack of a Law on War Values. He said this gap allows individuals to speak on behalf of the former armed group. Meanwhile, he said authorities should not use …

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German media “HolidayCheck”: Five reasons Albania is becoming a top holiday destination

TIRANA, June 30 – German media outlet HolidayCheck reports that Albania is emerging as one of Europe’s most attractive holiday destinations. It highlights the coastline along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. The report points to the Albanian Riviera, especially areas south of Vlora and the Ksamil region, as key tourist …

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FM Hoxha: Albania enjoys unprecedented international standing

TIRANA, June 30 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania is experiencing one of the most important periods in its foreign policy history and now enjoys its highest level of international respect and credibility. In a social media post, Hoxha said he reached that conclusion after nearly four months in …

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Summer health centre in Castle-museum quarter serves tourists and residents in Berat

TIRANA, July 1 – The Ministry of Health and Social Protection reports that summer health centres continue to operate across Albania’s tourist areas. They provide medical services for holidaymakers without interruption. The ministry highlights work at the summer health centre in the Kala museum quarter in Berat. Medical staff serve …

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Albanian National Ensemble to Perform for First Time in London

Albania’s cultural heritage will take center stage in London as the National Ensemble of Songs and Dances prepares for its first-ever performance in the United Kingdom. The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet announced that the ensemble will perform on 6 July at the Shaw Theatre in London. The show …

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Negotiations, over 29% of revenues-to-GDP in 2026 from efficiency gains

TIRANA, July 1 – Albania continues progress in EU accession talks under Chapter 16 (Taxation) and Chapter 29 (Customs), with authorities focusing on legal alignment, technical systems and stronger administrative capacity. Ratification of the protocol on illicit tobacco trade remains a key closing requirement. Reporting to the Parliamentary Committee on …

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Ankara NATO summit must be “implementation and delivery summit”

TIRANA, July 1 – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance summit due next week in Ankara should focus on implementation and delivery, with defence spending, support for Ukraine and defence industrial production set as top priorities. Rutte said allies must concentrate on fulfilling commitments made at last year’s …

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Environment minister tells MEPs any Zvërnec project will undergo full environmental assessment

TIRANA, July 1 – Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj met a delegation of European Parliament members on Tuesday to discuss the proposed Narta–Zvërnec project. The delegation included Tineke Strik, Daniel Freund, Cristina Guarda, Jutta Paulus and Anna Strolenberg. During the meeting, Jaupaj said no final project proposal has reached the competent …

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New copyright bill aligns Albania with European Union rules

TIRANA, July 1 – Albania’s new copyright bill will strengthen the protection of creators and rights holders in the digital environment while aligning national legislation with European Union rules, Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Martin Kajo said on Tuesday. Speaking at a conference on digital and audiovisual piracy organised by …

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From UNESCO cities to the Ionian coast: Italian media highlights 15 wonders of Albania, writes ‘Idealista’

TIRANA, July 1 – Italian media outlet “Idealista” has highlighted 15 key destinations across Albania, presenting the country as an increasingly attractive European tourism hub where history, nature, and coastal landscapes meet. The article notes that Albania combines Roman amphitheatres, Ottoman-era bazaars, and modern urban life within a short travel …

News
Ireland assumes European Union Council presidency, President Begaj welcomes enlargement focus

TIRANA, July 1 – President Bajram Begaj welcomed Ireland as it begins its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. In a message published on Wednesday, Begaj wished Ireland success during its term at the helm of the Council. He said Albania was encouraged that European Union enlargement …

News
Albania Promotes “eTransport” Platform to Improve Public Transport Access for Citizens and Tourists

Albania is expanding its digital public transport services as the summer tourist season increases travel demand across the country. The General Director of the Road Transport Services Directorate (DPSHTRR), Kreshnik Bajraktari, has launched an intensive information campaign in the field to promote the eTransport platform. The initiative aims to provide …

