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Public beach with symbolic prices in Shkodër offers improved conditions for all visitors

TIRANA, June 15 – The public beach managed by the municipality of Shkodër will offer symbolic prices and improved conditions for all visitors during this tourist season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the coastal area of Shkodër, where the municipality is introducing a new management model this year. …

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Shkodër promising for a successful tourist season, Rozafa Castle and Historical Museum among top attractions, over 65,000 visitors in five months

TIRANA, June 15 – Shkodër is experiencing a promising start to the tourist season. The city reaffirms its position as one of the most popular destinations in northern Albania. Streets and squares host daily groups of foreign tourists. Weekends bring an even higher flow of visitors from different countries. They …

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Euro U-19 2027 draw sets Albania in Group B6 with Armenia and Cyprus

TIRANA, June 15 – Albania’s Under-19 men’s national team learned its opponents on Monday for the second round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2027 qualifiers. UEFA held the draw in Nyon, Switzerland. The process placed Albania U-19 in Group B6 alongside Armenia and Cyprus. The team will compete in …

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Traffic organization changes in Himara aim to ease summer mobility

TIRANA, June 15 – Himara municipality has started implementing changes to road circulation from today. The measures aim to manage vehicle flow more efficiently during the tourist season. Mayor Vangjel Tavo told Albanian news agency (ATSH) that the changes entered into force following a decision by the municipal council. He …

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Foreign investment screening mechanism to strengthen economic security

TIRANA, June 15 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj attended the “Albania’s Foreign Direct Investment Screening Framework” event, organized by AmCham Albania in cooperation with the Center for International Private Enterprise. The event brought together representatives of state institutions, the business community, domestic and foreign investors, international organizations, diplomats …

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Albanian Tax-Economic Center: Albania records higher living standards over past decade

TIRANA, June 15 – Albania has improved living standards significantly over the past 10 years, according to a new analysis by the Albanian Tax-Economic Center. The analysis, which the Media and Information Agency shared, reviews the 2025–2026 Living Standards Index. It shows that Albania recorded notable progress in well-being, human …

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Albania’s Civic Revolt Demands the Government’s Resignation

What began as a protest over Zvernec and Sazan has become a nationwide civic movement demanding the resignation of the government and challenging corruption, oligarchic power and a political system many Albanians say has exhausted the country. Tirana Times, June  15, 2026 –  A protest movement that began with anger over …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 15, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Italian Tourists Dance to Albanian Rhythms in Karaburun

Italian tourists were seen dancing aboard a tourist boat along the stunning coast of Karaburun, according to a video shared on social media by Socialist Party parliamentary leader Taulant Balla. The footage captures visitors enjoying the crystal-clear waters and vibrant summer atmosphere in one of southern Albania’s most popular coastal …

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French magazine Quartz: Albanian Riviera and Alps among world’s rising destinations

TIRANA, June 15 – French magazine Quartz has listed Albania among the world’s most promising travel destinations and recommends visiting the country before mass tourism expands further. According to Quartz, Albania has attracted growing international attention thanks to its Adriatic and Ionian coastline, mountain landscapes and lower travel costs compared with …

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STRASBOURG – European Parliament Approves Amendment on the Albanian Language in North Macedonia’s Bar Exam

The European Parliament approved the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) report on North Macedonia, prepared by permanent rapporteur Thomas Waitz. The report assessed the findings of the European Commission. It highlighted the lack of progress in judicial reforms and anti-corruption efforts. In addition, it urged the country to implement constitutional amendments …

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Nufi Meets Senior Pentagon Official: Strong Commitment to Peace, Stability, and Collective Defense

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met senior Pentagon official Elbridge A. Colby in Washington today. During the meeting, the two officials exchanged views on the strategic challenges shaping the Euro-Atlantic security environment. Nufi emphasized that the partnership between Albania and the United States is built on shared values, mutual trust, and …

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New Property Tax Bill Proposes Market-Value Assessment with Rates of 0.1%–0.2% for Homes

The Ministry of Finance of Albania has opened a new draft law on property tax for public consultation. The reform aims to fundamentally change Albania’s property taxation system by introducing a market-value-based model and increasing local government revenues. Under the proposed legislation, revenue from property tax will remain a local …

News
Meloni: EU Approves Historic Return Regulation, Albanian Model Sets the Example

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the European Parliament’s approval of the new EU return regulation as a major achievement for Italy and Europe. Speaking in a video message from the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, Meloni said the regulation marks a historic decision. She added that the measure largely reflects …

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Business-Customs Forum Focuses on Transparency, Efficiency, and Trade Facilitation

The General Directorate of Customs and the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania held the Business-Customs Forum today. Participants focused on European integration, digital transformation of customs services, and measures to simplify procedures for businesses. The forum brought together customs officials and business representatives. They discussed customs procedures, the investment …

News
New Air Route Links Albania and Romania as TAROM Launches Flights to Tirana

Tirana International Airport expanded its international network as it welcomed the inaugural flight of TAROM today. The airline launched operations in Tirana and opened a new weekly route. It will operate one flight every Wednesday during the summer season. The new connection strengthens air links between Albania and Romania. It …

