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Albanian Parliament Speaker Peleshi Visits Prague, Czech Republic Reaffirms Support for Albania’s EU Integration

Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi has paid an official visit to the Czech Republic, where he met with Tomio Okamura, Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, and Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Senate. The meetings focused on bilateral relations, strengthening interparliamentary cooperation, and the Czech Republic’s support for Albania’s …

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Rama Announces New Ministry of Public Administration as Part of Merit-Based Reform

Prime Minister Edi Rama presented a new reform called the “Merit Ladder,” which he said aims to ensure that the most qualified individuals are recruited and promoted within the public administration hierarchy. Rama emphasized that the reform also includes the establishment, for the first time, of a ministry dedicated to …

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Rama Shares Video of Mini-Stadium Construction in Katundi i Ri, Durrës: Built to UEFA Standards

Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared a video on his Facebook page showing the ongoing construction of a mini-stadium featuring a modern football pitch in Katundi i Ri, Durrës. Through the video, the prime minister announced that the mini-stadium is being built in accordance with UEFA standards, in cooperation with …

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Anti Government Protests in Albania

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Anti Government Protests in Albania appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here

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Military industry advances towards alliance standards

Defence Minister Ermal Nufi says the country is developing its military industry and domestic production capacity. The state-owned company KAYO has established 6 commercial partnerships, while local assembly of armoured vehicles has begun. This progress builds on work launched in 2024 to establish the legal and industrial foundations for domestic …

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Elbasani Stage a Comeback Against Laçi as Skënderbeu and Vllaznia Share the Points

Elbasani came from behind to beat Laçi 2-1, while Skënderbeu and Vllaznia played out a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s two other fixtures of Week 10 of Albania’s Abissnet Superiore. In Korçë, Skënderbeu and Vllaznia shared the points after an evenly contested encounter. The hosts dominated the first half and created …

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Albania aims to lead in public-sector artificial intelligence by 2030

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj says artificial intelligence will extend across all levels of public administration. The goal is to make Albania a leader and a reference point for public-sector use of the technology by 2030. In a video message on social media, the minister said work on integration …

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Tefta Tashko-Koço: The Voice That Gave Albanian Songs a Timeless Elegance

Born far from Albania, in the Egyptian city of Faiyum, Tefta Tashko-Koço would become one of the most celebrated voices in the country’s musical history. Her remarkable soprano brought together the refinement of European classical music and the emotional depth of Albanian urban folk songs, creating an artistic legacy that …

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Orikum pumping station near Vlora improves flood protection for 460 hectares

Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla visited the Orikum pumping station following the completion of its reconstruction. The investment aims to improve flood protection for agricultural land. The station had lost drainage capacity because of ageing infrastructure. The project replaced 4 old electric pumps with modern submersible pumps. It …

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PM Rama: 19 digital services now available to pensioners through voice commands

Prime Minister Edi Rama says pensioners can now use 19 services on the e-Albania platform through voice commands with the help of virtual assistant Diella. Users can also access the platform through Face ID or fingerprint recognition after activation. In a video shared on social media, Rama demonstrated how Diella …

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Bank of Albania keeps key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%

The Bank of Albania has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. The Supervisory Council announced the decision on November 3. Governor Gent Sejko also confirmed that the overnight deposit rate will remain at 1.5%. Meanwhile, the overnight lending rate will stay at 3.5%. Sejko said the decision reflects …

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Albania strengthens aviation emergency response with search-and-rescue drill

Albania will test its aviation emergency response capabilities today through a planned search-and-rescue exercise near Tirana International Airport. The drill, named SAR-2026, will run from 10:30 to 12:00. The National Search and Rescue Centre is organising the exercise with institutions responsible for aviation emergencies. Participants include the Armed Forces, Tirana …

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Albanian and Hungarian national libraries launch cultural cooperation

The National Library of Albania and Hungary’s National Szechenyi Library have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen professional, scientific and cultural ties. The signing ceremony brought together Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Lira Pipa and Hungarian Ambassador to Albania Martina Laura Kasnyik. The agreement provides for exchanges …

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FM Hoxha: Albania seeks merit-based European Union membership, not shortcuts

Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “EU Enlargement: Assessing New Concepts and the Outlook for 2027,” organised by the German Council on Foreign Relations. Hoxha said geopolitical realities had made enlargement a strategic and security necessity for Europe. However, he stressed that this …

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Lezha begins construction of a new pedestrian zone

