EC’s annual report on Albania’s integration progress published
European Commission has published the annual report on EU enlargement policies 2023 for Albania, which will be presented by the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions. In the report, it is estimated that in terms of political …
Cars crash on Elbasan-Peqin road, no victims
A car accident was registered on the Elbasan-Peqin road segment this Wednesday morning. Two vehicles collided in the village of Vidhas. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but there was only material damage. Cause of the accident is suspected to be speed and loss of control, also influenced by the moisture …
Heavy raining caused problems in Lezha
District of Lezha has been affected by rain of medium intensity during the night hours until the morning of this Wednesday. According to the data of the Military Meteorological Service, Gjadër and the Regional Directorate of Irrigation and Drainage have received an average of 36 mm of rain. Problems are …
Meta summoned at SPAK
The chairman of the Freedom Party, Ilir Meta, appears at the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK). ABC News journalist Ermal Vija reports that the head of the Freedom Party was presented this Wednesday in connection with the “CEZ-DIA” file. Journalist Vija underlined that Meta appeared at SPAK alone, without a defense …
Migration Management – a weight too Big for the EU but not for Albania
How it is that such a burden comes to Albania’s poor shores will be an outstanding mystery loaded with doubt and resentment. The absurd and dystopian reality of migration detention centres are the topic of an interesting and haunting Netflix series called ‘Stateless’ which explores the cruelties of the migration …
Editorial: A risky charade: Albanian PM’s deal with Italy to host EU’s irregular migrants is wrong and impractical
The controversial deal between the Albanian PM and Italian counterpart is wrong and risky for Albania as well as impractical for Italy. TIRANA TIMES EDITORIAL Eureka! At a stroke of a pen, the problem of irregular migration to the EU through Italy from Africa and the Middle East appears solved. …
Rama; Over 36,000 families benefited baby bonuses since January 1, 2023
Over 36,000 families have benefited from the bonus for newborns Since January 1, 2023 declared Tuesday Prime Minister Edi Rama through a post on social networks. In his statement, PM Rama emphasized that the government will continue to finance the Baby Bonus Program, with a fund of 2.2 billion ALL, …
Vlora man arrested for dealing cannabis
A 44-year-old man was put in handcuffs this Tuesday in Vlora in the framework of the police mega-operation coded “Temple”. This citizen was spotted selling cannabis near schools in the city. During the control of the 44-year-old, the Police found cannabis, divided into about 500 doses, ready for sale, which …
Accused for election fraud, the court hear evidence from witnesses on the Beleri’s case
This Tuesday, at 12:00, a hearing will be held in the Special Court against the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri, who is accused of election corruption. ABC News reporter Ermal Vija reports that 12 witnesses will be heard in this session. “This is the third session that takes place …
Session against elected Himara’s mayor held at Special Court
The Supreme Court has determined the Special Court as competent to examine the request for a special permit for Fredi Beleri. Journalist Ermal Vija reports that the decision was taken in the consultation room by judges Sander Simonaj, Sokol Binaj and Ilir Panda. Beleri requests permission to be sworn in …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania is stepping up work on its European Union integration process, with more than 20 draft laws already prepared for Chapters 16 and 29. Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj said the first half of 2026 brought heavy workloads and strategic tasks, but EU integration remained a …
Albania faces another potentially costly international dispute after losing several arbitration cases in recent years that have exposed the state to hundreds of millions of euros in compensation and related liabilities. Tirana Times, August 10, 2026 – Albania is no stranger to costly international arbitration. Over the past decade, the …
TIRANA, August 10 – High passenger and vehicle flows continue at Albania’s ports and border crossing points (BCP-s) during the peak tourist season. Thousands of people and vehicles have entered and left the country in recent hours. At the Port of Vlora, around 2,700 passengers are expected today on 3 …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.4% in July 2026, from 2.5% in July 2025. Consumer prices also increased by 0.2% from June. According to INSTAT data, food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation at 1.18 percentage points. The group covering housing, …
TIRANA, August 10 – Tradition, history and local cuisine came together at the 7th edition of “Mokra n’Fest”, held near the stone bridge in Golikë, Pogradec. The festival brought together local residents, visitors and emigrants who returned to their hometowns. An artisan fair and traditional food highlighted local products, including …
TIRANA, August 10 – Durrës Port recorded high passenger traffic during the first 10 days of August, as the summer travel season reached its peak. According to the Durrës Port Authority, 75,962 passengers travelled through the port between August 1 and 10. Most of the traffic involved arrivals, with 51,259 …
TIRANA, August 10 – Durrës remains a popular choice for foreign tourists spending their summer holidays in Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video today featuring visitors from Germany, the Netherlands, England, the Czech Republic, Italy and other countries. Rama said the city’s sea, history, culture and Albanian hospitality …
TIRANA, August 10 – Problem loans in Albania’s banking system fell again in June. They accounted for 3.7% of total lending, down from 3.77% in May. According to Bank of Albania statistics, this marks the lowest level since 2007. The ratio also fell by 0.31 percentage points from June 2025. …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania faces a high wildfire risk this afternoon and tomorrow, with temperatures reaching 40°C. The Institute of Geosciences (IGJEO) has placed 5 counties under a high-risk warning for forest fires. The warning covers Lezha, Durrës, Tirana, Elbasan and Fier. IGJEO expects a moderate risk in Shkodër, …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s civil aviation sector is recording new highs in 2026 as summer tourism drives passenger and flight traffic. Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi visited the public company Albcontrol today, to review measures for managing the increased air traffic. Albcontrol Director Dritan Isaku said the organisation …