Week in Review: Elections and Struggles
Women get a raw deal at elections in Bosnia, a spy chief’s arrest raises security questions in Albania and protesters challenge war crimes verdicts in Kosovo – plus much more in our selection of this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories. Original post Here
Mid’hat Frashëri: The Diplomat, Writer and Nationalist Who Shaped Albania’s Modern History
Mid’hat bej Frashëri, known by his pen name Lumo Skëndo, was one of the prominent figures of Albania’s political and cultural history. He worked as a diplomat, writer, politician, publicist and Albanologist, and played an active role in the Albanian National Renaissance and the country’s political life after independence. Frashëri …
Albania tourism minister calls for investment in workforce
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania has entered an important stage of tourism development. He spoke at the Future Hospitality Forum, organised by the Albanian Investment Development Agency. Gonxhja said growing international interest, expanding investment and a more diverse tourism offer are changing the sector. He added …
PM Rama urges investors to seize Albania tourism opportunities
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged investors to seize the opportunities offered by Albania’s tourism sector. He spoke at the first edition of the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 in Tirana. The forum brought together investors, international brands and representatives of the hospitality and tourism sectors. Rama said Albania aims to …
Albania targets €8.5 billion in tourism revenue by 2030
Albania aims to increase international tourism revenue to around €8.5 billion by 2030. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj announced the target at the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 in Tirana. Ibrahimaj said the next stage of tourism development should focus on creating more value from each visit. She also called …
Fokus Award photography festival opens in Shkodër
The 17th edition of the international Fokus Award Photography Festival has opened in Shkodër with the exhibition “No Limits”. The Oda Gallery hosts works by 10 Italian photographers. Festival artistic director Arben Alliaj said the photographers bring different styles, approaches and subjects. He said the exhibition reflects the broad possibilities …
Albania, Greece and North Macedonia join efforts to seek UNESCO status for Lake Prespa
Albania, Greece and North Macedonia are joining efforts to include Great Prespa Lake on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The initiative seeks to protect and promote the area’s natural and cultural heritage, according to Greek newspaper Kathimerini. Greece launched the initiative in 2014. The European Union now supports the process …
Albania’s Friend of the Book campaign returns with author Vath Koreshi
The Friend of the Book campaign has returned this October, organised by the National Centre for Books and Reading. The first event took place at Ismail Qemali School and focused on Albanian author Vath Koreshi, marking the 90th anniversary of his birth. The campaign also coincides with Book October, a …
Kosova PM Kurti says weekend crucial for electing country’s president
Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the coming weekend will be crucial for electing the country’s president. He said he has already started communicating with opposition party leaders on the issue. Kurti made the remarks on Friday at the International Conference on Women’s Empowerment. Kosova must elect a president by …
Albanian customs chief discusses modernisation with European Union officials
Albanian Customs General Director Besmir Beja held talks with senior European Commission officials in Brussels on customs reform and European Union standards. The meetings focused on modernising systems, strengthening controls and developing professional capacity. Beja presented the progress of Albania’s customs reforms and its priorities for the European integration process. …