Construction has begun on a new pedestrian promenade in Lezha, a project worth ALL 62 million funded by the municipal budget. The development aims to create new recreational spaces for residents and tourists. The municipality expects to complete the project by next summer. Deputy PM Albana Koçiu shared footage of …

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European Commission to present Albania’s 2026 progress report in Brussels

The European Commission is expected to publish its 2026 Enlargement Package today at around 13:00, including its annual report on Albania. The report will assess reform progress, accession criteria and the challenges Albania must address on its path towards European Union membership. For the first time, the package is expected …

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Government plans higher spending on public security in 2027

Interior Minister Ervin Demo has presented the government’s proposed 2027 budget for the Interior Ministry to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates around ALL 40 billion, a 12% increase from 2026 and the ministry’s highest budget allocation to date. It aims to strengthen public security, …

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Kruja: where history, culture and mountain tourism meet

Located on the slopes of a mountain, the historic city of Kruja remains one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. Just a short distance from Tirana, it attracts local and international visitors with its rich history, cultural traditions and natural beauty. Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared new images of …

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Government draft budget for 2027 prioritises infrastructure and energy projects

Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi has announced that the government’s draft budget for 2027 provides full funding for priority infrastructure and energy projects. It includes investment in roads and water supply and sewerage systems across all 12 counties. Key road projects include continued construction of the Elbasan bypass, completion …

News
Lion King musical brings a new adventure to Tirana’s Puppet Theatre

The musical “The Lion King” will bring a colourful theatrical experience to children and families in Tirana this November and December. Melsi Qirici, director of the National Centre of Culture for Children, has announced the performance dates. The show will take place on November 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and …

News

Bank of Albania keeps key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%

The Bank of Albania has kept its key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%. The Supervisory Council announced the decision on November 3. Governor Gent Sejko also confirmed that the overnight deposit rate will remain at 1.5%. Meanwhile, the overnight lending rate will stay at 3.5%. Sejko said the decision reflects …

News

Albania strengthens aviation emergency response with search-and-rescue drill

Albania will test its aviation emergency response capabilities today through a planned search-and-rescue exercise near Tirana International Airport. The drill, named SAR-2026, will run from 10:30 to 12:00. The National Search and Rescue Centre is organising the exercise with institutions responsible for aviation emergencies. Participants include the Armed Forces, Tirana …

News

Albanian and Hungarian national libraries launch cultural cooperation

The National Library of Albania and Hungary’s National Szechenyi Library have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen professional, scientific and cultural ties. The signing ceremony brought together Deputy Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Lira Pipa and Hungarian Ambassador to Albania Martina Laura Kasnyik. The agreement provides for exchanges …

News

FM Hoxha: Albania seeks merit-based European Union membership, not shortcuts

Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “EU Enlargement: Assessing New Concepts and the Outlook for 2027,” organised by the German Council on Foreign Relations. Hoxha said geopolitical realities had made enlargement a strategic and security necessity for Europe. However, he stressed that this …

News

Lezha begins construction of a new pedestrian zone

Construction has begun on a new pedestrian promenade in Lezha, a project worth ALL 62 million funded by the municipal budget. The development aims to create new recreational spaces for residents and tourists. The municipality expects to complete the project by next summer. Deputy PM Albana Koçiu shared footage of …

News

European Commission to present Albania’s 2026 progress report in Brussels

The European Commission is expected to publish its 2026 Enlargement Package today at around 13:00, including its annual report on Albania. The report will assess reform progress, accession criteria and the challenges Albania must address on its path towards European Union membership. For the first time, the package is expected …

News

Government plans higher spending on public security in 2027

Interior Minister Ervin Demo has presented the government’s proposed 2027 budget for the Interior Ministry to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates around ALL 40 billion, a 12% increase from 2026 and the ministry’s highest budget allocation to date. It aims to strengthen public security, …

News

Kruja: where history, culture and mountain tourism meet

Located on the slopes of a mountain, the historic city of Kruja remains one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. Just a short distance from Tirana, it attracts local and international visitors with its rich history, cultural traditions and natural beauty. Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared new images of …

News

Government draft budget for 2027 prioritises infrastructure and energy projects

Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi has announced that the government’s draft budget for 2027 provides full funding for priority infrastructure and energy projects. It includes investment in roads and water supply and sewerage systems across all 12 counties. Key road projects include continued construction of the Elbasan bypass, completion …

News

Lion King musical brings a new adventure to Tirana’s Puppet Theatre

The musical “The Lion King” will bring a colourful theatrical experience to children and families in Tirana this November and December. Melsi Qirici, director of the National Centre of Culture for Children, has announced the performance dates. The show will take place on November 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and …