EU Integration: France Reaffirms Support for Enlargement
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with France’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, René Troccaz, during his stay in Pržno, Montenegro. The talks focused on Albania’s accession process to the European Union, developments in the Western Balkans, as well as the strategic importance of strengthening regional …
“Tirana Fountain Plaza”: Winning Project Unveiled for Transformation of “Tajvani” Complex
Bjarke Ingels Group has been announced as the winner of the international competition for “Tirana Fountain Plaza,” one of five architectural visions presented for Tirana 2030. The new development, named “Tirana Fountain Plaza,” is expected to replace the existing building of the “Tajvani” complex. Earlier in the day, Prime Minister …
Shkodër’s Rozafa Castle undergoes restoration and visitor upgrades
Rozafa Castle in Shkodër is undergoing restoration and redevelopment as part of a project to strengthen the tourism and cultural potential of the Shkodër Archaeological Park. Work has started at the lower section of the castle, where workers are building a parking area to address a long-standing issue for visitors. …
US Coast Guard visits Durrës Port to review security measures
Representatives of the United States Coast Guard visited Durrës Port under the International Port Security Program to review measures and procedures for port security. The delegation received a briefing on the port’s security situation, the implementation of standards under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and cooperation among …
Albania police chief Hita seeks stronger cooperation with international partners
Albania’s State Police Director General Skënder Hita held a series of meetings with senior law enforcement officials from partner countries during the European Police Chiefs Convention. The talks focused on strengthening police cooperation, information sharing and operational coordination. Hita met the directors general of the state police forces of Italy, …
Environment Minister Jaupaj calls for concrete water projects
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj took part in the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome, Italy. He presented Albania’s priorities for a more sustainable water future in Europe and the Mediterranean together with representatives of the European Commission and the Union for the Mediterranean. At the panel on a new European vision …
Vuno village declared historic centre in Himara
Vuno village on the Albanian Riviera has officially been declared a Historic Centre by a decision of Albania’s Council of Ministers. The decision strengthens institutional protection for the village’s architectural and historical heritage while creating new opportunities for tourism and the local economy. Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo described the decision …
Future Hospitality Forum to showcase 100 Albanian hotel projects
More than 100 Albanian hotel projects will go before international investors and hotel operators on October 2 in Tirana. The Albanian Investment Development Agency will host the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 for the first time. The event will take place at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The forum …
PM Rama: Five projects to compete for redevelopment in Rinia Park
Prime Minister Edi Rama said five architectural proposals would compete in an international competition for the redevelopment of the “Taiwan” building in Tirana’s Rinia Park. He made the statement while presenting the Tirana Fountain Tower project. Rama said the capital now has different needs and ambitions from those of previous …
Albania welcomes joint Albanian list in Presheva Valley for Serbia elections
Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs welcomed the agreement among Albanian political parties and entities in the Presheva Valley to run on a joint list in Serbia’s October 25, 2026 parliamentary elections. The ministry congratulated the Albanian political actors in the Presheva Valley for what it described as responsibility, …
By Zef Preci Tirana Times, September 30, 2026 – For more than two decades, Albania has had legislation requiring senior public officials to declare their assets and financial interests. Yet persistent concerns over unexplained wealth suggest that the central issue is no longer simply whether officials submit asset declarations. The …
Investigators examine weapons deals, state-linked defense companies and the role of businessman Ron Yeffet after allegations of international arms trafficking surfaced in recordings released by former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj. Tirana Times, October 03, 2026 – A series of searches by Albania’s special prosecutors has opened a potentially significant …
Albania lost 2-1 to Finland at Helsinki Olympic Stadium in a Nations League League C Group 1 match. Rey Manaj put Albania ahead in the fourth minute with a header from Kristjan Asllani’s corner. Goalkeeper Etrit Berisha then made a mistake in the 22nd minute and had to intervene outside …
Electricity distribution losses in Albania fell to 15.6% in the first eight months of 2026, according to data from the Electricity Distribution System Operator. The figure marks a continued improvement from 18.93% in 2023, 17.93% in 2024 and 16.96% in 2025. Regional data also show lower losses. Fier recorded the …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is among the leading candidates in the European Union enlargement process. In an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, she placed Albania and Montenegro at the front of the process, followed by Moldova and Ukraine. Kos said enlargement had achieved more …
Albania U19 secured a second consecutive victory over Lithuania U19, coming from behind to win 2-1 in a friendly match at the Vora Stadium. Lithuania took the lead in the first half, scoring from one of their few chances of the game. However, Albania responded strongly after the break and …
The International Dance Festival Tirana (IDFT) will launch its fifth edition on October 3, bringing a rich program of contemporary dance, international artists and artistic companies to the Albanian capital through October 21. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the festival will feature 17 performances in nine …
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, met today with representatives of the Union of Judges, the National Association of Judges and the Association of Prosecutors of Albania to discuss recent developments in the country’s justice system. According to the OSCE Presence, the discussion focused on …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media today from “Gran Tour Albania,” an event that brought Italian collectors of vintage cars to the historic city of Gjirokastër. “Motoring enthusiasts and tourists added a new color to Gjirokastër in autumn,” Rama wrote alongside photos from the event. Rare vintage …
The National Library in Tirana hosted the presentation of “Usta Josifi and the Saze of Përmet,” a new monographic study by author Niko Mihali dedicated to one of Albania’s richest musical traditions. The book explores the urban folk music tradition of Përmet and focuses on the life and contribution of …