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Economic Slowdown: Business Activity Grew by Just 1.1% in 2025

Although Albania’s economy expanded by 3.9% in 2025, according to preliminary data from INSTAT, nearly 72% of that growth was driven by just two sectors that are not directly linked to real business activity: public administration and net taxes. Based on preliminary estimates derived from quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) …

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PM Rama Welcomes Turkey’s New Ambassador to Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos on X from a meeting with Turkey’s new ambassador to Albania, Ceyhun Erciyes. “It is a pleasure to welcome the new ambassador of our brotherly Turkey,” Rama wrote on X. The Prime Minister also reposted a message from the Turkish Embassy in Tirana, which …

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PM Kurti: Kosovo Did Not Need New Elections, Work on Forming Institutions to Begin Soon

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has stated that the June 7 elections were unnecessary and that the outcome itself proves it, stressing that citizens have once again delivered a clear message. “This is our first in-person meeting since the June 7 elections. Kosovo did not need these elections, and the …

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Tourists from around the world bring Tirana to life

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-351″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-351″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-2″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-352″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-352″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Tirana wakes up every day with voices from around the world, and tourists choose Albania as their holiday destination. Moreover, they fill the city with energy and movement as they …

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New Tirana–Palma de Mallorca Flight Route from Rinas Airport

The Tirana International Airport is expanding its international network. It is adding a new air route that connects Albania with one of the most popular Mediterranean tourist destinations. First, the airport announced the launch of the new Tirana–Palma de Mallorca route. The inaugural flight took place today. It operates in …

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“National Geographic”: Lake Ohrid, Europe’s hidden gem between ancient history and natural beauty

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-353″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-353″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> From the mountains of Slovenia to the wild landscapes of Finland and the calm shores of France, some of Europe’s most beautiful lakes remain far from large tourist crowds. In this context, Lake Ohrid stands out as one of the …

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Albania and Eurojust commit to strengthening cooperation against cross-border crime

Albania’s Minister of Interior, Besfort Lamallari, held a meeting in The Hague with Eurojust President Michael Schmid. They discussed how to strengthen cooperation against cross-border crime. During the meeting, Lamallari highlighted the strong partnership between Albania and Eurojust. Moreover, he noted that this cooperation already delivers concrete results in complex …

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“Latitudes”: Albania’s hidden treasures, from Theth to Filikur

While millions of tourists choose Albania every year for the famous beaches of the Riviera or the lively atmosphere of Tirana, another side of the country still remains far from mass tourism. Indeed, from spectacular canyons and hidden mountain villages to untouched coves and breathtaking northern landscapes, these destinations offer …

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Minister Karakaçi: Albania moves toward a gigabit society with major investments in modern networks and 5G coverage

Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said Albania aligns its communication networks with EU standards. Moreover, he stressed a clear goal: modern fiber networks to end users and 5G coverage by 2030. He spoke at an event on underground urban infrastructure. In addition, he focused on removing overhead cables …

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“Urban Renaissance 2.0” to launch in July, targets gaps in water and sewage infrastructure

The “Urban Renaissance 2.0” program, set to be presented in early July, will address issues in water supply and sewage systems. Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about the initiative during an event with local government leaders. Moreover, he described it as a large-scale program with strategic importance for communities across …

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In Albania, Public Sector Political Hires are Undermining Democracy

The current protests reflect frustration with a clientelist system that rewards party loyalty over merit and uses the public administration to distribute privileges and resources to supporters. Original post Here

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PM Rama: Ukraine is rebuilding Europe’s courage at reconstruction conference

TIRANA, June 27 – Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Poland, which brings together heads of state and government, international financial institutions, business representatives and civil society organisations from around the world. The conference aims to strengthen international support for Ukraine and mobilise …

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Bënja Spa Rehabilitation Continues, Boosting Tourism Potential

Work on the rehabilitation of the Bënja thermal baths continues steadily. The project aims to improve tourist infrastructure, organize visitor services, and protect the area’s unique natural values. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment clarified that the destination remains under development. Therefore, recently published images show temporary construction stages rather than …

News
Territorial Reform Aims to Strengthen Municipalities and Balance Development

The Special Commission on Administrative-Territorial Reform held its eleventh public hearing in Korça. The meeting gathered local stakeholders to discuss proposals for Albania’s new territorial reform. Speaking at the hearing, Arbjan Mazniku said that ten years after the 2014 reform, it is time to evaluate its results and identify improvements. …

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Rama Meets Ukrainian Prime Minister Svyrydenko in Poland

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama met Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko in Gdańsk, Poland, on Wednesday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026. Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, also attended the talks. During the meeting, the leaders discussed ways to strengthen …

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Cyprus EU Presidency Backs Albania’s EU Path, Hoxha Says in Nicosia Visit

