Albania Parliament Approves Municipal Reform Plan Amid Protests
Controversial reform of local government dissolving smaller municipalities into larger units passes after stormy debate, with protesters demonstrating outside parliament. Original post Here
Jared Kushner Defends Controversial Albania Resort Project
Trump’s son-in-law rejects allegations of preferential treatment, outlines plans for a €4 billion investment and addresses environmental concerns over the Zvërnec development. Tirana Times, October 09, 2026 – Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, has issued his first extensive public defense of a controversial luxury tourism development …
‘ChatGPT Diagnosed Me’: Patients’ Faith in AI Leaves Albania’s Doctors Feeling Frustrated
As patients increasingly arrive at surgeries armed with diagnoses drawn from artificial intelligence chatbots, doctors fear their authority is being undermined – and that people may suffer as a result of AI-generated errors. Original post Here
131st Protest Moves Towards Parliament as Demonstrators Oppose Territorial Reform
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 …
EU’s McGrath: Albania Among Front-Runners in Accession Process
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 Advances Toward Digital Cooperation Organization Membership
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 …
Papajorgji Meets EU Commissioner McGrath to Discuss Constitutional Court Decisions
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 Moves to Steer Investment Toward a Greener Economy
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 …
Rudolph: Kosovo Can Renew Its European Agenda After Institutional Crisis
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 After Meeting with Rama: Albania Belongs in the EU, Maintain the Pace of Reforms
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”, …
Albania will continue to support NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosovo to help maintain security and regional stability, Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces Arben Kingji said on Sunday. Kingji met KFOR Commander Major General Özkan Ulutaş as he prepared to end his term leading the NATO …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Malësia e Madhe and Përmet have transformed over the past decade, emerging as tourist destinations with growing economic potential. Speaking in the fifth episode of the seventh season of his “FLASIM” podcast, Rama recalled that both areas once seemed to offer few opportunities for development. …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has criticized Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić for pledging during an election campaign to “raise the Serbian flag again in Kosovo.” Hoxha described the remarks as provocative and threatening, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could encourage dangerous actions. He cited the 2023 …
Albania is taking steps to align its tax legislation with European Union standards by implementing DAC8, which requires the collection and exchange of information on crypto-asset transactions. The General Directorate of Taxes said the rapid growth of the digital economy makes greater tax transparency and stronger international cooperation increasingly important. …
Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Croatian President Zoran Milanović have congratulated Justina Shiroka-Pula on taking office as Kosovo’s president, expressing support for stronger bilateral ties and Kosovo’s European integration. Mattarella called for deeper cooperation between Italy and Kosovo, reaffirming Italy’s support, including through its participation in NATO’s KFOR mission. He …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, French Ambassador Catherine Suard and EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa attended Rodeo, a performance by the French Grenade dance company, at the “Let’s Stay Together” Community Center in Kombinat, Tirana. Koçiu said the event brought art closer to the community while promoting …
President Bajram Begaj visited Dibër this weekend and attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his visit, he also met Dibër Mayor Rahim Spahiu to discuss local development projects, challenges, cultural heritage and tourism potential. Begaj described the festival as a symbol of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia on Sunday, including a deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Rama expressed Albania’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people. He also offered condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He stressed …
Albania’s Abissnet Superiore resumed this weekend after the international break for Nations League matches, with Teuta extending their winning streak and Elbasani sharing the points with Vora. Teuta beat Skënderbeu 2-0 at the Niko Dovana Stadium to secure their fifth consecutive victory and maintain top spot in the standings. Kallaku …
Albania and Italy are strengthening cultural cooperation to preserve and digitize their shared film heritage. Albanian Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli visited the Central State Film Archive, where they viewed rare footage documenting the history of relations between the two countries. …