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PM Rama unveils EUR 1.5 billion plan for a new phase of urban development in Albania

TIRANA, July 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” programme, an ambitious development initiative that aims to further transform Albania’s urban landscape with a EUR 1.5 billion funding target. According to Rama, the new programme responds to a new stage of Albania’s development, where citizens have …

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PM Rama: Albania has entered a new phase of development

TIRANA, July 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has entered a new phase of development, where improved standards have increased citizens’ expectations for better services and greater dignity in daily life. During the presentation of the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” programme, Rama said society’s new demands should not be …

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Birth Tourism on Tourist Visas: U.S. Embassy Warns Albanians They May Be Denied Future Visa Renewals

The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has issued a warning to Albanian citizens who travel to the United States on tourist visas to give birth and use the Medicaid program to cover their medical expenses. In a post shared on Instagram, the Embassy stated that this practice could affect their eligibility …

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‘Urban Renaissance 2.0’: Rama Unveils €1.5 Billion Program, Electric Buses Planned for All Municipalities

Prime Minister Edi Rama on Friday unveiled the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” program, which foresees €1.5 billion in investments aimed at transforming Albania’s urban infrastructure and public services. One of the program’s main pillars is the modernization of public transport. Rama announced that a joint company will be established between the …

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Defense Minister Nufi Reveals Who Will Set the Date for the NATO Summit in Tirana

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi, in an interview with Euronews Albania’s Thimi Samarxhiu, spoke about Tirana’s selection as the host city for a future NATO Summit. He said the summit is expected to take place in 2027 or early 2028, stressing that the final date will be decided by NATO heads …

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Ombudsman on Protests: My Duty Is to Identify Cases Where Citizens’ Rights Are Violated

Albania’s Ombudsman, Endri Shabani, was in Vlora on Friday to present the Ombudsman’s 2025 Annual Report. Speaking to the media, Shabani said the purpose of the institution’s visit was to hear citizens’ complaints and concerns firsthand. According to Shabani, the majority of complaints in Vlora relate to property issues and …

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Rama: Urban Renaissance Has Fulfilled Its Mission, Now It’s Time for the Next Phase

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s Urban Renaissance program has fulfilled its original mission, announcing a new stage of urban development during the presentation of the “Urban Renaissance 2.0” initiative. Rama described the new program as the beginning of a fresh phase of national development, arguing that the original Urban …

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Diana Gellçi’s Question to Reinier de Graaf: What Would You Say Today?

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Diana Gellçi’s Question to Reinier de Graaf: What Would You Say Today? appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here

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‘Cancel It!’: State Cash for Kanye West Show Sparks Outrage in Albania

The government’s use of 4.2 million euros from its emergency reserve to finance the controversial rapper’s concert – after earlier pledging to spend nothing – has angered its critics. Original post Here

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Kumbaro: Bënja Thermal Baths attract growing numbers of tourists as infrastructure upgrades continue

The Bënja Thermal Baths near Përmet continue to attract large numbers of domestic and international visitors seeking relaxation in the area’s thermal waters, unspoiled nature and the scenic Langarica Canyon. Minister Mirela Kumbaro said authorities are continuing to improve infrastructure and services alongside the growing number of tourists. She said …

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Vjosa River attracts more tourists with summer rafting adventures

TIRANA, July 13 – The Vjosa River has become one of the most popular summer destinations for visitors seeking adventure and cooler temperatures. High summer temperatures have increased interest in the river’s wild landscapes, untouched nature and outdoor activities. Local and foreign tourists visit Vjosa not only to relax but …

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PM Rama attends Paris summit on support for Ukraine

TIRANA, July 13 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is travelling to Paris today to attend the Coalition of the Willing summit on Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron invited Rama to the meeting, which will bring together heads of state and government. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark …

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Gulf News names Gjirokastër among the world’s most spectacular summer destinations

TIRANA, July 13 – Gjirokastër has been included among the world’s 10 most spectacular and unusual destinations to visit this summer, according to a selection published by Gulf News. The UAE-based media outlet highlighted the historic Albanian city as one of Europe’s hidden gems. It praised Gjirokastër for its cultural …

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Himara attracts more tourists as public beaches expand and services improve

Himara is seeing a significant increase in visitors this summer, strengthening its position as one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. The municipality has introduced new measures to improve services, expand public beach areas, increase accessibility and support sustainable tourism development. Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo said the city is managing …

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Over 1,000 apply for Grant 2026 as startup interest grows across Albania

TIRANA, July 13 – More than 1,000 entrepreneurs and innovators have applied for the Grant 2026 programme, showing growing interest in startups across Albania, according to the Agency for Media and Information. The agency said the applications reflect stronger engagement from young innovators and entrepreneurs who want to turn business …

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Albania joins EUROGYM 2026 as leaders strengthen gymnastics cooperation