News
European Parliament Progress Report on Albania, Hoxha Calls Vote Confirmation of Reform Progress and EU Path

Ferit Hoxha said the European Parliament’s approval of the progress report for Albania confirmed strong support for the country’s EU membership path. He stated that the European Parliament also recognized significant progress achieved in key reform areas. The Parliament adopted the report with a large majority, including 483 votes in …

News
Gogu Meets Dutch Counterpart in Strasbourg, Focus on Justice Cooperation and Organized Crime

Toni Gogu held talks in Strasbourg today with Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel. The two officials focused on bilateral cooperation in justice and Albania’s European integration process. Gogu described the Netherlands as a demanding but constructive partner. He said both sides discuss results and concrete projects that help Albania …

News
Actor Gjergji Lala Passes Away at 79

Gjergji Lala, one of the well-known figures of Albanian cinematography, has died at the age of 79. He passed away in a hospital in Italy after a long illness. The news marks the end of a career that spanned decades in both theatre and film. Audiences remember Lala especially for …

News
European Parliament Adopts Resolution on Kosovo: Reforms and Progress in Dialogue Key to European Path

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Kosovo, stating that reforms and progress in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue remain crucial to the country’s European path. The resolution was approved with 412 votes in favor, 174 against, and 58 abstentions. “Continued reforms and progress in the EU-facilitated dialogue remain key to …

News

STRASBOURG – European Parliament Approves Amendment on the Albanian Language in North Macedonia’s Bar Exam

The European Parliament approved the Foreign Affairs Committee (AFET) report on North Macedonia, prepared by permanent rapporteur Thomas Waitz. The report assessed the findings of the European Commission. It highlighted the lack of progress in judicial reforms and anti-corruption efforts. In addition, it urged the country to implement constitutional amendments …

News

Nufi Meets Senior Pentagon Official: Strong Commitment to Peace, Stability, and Collective Defense

Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met senior Pentagon official Elbridge A. Colby in Washington today. During the meeting, the two officials exchanged views on the strategic challenges shaping the Euro-Atlantic security environment. Nufi emphasized that the partnership between Albania and the United States is built on shared values, mutual trust, and …

News

New Property Tax Bill Proposes Market-Value Assessment with Rates of 0.1%–0.2% for Homes

The Ministry of Finance of Albania has opened a new draft law on property tax for public consultation. The reform aims to fundamentally change Albania’s property taxation system by introducing a market-value-based model and increasing local government revenues. Under the proposed legislation, revenue from property tax will remain a local …

News

Meloni: EU Approves Historic Return Regulation, Albanian Model Sets the Example

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni hailed the European Parliament’s approval of the new EU return regulation as a major achievement for Italy and Europe. Speaking in a video message from the G7 Summit in Évian-les-Bains, Meloni said the regulation marks a historic decision. She added that the measure largely reflects …

News

Business-Customs Forum Focuses on Transparency, Efficiency, and Trade Facilitation

The General Directorate of Customs and the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania held the Business-Customs Forum today. Participants focused on European integration, digital transformation of customs services, and measures to simplify procedures for businesses. The forum brought together customs officials and business representatives. They discussed customs procedures, the investment …

News

New Air Route Links Albania and Romania as TAROM Launches Flights to Tirana

Tirana International Airport expanded its international network as it welcomed the inaugural flight of TAROM today. The airline launched operations in Tirana and opened a new weekly route. It will operate one flight every Wednesday during the summer season. The new connection strengthens air links between Albania and Romania. It …

News

European Parliament Progress Report on Albania, Hoxha Calls Vote Confirmation of Reform Progress and EU Path

Ferit Hoxha said the European Parliament’s approval of the progress report for Albania confirmed strong support for the country’s EU membership path. He stated that the European Parliament also recognized significant progress achieved in key reform areas. The Parliament adopted the report with a large majority, including 483 votes in …

News

Gogu Meets Dutch Counterpart in Strasbourg, Focus on Justice Cooperation and Organized Crime

Toni Gogu held talks in Strasbourg today with Dutch Justice Minister David van Weel. The two officials focused on bilateral cooperation in justice and Albania’s European integration process. Gogu described the Netherlands as a demanding but constructive partner. He said both sides discuss results and concrete projects that help Albania …

News

Actor Gjergji Lala Passes Away at 79

Gjergji Lala, one of the well-known figures of Albanian cinematography, has died at the age of 79. He passed away in a hospital in Italy after a long illness. The news marks the end of a career that spanned decades in both theatre and film. Audiences remember Lala especially for …

News

European Parliament Adopts Resolution on Kosovo: Reforms and Progress in Dialogue Key to European Path

The European Parliament has adopted a resolution on Kosovo, stating that reforms and progress in the Kosovo-Serbia dialogue remain crucial to the country’s European path. The resolution was approved with 412 votes in favor, 174 against, and 58 abstentions. “Continued reforms and progress in the EU-facilitated dialogue remain key to …