Vllaznia exit European campaign after defeat against Kosova’s Malisheva
TIRANA, July 16 – Vllaznia of Shkodër have ended their UEFA Conference League campaign after losing 5-0 to Malisheva in the second leg of the first qualifying round. The match took place at the “Zahir Pajaziti” Stadium in Podujeva. Malisheva overturned the result from the first leg and secured qualification …
Wizz Air opens direct Palermo-Tirana route starting in October
TIRANA, July 16 – Albania will gain a new direct air connection with Italy after Wizz Air announced a year-round route between Tirana and Palermo, according to Italian media outlet Italpress. The airline will launch the first flight on October 27. The route will operate 3 times a week, every …
Albania Achieves 80% Implementation of the EU Growth Plan
Albania has implemented around 80% of the reforms required under the EU Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, placing the country among the region’s top performers. The European Commission expects Albania to reach this milestone and ranks it alongside Montenegro as one of the best-performing countries in the Western Balkans. …
Begaj in Kyiv: Albania reaffirms unwavering support for Ukraine
President Bajram Begaj attended the Ukraine–Southeast Europe Summit in Kyiv and the ceremonies marking Ukraine’s Statehood Day, reaffirming Albania’s strong support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, recovery, and European integration. “Albania has been clear and unwavering in its support for Ukraine. We stand with your independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity …
Nufi: Defense industry to become a new pillar of economic growth and national security
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi and Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu inspected the construction site of “Guna Tactical”, a major investment in Albania’s defense industry. The officials reviewed the project’s progress and highlighted its strategic role in creating a modern defense sector that will support economic growth, generate jobs, and strengthen …
Karakaçi presents Albania’s Voluntary National Review on the 2030 Agenda at the UN
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi presented Albania’s Voluntary National Review (VNR) at the United Nations during the second day of the High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. The report highlights Albania’s progress in implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Karakaçi said Albania presented concrete results, …
Albanian Ambassadors’ Council condemns Serbian minister’s statement, calls for action at EU and NATO levels
The Albanian Ambassadors’ Council has strongly condemned recent statements by Serbian Government Minister Snezhana Paunović, warning that such rhetoric threatens regional stability and contradicts European values. In a statement, the council said the remarks revive concepts linked to the ethnic cleansing of Albanians and raise concerns about Serbia’s continued distancing …
Gogu meets justice institutions’ leaders, highlights sustainability of justice reform as key challenge
Justice Minister Toni Gogu gathered the heads of justice institutions to review the progress of Albania’s justice reform and discuss the challenges ahead in the country’s European integration process. Gogu said the next 12 months will be crucial for Albania’s EU accession path. He stressed that the main challenge is …
French Ambassador Suard: France and Albania share a common ambition for a reunited Europe
French Ambassador to Albania Catherine Suard highlighted the strong ties between France and Albania during a reception in Tirana marking France’s National Day. The event brought together senior Albanian officials, diplomats, media representatives, and civil society members. Suard reaffirmed France’s support for Albania’s EU integration. She said France believes Albania …
Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony closes the artistic season
The RTSH Symphony Orchestra closed its artistic season with a performance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The festive concert featured soloists Eva Golemi, Vikena Kamenica, Amadi Lagha, and Artur Vera. Dritan Lumshi conducted the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet Choir. …
The European Commission has launched a call for civil society organizations that want to join the new Civil Society Platform, a permanent dialogue mechanism between civil society groups and European Union institutions. The platform aims to create a forum where organizations can exchange ideas and experiences, discuss challenges facing civil …
Albania has become part of the soundtrack of one of the year’s most anticipated films, “The Odyssey” by director Christopher Nolan. The film, which premiered worldwide this week, is Nolan’s latest adaptation of Homer’s epic poem. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus and featuring a major Hollywood cast, the production was …
The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), in cooperation with the Butrint Management Foundation (BMF), has launched the first call for applications under the Butrint Community Grant Scheme. The initiative supports individuals, local businesses and nonprofit organizations with projects focused on economic, cultural, social and tourism development in the Butrint National Park …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album highlighting the week’s key events. First, he attended the Coalition of the Willing Summit on Ukraine in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. He also joined France’s National Day ceremony and reaffirmed Albania’s strong partnership with its Euro-Atlantic allies. …
Tirana Times, July 18, 2026 – For years, the U.S. and the EU invested significant political capital, funding, and diplomatic pressure into helping Albania build one of the most ambitious anti-corruption institutions in the Balkans: the Special Anti-Corruption Structure, known as SPAK. SPAK was created to do what previous institutions …
The European Commission says Albania continued to implement judicial reform and the Cross-Sector Justice Strategy throughout 2026. First, Albania completed the vetting process for all judges and prosecutors after authorities finalized the appeals phase. Consequently, the process further strengthened judicial independence, accountability, and integrity across the justice system. In addition, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said tourism and foreign investments currently bring €8.5 billion into Albania’s economy. Speaking at an event promoting the national program “Double Your Business,” Rama highlighted the growth of tourism and its impact on economic development. According to him, tourists now fill the streets of Tirana in …
A new space dedicated to art, culture, and community has become part of Tirana’s urban landscape. The Art Park in Kinostudio has transformed the former film studio area into a new meeting point for residents, artists, and visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing large numbers …
TIRANA, July 17 – The Artistic Ensemble “Skanderbeg” from Korça represented Albania at the 59th edition of the International “Festival des Cultures du Monde” in Chambéry, France. The festival brought together folklore and cultural groups from different parts of the world. The Albanian ensemble presented traditional costumes, music and dances, …
TIRANA, July 17 – Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj presented the sovereign scheme “Double your business”, which aims to help Albanian companies access financing and increase investment, productivity and competitiveness in European markets. Ibrahimaj said the initiative responds to the real needs of businesses and supports the development …