OSHEE Moves Toward a Smart Energy Grid, Hima: Digitalization and AI Will Play Key Role
The Electricity Distribution Operator (OSHEE Group) plans to develop a smarter energy grid. General Administrator Mentor Hima said digitalization, smart meters, automation and artificial intelligence will play a key role in this transformation. Hima presented the vision at the “3rd International Conference on Renewable Energies and Smart Technologies – IEEE …
Gonxhja: Nearly 1.1 Million Visitors Explore Cultural Sites, Gjirokastra Castle Leads
Albania continues to attract visitors with more than its coastal and mountain destinations. Cultural and historical attractions also draw growing interest. Cultural heritage institutions and sites recorded a significant increase in visitors during the first eight months of 2026. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced today that …
Albanian Port Bars Alleged Russian-Linked ‘Shadow Fleet’ Oil Tanker
Ukraine welcomes Albania’s ‘demonstration of solidarity’ in blocking the ‘Hanuman’ tanker, whose operator, it believes, is linked to Kremlin allies. Original post Here
13th KoKo Fest closes in Korçë as festival announces winners
The 13th edition of “KoKo Fest,” the International Comedy Festival, has closed in Korçë after ten days of theatre, comedy and artistic performances. The festival brought together nine theatre companies from Albania and the region, which filled the southeastern city with performances, humor and artistic energy. Throughout the festival, audiences …
EURO U21 2027: UEFA delegation inspects tournament stadiums
Preparations for the 2027 UEFA European Under-21 Championship in Albania have entered another important phase. Today, UEFA representatives began inspecting the stadiums that will host matches during the tournament. They started their tour at “Loro Boriçi” Stadium in Shkodër. The delegation will then visit “Elbasan Arena” before continuing to Tirana. …
Begaj decrees Klodiana Spahiu’s appointment as Health Minister
President Bajram Begaj has signed a decree dismissing Evis Sala as Minister of Health and Social Welfare, appointing Klodiana Spahiu as her successor. “Today, the President of the Republic, Bajram Begaj, decreed the dismissal of Ms. Evis Sala as Minister of Health and Social Welfare. He also decreed the appointment …
Albania to see clear skies and temperatures up to 34°C on Tuesday
Albania will see stable weather conditions on Tuesday, with clear skies across the country. High atmospheric pressure will continue to dominate, keeping skies mostly clear and temperatures relatively high across most areas. According to MeteoAlb, clouds will increase slightly in the afternoon and later in the day. They will be …
Manaj scores and assists, Asllani makes spectacular debut with Eurogoal
Albanian footballers enjoyed another positive week in international leagues. Several national team players played key roles for their clubs, scoring goals and delivering strong performances. Rey Manaj, Kristjan Asllani, Ernest Muçi, Taulant Seferi, Cristian Shpendi and Bujar Pllana all found the net. Their goals helped their teams secure important results. …
Gjirokastër museums welcome 62,000 visitors this year as history and culture boost tourism
The rich heritage of local traditions and folklore is drawing growing interest at the Ethnographic Museum this early autumn. Local and foreign visitors are showing particular interest in the area’s history, traditions and way of life over the years. Tour guides say interest in the city’s museums continues to grow. …
92,000 tourists visit Apollonia as foreign visitor map expands
Apollonia attracts visitors throughout the year, while summer brings its largest tourist crowds. Around 92,000 tourists visited the Apollonia Archaeological Park from January through August. The figure marks a 5% increase compared with the same period last year. Visitors now come from every corner of the world, although Europeans make …
Tirana Times, September 09, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has uncovered new evidence in its widening investigation of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, increasing pressure on one of the most powerful figures of the governing Socialist Party. SPAK said Wednesday that a special …
The Institute of GeoSciences (IGJEO) warns of a high fire risk this afternoon and tomorrow in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier counties. Meanwhile, other parts of the country will face a moderate risk. However, the high-risk level will affect only localised areas in some counties. These include northeastern Lezhë, northeastern Tirana …
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Michel Tarran, said in Pogradec that the territorial reform remains under discussion and that no final decision has been made so far. Asked about the consultation process, Tarran stressed that the OSCE does not impose a specific model for territorial organization. He …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …
The lek strengthened against major foreign currencies in the domestic foreign exchange market on Wednesday, compared with the previous day. According to the official exchange rate published by the Bank of Albania, the euro fell by 0.05 lek, to 92.02 lek, while the US dollar dropped by 0.19 lek, to …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, was among the keynote speakers at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference. Italy’s ANSA news agency organized the event. The conference took place during the 34th General Assembly of the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE). The Friuli …
Speaking at the “Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference, Hoxha also addressed Albania’s positions on Kosovo, stressing that Albania considers it an independent state that should receive international recognition. “We have fundamental differences with Serbia over Kosovo,” he said. “Kosovo is an independent state and should be recognized.” At the same …
The Cold War Museum in Gjirokastër has unveiled a new exhibition inside the city’s historic underground bunker. The central hall now features uniforms worn by soldiers, generals and officials during Albania’s communist era. Visitors can also see banned books, newspaper articles from the 1950s to the 1990s, and publications by …
Albania plans to gradually shift public administration toward electric vehicles. Under the new target, public institutions must procure new light vehicles that are either fully electric or plug-in hybrids. The target forms part of the revised National Energy and Climate Plan 2020–2030. The plan introduces several measures to cut transport …
The PISA 2025 results show a major improvement in Albanian students’ performance. Scores rose by 65 points in mathematics, 59 points in science and 50 points in reading. As a result, Albania ranks among the Western Balkans’ strongest performers in mathematics and science. The results were presented in Bratislava at …