First firefighting aircraft joins wildfire operations
TIRANA, August 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images today from wildfire operations across Albania. He highlighted the deployment of the country’s first firefighting aircraft and praised the crews working on the front line. Rama said the aircraft has begun operations as an additional firefighting asset during the challenging …
Education Minister Kumbaro: Closing Chapter 25 marks progress in scientific research
TIRANA, August 5 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro welcomed the provisional closure of Chapter 25 of Albania’s European Union accession negotiations, which covers science and research. She described the step as further evidence of the country’s progress toward EU membership. Meanwhile, Kumbaro said the closure confirms Albania’s progress in aligning …
Farmers’ cooperative opens new opportunities in Kolonja
TIRANA, August 5 – Agriculture Minister Andis Salla said the new agricultural cooperative “ARRKO” will create fresh opportunities for farmers in the municipality of Kolonja. The cooperative forms part of a national initiative that encourages farmers to organise around priority agricultural products. Meanwhile, the cooperative aims to unite local farmers …
Kosova leaders fail to reach coalition deal, pledge to continue talks
TIRANA, August 5 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti and Democratic League of Kosova (LDK) leader Lumir Abdixhiku failed to reach a political agreement during their meeting on August 4. However, both leaders said they will continue negotiations to form Kosova’s new institutions after the June 7 elections. The meeting …
European Union allocates €100 million to Albania for critical minerals, green transition and democratic reforms
TIRANA, August 5 – The European Union will provide €100 million to Albania under a broad cooperation programme for 2025-2027, according to details published in the Official Journal. The funding will support critical raw materials, environmental protection and democratic reforms. Meanwhile, the programme places strong emphasis on developing Albania’s critical …
Durrës unveils new installation celebrating the city’s cultural and tourism identity
TIRANA, August 5 – A new artistic installation has been placed on the Taulantia promenade in Durrës. The artwork has become a new landmark for residents and visitors. Meanwhile, Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako said the installation represents more than an artistic work. She described it as a symbol of love …
President Begaj receives Paraguay’s ambassador, seeks stronger bilateral ties
TIRANA, August 5 – President Bajram Begaj received the credentials of Paraguay’s non-resident Ambassador to Albania, María José Argaña de Mateu, during an official ceremony in Tirana. Meanwhile, Begaj praised the friendly relations between Albania and Paraguay. He also expressed his commitment to giving new momentum to bilateral cooperation. In …
Albania’s Defence Minister Ermal Nufi meets Italy’s Guido Crosetto to strengthen security cooperation
TIRANA, August 5 – Albania’s Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met with Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto in Rome to discuss strengthening bilateral cooperation in defence and security. The two ministers discussed deeper cooperation between Albania and Italy, focusing on increasing the interoperability of the Armed Forces and exploring new opportunities …
Hot weather across Albania, temperatures expected to reach 41°C
TIRANA, August 5 – Albania will experience stable and hot weather conditions on Wednesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain clear across the country, with occasional light clouds expected in mountainous areas from midday to afternoon hours. Winds will blow from the southeast to southwest at …
Islands highlights Albania as Europe’s hidden gem of wild nature, stunning coasts and ancient history
TIRANA, August 5 – The American travel magazine “Islands” has presented Albania as a rising destination where wild landscapes, breathtaking coastlines and thousands of years of history come together. Writing for “Islands”, Rebecca High described Albania as a lesser-known Balkan country that is increasingly attracting visitors from North America. She …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania is stepping up work on its European Union integration process, with more than 20 draft laws already prepared for Chapters 16 and 29. Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj said the first half of 2026 brought heavy workloads and strategic tasks, but EU integration remained a …
Albania faces another potentially costly international dispute after losing several arbitration cases in recent years that have exposed the state to hundreds of millions of euros in compensation and related liabilities. Tirana Times, August 10, 2026 – Albania is no stranger to costly international arbitration. Over the past decade, the …
TIRANA, August 10 – High passenger and vehicle flows continue at Albania’s ports and border crossing points (BCP-s) during the peak tourist season. Thousands of people and vehicles have entered and left the country in recent hours. At the Port of Vlora, around 2,700 passengers are expected today on 3 …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s annual inflation rate rose to 3.4% in July 2026, from 2.5% in July 2025. Consumer prices also increased by 0.2% from June. According to INSTAT data, food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation at 1.18 percentage points. The group covering housing, …
TIRANA, August 10 – Tradition, history and local cuisine came together at the 7th edition of “Mokra n’Fest”, held near the stone bridge in Golikë, Pogradec. The festival brought together local residents, visitors and emigrants who returned to their hometowns. An artisan fair and traditional food highlighted local products, including …
TIRANA, August 10 – Durrës Port recorded high passenger traffic during the first 10 days of August, as the summer travel season reached its peak. According to the Durrës Port Authority, 75,962 passengers travelled through the port between August 1 and 10. Most of the traffic involved arrivals, with 51,259 …
TIRANA, August 10 – Durrës remains a popular choice for foreign tourists spending their summer holidays in Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video today featuring visitors from Germany, the Netherlands, England, the Czech Republic, Italy and other countries. Rama said the city’s sea, history, culture and Albanian hospitality …
TIRANA, August 10 – Problem loans in Albania’s banking system fell again in June. They accounted for 3.7% of total lending, down from 3.77% in May. According to Bank of Albania statistics, this marks the lowest level since 2007. The ratio also fell by 0.31 percentage points from June 2025. …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania faces a high wildfire risk this afternoon and tomorrow, with temperatures reaching 40°C. The Institute of Geosciences (IGJEO) has placed 5 counties under a high-risk warning for forest fires. The warning covers Lezha, Durrës, Tirana, Elbasan and Fier. IGJEO expects a moderate risk in Shkodër, …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s civil aviation sector is recording new highs in 2026 as summer tourism drives passenger and flight traffic. Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi visited the public company Albcontrol today, to review measures for managing the increased air traffic. Albcontrol Director Dritan Isaku said the organisation …