INSTAT: Exports Rise 1.6% in August to 20.5 Billion Lek
Goods exports reached 20.5 billion lek in August. They rose 1.6% compared with August 2025, according to INSTAT data. Imports rose 12.6% year-on-year. They reached 75.6 billion lek. Compared with July, exports fell 39%. Imports also fell, by 12.6%. The trade deficit reached 55 billion lek in August. It increased …
Literature as Ukraine’s Memory and Voice: Andrey Kurkov at COD
Ukraine’s voice resonated at the Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD) through literature, memory and humor. The center hosted Ukrainian writer Andrey Kurkov, one of the country’s best-known contemporary authors. Kurkov is visiting Albania for the first time. The discussion focused on his novel “Jimmy Hendrix Live in Lviv.” The …
Social care institutions focus on support for vulnerable groups
Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu met with the heads of 28 social care institutions to discuss challenges and needs related to improving social services. According to a social media post by Spahiu, the meeting focused on support for children, older people, young people and people with disabilities. …
Instagram Takedowns and AI Deepfakes Target Albania’s ‘Flamingo’ Protesters
Far from isolated incidents, experts say the targeting of social media accounts linked to anti-government protesters in Albania is part of a ‘coordinated pattern’ of censorship. Original post Here
Foreign trade: €223 million in exports in August, imports also increase
Exports continued to remain in positive territory in August 2026, but at a significantly slower pace than in previous months. The latest data from INSTAT show that sales of Albanian goods abroad reached ALL 20.5 billion, an increase of 1.6% compared with August last year. Albania’s foreign trade saw an …
110th protest in Tirana, demonstrators march towards the Prime Minister’s Office
Protesters gathered this Thursday in Skanderbeg Square in Tirana and began marching towards the Prime Minister’s Office as part of the latest protest against the government. This marks the 110th protest held so far, with demonstrators opposing the government and its policies. Organizers have announced that the protests will continue …
High prices reduce consumption, citizens say: Pensions go towards medicines and food
High prices for basic goods are reducing consumer spending. Although these are essential food items, citizens say they are buying less and are even avoiding fruits or vegetables that are too expensive. “They are very expensive. We can’t afford them. There is high unemployment, and we are barely managing. How …
It’s not just the verdict that is unjust
By Daniel Serwer Tirana Times, September 17, 2026 – The Kosovo Specialist Chambers’ has convicted former President Hashim Thaci and three other Kosovo Liberation Army leaders of war crimes but acquitted them of crimes against humanity. The sentence for Thaci is 25 years. This is happening while Aleksandar Vucic is resigning from …
How a Sanctioned Russian Oligarch’s Business Interests Reached Albanian Public Contracts
Millions of euros flowed to companies linked to Strabag while Oleg Deripaska remained a major shareholder, exposing gaps in Albania’s ability to identify who ultimately benefits from public money Tirana Times, September 17, 2026 – For years, Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska’s economic interests in Albania were largely invisible. They did …
Taulant Xhaka Backs Former KLA Leaders: Always With You
The Hague verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders has drawn reactions from the sports world. Former Albania national team footballer Taulant Xhaka has publicly expressed his support for Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. Xhaka posted a poster on Instagram featuring the four former KLA …
Prime Minister Edi Rama began a several-day visit to the United States as part of Albania’s participation in the United Nations General Assembly. Rama will begin his visit this afternoon in Michigan, where he will meet with members of the Albanian community. He also invited members of the community to …
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj signed today a technical cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Environment and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The agreement will strengthen cooperation between Albania and IUCN. It will also bring IUCN’s technical expertise into Albania’s European Union integration process, particularly the work under …
Tirana is hosting a major security meeting with experts from the United States and Europe. The event brings together senior officials to discuss organized crime, terrorism and new security threats. From September 19 to 23, Tirana hosts the 42nd European Chapter Meeting of the FBI National Academy Associates (FBINAA). The …
Daily protests in Tirana, known as the “Flamingo Revolution,” and their confrontation with Prime Minister Edi Rama have drawn attention from German newspaper Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung. According to the newspaper, the protests have continued for more than 100 days but have not turned into a mass uprising. Meanwhile, Prime Minister …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha shared on X a video message from Prime Minister Edi Rama about Albania’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Hoxha said the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly is underway. He added that the General Debate will begin …
Opportunities to develop agritourism in rural areas are increasingly encouraging people to return to their hometowns and invest in inherited properties. Prime Minister Edi Rama presented three such success stories today on his “Flasim” podcast. The stories show how returning home, including after years abroad, can create successful businesses. Entela …
Albanian patriot and activist of the National Renaissance Çerçiz Topulli was born in Gjirokastra on September 20, 1880. The family environment in which he grew up, particularly the example of his older brother, Bajo Topulli, played an important role in shaping his patriotic ideals. In 1907, Çerçiz Topulli took command …
Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the Government of Kosovo remains committed to supporting efforts to challenge the verdict issued by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders. Speaking during his visit to the United States, Kurti said the government would use all available means to support …
Egnatia defeated Partizani 2-1 in the fifth week of Albania’s Kategoria Superiore, returning to winning ways after last week’s loss to Elbasani. The Albanian champions took the lead in the 31st minute. Loukili found the net to make it 1-0. Egnatia continued to control the game and doubled its lead …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared images today of the festive atmosphere in Korça, where the “Serenights” festival has brought music and culture to the streets of the Old Bazaar. “A weekend in the Korça of serenades,” Koçiu wrote on social media as she shared footage from the event. The …