TIRANA, July 13 – Albania took part in EUROGYM 2026, Europe’s largest gymnastics festival for young people, held in Pistoia, Italy. More than 7,000 participants from across Europe attended the event. The President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee, Fidel Ylli, attended the festival at the invitation of Italian Gymnastics …

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Uçkave public beach in Pogradec attracts summer visitors

The Uçkave public beach, one of the most historic and popular areas along Lake Ohrid’s shoreline, is welcoming a growing number of local and international visitors this summer. Located between the Vila area and Tushemisht, the beach offers organized spaces, free umbrellas, clean waters and improved infrastructure for holidaymakers. Moreover, …

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Lezhë provides tourist contact numbers and beach prices to prevent abuses

Lezhë Municipality has introduced a new measure to support visitors during the summer season by providing direct contact numbers for reporting concerns related to services, prices and public beach areas. Meanwhile, Mayor Pjerin Ndreu encouraged tourists and residents to report any cases of unfair pricing, poor services or violations of …

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Justice minister visits Tirana legal aid centre, stresses access to justice

TIRANA, July 13 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu visited the Legal Aid Service Centre in Tirana to observe the daily work of staff who provide legal assistance to citizens. In a social media post, Gogu praised the staff for their professionalism and dedication. He said they support people when they …

News
Temperatures to reach 40°C as forecaster predicts scorching week across Albania

TIRANA, July 13 – Albania will face an intense heatwave this week, with temperatures rising steadily from Wednesday and approaching 40°C in several areas. Speaking on RTSH’s Good Morning Albania programme, Osmani said most of the country will record highs of 37–38°C. He added that some locations could exceed 38°C. …

News

Vjosa River attracts more tourists with summer rafting adventures

TIRANA, July 13 – The Vjosa River has become one of the most popular summer destinations for visitors seeking adventure and cooler temperatures. High summer temperatures have increased interest in the river’s wild landscapes, untouched nature and outdoor activities. Local and foreign tourists visit Vjosa not only to relax but …

News

PM Rama attends Paris summit on support for Ukraine

TIRANA, July 13 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is travelling to Paris today to attend the Coalition of the Willing summit on Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron invited Rama to the meeting, which will bring together heads of state and government. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark …

News

Gulf News names Gjirokastër among the world’s most spectacular summer destinations

TIRANA, July 13 – Gjirokastër has been included among the world’s 10 most spectacular and unusual destinations to visit this summer, according to a selection published by Gulf News. The UAE-based media outlet highlighted the historic Albanian city as one of Europe’s hidden gems. It praised Gjirokastër for its cultural …

News

Himara attracts more tourists as public beaches expand and services improve

Himara is seeing a significant increase in visitors this summer, strengthening its position as one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. The municipality has introduced new measures to improve services, expand public beach areas, increase accessibility and support sustainable tourism development. Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo said the city is managing …

News

Over 1,000 apply for Grant 2026 as startup interest grows across Albania

TIRANA, July 13 – More than 1,000 entrepreneurs and innovators have applied for the Grant 2026 programme, showing growing interest in startups across Albania, according to the Agency for Media and Information. The agency said the applications reflect stronger engagement from young innovators and entrepreneurs who want to turn business …

News

Albania joins EUROGYM 2026 as leaders strengthen gymnastics cooperation

TIRANA, July 13 – Albania took part in EUROGYM 2026, Europe’s largest gymnastics festival for young people, held in Pistoia, Italy. More than 7,000 participants from across Europe attended the event. The President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee, Fidel Ylli, attended the festival at the invitation of Italian Gymnastics …

News

Uçkave public beach in Pogradec attracts summer visitors

The Uçkave public beach, one of the most historic and popular areas along Lake Ohrid’s shoreline, is welcoming a growing number of local and international visitors this summer. Located between the Vila area and Tushemisht, the beach offers organized spaces, free umbrellas, clean waters and improved infrastructure for holidaymakers. Moreover, …

News

Lezhë provides tourist contact numbers and beach prices to prevent abuses

Lezhë Municipality has introduced a new measure to support visitors during the summer season by providing direct contact numbers for reporting concerns related to services, prices and public beach areas. Meanwhile, Mayor Pjerin Ndreu encouraged tourists and residents to report any cases of unfair pricing, poor services or violations of …

News

Justice minister visits Tirana legal aid centre, stresses access to justice

TIRANA, July 13 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu visited the Legal Aid Service Centre in Tirana to observe the daily work of staff who provide legal assistance to citizens. In a social media post, Gogu praised the staff for their professionalism and dedication. He said they support people when they …

News

Temperatures to reach 40°C as forecaster predicts scorching week across Albania

TIRANA, July 13 – Albania will face an intense heatwave this week, with temperatures rising steadily from Wednesday and approaching 40°C in several areas. Speaking on RTSH’s Good Morning Albania programme, Osmani said most of the country will record highs of 37–38°C. He added that some locations could exceed 38°C. …