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha visited Nicosia, Cyprus, where he held a series of high-level meetings focused on EU integration and bilateral cooperation. First, Hoxha met with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and advancing Albania’s European agenda. In addition, he …

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Peleshi Meets Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican, Reaffirms Strong Albania–Holy See Relations

Niko Peleshi met Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. The meeting reaffirmed strong relations between Albania and the Holy See. Both sides emphasized shared values and cooperation. They highlighted peace, dialogue, and mutual respect. Peleshi presented a symbolic gift from Albania. The gesture expressed friendship and appreciation toward the Holy …

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Begaj: Scientific Research Is Key for Albania’s European Path

Bajram Begaj attended an international scientific conference in Tirana focused on the importance of toponymy in shaping Albanian cultural identity. The event was organized by the Institute of Anthropology under the Academy of Sciences. Researchers and academics discussed how place names reflect language, history, and identity. Begaj said that scientific …

News
A stronger Union for the Mediterranean for a stronger Mediterranean

By H.E. Ambassador Nasser Kamel, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean. Tirana Times, June 25, 2026 – They say no man ever steps in the same river twice. The universe is in a constant state of flux: such is my sentiment as I reflect on my mandate at the Union for the …

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Austria Leads FDI, but Real Estate Tells the Bigger Story

Bank of Albania data show Austria topping first-quarter foreign investment flows, while property and construction continue to shape Albania’s FDI model. Tirana Times June 25, 2026 – The figures place Austria ahead of some of Albania’s traditionally dominant investment partners, including Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey. Yet the data also …

News

In Albania, Public Sector Political Hires are Undermining Democracy

The current protests reflect frustration with a clientelist system that rewards party loyalty over merit and uses the public administration to distribute privileges and resources to supporters. Original post Here

News

PM Rama: Ukraine is rebuilding Europe’s courage at reconstruction conference

TIRANA, June 27 – Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Gdańsk, Poland, which brings together heads of state and government, international financial institutions, business representatives and civil society organisations from around the world. The conference aims to strengthen international support for Ukraine and mobilise …

News

Bënja Spa Rehabilitation Continues, Boosting Tourism Potential

Work on the rehabilitation of the Bënja thermal baths continues steadily. The project aims to improve tourist infrastructure, organize visitor services, and protect the area’s unique natural values. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Environment clarified that the destination remains under development. Therefore, recently published images show temporary construction stages rather than …

News

Territorial Reform Aims to Strengthen Municipalities and Balance Development

The Special Commission on Administrative-Territorial Reform held its eleventh public hearing in Korça. The meeting gathered local stakeholders to discuss proposals for Albania’s new territorial reform. Speaking at the hearing, Arbjan Mazniku said that ten years after the 2014 reform, it is time to evaluate its results and identify improvements. …

News

Rama Meets Ukrainian Prime Minister Svyrydenko in Poland

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama met Ukrainian Prime Minister Yuliia Svyrydenko in Gdańsk, Poland, on Wednesday. The meeting took place on the sidelines of the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2026. Albania’s Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, also attended the talks. During the meeting, the leaders discussed ways to strengthen …

News

Cyprus EU Presidency Backs Albania’s EU Path, Hoxha Says in Nicosia Visit

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha visited Nicosia, Cyprus, where he held a series of high-level meetings focused on EU integration and bilateral cooperation. First, Hoxha met with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to strengthening cooperation and advancing Albania’s European agenda. In addition, he …

News

Peleshi Meets Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican, Reaffirms Strong Albania–Holy See Relations

Niko Peleshi met Pope Leo XIV in the Vatican. The meeting reaffirmed strong relations between Albania and the Holy See. Both sides emphasized shared values and cooperation. They highlighted peace, dialogue, and mutual respect. Peleshi presented a symbolic gift from Albania. The gesture expressed friendship and appreciation toward the Holy …

News

Begaj: Scientific Research Is Key for Albania’s European Path

Bajram Begaj attended an international scientific conference in Tirana focused on the importance of toponymy in shaping Albanian cultural identity. The event was organized by the Institute of Anthropology under the Academy of Sciences. Researchers and academics discussed how place names reflect language, history, and identity. Begaj said that scientific …

News

A stronger Union for the Mediterranean for a stronger Mediterranean

By H.E. Ambassador Nasser Kamel, Secretary General of the Union for the Mediterranean. Tirana Times, June 25, 2026 – They say no man ever steps in the same river twice. The universe is in a constant state of flux: such is my sentiment as I reflect on my mandate at the Union for the …

News

Austria Leads FDI, but Real Estate Tells the Bigger Story

Bank of Albania data show Austria topping first-quarter foreign investment flows, while property and construction continue to shape Albania’s FDI model. Tirana Times June 25, 2026 – The figures place Austria ahead of some of Albania’s traditionally dominant investment partners, including Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey. Yet the data also …