News
PM Rama meets North Rhine-Westphalia premier to discuss investment and Albania’s EU membership

TIRANA, July 1 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met Hendrik Wüst during his visit to Bochum, Germany. Rama said the talks focused on expanding cooperation between Albania and North Rhine-Westphalia, one of Germany’s leading economic and industrial regions. He identified investment, digital technology, vocational education, and Albania’s European Union membership …

News

Summer health centre in Castle-museum quarter serves tourists and residents in Berat

TIRANA, July 1 – The Ministry of Health and Social Protection reports that summer health centres continue to operate across Albania’s tourist areas. They provide medical services for holidaymakers without interruption. The ministry highlights work at the summer health centre in the Kala museum quarter in Berat. Medical staff serve …

News

Albanian National Ensemble to Perform for First Time in London

Albania’s cultural heritage will take center stage in London as the National Ensemble of Songs and Dances prepares for its first-ever performance in the United Kingdom. The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet announced that the ensemble will perform on 6 July at the Shaw Theatre in London. The show …

News

Negotiations, over 29% of revenues-to-GDP in 2026 from efficiency gains

TIRANA, July 1 – Albania continues progress in EU accession talks under Chapter 16 (Taxation) and Chapter 29 (Customs), with authorities focusing on legal alignment, technical systems and stronger administrative capacity. Ratification of the protocol on illicit tobacco trade remains a key closing requirement. Reporting to the Parliamentary Committee on …

News

Ankara NATO summit must be “implementation and delivery summit”

TIRANA, July 1 – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance summit due next week in Ankara should focus on implementation and delivery, with defence spending, support for Ukraine and defence industrial production set as top priorities. Rutte said allies must concentrate on fulfilling commitments made at last year’s …

News

Environment minister tells MEPs any Zvërnec project will undergo full environmental assessment

TIRANA, July 1 – Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj met a delegation of European Parliament members on Tuesday to discuss the proposed Narta–Zvërnec project. The delegation included Tineke Strik, Daniel Freund, Cristina Guarda, Jutta Paulus and Anna Strolenberg. During the meeting, Jaupaj said no final project proposal has reached the competent …

News

New copyright bill aligns Albania with European Union rules

TIRANA, July 1 – Albania’s new copyright bill will strengthen the protection of creators and rights holders in the digital environment while aligning national legislation with European Union rules, Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Martin Kajo said on Tuesday. Speaking at a conference on digital and audiovisual piracy organised by …

News

From UNESCO cities to the Ionian coast: Italian media highlights 15 wonders of Albania, writes ‘Idealista’

TIRANA, July 1 – Italian media outlet “Idealista” has highlighted 15 key destinations across Albania, presenting the country as an increasingly attractive European tourism hub where history, nature, and coastal landscapes meet. The article notes that Albania combines Roman amphitheatres, Ottoman-era bazaars, and modern urban life within a short travel …

News

Ireland assumes European Union Council presidency, President Begaj welcomes enlargement focus

TIRANA, July 1 – President Bajram Begaj welcomed Ireland as it begins its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. In a message published on Wednesday, Begaj wished Ireland success during its term at the helm of the Council. He said Albania was encouraged that European Union enlargement …

News

Albania Promotes “eTransport” Platform to Improve Public Transport Access for Citizens and Tourists

Albania is expanding its digital public transport services as the summer tourist season increases travel demand across the country. The General Director of the Road Transport Services Directorate (DPSHTRR), Kreshnik Bajraktari, has launched an intensive information campaign in the field to promote the eTransport platform. The initiative aims to provide …

News

PM Rama meets North Rhine-Westphalia premier to discuss investment and Albania’s EU membership

TIRANA, July 1 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met Hendrik Wüst during his visit to Bochum, Germany. Rama said the talks focused on expanding cooperation between Albania and North Rhine-Westphalia, one of Germany’s leading economic and industrial regions. He identified investment, digital technology, vocational education, and Albania’s European Union membership …