Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania
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 …
Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July
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%. …
SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku
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, …
Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road
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 …
New Road Code measures enter into force, stricter penalties for traffic violations
TIRANA, August 7 – New amendments to Albania’s Road Code entered into force today. The changes introduce stricter measures for traffic violations to improve road safety and reduce accidents. Drivers who repeatedly operate vehicles while under the influence of alcohol will permanently lose their driving licence. The new rules also …
Public consultations begin on new territorial map
TIRANA, August 7 – Cërrik and Maliq municipalities have started public consultations on the new territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities in Albania from 61 to 46. Cërrik Municipality said it launched the process after receiving a notification from Parliament. The consultation period on the draft …
Albania advances in implementing EU Growth Plan
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania continues to make progress in implementing reforms linked to European integration and has received financial support under the European Union’s Growth Plan for the Western Balkans. According to the EU-funded platform “WEBALKANS_eu”, Albania has made strong and sustainable progress. The platform said the country has …
Football Federation approves Elite Youth Academy participation in youth championships
TIRANA, August 7 – The Executive Committee of the Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) has approved the participation of Elite Youth Academy teams in the Abissnet Superiore U-16 and U-17 championships for the 2026–2027 and 2027–2028 seasons. The decision aims to strengthen youth football development and create more opportunities for young …
Defense Minister thanks firefighters battling wildfires
TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi shared footage today from the firefighting operation in the Mount Dajti area and praised the commitment and sacrifice of personnel working on the ground. Nufi said in a social media post that emergency structures and Armed Forces personnel provide protection for citizens, …
Foreign tourists praise Durrës for hospitality, beaches and affordable prices
TIRANA, August 7 – Foreign tourists visiting Durrës during the summer season have praised the city’s beaches, hospitality, affordable prices and relaxing atmosphere. Visitors from Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, England, the Czech Republic and the Dominican Republic said they had a positive experience and considered Durrës an attractive destination for …
Prime Minister Edi Rama continued public consultations on the territorial administrative reform in Berat today. He focused on how the proposed reorganization of local units could affect public services. Rama stressed that the merger would not reduce services in Poliçan, Dimal or other local units. Instead, he said the reform …
Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu said that 12 hours of discussions cannot solve all the challenges citizens expect the healthcare system to address. She stressed that healthcare leaders must continue working directly with citizens and communities. During a coordination meeting with managers of primary healthcare and hospital …
Kosovo’s Assembly approved the new government led by Albin Kurti of the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV) with 62 votes in favor, eight against and no abstentions, giving Kurti his fourth term as prime minister. LVV holds 53 seats, while nine lawmakers from non-majority communities also supported the government. Eight represent non-Serb …
The Academy of Sciences of Albania today marked the 119th anniversary of the birth of Dhimitër Pasko, known in literature as Mitrush Kuteli. Kuteli was born in Pogradec on September 13, 1907. He became one of Albania’s most distinguished writers, translators, economists and scholars. He made major contributions to literature, …
“What truly makes a difference is the dream,” Prime Minister Edi Rama said during a discussion with professors from the World Economic Forum, linking Albania’s transformation and that of the region to the aspiration for European Union membership. Responding to a Mongolian professor’s question about Albania’s democratic transformation and transition …
Dinamo City defeated Partizani 4-2 in the capital derby today at Vora Stadium, securing its third consecutive victory in the fourth round of the Abissnet Superiore. Ilir Daja’s side started strongly and opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Hekuran Berisha took advantage of a defensive mistake and put Dinamo …
The National Historical Museum today marked the 158th anniversary of the birth of Carl Patsch, the Austrian archaeologist and historian who made important contributions to the study of Albania and the Illyrians. Patsch was born on September 12, 1868. He directed the Provincial Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and later …
The Goddess of Butrint, Dea, has returned to the ancient city where archaeologists discovered her. The work stands among Albania’s best-known archaeological treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed Dea’s return and said it adds further value to Albania’s history and cultural heritage. “Good news about Dea of Butrint returning home …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has brought back his “Flasim” podcast, focusing on education and Albania’s results in the international PISA 2025 assessment. In the first episode of the new season, titled “News from School,” Rama spoke about the start of the new school year and the progress of the education …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi describes the development of the defence industry as a strategic priority for Albania. In a video message, he said that the country has now entered a new phase in which the defence industry aims to strengthen national security, technological capabilities and economic development. “The development of …