Exclusive / Gonzato: There is no blockage in Albania’s EU integration processes
This Thursday, the EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, spoke to Euronews Albania in an interview with moderator Mirela Milori. Gonzato discussed Albania’s integration process and stated that there is no blockage in the process. On the other hand, he emphasized that these are confidential discussions in accordance with the …
Foreign Interference and Election Observation in Hungary’s 2026 Parliamentary Vote
by David J. Kostelancik Tirana Times, April 09, 2026 – Hungary’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 12, 2026, are unfolding in an environment shaped not only by domestic political competition but also by broader geopolitical tensions and debates about external influence. Charges of election interference have involved disinformation from state-controlled media, allegations …
Over 100 athletes compete in Albania’s national tournament for people with intellectual disabilities
TIRANA, April 9 – Over 100 athletes from across Albania joined the National Athletics and Table Tennis Tournament for people with intellectual disabilities. The event promotes inclusive sports and social equality. Athletes competed with energy and respect. They showed how sports can overcome social and physical barriers. The Albanian National …
Speaker Peleshi: Strengthening parliamentary cooperation with the Bundestag
TIRANA, April 9 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met with Gunnar Schellenberger, President of the Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament. They focused on enhancing inter-parliamentary ties and boosting economic cooperation between Albania and Germany. Peleshi highlighted the need to intensify collaboration between the Albanian Parliament and the Bundestag, and to expand exchanges …
“Islands”: Albania rises on tourism map as Ksamil draws Caribbean comparisons
TIRANA, April 9 – Albania is gaining attention as a beach destination in Europe. An article in the U.S. travel magazine Islands highlights the coastal village of Ksamil as a rising hotspot. The report asks which European destination offers Caribbean-style beaches at lower cost in 2026. It points to Albania’s …
Albania women’s team targets strong start against Wales in 2027 World Cup qualifiers
TIRANA, April 9 – Albania’s women’s national team continued preparations for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. The team held its latest training session at the “House of Football.” Albania will face Wales on April 14 at 20:15 at “Stok Cae Ras” stadium. Players are following an intensive training program ahead …
Economy and Innovation Minister: New law aims to boost strategic investments in tourist ports
TIRANA, April 9 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented a draft law to amend the framework on tourist ports. She said the initiative will simplify procedures for strategic investments in resorts, marinas, and tourist ports. Ibrahimaj said Albania has recorded strong tourism growth. The country welcomed 6.4 million …
PM Rama: Construction sector reflects Albania’s economic transformation
TIRANA, April 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the construction sector plays a key role in Albania’s economic and social transformation. He made the remarks during a meeting with business representatives on wage growth, alongside Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj. Rama rejected claims that link the sector to …
Spring Fair in Korça draws crowds with artisans and festive activities
TIRANA, April 9 – Korça’s central square in front of the Orthodox Cathedral came alive with the Spring Fair ahead of Easter. The event, now a local tradition, brings together artisans and visitors from across the country. Stalls showcase handmade crafts, traditional products, and souvenirs, creating a lively and authentic …
Gonxhja: New plan to revitalize historic areas in Shkodra
Tourism, Culture, and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja visited the Gjuhadol neighborhood in Shkodra. Mayor Benet Beci joined him. The area includes many historic buildings. Authorities plan to revitalize them and restore their identity. Gonxhja said they will implement a structured intervention plan. The plan targets historic zones and centers. The …
TIRANA, May 4 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said Albania’s EU accession process continues normally. He rejected claims of any blockage or veto from member states. He made the remarks during a hearing in the Committee for Europe and Foreign Affairs on the IBAR report and …
TIRANA, May 4 – The National Center for Children’s Culture closed the year’s largest painting event with the participation of around 500 children from Albania, Kosova, and North Macedonia. Meanwhile, Director Melsi Qirici described the second edition of the National Children’s Painting Competition as successful. She noted that children from …
TIRANA, May 4 – President Bajram Begaj attended the 70th anniversary of the priestly ordination of Cardinal Ernest Simoni at the Florence Cathedral “Santa Maria del Fiore”. He described Simoni as a symbol of resilience, faith, and sacrifice, and as a “living martyr”. In his message, Begaj said Simoni’s life …
TIRANA, May 4 – The Unified Chambers of the Supreme Court, composed of 16 judges, set new standards for the use of the security measure “arrest in prison” and required concrete, individualized reasoning for its imposition and continuation. The president of the Supreme Court initiated the review to address inconsistencies …
TIRANA, May 4 – The Bank of Albania reported that the Economic Sentiment Indicator fell by 1.5 points in April. The bank said weaker confidence in services, trade, and among consumers drove the decline. Despite this drop, the indicator remained 6.4 points above its historical average, signaling a generally positive …
The Traffic Police have published their weekly report, highlighting a number of violations and criminal offenses identified and addressed. During this period, 33 criminal incidents were recorded. Of these, 16 drivers were prosecuted while remaining at liberty for “Violations of road traffic rules.” Additionally, 9 drivers were prosecuted for “Driving …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared images on social media from the 8th Summit of the European Political Community, currently being held in Armenia. He posted part of the “family photo,” featuring leaders from across Europe. Shortly after arriving at the summit venue, Rama spoke to the media present about …
Vulnerable groups continue to be the most discriminated against in Europe, according to data from Eurostat. The situation is similar in Albania. In 2024, people born outside their country reported higher levels of discrimination compared to natives. About 9.7% said they felt discriminated against when interacting with public administration, compared …
Albania and Kosovo are not only using AI, but are increasingly mastering it, going beyond simple analysis and text generation to create videos, audio, and software. The latest data from the European Working Conditions Survey show that around 12% of employees in the EU use generative AI in their work. …
President Bajram Begaj attended the 70th anniversary of the priestly ordination of His Eminence, Cardinal Ernest Simoni. At the ceremony held at the Santa Maria del Fiore Cathedral in Florence, President Begaj praised Cardinal Simoni as a symbol of resilience, faith, and sacrifice—a “living martyr.” “Your story is living proof …