Finance Ministry says debt risk indicators improved in first half of 2026
TIRANA, July 24 – Albania improved several public debt risk indicators during the first half of 2026 through active debt management and prudent fiscal policy, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said. Malaj said the share of short-term debt declined during the period, reducing refinancing needs. He added that the average maturity …
Enkelana Marathon Returns to Pogradec
The Enkelana Marathon returns to Pogradec this weekend, combining sports competition with tourism promotion and the celebration of the region’s natural beauty. The half-marathon will take place along the shores of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Participants will run through a scenic route featuring crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes, …
PM Rama discusses reforms, public expectations and protected areas law
TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said citizens’ expectations have increased as Albania has undergone major changes. He made the remarks during a joint meeting of the government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group at the Palace of Brigades. Rama discussed the June protests, which he referred to …
Constitutive session of Kosova parliament set for August 6
TIRANA, July 24 – Acting President of Kosova Albulena Haxhiu has decided that the constitutive session of the new parliament elected after the June elections will take place on August 6 at 10:00. Haxhiu said parliamentary parties have a political and institutional obligation to continue dialogue until then. She said …
Forest fires reported in Voskopoja and Llogora
TIRANA, July 24 – Civil Emergency authorities of Korça Municipality reported the reactivation of a fire in the Voskopoja Administrative Unit. The flames have spread through a pine forest area. The fire poses a risk to the natural environment. Meanwhile, authorities reported another fire inside the Llogora forest. They suspect …
Why Waiting Is Not Neutral: The Costs of Non-Enlargement
Debates about EU enlargement tend to focus on the risks of admitting countries before they are ready. In her recent paper, Marta Szpala broadens the debate by examining what prolonged delay means for both candidate countries and the European Union itself. Tirana Times spoke with Szpala about how prolonged uncertainty …
Fake Social Media Accounts Target Albania Protest Supporters
Prime Minister Edi Rama has blamed social media algorithms for fuelling the so-called Flamingo Revolution protests, but data obtained by BIRN shows that hundreds of fake accounts have been created to push the government’s own narrative and denigrate the protesters. Original post Here
Za Fest Celebrates Its 10th Edition in Shkodra
The 10th edition of Za Fest begins today in Shkodra, bringing music, art, and culture to the city under the direction of festival founder and singer-songwriter Vlashent Sata. Organizers launched Za Fest in 2017 to promote Albanian culture through music, art, literature, and other creative forms. The festival first took …
EU Urges Political Parties to Avoid Pressure on Kosovo Judicial Council
The European Union Office in Kosovo has urged all political parties to avoid pressuring the Kosovo Judicial Council (KJC) and its members while they make decisions. The EU office said in a social media statement that Kosovo and the European Union rely on an independent, impartial, and apolitical judiciary to …
Navigation suspended in Vlora and Saranda due to rough sea conditions
TIRANA, July 24 – Port authorities in Vlora and Saranda have suspended navigation for small vessels, tourist boats and fishing vessels due to worsening sea conditions along the Albanian coast. The Port Captaincies said the measure will remain in force until 06:00 on July 25, 2026. The General Maritime Directorate …
Litter, construction debris and untreated wastewater are conspiring to undermine Albania’s bid to become the next big tourist destination on the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Original post Here
The Trump administration is now making it clear that it sees the Balkans as a field to pursue its commercial, energy and defence-related interests – and not ‘democracy-building’. Original post Here
Agrotourism continues to drive economic and social development across Albania by creating jobs and strengthening rural communities. Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the “Hani i Qerosit” agrotourism site in Kuçovë, Berat, which is emerging as a popular destination for visitors seeking nature, tradition, and authentic farm experiences. Rama said the …
Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman described Albania as a reliable economic partner. Speaking alongside Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, Radman said the two countries have strong potential to expand economic cooperation. He identified transport, infrastructure, energy, and defence as key areas for closer collaboration. Radman also called …
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania’s security cooperation with Croatia aims to strengthen regional peace and should not concern any country. Hoxha made the remarks after meeting Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman in Tirana. The two ministers agreed that the European future of the Western …
Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman praised Albania’s progress toward European Union membership and pledged Croatia’s continued support. Speaking alongside Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, Radman said Albania and Croatia enjoy strong and friendly relations built on trust, shared values, and their NATO alliance. He said regular …
Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla defended the fast-track approval of Albania’s defence agreement with the United States. Balla said national interest and security needs justified the accelerated parliamentary review. He rejected opposition claims that lawmakers violated parliamentary deadlines. He said the Constitution defines when fast-track procedures cannot apply. …
Albania’s Parliament approved today the direct loan agreement with the United States under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi described the ratification as a historic moment in a social media post. Nufi said the agreement represents the strongest concrete and financial support Albania has received from …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj visited a food production company today to highlight the opportunities offered by the “Double Your Business” programme. The programme helps businesses increase investments, expand production, and create new jobs. During her visit to a pastry company, Ibrahimaj met entrepreneur Fatmir, who has built his …
The Albanian Academy of Sciences today honoured Maximilian Lambertz on the anniversary of his birth, remembering one of the most important figures in Albanology who dedicated his life to studying the Albanian language, folklore, and culture. Lambertz was born on 27 July 1882 in Austria. He developed an interest in …