The False Civil Society and the Real One
In Albania, real civic society is no longer in donor-funded conference rooms. It is in the streets. By Mrika Temali Tirana Times, June 16, 2026 – Thirty-five years after the fall of communism, Albania offers a bitter paradox. The European Union, Western governments and international foundations have spent millions indeed …
UEFA Inspects Albania’s Stadiums Ahead of EURO U-21 2027
UEFA representatives continued inspections in Albania as preparations advance for the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027, which Albania will co-host. First, UEFA experts visited stadiums over a four-day inspection tour. They assessed technical and operational readiness for the tournament. They focused on lighting systems, backup generators, security measures, and other …
Housing prices continue to rise as tourism drives property market demand
TIRANA, June 16 – Housing prices in Albania continued to rise during 2025. At the same time, transaction volumes fell in the second half of the year. The Bank of Albania said the trend requires more time and data to determine whether it reflects a slowdown or a correction after …
Fuel prices cut, diesel at 180 ALL per litre, petrol at 168 ALL per litre
TIRANA, June 16 – The Transparency Board has decided to reduce fuel prices in Albania. It cut diesel by 3 ALL per litre and petrol by 2 ALL per litre. Under the decision, diesel will sell at a maximum retail price of 180 ALL per litre. The board set the …
Albania U-19 Draw Armenia and Cyprus in Euro 2027 Qualifiers
Albania’s U-19 national team learned its opponents for the second round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2027 qualifiers. UEFA held the draw in Nyon, Switzerland. It placed Albania U-19 in Group 6 of League B. First, Albania will face Armenia and Cyprus in the group stage. The team will …
US signals “adjustment of contribution” to KFOR mission
TIRANA, June 16 – The United States is expected to adjust its contribution to NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosova. The move comes as part of a broader review of the Alliance’s military presence in the country. A US European Command (EUCOM) official told Radio Free Europe that the decision follows …
Speaker Peleshi in Netherlands, support reaffirmed for faster EU negotiation process
TIRANA, June 16 – Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi has paid an official visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, where he met Speaker of the House of Representatives Thom van Campen, Senate President Mei Li Vos, and members of the European Affairs Committee. The visit comes at …
PM Rama to attend Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, focus on investment and EU path
TIRANA, June 16 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will take part in the Eastern Committee Annual Conference in Berlin, one of the key platforms for economic and political dialogue between Germany and Eastern European countries. The Media and Information Agency said Rama will also meet members of the committee’s board …
Israeli photographer captures Vjosa river landscapes in Albania
TIRANA, June 16 – Natural landscapes across Albania continue to attract visitors from around the world. Unspoiled rivers, mountains, and rural scenery are shaping growing interest among photographers who seek less-explored Mediterranean destinations. Iris from Israel is among them. She is a photographer with more than 40 years of professional …
Lezha and Bra sign twinning agreement
TIRANA, June 16 – The Municipality of Lezha and the Municipality of Bra in Italy signed a twinning agreement that aims to strengthen ties between the two communities and expand cooperation in several areas. Lezha Mayor Pjerin Ndreu and Bra Mayor Giovanni Fogliato signed the agreement in the presence of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said there is no reason for concern about the Zvërnec investment project, which he described as the largest tourism investment currently planned in Europe, worth €4 billion. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Rome, Rama discussed Albania’s investment opportunities and strategic development plans. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that most Albanians support the Zvërnec investment project. He also warned that many fake videos are circulating on social media. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Rome, Rama addressed concerns about the project and public reactions. He said the majority of Albanians …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to joining the European Union, describing membership as the country’s strategic and unwavering objective. Speaking at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum in Rome, Rama discussed geopolitical developments, Albania’s EU integration process, and the country’s investment prospects. First, he highlighted the importance of …
The Ministry of Health and Social Protection (MSHMS) held a technical consultation with gender equality officers from central public institutions as part of the review of the Action Plan for the National Gender Equality Strategy 2026–2030. The revised Action Plan aims to strengthen measures against gender-based violence, promote women’s economic …
Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected claims that a recent European Parliament amendment targets the Zvërnec investment project. Rama stated that the amendment does not concern Zvërnec and criticized attempts to connect the two issues. He argued that some groups have misinterpreted the resolution and spread inaccurate information about its purpose. …
Representatives of the Albanian and Montenegrin customs administrations held a coordination meeting today to prepare for the opening of the joint border crossing point at Zogaj–Ckla/Skje. Border police officials, local authorities, and infrastructure representatives also attended the meeting to discuss the next steps in the project. Participants reviewed progress on …
The Municipality of Pogradec rejected reports that authorities had reduced public beach areas in favor of private businesses. Instead, municipal officials stated that they have increased public beach space over the past four years and continue to prioritize access for residents and tourists. According to the municipality, authorities have designated …
European Union Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato highlighted the crucial role of the media in informing citizens about Albania’s European integration process and the reforms required for EU membership. He delivered his remarks at the closing event of the training programme “Reporting Effectively on the EU Integration Process,” which aimed …
The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, said in a statement to the media outside Parliament that the European Parliament’s amendment regarding protected areas is “nothing more and nothing less” than what Prime Minister Edi Rama has already stated: that no construction will be allowed without a …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again reacted to the citizen protests that have been taking place in Tirana for the past 18 days. In a lengthy message on social media, Rama said he understands the concerns of citizens who joined the demonstrations over environmental issues. However, he accused political …