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Economic Slowdown: Business Activity Grew by Just 1.1% in 2025

Although Albania’s economy expanded by 3.9% in 2025, according to preliminary data from INSTAT, nearly 72% of that growth was driven by just two sectors that are not directly linked to real business activity: public administration and net taxes. Based on preliminary estimates derived from quarterly Gross Domestic Product (GDP) …

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PM Rama Welcomes Turkey’s New Ambassador to Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos on X from a meeting with Turkey’s new ambassador to Albania, Ceyhun Erciyes. “It is a pleasure to welcome the new ambassador of our brotherly Turkey,” Rama wrote on X. The Prime Minister also reposted a message from the Turkish Embassy in Tirana, which …

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PM Kurti: Kosovo Did Not Need New Elections, Work on Forming Institutions to Begin Soon

Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has stated that the June 7 elections were unnecessary and that the outcome itself proves it, stressing that citizens have once again delivered a clear message. “This is our first in-person meeting since the June 7 elections. Kosovo did not need these elections, and the …

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Tourists from around the world bring Tirana to life

*]: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:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-351″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-351″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-2″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> *]: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:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-352″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-352″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Tirana wakes up every day with voices from around the world, and tourists choose Albania as their holiday destination. Moreover, they fill the city with energy and movement as they …

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New Tirana–Palma de Mallorca Flight Route from Rinas Airport

The Tirana International Airport is expanding its international network. It is adding a new air route that connects Albania with one of the most popular Mediterranean tourist destinations. First, the airport announced the launch of the new Tirana–Palma de Mallorca route. The inaugural flight took place today. It operates in …

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“National Geographic”: Lake Ohrid, Europe’s hidden gem between ancient history and natural beauty

*]: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:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-353″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:16f576f1-911d-4435-be05-b61618feb3a4-353″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> From the mountains of Slovenia to the wild landscapes of Finland and the calm shores of France, some of Europe’s most beautiful lakes remain far from large tourist crowds. In this context, Lake Ohrid stands out as one of the …

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Albania and Eurojust commit to strengthening cooperation against cross-border crime

Albania’s Minister of Interior, Besfort Lamallari, held a meeting in The Hague with Eurojust President Michael Schmid. They discussed how to strengthen cooperation against cross-border crime. During the meeting, Lamallari highlighted the strong partnership between Albania and Eurojust. Moreover, he noted that this cooperation already delivers concrete results in complex …

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“Latitudes”: Albania’s hidden treasures, from Theth to Filikur

While millions of tourists choose Albania every year for the famous beaches of the Riviera or the lively atmosphere of Tirana, another side of the country still remains far from mass tourism. Indeed, from spectacular canyons and hidden mountain villages to untouched coves and breathtaking northern landscapes, these destinations offer …

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Minister Karakaçi: Albania moves toward a gigabit society with major investments in modern networks and 5G coverage

Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said Albania aligns its communication networks with EU standards. Moreover, he stressed a clear goal: modern fiber networks to end users and 5G coverage by 2030. He spoke at an event on underground urban infrastructure. In addition, he focused on removing overhead cables …

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“Urban Renaissance 2.0” to launch in July, targets gaps in water and sewage infrastructure

The “Urban Renaissance 2.0” program, set to be presented in early July, will address issues in water supply and sewage systems. Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about the initiative during an event with local government leaders. Moreover, he described it as a large-scale program with strategic importance for communities across …

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Zelenskyy’s Kosovo Stance Puts Solidarity With Ukraine to the Test

Pristina and Tirana push back against Kyiv’s stance, insisting that Kosovo’s sovereignty cannot be diminished or equated with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Tirana Times , August 09, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation in Belgrade that Kyiv has not changed its position on Kosovo has triggered criticism in Albania and …

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Mecca Defense Pact Signals Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Shape a New Security Order

The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 – The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan represents more …

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Albanian Court Puts Turkish Activist in Custody After Extradition Demand

Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here

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“Fustanella” exhibition showcases Albanian cultural identity in Berat

TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …

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Defense minister visits Italian shipyard to support Fincantieri Albania project

TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …

News
Power distributor strengthens grid for summer season in Lezha and Shëngjin

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …

News
Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …

News
Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …

News
SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku

Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …

News
Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road

TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …

News

Zelenskyy’s Kosovo Stance Puts Solidarity With Ukraine to the Test

Pristina and Tirana push back against Kyiv’s stance, insisting that Kosovo’s sovereignty cannot be diminished or equated with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Tirana Times , August 09, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation in Belgrade that Kyiv has not changed its position on Kosovo has triggered criticism in Albania and …

News

Mecca Defense Pact Signals Saudi Arabia’s Bid to Shape a New Security Order

The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 – The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan represents more …

News

Albanian Court Puts Turkish Activist in Custody After Extradition Demand

Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here

News

“Fustanella” exhibition showcases Albanian cultural identity in Berat

TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …

News

Defense minister visits Italian shipyard to support Fincantieri Albania project

TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …

News

Power distributor strengthens grid for summer season in Lezha and Shëngjin

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …

News

Civil Protection reports eight active wildfires across Albania

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …

News

Albania welcomes nearly two million foreign visitors in July

TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …

News

SPAK Brings New Charges Against Former Deputy PM Balluku

Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …

News

Another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII opens, works continue on Elbasan–Qafë Thana road

TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …