President Begaj in Dibër: “Oda Dibrane” Unites Albanians Across Borders
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj visited Dibër, where he attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his speech, the head of state praised the festival’s role in preserving national identity and strengthening ties between Albanians at home and abroad. During his visit, …
Saudi Arabia and the New Strategic Balance in the Middle East
The Middle East faces a historic choice: to remain trapped in rivalries that define security through the weakening of adversaries, or to build a regional order based on sovereignty, cooperation and diplomacy. By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, October 09, 2026 – The greatest danger facing the Middle East today …
Europe Needs Proof, Not Promises
By Enrico Letta Delivery as the defining challenge Thank you. I am genuinely pleased to be here, and I will tell you why I rearranged my agenda to make it. When I saw the title of this event — “Proof, Not Promises”, I understood immediately that this is the title …
EU Ambassador: Energy and Transport Links Bring Albania Closer to EU Market
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said energy and transport links play a key role in economic growth and Albania’s integration with the European market. She made the remarks after meeting Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi. Moreira de Sousa reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to supporting Albania in …
EU Approves October 13 Conference to Advance Albania’s Accession Talks
EU member states have approved an intergovernmental conference with Albania on October 13 in Luxembourg, paving the way for the provisional closure of Chapter 20 on Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER) approved the meeting after reviewing Albania’s progress on business development and industrial reforms. Chapter …
Rama: Countdown Begins Toward Albania’s Historic EU Membership Goal
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has moved closer to its historic goal of joining the European Union after the bloc gave the green light to close negotiations on Chapter 20, which covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. In a social media post, Rama said the latest development strengthens Albania’s prospects …
SEPA Cuts Transfer Costs as Albania Records €8.7 Billion in Transactions
Albania recorded around 788,000 euro transfers worth €8.7 billion during its first 11 months in the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA). The system has significantly reduced cross-border payment costs for individuals and businesses since it began operating in Albania on October 7, 2025. Bank of Albania data show that individuals …
Nufi Meets Albanian Medical Students in Ankara
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met Albanian students studying at Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, part of the University of Health Sciences in Ankara, Türkiye. They discussed student life, their experiences abroad, the challenges and opportunities ahead, and their vision for Albania’s future. Nufi said the students’ presence at the Turkish university …
Begaj Awards Top Albanian Honour to US Senators Shaheen and Durbin
President Bajram Begaj has awarded US Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Dick Durbin the title of Commander of the Supreme Order of the Eagle for their contribution to strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt attended the ceremony at the Palace of …
Tirana to Host Golden Age Gym Festival 2028 with 2,000 Participants
Tirana will host the 11th Golden Age Gym Festival from October 1 to 7, 2028, bringing together more than 2,000 participants from across Europe. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) announced that its executive board unanimously approved Tirana’s bid, citing Albania’s organisational capacity. The Albanian Gymnastics Federation initiated the bid …
Kosovo President Justina Shiroka-Pula met with Albania’s Ambassador to Kosovo, Petrit Malaj, on Monday to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation. According to the Kosovo Presidency, Malaj congratulated Shiroka-Pula on her election and expressed hope that the two countries would further deepen their ties during her mandate. Shiroka-Pula stressed …
Albania expects to provisionally close Chapter 20 of its European Union accession negotiations today in Luxembourg. Prime Minister Edi Rama will attend the 10th Intergovernmental Conference between Albania and the EU. Rama described the move as another step towards EU membership. The closure would bring Albania’s total to 4 provisionally …
The European Commission’s enlargement strategy, presented on October 6, proposes enhanced rule-of-law monitoring for new EU members for up to 15 years after accession. The plan aims to prevent democratic backsliding and avoid situations like Hungary under former Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Hungary and Poland exposed weaknesses in Article 7 …
Albania will experience relatively unstable weather on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching 22 degrees Celsius, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Until midday, moderate to heavy cloud cover will bring occasional light rain to southern and southeastern areas and the eastern mountain regions. Brief thunderstorms are also possible. After midday, skies …
Albania is strengthening its presence on the international tourism map, with 20 accommodation establishments featured in the Michelin Guide’s selection of hotels. The selected properties span several of the country’s main destinations, including Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Himarë, Berat, Gjirokastër, Korçë and Sarandë. The list covers a wide range of accommodation, …
Albania’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, met with FIBA Secretary General Andreas Zagklis, FIBA Europe Board member Michal Konecny and Albanian Basketball Federation President Avni Ponari at the ministry. The talks focused on increasing support for the national federation and investing in sports infrastructure. The participants highlighted …
Albania marks 95 years since the birth of writer and academic Dritëro Agolli, born on October 13, 1931. He died in Tirana on February 3, 2017. Agolli developed a distinctive literary voice rooted in Albanian language, tradition and folk wisdom. His first poetry collection, “Në rrugë dola” (I Set Out …
Italian travel platform Skyscanner.it has included Dhërmi among 20 destinations recommended for enjoying warmer weather during autumn. Its guide highlights places where visitors can combine sunny days, cultural heritage, traditional cuisine and scenic landscapes beyond the peak summer season. The selection spans European cities, Mediterranean resorts and destinations farther afield. …
The village of Fishtë in Lezhë is expanding its tourism offer with a new cultural initiative that brings artists closer to audiences and creates a lively atmosphere for residents and visitors. “Hambar Teatri” offers an intimate space for music, poetry and artistic storytelling. Local residents launched the initiative through voluntary …
Albania’s Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Andis Salla, visited Çela Herbal in Bradashesh, near Elbasan, to discuss financial support for business expansion. The family-owned company, run by Aleksandër Çela, has traded medicinal plants for more than 30 years. It works with around 400 farmers nationwide and exports about 400 …