AF Elbasani begins European campaign against BATE Borisov in UEFA Conference League
AF Elbasani starts Albania’s journey in the 2026–2027 European football competitions as the club faces BATE Borisov in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The team will host the first leg today at “Elbasan Arena” at 20:00, marking an important moment for the club and its supporters. …
Shkodër protected areas activate fire monitoring network
TIRANA, July 7 – No fires have been reported so far in the protected areas of Shkodër region, despite high temperatures and a significant increase in visitors during the summer season. The Administration of Protected Areas (AdZM) Shkodër said cooperation with municipalities and fire services has strengthened prevention measures. The …
European excellence hospital in Tirana to treat complex diseases
TIRANA, July 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented a project for a new European-standard excellence hospital in Tirana. The San Donato Group will build the facility as part of efforts to transform healthcare services in Albania and the Western Balkans. Rama said the hospital will create new opportunities for …
Air Albania Stadium upgrades progress ahead of UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027
The Albanian Football Federation continues major improvements at the “Air Albania” Stadium as the country prepares to host matches of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027. Workers have completed the removal of the old grass surface and carried out upgrades to the field’s foundation. They have now started installing the …
German magazine “CHIP” names Albania an ideal 2026 destination away from mass tourism
German magazine “CHIP” lists Albania among the top recommended destinations for 2026, highlighting the country as an ideal choice for travelers seeking authentic experiences away from mass tourism. Travel bloggers from “Reisekröten” include Albania among five peaceful holiday destinations and describe it as a “hidden gem” for visitors who want …
Albania women’s national team begins historic World Cup 2027 play-off against Wales
The Albanian women’s national football team starts a historic journey in the play-off stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 after UEFA’s draw placed Wales as its first-round opponent. The red-and-black team will open the campaign in front of Albanian supporters on October 9, when it hosts Wales …
Faces of Protest: Meet the Albanians Taking to Tirana’s Streets
Prime Minister Edi Rama claims the daily protests shaking Tirana are misguided or manipulated from outside. BIRN spoke with some of the most dedicated protesters to find out more about their hopes for environmental and democratic changes. Original post Here
Saudi Ambassador Meets Head of Albania–Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group
Tirana Times, July 6,2026 – Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Turki bin Ibrahim Al-Madi, received Albanian MP Baldi Çomo, Chairman of the Albania–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Eriol Mile for talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation. According to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Tirana, the …
Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and OSCE Strengthen Cooperation to Promote Equality
The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and the OSCE Presence in Albania agreed to strengthen their institutional cooperation during a meeting between Commissioner Genta Tafa (Bungo) and OSCE Ambassador Michel Tarran. The two sides discussed joint initiatives to prevent and address hate speech while promoting equality, respect, and non-discrimination. They …
Albania Launches New Public Administration Reforms to Advance EU Integration
Albania has unveiled a new package of initiatives aimed at modernizing its public administration and strengthening its preparedness for European Union membership. During Public Administration Week, Minister of State for Public Administration Adea Pirdeni emphasized that the government will prioritize investment in human capital, improve institutional performance, and align Albania’s …
Pristina and Tirana push back against Kyiv’s stance, insisting that Kosovo’s sovereignty cannot be diminished or equated with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Tirana Times , August 09, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation in Belgrade that Kyiv has not changed its position on Kosovo has triggered criticism in Albania and …
The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 – The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan represents more …
Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …
TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …
Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …
TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …