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Foreign Interference and Election Observation in Hungary’s 2026 Parliamentary Vote

by David J. Kostelancik Tirana Times, April 09, 2026 – Hungary’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 12, 2026, are unfolding in an environment shaped not only by domestic political competition but also by broader geopolitical tensions and debates about external influence. Charges of election interference have involved disinformation from state-controlled media, allegations …

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Over 100 athletes compete in Albania’s national tournament for people with intellectual disabilities

TIRANA, April 9 – Over 100 athletes from across Albania joined the National Athletics and Table Tennis Tournament for people with intellectual disabilities. The event promotes inclusive sports and social equality. Athletes competed with energy and respect. They showed how sports can overcome social and physical barriers. The Albanian National …

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Speaker Peleshi: Strengthening parliamentary cooperation with the Bundestag

TIRANA, April 9 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met with Gunnar Schellenberger, President of the Saxony-Anhalt State Parliament. They focused on enhancing inter-parliamentary ties and boosting economic cooperation between Albania and Germany. Peleshi highlighted the need to intensify collaboration between the Albanian Parliament and the Bundestag, and to expand exchanges …

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“Islands”: Albania rises on tourism map as Ksamil draws Caribbean comparisons

TIRANA, April 9 – Albania is gaining attention as a beach destination in Europe. An article in the U.S. travel magazine Islands highlights the coastal village of Ksamil as a rising hotspot. The report asks which European destination offers Caribbean-style beaches at lower cost in 2026. It points to Albania’s …

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Albania women’s team targets strong start against Wales in 2027 World Cup qualifiers

TIRANA, April 9 – Albania’s women’s national team continued preparations for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. The team held its latest training session at the “House of Football.” Albania will face Wales on April 14 at 20:15 at “Stok Cae Ras” stadium. Players are following an intensive training program ahead …

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Economy and Innovation Minister: New law aims to boost strategic investments in tourist ports

TIRANA, April 9 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented a draft law to amend the framework on tourist ports. She said the initiative will simplify procedures for strategic investments in resorts, marinas, and tourist ports. Ibrahimaj said Albania has recorded strong tourism growth. The country welcomed 6.4 million …

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PM Rama: Construction sector reflects Albania’s economic transformation

TIRANA, April 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the construction sector plays a key role in Albania’s economic and social transformation. He made the remarks during a meeting with business representatives on wage growth, alongside Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj. Rama rejected claims that link the sector to …

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Spring Fair in Korça draws crowds with artisans and festive activities

TIRANA, April 9 – Korça’s central square in front of the Orthodox Cathedral came alive with the Spring Fair ahead of Easter. The event, now a local tradition, brings together artisans and visitors from across the country. Stalls showcase handmade crafts, traditional products, and souvenirs, creating a lively and authentic …

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Gonxhja: New plan to revitalize historic areas in Shkodra

Tourism, Culture, and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja visited the Gjuhadol neighborhood in Shkodra. Mayor Benet Beci joined him. The area includes many historic buildings. Authorities plan to revitalize them and restore their identity. Gonxhja said they will implement a structured intervention plan. The plan targets historic zones and centers. The …

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27 years since the battle of Koshare, the day that broke the border between Kosova and Albania

TIRANA, April 9 – Today marks 27 years since the Battle of Koshare, a key confrontation that broke the border between Kosova and Albania. The battle began on April 9, 1999, during Operation “Shigjeta” (The Arrow). It involved fierce clashes with Serbian forces and stands among the bloodiest and most …

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“Through roots we rise” — Albanian hearts unite at Diaspora Summit

The Diaspora Summit IV opened today in Tirana. It gathers Albanians from around the world. The event promotes cooperation, identity, and development. The summit runs on April 13–15. It uses the slogan “Through roots we rise.” It brings together diaspora representatives, state institutions, business leaders, academics, and civil society. The …

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Bylis and Dinamo City draw 1–1, two red cards in Ballsh

The match between Bylis and Dinamo City ended 1–1 in Ballsh. It was part of week 31 of the Albanian Superliga. First, Bylis took the lead early. In the 9th minute, Aboubacar Camara scored. As a result, the home team went ahead. However, Dinamo City pushed forward. In the 82nd …

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Hoxha: Albanian diaspora is Albania beyond borders

Ferit Hoxha said the Albanian diaspora represents “Albania beyond borders.” He shared the message on social media. He spoke after the opening of the Fourth Diaspora Summit. During the event, President Bajram Begaj honored several prominent diaspora figures. Hoxha praised the diaspora’s role. He highlighted its contribution to promoting Albania …

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MEPJ congratulates Hungary’s new Prime Minister, deepens EU partnership

The Ministria për Evropën dhe Punët e Jashtme e Shqipërisë congratulated Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party. First, the ministry welcomed the election victory. It praised the strong mandate from Hungarian voters. Moreover, it said Albania values close cooperation with Hungary. Therefore, it committed to strengthening …

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Rama congratulates Hungary’s new PM: We must bring our countries closer

The Edi Rama congratulated Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar for his election victory. First, Rama praised past cooperation with Hungary’s previous government. He highlighted close Albania–Hungary relations. Moreover, he thanked former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for collaboration during his term. In addition, he welcomed Hungary’s political change. He congratulated …

