PM Rama: Protesters reflect new expectations for government standards
TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented his reflections on the June protests during a joint meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group and the government cabinet. Rama referred to the demonstrations as the “Boulevard of Flamingos”. He said he had prepared 2 documents that would guide the …
Opera “Rozafa” Makes World Premiere at Albania’s National Opera and Ballet Theatre
The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble (TKOBAP) hosted the world premiere of the opera “Rozafa” last night, bringing one of Albania’s most powerful cultural legends to the stage. The opera features music by Ndoc Pistulli, a libretto by Zef Zorba, and orchestration by Gridi Kraja. The production …
Finance Ministry says debt risk indicators improved in first half of 2026
TIRANA, July 24 – Albania improved several public debt risk indicators during the first half of 2026 through active debt management and prudent fiscal policy, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said. Malaj said the share of short-term debt declined during the period, reducing refinancing needs. He added that the average maturity …
Enkelana Marathon Returns to Pogradec
The Enkelana Marathon returns to Pogradec this weekend, combining sports competition with tourism promotion and the celebration of the region’s natural beauty. The half-marathon will take place along the shores of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Participants will run through a scenic route featuring crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes, …
PM Rama discusses reforms, public expectations and protected areas law
TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said citizens’ expectations have increased as Albania has undergone major changes. He made the remarks during a joint meeting of the government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group at the Palace of Brigades. Rama discussed the June protests, which he referred to …
Constitutive session of Kosova parliament set for August 6
TIRANA, July 24 – Acting President of Kosova Albulena Haxhiu has decided that the constitutive session of the new parliament elected after the June elections will take place on August 6 at 10:00. Haxhiu said parliamentary parties have a political and institutional obligation to continue dialogue until then. She said …
Forest fires reported in Voskopoja and Llogora
TIRANA, July 24 – Civil Emergency authorities of Korça Municipality reported the reactivation of a fire in the Voskopoja Administrative Unit. The flames have spread through a pine forest area. The fire poses a risk to the natural environment. Meanwhile, authorities reported another fire inside the Llogora forest. They suspect …
Why Waiting Is Not Neutral: The Costs of Non-Enlargement
Debates about EU enlargement tend to focus on the risks of admitting countries before they are ready. In her recent paper, Marta Szpala broadens the debate by examining what prolonged delay means for both candidate countries and the European Union itself. Tirana Times spoke with Szpala about how prolonged uncertainty …
Fake Social Media Accounts Target Albania Protest Supporters
Prime Minister Edi Rama has blamed social media algorithms for fuelling the so-called Flamingo Revolution protests, but data obtained by BIRN shows that hundreds of fake accounts have been created to push the government’s own narrative and denigrate the protesters. Original post Here
Za Fest Celebrates Its 10th Edition in Shkodra
The 10th edition of Za Fest begins today in Shkodra, bringing music, art, and culture to the city under the direction of festival founder and singer-songwriter Vlashent Sata. Organizers launched Za Fest in 2017 to promote Albanian culture through music, art, literature, and other creative forms. The festival first took …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania recorded strong tourism growth during the first months of 2026, but growth slowed significantly in June. In a television interview, Gonxhja said tourist arrivals increased by 16% in May compared with the same month last year. The first five months of …
TIRANA, July 29 – The travel magazine “Travel Off Path” highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for visitors seeking spectacular nature, safety and authentic experiences at affordable prices. In an article by Tyler Fox, the magazine presents Albania as an alternative to more expensive and crowded European …
Velipoja continues to welcome visitors throughout the summer season, offering long sandy beaches, a lively atmosphere, and relaxing seaside holidays. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Velipoja on social media, showcasing the vibrant evening atmosphere as lights, restaurants, and seaside promenades fill with holidaymakers. Stretching for more than 14 …
TIRANA, July 29 – The Military Meteorological Service reported that Albania will experience relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. Cloud cover will continue to decrease compared with the previous weekend. The weather will remain mostly clear, with limited and temporary clouds during midday hours. The clouds will mainly appear over …
TIRANA, July 29 – Artan Pogoni passed away on Wednesday at the age of 54 after suffering cardiac arrest while on holiday in the city of Vlora. Pogoni was one of Albania’s most recognised volleyball figures. He won national titles both as a player and as a coach. He also …
TIRANA, July 29 – Kosova Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla, Kosova Intelligence Agency (KIA) Director Petrit Ajeti and Minister of Local Government Administration Elbert Krasniqi visited Kalludër e Vogël village in Zubin Potok on Tuesday. The officials inspected the site where authorities continue excavations after locating a suspected mass grave. Investigators …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja called for stronger municipalities and improved local governance, stressing that effective local administration is essential for tourism development. In a television interview, Gonxhja said tourism depends heavily on how well municipalities manage public services and local infrastructure. “Tourism is directly affected by the …
Former Defence Minister and Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu said the loan agreement with the United States marks the largest defence financing package in Albania’s history. The agreement will finance the purchase of US-made military systems, equipment and weapons. Speaking in a television interview, Vengu said the agreement provides $302 …
Italy launched its 2026–2027 Presidency of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) with a focus on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the European integration of the Western Balkans. During the opening meeting in Rome, participants highlighted the strategic importance of the Adriatic-Ionian region in addressing …
Pogradec commemorated the 114th anniversary of the Albanian flag raising at Guri i Kamjes, a historic event for the regions of Gorë, Mokër and Opar. On July 28, 1912, Kapedan Kajo Babeni led hundreds of fighters from Mokër and Opar in their fight against Ottoman rule. Shahin Matraku and other …