Strategic Italy: Where Is Albania?
by Albert Rakipi, Ph.D. In April 2026, Fincantieri, one of Italy’s foremost industrial and defense champions, signed an agreement with the Albanian company KAYO to produce vessels at the Pashaliman shipyard. Prime Minister Rama presented the project as part of a strategic partnership, noting that the new company would produce …
President Begaj’s Eid Visit Signals Warmer Albania-Saudi Ties
Albania’s president attended a high-level Eid al-Adha ceremony in Saudi Arabia, in a visit seen as strengthening Tirana’s relations with a key Arab and Muslim world power. Tirana Times, May 29, 2026 – Albanian President Bajram Begaj was received by Saudi Arabia’s leadership during an official Eid al-Adha state ceremony hosted …
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani: Western Balkans EU enlargement is a strategic investment, process must be accelerated
TIRANA, May 29 – Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said European Union enlargement towards the Western Balkans represents a strategic investment and must be accelerated. Meanwhile, Tajani said Italy supports the launch of a process that will bring Ukraine into the European Union. He also said other candidate countries must not …
Rama: Socialist Party Moves Albania Closer to EU on 35th Anniversary
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama joined the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary celebration in Korça on Wednesday. He highlighted Albania’s latest step toward European Union membership after the recent intergovernmental conference with the EU. Rama said the Socialist Party moved Albania one step higher on its path to …
Government Launches “Smart City” Program for Smarter Urban Management
The Albanian government launched the “Smart City” program to support the development of smarter cities across the country. State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo presented the initiative on Wednesday. He said the program will connect different systems already used by municipalities. The goal is to improve urban management and …
Western Balkans Parliamentary Officials Meet in Tirana to Strengthen Regional Cooperation and EU Integration
General secretaries from the parliaments of the Western Balkans, Austria and Slovenia met in Tirana on Wednesday. The forum focused on regional cooperation, parliamentary diplomacy and European Union integration. Deputy Speaker of Parliament Agron Gjekmarkaj and Secretary General Genci Gjonçaj opened the meeting. They stressed the importance of parliamentary cooperation …
Korça Moves Toward Regional Events Hub with New Festival and Creative Industry Center
Korça is moving closer to becoming a regional center for festivals and cultural events. Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the construction site of the new Festival and Creative Industry Center on Wednesday. The project covers 18 hectares and aims to create a modern space for festivals, concerts and artistic events …
Rama Recalls 1996 Election Violence During Socialist Party Anniversary in Korça
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama marked the party’s 35th anniversary in Korça on Wednesday. In his speech, Rama reflected on May 26, 1996, and described it as a difficult moment in Albania’s democratic history. He said Socialist Party members faced violence and brutality during the parliamentary elections …
Police Chief Hita Meets Dutch Ambassador, Highlights Results in Cross-Border Crime Cooperation
Albania’s State Police Director General Skënder Hita met Dutch Ambassador Reinout Vos in Tirana on Wednesday. During the meeting, Hita received a congratulatory letter from Dutch Police Chief Janny Knol. In her message, Knol praised cooperation between Albanian and Dutch police and wished Hita success in his new role. She …
Ukraine’s foreign minister praises Albania’s firm stance after Hoxha’s response to Russia
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha on Wednesday shared the reaction of Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha, after Russia called on diplomatic staff and foreign citizens to leave Kyiv ahead of planned attacks. Sybiha said Ukraine highly values Albania’s principled and strong position. “We appreciate Albania’s principled …
TIRANA, June 18 – Sami Frashëri passed away on June 18, 1904, after dedicating his life to the patriotic cause. Frashëri was an intellectual, journalist, lexicographer, playwright, and one of the leading ideologues of the Albanian National Renaissance. He is widely regarded as one of the most prominent thinkers of …
TIRANA, June 18 – Velipoja opens the summer tourist season. The report comes from the Albanian news agency (ATSH). Marseda Qefalia reports from Velipoja. The municipality introduces reduced tariffs for umbrellas and sunbeds in public beach areas. At the same time, Velipoja stands as the northernmost beach in Albania. It …
TIRANA, June, 18 – Authorities at the Kakavija border crossing to Greece increased operational capacity to manage higher traffic during the summer season. Border and customs services also intensified their work to facilitate the movement of travellers. The measures include additional active checkpoints during peak hours. Meanwhile, teams reorganised vehicle …
TIRANA, June 18 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attended the meeting of NATO defence ministers in Brussels. Participants discussed the Alliance’s key priorities for strengthening security and collective defence across the Euro-Atlantic area. Meanwhile, ministers highlighted the importance of maintaining unity among allies. The meeting also focused on increasing operational …
A new report warns that weak oversight of lawyers, notaries, accountants and auditors helps facilitate money-laundering across the Western Balkans through real estate fraud and complex financial arrangements. Original post Here
TIRANA, June 18 – The NATO Defence Ministers’ meeting takes place in Brussels at NATO headquarters. Albania takes part in the ministerial. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attends the meeting. At the same time, the agenda focuses on security and strategic developments within the Alliance. It also addresses strengthening military capabilities. …
TIRANA, June 18 – Private producers and concessionaires generated more than half of Albania’s electricity output during the first four months of 2026, according to data from the Energy Regulatory Authority (ERE). The figures show that private operators surpassed the Albanian Power Corporation for the first time. Meanwhile, net domestic …
TIRANA, June 18 – More than 500 farmers in Gjirokastër Municipality have applied for support under the National Agriculture Support Scheme. Applications were submitted through the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development. Meanwhile, Agriculture Specialist Balil Bineri said most applications focus on four support measures. Farmers have shown the strongest …
TIRANA, June 18 – State Police Director General Skënder Hita met Italian police officials in Tirana. The delegation included Lorenzo Bucossi, Director of the International Police Cooperation Service, and Marco Cali, Director of the Central Operational Service of the Italian State Police. During the meeting, both sides praised the high …
TIRANA, June 18 – Academician Luan Omari received the Golden Star of the Veteran award on the occasion of his 101st birthday. The Academy of Sciences hosted a ceremony in his honour. The event opened with a song dedicated to Omari by “Thesaret labe” [Labëria Treasuries]. Academics, jurists, veterans, and …