EU-Western Balkans Summit 2026: New Impetus for the Enlargement Debate?
By Odeta Barbullushi and Marina Vulovic Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – A new proposal on enlargement was tabled by the French President Emmanuel Macron and the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, on June 5, 2026. Its timing could not be more strategic: …
Kushner’s Sazan Island Project Under Scrutiny
As Albania faces growing protests over protected coastal areas, a draft government decision to transfer Sazan Island from the Defence Ministry raises new questions over transparency, public assets and strategic investments. Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – Albania’s debate over strategic investments along its coastline has entered a new and …
Letter from Brussels: Getting Creative about EU Enlargement in the Balkans
A new Franco-German proposal is heralding a possible new approach to the European bloc’s enlargement process – and leaving the door open for Kosovo. But it was Serbia’s president who grabbed the headlines at the latest EU-Balkans summit. Original post Here
Digitrips/L’Écho: Albania ranked most affordable Mediterranean destination in ticket price barometer
TIRANA, June 9 – Albania stands out as one of the most attractive summer 2026 destinations, not only for its coastline and landscapes but also for increasingly competitive travel costs, Anna Duplantis writes in an article published by the French media outlet “Ulysse”. In addition, a price barometer by Digitrips …
Switzerland strong supporter of vocational education and training reforms in Albania
TIRANA, June 9 – Swiss Ambassador to Albania Ruth Huber said Switzerland strongly supports reforms that place vocational education and training at the centre of social and economic development in Albania. She made the statement during the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education and Training, where participants discussed reform results. …
PM Rama: Tourism success boosts foreign investment, rejects claims on cheap labour and environmental harm
TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s success in tourism has triggered growing interest from foreign capital and international businesses to invest in the country. He made the remarks during the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education and Training. Meanwhile, Rama rejected claims that foreign investors come …
The Pope, AI and the Future of Humanity
The most important political text of the 21st century comes not from politicians but from Pope Leo XIV by Milena Harito I am an atheist, but today I can do nothing but thank Pope Leo XIV, who with his first encyclical, wrote the most reasonable and meaningful political text I …
Restoration of Turan Tower continues, Gonxhja says historic values preserved for future generations
TIRANA, June 9 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared images on social media showing progress in the restoration of Turan Tower. He described it as a monument of special historical and architectural importance. Meanwhile, he said restoration and consolidation work continues on the monument. He said …
Tirana to host European Bank for Reconstruction and Development annual meeting in 2028
TIRANA, June 9 – Tirana will host the 2028 annual meeting of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, a major international event expected to bring together financial institution leaders, government representatives, investors, and development partners from dozens of countries. Meanwhile, Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj announced the decision at …
Gonxhja Warns Political Uncertainty Could Affect Tourism and the Economy
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja highlighted record figures at Tirana International Airport and warned that political uncertainty could affect both tourism and the national economy. According to Gonxhja, the airport recorded its highest daily traffic on May 30. On that day, 51,420 passengers traveled through the airport, while …
Protesting Albanians are not against tourist resorts or foreign investments, but they’re tired of being treated as passive subjects of decisions made by higher powers. Original post Here
Rowing will become part of the Mediterranean Games “Prishtina 2030.” Kosovo has already started preparations for the sport’s development. First, officials confirmed the decision to include rowing in the program. This step strengthens the country’s sports agenda for the Games. Then, the acting Minister of Youth and Sports, Blerim Gashani, …
TIRANA, June 11 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania Ferit Hoxha met in Sofia with the Speaker of the National Assembly of Bulgaria Mihaela Dotsova. The two sides reaffirmed the strong partnership between Albania and Bulgaria during the meeting. They also confirmed a joint commitment to expand …
TIRANA, June 11 – Albania will experience relatively unstable atmospheric conditions today. The weather will remain mostly clear with light to moderate passing cloudiness in eastern mountainous areas from midday. Later in the evening, cloud cover will increase across the north and gradually spread to the rest of the country. …
The Kosovo women’s national team achieved a historic milestone. They qualified for the 2027 World Cup play-off stage. They also secured promotion to League B for the next qualification cycle. First, Kosovo delivered a dominant performance against Gibraltar. They won the match 8–0 away from home. They closed their Group …
TIRANA, June 11 – The French travel guide “Le Routard” presents Albania as an emerging European destination that combines natural landscapes, cultural heritage and authentic local experiences. In a feature published by “Le Guide du Routard,” journalist Noemie Adler describes the country as gaining growing international attention while remaining largely …
TIRANA, June 11 – Today marks 27 years since the withdrawal of Serbian military and paramilitary forces from Kosova. The event ended Serbian control over the territory. Serbian forces withdrew after sustained resistance from the Kosovo Liberation Army on the ground. NATO air operations also contributed to the outcome. The …
TIRANA, June 11 – The Council of Ministers has approved the National Action Plan for Persons with Disabilities 2026–2030. The document defines the policy framework for rights protection, social inclusion and independent living for persons with disabilities over the next five years. The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare prepared …
A public dialogue took place today at the Academy of Sciences in Tirana. Writers Visar Zhiti and Stefan Çapaliku took part. Journalist Beti Njuma moderated the discussion. First, Çapaliku opened the debate. He described the relationship between writers and society as problematic. He said writers rarely feel comfortable with society. …
TIRANA, June 11 – The stone city of Gjirokastër remains one of Albania’s most sought-after destinations. The city also forms part of the country’s year-round tourism offer. Domestic and international visitors explore Gjirokastër for its history and cultural heritage. The destination also offers attractions suited to different age groups and …