Zvërnec Resort Under SPAK Investigation, Rama: Probe into Property Ownership Is Welcome, Project Will Continue
Prime Minister Edi Rama said he welcomes the investigation launched by SPAK (the Special Anti-Corruption Structure) into the ownership history of the property on which a resort is planned to be built in the Zvërnec area. Rama stressed that the project will continue regardless of the investigation, adding that the …
“Enlargement Is a Necessity”: Antonio Costa Says Rule of Law and Judicial Independence Are Essential for EU Membership
European Council President Antonio Costa was in Tirana on Tuesday, where he held a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama. Costa stated that EU member states have viewed Albania’s progress in the accession process positively. He also emphasized that Albania must intensify its efforts in the fight against …
Trump Nominates New Ambassadors for Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro
U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated several candidates for ambassadorial positions, including ambassadors to a number of Western Balkan countries. Michael Young of Utah has been nominated to serve as the United States Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Serbia. Ronald Johnson of Massachusetts has been nominated as Ambassador to Bosnia …
Albania Lost 28,500 Residents in 2025 as Average Age Reaches 45
Albania has entered a new phase of its demographic crisis. The latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT) show that the country’s population fell to 2.33 million as of January 1, 2026, losing more than 28,000 residents in just one year. Although births continue to outnumber deaths, emigration is …
Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company Fined €110,000 Over Metering Irregularities
Kosovo’s Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation (MINTI) has imposed a €110,000 fine on the Kosovo Electricity Distribution Company (KEDS) following the discovery of irregularities in electricity meters. According to MINTI, inspections were carried out after consumer complaints received during May. Field verifications revealed that 18 electricity meters had …
Canada’s Local Partnerships Drive Change Across Albania
Tirana Times, June 01, 2026 – As Albania continues to strengthen democratic governance, promote inclusive growth, and support sustainable community-driven development, Canada is positioning itself as a constructive and pragmatic partner through one of its most distinctive instruments of international engagement: the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives. Known as CFLI, the program …
Minister Blendi Gonxhja to present National Culture Strategy 2026–2030
TIRANA, June 2 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja invited citizens to join a public consultation on the National Culture Strategy 2026–2030. He said the process aims to present the vision for cultural development in the coming years. The strategy will be presented on June 3. Meanwhile, …
Travelpack promotes Albania with dedicated brochure, places it among Europe’s hottest destinations – Travel Week report
TIRANA, June 2 – Albania attracts growing attention in the international tourism market. Juliet Dennis reports this in “Travel Week”. Meanwhile, British operator Travelpack launches its first dedicated Albania programme. The move responds to rising demand. The company describes the country as one of Europe’s hottest tourism markets. A 32-page …
Albania-Poland social security deal to protect citizens’ rights, says Manjani
TIRANA, June 3 – Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani said a social security agreement between Albania and Poland will strengthen social protection for citizens who live and work in both countries. Speaking at the Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration, Manjani said the agreement ensures recognition …
Albanian Radio and Television Spring Festival stage design takes shape, Albi Çifligu: Tradition meets modernity
TIRANA, June 2 – Work continues at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet stage. The Spring Festival on Albanian Radio and Television approaches. Preparations move at a fast pace ahead of the two-night event. Stage designer Albi Çifligu leads the visual concept. He focuses on detailed design elements. He …
TIRANA, June 4 – Representatives of the Albanian Customs Administration took part in a regional meeting on firearms trafficking held on 2–3 June in Sarajevo. The event took place under the South Eastern and Eastern Europe Clearinghouse for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SEESAC) project. It also …
TIRANA, June 4 – Albania lost 0–1 to Israel in a friendly match at “Air Albania” stadium in Tirana. The result marked an unsuccessful start to the new era under Italian coach Rolando Maran. Maran started Anis Mehmeti in attack alongside Armando Broja and used Qazim Laçi in an advanced …
TIRANA, June 4 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi concluded a parliamentary diplomacy tour of the Baltic states with an official visit to Lithuania, where officials reaffirmed support for Albania’s European Union membership process and its bid to host a North Atlantic Treaty Organization summit in 2027. During meetings with Lithuanian …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj held a meeting with the head of the International Monetary Fund mission for Albania, Diego Cerdeiro, as part of regular consultations on economic and fiscal developments. During the meeting, both sides discussed the performance of the Albanian economy. They noted that it continues to show stable …
TIRANA, June 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said nature protection should not stand in opposition to development. He said both objectives can advance together through responsible planning and architecture. Rama made the remarks at the second edition of the Bread & Heart festival in Tirana. Speaking at the event, …
TIRANA, June 4 – Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the discovery of significant archaeological remains near Lushnja. He said specialists identified a new archaeological site in the village of Zgjana. According to Gonxhja, experts from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage worked with the Department of Archaeology …
TIRANA, June 4 – Albania’s Construction Cost Index rose 1.1% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the INSTAT, Albania’s Institute of Statistics. According to the institute, higher labour costs drove the annual increase. The “Wage Expenses” group rose 4.8%. In …
TIRANA, June 4 – Tourism in Shkodër has recorded a significant increase in recent years, strengthening the local economy and boosting activity across hotels, gastronomy, trade and tourism services. According to the Director of Tourism at Shkodër Municipality, Renato Lumçi, visitor numbers rose by 30% in the first five months …
TIRANA, June 4 – The Tax Administration has set 5 June 2026 as the deadline for applications to the Fiscal Peace Agreement and called on taxpayers to meet all legal conditions. The procedure runs online through the “e-filing” system. Meanwhile, the process covers registered taxpayers, including individuals and business entities …
The fourth edition of the Tirana European Youth Film Festival starts today at the “Agimi” art center in the capital. The festival will bring several days of European films for young audiences and film lovers. The festival promotes contemporary European cinema, supports young filmmakers, and encourages cultural dialogue through film. …