Cruise tourism continues into autumn with 446 visitors arriving in Saranda
Cruise tourism in Saranda continues into autumn, with the arrival of the Seabourn Quest carrying 446 passengers from around the world. The cruise ship arrived from Brindisi, Italy, and will leave for Zakynthos, Greece, after scheduled visits in Saranda. The Saranda Port said this was the 27th cruise ship to …
US dollar trades at ALL 81.3, euro at ALL 91.5 in Albania
The US dollar is trading at ALL 81.3 on the buying side and ALL 82.3 on the selling side in Albania today, October 7. The latest figures reflect exchange rates available on the domestic market. Meanwhile, the euro is trading at ALL 91.5 for buying and ALL 92.2 for selling. …
Security Academy welcomes 390 new students
The Security Academy has welcomed 390 new students to its Bachelor’s programme in Security and Investigation. State Police Director General Skënder Hita said the new generation will play an important role in the future of the institution. Hita said strong interest in the programme has brought thousands of applicants over …
AI to enter Albania’s public procurement system this autumn
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania expects to start using artificial intelligence in public procurement this autumn. She said the system will increase transparency in the process. Ibrahimaj said the Council of Ministers discussed the need for a more centralised and transparent public procurement system. The government is …
Council of Europe official Neukirch: Reforms bring Albania closer to EU standards
Council of Europe Programme Coordination Director Claus Neukirch said reforms supported by the Horizontal Facility are bringing Albania closer to European standards and the European Union. He made the remarks in an interview with the Albanian news agency (ATSH) in Tirana. Neukirch highlighted support for judicial efficiency, property rights, the …
Transparency Board publishes new fuel prices as diesel and petrol prices fall
The Transparency Board published the new fuel prices on October 7. The Board decided to reduce the prices of diesel and petrol in Albania by 3 lek per litre. The retail price of SSH EN 590 standard diesel will be no more than 210 lek per litre, while the wholesale …
‘Faithful Presence’ meetings continue, Rama: 2027 budget to reach record €10 billion
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Wednesday that the weekly “Faithful Presence” meetings are continuing. According to the head of government, discussions focused on the 2027 Budget, which he said will reach a record €10 billion, with the aim of redistributing more of the benefits from the economy’s sustained growth. …
Rama congratulates Justina Shiroka-Pula on her election as President of Kosovo
Prime Minister Edi Rama has congratulated Justina Shiroka-Pula on her election as President of the Republic of Kosovo. In a message posted on social media, the Prime Minister wished her and Kosovo success, noting that her election comes at a challenging time for the country. “Heartfelt congratulations to the renowned …
Begaj congratulates Shiroka-Pula: Albania and Kosovo will stand together on the path towards a European future
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj congratulated Justina Shiroka-Pula on her election as President of the Republic of Kosovo. In a message posted on social media, President Begaj stressed that Albania and Kosovo will stand together in facing challenges and on the path towards their European future. “Heartfelt congratulations, Mrs …
From jurisdiction to sentences: What does the law on the Specialist Chambers contain?
The Kosovo Assembly approved amendments to the Law on the Specialist Chambers on October 6, concluding consideration of an initiative aimed at changing the way the Specialist Chambers in The Hague operate. Following the vote on the amendments, the measure was approved in its second reading. Initiated by the Democratic …
The 131st day of protests took a different turn this Thursday, as demonstrators moved from Skanderbeg Square towards Parliament, unlike previous gatherings held near the Prime Minister’s Office. The relocation of the protest comes on a day when Parliament is expected to vote on the territorial reform proposed by the …
European Commissioner Michael McGrath has described Albania as one of the leading countries in the EU accession process. “Albania belongs in the EU,” he said in a social media post after meeting Prime Minister Edi Rama. He pledged continued EU support but stressed that important work remains. The meeting focused …
Albania has reached an advanced stage in its bid to join the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). Prime Minister’s Office officials shared updates on the visit of DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya, which supports the accession process. The visit highlights Albania’s digital transformation achievements, outlines the next steps toward membership and reinforces …
Constitutional Court President Fiona Papajorgji met European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath during his first visit to Albania. They discussed the court’s work, institutional capacity and the implementation of its decisions. The talks also focused on strengthening judicial reform and safeguarding the …
Albania has taken a step toward expanding green finance and directing investment into sustainable activities. The Bank of Albania presented the final draft of the National Green Activities Classification with support from the European Investment Bank. Second Deputy Governor Natasha Ahmetaj said the framework will influence how banks and investors …
German Ambassador to Kosovo Rainer Rudolph said Kosovo can now pursue its European agenda more actively after resolving its institutional crisis. He spoke at a reception marking German Unity Day. Rudolph said stable institutions will allow Kosovo to renew its focus on European integration. He warned that the process will …
European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, has stated that Albania is one of the frontrunners in the European Union accession process. In a social media post following his meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama, McGrath stressed that Albania “belongs in the EU”, …
The Osman Taka Dance has been included in Albania’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja, while Prime Minister Edi Rama also commented on the decision, describing the dance as one of the expressions of Cham identity and tradition. …
Albania’s garment manufacturing industry is facing increasingly serious difficulties. From around 65,000 employees previously working in the manufacturing sector, the workforce has now fallen to approximately 40,000, while nearly 150 garment factories have shut down in recent years. The alarm was raised in Elbasan during a meeting between the Albanian …
The election of respected academic Justina Shiroka-Pula averts another political crisis and highlights Kosovo’s tradition of female leadership and religious coexistence, while offering new prospects for political stability and international engagement. Tirana Times, October 08, 2026 — The election of Justina Shiroka-Pula as Kosovo’s new president has brought an end …