Interior Minister Lamallari hosts Italian counterpart, focus on strengthening strategic partnership
TIRANA, May 12 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari hosted Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi in Tirana during an official meeting focused on strengthening the strategic partnership and bilateral cooperation between the two countries. The two ministers praised relations between Albania and Italy, which they said rest on historical, cultural, economic, …
Balla hosts Lipjan students in Parliament: Proud of UÇK’s liberation war and sacrifice for freedom
Taulant Balla, head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, welcomes students and teachers from the “Mehmet Akif” school in Lipjan, Kosovo, to the Albanian Parliament. The group visits Tirana on a friendly and educational trip. Balla highlights the strong ties between Albania and Kosovo. He stresses the importance of national …
On the Eve of Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Albanian Radio and Television introduces special programme with live coverage and interviews
TIRANA, May 12 – Albanian Radio and Television launches the programme “Prag Eurovision”, presented as “On the Eve of Eurovision”, dedicated to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Meanwhile, the broadcaster said the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest begins in a few hours. In this context, it added that …
Sejko: Internal audit is key pillar of financial stability and transparency
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko highlights internal audit as a key pillar of financial stability and transparency. He speaks at the International Conference of Auditors in Tirana. Moreover, he stresses its role in strengthening integrity and credibility in the financial system. First, he says Albania hosts high-level global and …
Tirana to host Ukraine ministerial in June, says Foreign Minister Hoxha
TIRANA, May 12 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. In a post on social media platform X, Hoxha said diplomacy does not remain limited to formal meeting rooms. He added that it also takes place in informal moments, including while waiting …
Albanian Mail and IdentiTek sign agreement to improve citizen services
TIRANA, May 12 – Albanian Mail and IdentiTek signed a cooperation agreement on improving service delivery for citizens in Albania and abroad. The two institutions aim to strengthen access, security, and efficiency in identity-related services. The agreement was signed by Albanian Mail Administrator Etjen Xhafaj and IdentiTek Administrator Silda Anagnosti …
New archaeological discoveries at Amantia date back to 3rd century BC
TIRANA, May 12 – New archaeological findings have emerged at the Amantia Archaeological Park, following excavations carried out in 2025 on the eastern terrace of the fortification site. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport said the latest excavations, conducted by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage and the …
Albania and European Union discuss conditions for closing negotiation chapters in justice and security, says Albania’s chief-negotiator
TIRANA, May 12 – The Committee for Europe and Foreign Affairs held a hearing with Minister of State and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka on the Council of Ministers’ report on Albania’s accession process to the European Union. She presented progress achieved in 2025. Albania opened negotiations on all chapters. The …
EUR 20 million financing for Albanian businesses for innovation and green transition
TIRANA, May 12 – Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania’s economy stands at a strong development stage. She said the government works to direct growth toward innovation, digitalisation, and deeper European integration through partnerships with international financial institutions. At a signing ceremony for a new financing line …
Rama: Albania represents itself with dignity in art and culture at Venice Biennale
Albania presents its national pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2026. The pavilion is titled “A Place in the Sun” by artist Genti Korini. It highlights Albania’s cultural identity on a major international art stage. Prime Minister Edi Rama shares photos from the event. He expresses pride in Albania’s participation. He …
Dinamo City and Egnatia will face each other in the Albanian Cup final 2025/2026 on Wednesday night. The match will take place at Air Albania Stadium in Tirana, starting at 19:00. In addition, this will be the second consecutive final between the two teams, increasing the rivalry and excitement. Historically, …
TIRANA, May 13 – A new government–bank agreement aims to strengthen business financing in Albania. The programme “Double Your Entrepreneurship” supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also targets wider economic growth. At the event in Tirana, Prime Minister Edi Rama met banking sector representatives. Minister of Economy and Innovation …
TIRANA, May 13 – The Albanian Mixed Martial Arts Federation took part in the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Balkan Championship held from May 7 to 10 in Belgrade, Serbia. The federation said the team completed its participation successfully and delivered a strong performance at international level. Turning to competition …
TIRANA, May 13 – The exhibition “A Journey Through the History of News”, opened by the Albanian news agency (ATSH) on May 9 at Tirana Castle, is attracting strong interest from local and foreign visitors. Visitors described the exhibition as an important contribution to understanding the history and development of …
TIRANA, May 13 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu visited the new “Hospitality Centre” in Sarandë, a multifunctional facility expected to open soon for the tourist season. Officials said the project combines modern infrastructure and European standards with Albanian hospitality traditions. Sarandë Mayor Oltion Çaçi accompanied Koçiu during the visit. …
TIRANA, May 13 – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that some actors are attempting to destabilise the Western Balkans and pull the region backwards. During a visit to Montenegro, he said the alliance remains committed to ensuring past conflicts remain in history. Turning to security concerns, Rutte said NATO …
TIRANA, May 13 – The parliamentary Committee for Culture, Tourism and Diaspora of Albania and the Committee for Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development of Albania held a joint meeting in Struga, North Macedonia, on May 12–13. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe supported the event. Lawmakers from …
TIRANA, May 13 – The Albanian government approved a new subsidy scheme for public transport operators following higher fuel prices. The measure provides 50 lek per litre of fuel for transport companies. After the government meeting, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said the subsidy covers urban, intercity and …
As part of its strategy to make personal and family care more affordable for every consumer, Rossmann & Lala is further expanding its price reductions to some of the most frequently used everyday categories: oral care, household cleaning products, and international chocolate brands. This step follows the successful price repositioning …
Tirana Times, May 13, 2026 — The Albania–Italy migration agreement remains in force, despite a brief but politically sensitive controversy triggered by comments from Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha on whether the protocol could continue beyond its initial five-year term. The debate began after Hoxha, in an interview with Euractiv, was asked …