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PM Rama: National Flight School opens, training and certification also for NATO and Kosova pilots

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the opening of the National Flight School. He described it as an ambitious project for the modernization of the Armed Forces. He said the initiative was initially met with humour and scepticism. However, Rama added that the project has now become …

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From the Nile to the Balkans

By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, July 3, 2026 – If you sit by the banks of the Nile on a quiet afternoon and allow its serene flow to guide your thoughts, you realize that the water remembers not only the lands it traverses, but also the people who shaped …

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Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs

While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here

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ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases

TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …

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Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15

TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …

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Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht

TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …

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Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës

Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …

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Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog

TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …

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PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement

TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …

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Former Kosova President Thaçi sends message to citizens

TIRANA, July 3 – Former Kosova President Hashim Thaçi has sent a message to Kosova’s citizens through Bedri Hamza following a meeting between the two. Hamza said in a social media post that Thaçi asked him to convey his warmest greetings to all citizens. He added that they ended their …

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Environmental Website Highlights Vjosa as Europe’s Last Wild River

Environmental Website A well-known environmental website has highlighted the Vjosa as Europe’s last major wild river, emphasizing its unique natural and cultural value. According to the Italian environmental platform LifeGate, the Vjosa River Basin remains one of the few places in Europe where water still flows freely and without barriers. …

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Young Albanian MPs Complete Study Visit to the European Parliament

The Parliamentary Youth Club and ten newly elected members of Albania’s Parliament completed a three-day study visit to the European Parliament as part of the Young Political Leaders (YPL) Programme for the Western Balkans. The European Parliament invited the delegation to take part in the visit, which took place from …

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Rama: Kanye West Concert Will Turn Tirana into a Global Music Entertainment Hub

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media today showing the construction of a stadium in Kashar for the upcoming concert of Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. According to Rama, organizers built the venue specifically for what he described as the largest concert ever held in Albania. He …

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Aldo Shllaku Brings Hollywood Film Scores to the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet

The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet hosted a special concert last night featuring Hollywood film scores composed by Albanian composer Aldo Shllaku. The TKOB Symphony Orchestra and Choir performed Shllaku’s compositions, bringing to life music that has accompanied some of Hollywood’s most recognized films. Under the composer’s own direction, …

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Albania Remembers Historian and Academic Aleks Buda on the Anniversary of His Passing

Albania honors the memory of Aleks Buda, one of the country’s most influential historians and scholars, on the anniversary of his passing on July 7, 1993. Buda left a rich intellectual legacy and established himself as a leading figure in Albanian historiography and academic life. As the first president of …

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Tourists choose the Albanian Alps for summer adventures and natural beauty

Albanian Alps attract thousands of domestic and international visitors as mountain tourism continues to grow during the summer season. In early July, visitors explore the National Park of the Albanian Alps, drawn by its spectacular landscapes, hiking routes, and unique natural attractions. Moreover, foreign tourists choose the region for outdoor …

News
Kanye West concert to bring global music spectacle to Tirana on Saturday

TIRANA, July 7 – Tirana will host an international music event on Saturday, July 11, as Kanye West, also known as Ye, performs in the capital. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the stadium under construction in Kashar, on the outskirts of Tirana. Organisers are preparing the venue specifically …

News
Albania to sign Defence Bank agreement with 9 NATO allies in Ankara

TIRANA, July 7 – Albania is expected to join 9 NATO allies in signing an agreement to establish the Defence Bank during the Alliance’s summit in Ankara. The new financial mechanism will support investments in the defence industry, military technologies, and the strengthening of member states’ defence capabilities. From Ankara, …

News
Around 300 students join Prishtina Summer University

TIRANA, July 7 – Around 300 students from different countries have joined the 25th edition of the International Summer University of Prishtina. The University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina” opened the programme near the Rectorate. Institutional representatives, international guests, professors, and students attended the opening event. This year’s edition includes cultural …

News
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. …

News

Environmental Website Highlights Vjosa as Europe’s Last Wild River

Environmental Website A well-known environmental website has highlighted the Vjosa as Europe’s last major wild river, emphasizing its unique natural and cultural value. According to the Italian environmental platform LifeGate, the Vjosa River Basin remains one of the few places in Europe where water still flows freely and without barriers. …

News

Young Albanian MPs Complete Study Visit to the European Parliament

The Parliamentary Youth Club and ten newly elected members of Albania’s Parliament completed a three-day study visit to the European Parliament as part of the Young Political Leaders (YPL) Programme for the Western Balkans. The European Parliament invited the delegation to take part in the visit, which took place from …

News

Rama: Kanye West Concert Will Turn Tirana into a Global Music Entertainment Hub

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media today showing the construction of a stadium in Kashar for the upcoming concert of Ye, formerly known as Kanye West. According to Rama, organizers built the venue specifically for what he described as the largest concert ever held in Albania. He …

News

Aldo Shllaku Brings Hollywood Film Scores to the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet

The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet hosted a special concert last night featuring Hollywood film scores composed by Albanian composer Aldo Shllaku. The TKOB Symphony Orchestra and Choir performed Shllaku’s compositions, bringing to life music that has accompanied some of Hollywood’s most recognized films. Under the composer’s own direction, …

News

Albania Remembers Historian and Academic Aleks Buda on the Anniversary of His Passing

Albania honors the memory of Aleks Buda, one of the country’s most influential historians and scholars, on the anniversary of his passing on July 7, 1993. Buda left a rich intellectual legacy and established himself as a leading figure in Albanian historiography and academic life. As the first president of …

News

Tourists choose the Albanian Alps for summer adventures and natural beauty

Albanian Alps attract thousands of domestic and international visitors as mountain tourism continues to grow during the summer season. In early July, visitors explore the National Park of the Albanian Alps, drawn by its spectacular landscapes, hiking routes, and unique natural attractions. Moreover, foreign tourists choose the region for outdoor …

News

Kanye West concert to bring global music spectacle to Tirana on Saturday

TIRANA, July 7 – Tirana will host an international music event on Saturday, July 11, as Kanye West, also known as Ye, performs in the capital. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the stadium under construction in Kashar, on the outskirts of Tirana. Organisers are preparing the venue specifically …

News

Albania to sign Defence Bank agreement with 9 NATO allies in Ankara

TIRANA, July 7 – Albania is expected to join 9 NATO allies in signing an agreement to establish the Defence Bank during the Alliance’s summit in Ankara. The new financial mechanism will support investments in the defence industry, military technologies, and the strengthening of member states’ defence capabilities. From Ankara, …

News

Around 300 students join Prishtina Summer University

TIRANA, July 7 – Around 300 students from different countries have joined the 25th edition of the International Summer University of Prishtina. The University of Prishtina “Hasan Prishtina” opened the programme near the Rectorate. Institutional representatives, international guests, professors, and students attended the opening event. This year’s edition includes cultural …

News

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. …