“The Drunken City”: Tasos’ 45 Pastel Works Reveal the Soul of Pogradec
The Pogradec Art Gallery has opened an exhibition by renowned Albanian painter Anastas Kostandini, known as Taso, titled “The Drunken City”. The exhibition presents 45 pastel works that capture the identity, memories and spirit of Pogradec. It will remain open to art lovers until the end of July. Kostandini, one …
Beyond Diplomacy: Ambassador Elissa Golberg on the Future of Canada–Albania Ties
Tirana Times, July 21, 2026 – Relations between Albania and Canada have expanded steadily in recent years, from growing trade and new bilateral agreements to closer cooperation within NATO and the launch of the first direct flight between the two countries. In an interview with Tirana Times, Canada’s Ambassador to Albania, …
Europe Warns of Declining Press Freedom in Kosovo
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8c64583c-a703-4b61-8781-824378c77044-67″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8c64583c-a703-4b61-8781-824378c77044-67″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> Press freedom in Kosovo has entered a clear period of decline, according to a report by partner organizations of the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists. The report links the decline to political interference, …
“Flamuri i Arbërit” Magazine Marks 143 Years of History
On July 20, 1883, the monthly political, social, cultural and literary magazine “Flamuri i Arbërit” was first published in Corigliano Calabro, Italy. Jeronim De Rada, one of the most important figures of 19th-century Albanian literature and the Arbëresh community, founded the magazine. Known as the “father of Albanian journalism,” De …
Pogradec enjoys strong summer tourism boom
Pogradec is enjoying a strong summer tourist season. The lakeside city continues to attract large numbers of visitors from Albania and abroad. Local authorities say tourist arrivals have risen sharply in July. Visitors choose Pogradec for its cool climate, scenic lake, and quality tourist services. The Municipality’s Tourism Directorate also …
UN Tourism: Albania ranks among the world’s busiest tourist destinations
Albania has transformed into one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. The country has also earned a strong place on the global tourism map. According to UN Tourism, Albania ranks among the world’s busiest tourist destinations when measured by visitors per resident. This ranking compares annual tourist arrivals with the local …
Authorities Monitor Pogradec Lakeshore to Protect Public Beach Areas
Inspectors from the National Coastline Agency continue daily inspections along Pogradec’s lakeshore to ensure proper management of public beach areas and enforce regulations. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja shared photos from the inspections on social media. He said inspectors removed umbrellas placed outside approved concession areas and issued …
Rama: Mountain Package will develop mountain areas through nature-friendly investments
Prime Minister Edi Rama responded today to criticism and calls to cancel the Mountain Package. He said the initiative will help people in mountain areas develop their properties and attract investment. During an online conversation with citizens, Rama explained that the Mountain Package does not mean selling mountains. Instead, it …
Minister Kumbaro discusses higher education reform and internationalization during visit to Korça University
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro visited the facilities of “Fan Noli” University in Korça, where she held an open discussion on the challenges of internationalization and changes to the Higher Education Law. During the meeting, attended by Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi, Kumbaro spoke with University Rector Lorenc Ekonomi, faculty deans, professors, …
Chair of SP parliamentary group Balla meets Albanian diaspora representative in Switzerland, highlights role in promoting national identity
Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla hosted today at the Albanian Parliament Altin Marku, a representative of the Albanian diaspora in Switzerland and head of the “Fol Shqip Show” platform, which promotes success stories of Albanians living abroad. During the meeting, Balla praised the diaspora’s contribution to strengthening ties …
In many cases, men separated or divorced from their partners are failing to pay, paying too little, or paying too late for the upbringing of their children, putting a large financial burden on single mothers, according to a BIRN survey. Original post Here
Since end-May, anti-government protests in Albania have evolved into the largest civil mobilisation since the fall of the dictatorial regime in the early 1990s. With traditional media largely silent, the digital space has become both a refuge for protest and a testing ground for digital authoritarianism. Original post Here
The sixth Porto Palermo Festival opened with the environmental awareness event “Preserving Our Sea 4”, putting marine protection and coastal clean-up at the centre of the festival. Violinist Olen Çezari organized the initiative with the support of the Municipality of Himarë. Himarë Mayor Vangjel Tavo joined the clean-up campaign. He …
The construction site for the Shalë–Tropojë road project is ready, marking an important step toward connecting the Dukagjin area with the Albanian Alps. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the site and described the project as a strategic investment. The new road will connect Shala with Tropoja through Qafa …
The European Union has launched a new funding scheme to help Albanian wood-processing companies invest in innovative circular economy solutions. The Wood2Value scheme will support investments in technologies and production processes that reduce waste, improve resource efficiency and increase competitiveness. The EU Delegation in Tirana said selected companies can receive …
Albania’s Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR) has qualified 20,636 applications under Measures 5–9 of the 2026 National Agriculture Support Scheme after completing the initial administrative review. The scheme supports sustainable agriculture, higher production standards and inland fisheries. AZHBR approved 362 applications under Measure 5, which supports biological pest …
Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his solidarity with Germany and the German people following the tragic incident at the Pride Parade in Berlin. In a statement on social media, Rama condemned the attack and said there can be no tolerance for hate, violence or extremism in any form. He stressed …
Albania has expanded its protected areas network and placed nearly one-quarter of its territory under national nature protection. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared a video showing the country’s environmental progress from 2013 to 2026. She highlighted stronger environmental laws, better management of protected areas and new initiatives to protect …
The “Double Your Business” programme supports Albanian entrepreneurs and creates new financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, said Taulant Balla during a visit to the “Belba” winery in Kavajë. Balla visited the winery, which two brothers established after bringing their experience from Italy and combining it with Albania’s traditional …
TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented “Besa”, a document he described as the political and governing strategy for the government’s fourth term, during a joint meeting of the government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group. Rama said recent protests should serve as a moment of reflection rather …