News
FM Hoxha meets Swedish MP Arbër Gashi, highlights diaspora identity and success

TIRANA, April 13 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Swedish Member of Parliament Arbër Gashi in Tirana during the fourth Diaspora Summit. In a social media post, Hoxha described Gashi as a success story and a dignified representative of Albanians abroad. He said such examples reflect …

News
Rama: The charm of Përmet folk music brings warm atmosphere at “Mother Teresa” Airport

The Aeroporti Ndërkombëtar “Nënë Tereza” hosted a special cultural moment. Folk artists from Përmet performed traditional music and dance. First, the Edi Rama shared the event on social media. He highlighted the warm atmosphere created by the performers. Moreover, the Ansambli Folklorik i Përmetit brought traditional “saze” music to life. …

News
From Hidden Gem to Viral Destination: Albania Gains Global Spotlight

Albania is gaining global attention. It is no longer a hidden secret. Instead, it is becoming a rising travel trend. In recent years, people no longer rely only on travel guides. They use social media to plan trips. They trust real experiences shared online. As a result, new destinations are …

News
Albania’s Automotive Industry at Turning Point Amid European Slowdown

With European car demand fluctuating and margins under pressure, manufacturers of car parts in Albania are navigating a delicate shift from cost-based competitiveness to structural adaptation. Original post Here

News
Tirana hosts Diaspora Summit on April 13, PM Rama highlights success stories

TIRANA, April 12 – Tirana will host the fourth edition of the Diaspora Summit on April 13, bringing together Albanians from across the world for a two-day program focused on cooperation and development. Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his weekly podcast that the summit will open with a welcome …

News

“Through roots we rise” — Albanian hearts unite at Diaspora Summit

The Diaspora Summit IV opened today in Tirana. It gathers Albanians from around the world. The event promotes cooperation, identity, and development. The summit runs on April 13–15. It uses the slogan “Through roots we rise.” It brings together diaspora representatives, state institutions, business leaders, academics, and civil society. The …

News

Bylis and Dinamo City draw 1–1, two red cards in Ballsh

The match between Bylis and Dinamo City ended 1–1 in Ballsh. It was part of week 31 of the Albanian Superliga. First, Bylis took the lead early. In the 9th minute, Aboubacar Camara scored. As a result, the home team went ahead. However, Dinamo City pushed forward. In the 82nd …

News

Hoxha: Albanian diaspora is Albania beyond borders

Ferit Hoxha said the Albanian diaspora represents “Albania beyond borders.” He shared the message on social media. He spoke after the opening of the Fourth Diaspora Summit. During the event, President Bajram Begaj honored several prominent diaspora figures. Hoxha praised the diaspora’s role. He highlighted its contribution to promoting Albania …

News

MEPJ congratulates Hungary’s new Prime Minister, deepens EU partnership

The Ministria për Evropën dhe Punët e Jashtme e Shqipërisë congratulated Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar and the Tisza Party. First, the ministry welcomed the election victory. It praised the strong mandate from Hungarian voters. Moreover, it said Albania values close cooperation with Hungary. Therefore, it committed to strengthening …

News

Rama congratulates Hungary’s new PM: We must bring our countries closer

The Edi Rama congratulated Hungary’s new Prime Minister Péter Magyar for his election victory. First, Rama praised past cooperation with Hungary’s previous government. He highlighted close Albania–Hungary relations. Moreover, he thanked former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán for collaboration during his term. In addition, he welcomed Hungary’s political change. He congratulated …

News

FM Hoxha meets Swedish MP Arbër Gashi, highlights diaspora identity and success

TIRANA, April 13 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Swedish Member of Parliament Arbër Gashi in Tirana during the fourth Diaspora Summit. In a social media post, Hoxha described Gashi as a success story and a dignified representative of Albanians abroad. He said such examples reflect …

News

Rama: The charm of Përmet folk music brings warm atmosphere at “Mother Teresa” Airport

The Aeroporti Ndërkombëtar “Nënë Tereza” hosted a special cultural moment. Folk artists from Përmet performed traditional music and dance. First, the Edi Rama shared the event on social media. He highlighted the warm atmosphere created by the performers. Moreover, the Ansambli Folklorik i Përmetit brought traditional “saze” music to life. …

News

From Hidden Gem to Viral Destination: Albania Gains Global Spotlight

Albania is gaining global attention. It is no longer a hidden secret. Instead, it is becoming a rising travel trend. In recent years, people no longer rely only on travel guides. They use social media to plan trips. They trust real experiences shared online. As a result, new destinations are …

News

Albania’s Automotive Industry at Turning Point Amid European Slowdown

With European car demand fluctuating and margins under pressure, manufacturers of car parts in Albania are navigating a delicate shift from cost-based competitiveness to structural adaptation. Original post Here

News

Tirana hosts Diaspora Summit on April 13, PM Rama highlights success stories

TIRANA, April 12 – Tirana will host the fourth edition of the Diaspora Summit on April 13, bringing together Albanians from across the world for a two-day program focused on cooperation and development. Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his weekly podcast that the summit will open with a welcome …