Pushing Against Inertia: How Harnex Is Testing the Balkans’ Appetite for Innovation
Tirana loves a good spectacle. Walk through the capital today and you are greeted by sleek new glass towers, vibrant urban spaces, and a relentless political chorus proclaiming Albania as the next big digital hub of the Western Balkans. But scratch beneath the surface of this calculated showmanship, and a …
Transparency Board lowers fuel prices, diesel drops to 197 ALL per litre
TIRANA, May 21 – The Transparency Board set new ceiling prices for fuel trading during its latest meeting. The new prices enter into force today at 13:00. According to the decision, the retail price of SSH EN 590 diesel will not exceed 197 ALL per litre. Meanwhile, the wholesale price …
Lushnja hospital joins national investment programme
TIRANA, May 21 – Health and Social Protection Minister Evis Sala said the Lushnja municipal hospital forms part of the national investment programme for hospital infrastructure. She said services for citizens continue during reconstruction works. Sala said the investment started in 2026. Works officially began on March 4 with the …
Ruling Socialist Party MP Balla: Germany praises Albania on negotiation chapters 23 and 24
TIRANA, Thursday, May 21 – Albania has received positive evaluations on European Union accession chapters 23 and 24, ruling Socialist Party parliamentary group chairman Taulant Balla said on Thursday. Germany views Albania as a model among candidate countries, citing justice reform, vetting, and efforts against corruption and organised crime. Meanwhile, …
Arbëresh Museum Planned in Vuno to Preserve Cultural Heritage
The planned Arbëresh Museum in Vuno aims to preserve historical memory and cultural heritage. The museum will focus on the history of the Arbëresh community and their migration to Italy. The project was presented by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports in cooperation with the Municipality of Himara and …
Stage III of the 83rd Tour of Albania, Swiss rider Guillaume Haldimann wins
TIRANA, May 21 – The third stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania concluded on Wednesday. The stage ran on the Elbasan–Vlora route over 149 kilometres. The average speed reached 48.3 km/h. The stage proved highly competitive. A leading group of five riders reached the finish together. Swiss rider Guillaume …
Magical Views from Mount Korab
Spring temperatures have not removed the snow cover from Mount Korab. Snow still covers parts of the mountain. Wild crocus flowers form a golden carpet across the melted areas. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the mountain and called them magical. The Korab mountain range offers wide landscapes and …
The Kosova Central Election Commission prepares postal ballot packages for voters abroad ahead of Kosova vote
TIRANA, May 21 – The Kosova Central Election Commission (CEC) has prepared individual ballot packages for voters registered abroad ahead of postal voting for early parliamentary elections. The CEC said its voter service has prepared 75,000 packages so far. In addition, around 30,000 more packages will be completed during Wednesday, …
Socca European Championship: Albania opens with 5-0 win over Turkey
TIRANA, May 21 – The Socca European Championship officially kicked off in Albania on Wednesday in a festive atmosphere at the “House of Football”, which hosts the European minifootball tournament. Meanwhile, group-stage matches took place throughout the day. In addition, the opening ceremony brought music, artistic performances, and a strong …
“Gateway to the Alps” project transforms Shkodër with infrastructure, transport, and culture upgrades
TIRANA, May 21 – The Municipality of Shkodër worked with the Albanian Development Fund and international and local experts. It prepared a package of transformative projects. These projects target mobility, daily life, economic development, and tourism in the region. Meanwhile, Mayor Benet Beci presented the programme as “Gateway to the …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
TIRANA May 25 – The Delegation of the European Union in Albania has launched the “Protect Nature” contest. The initiative promotes biodiversity and environmental protection through an interactive experience in several Albanian cities. The campaign covers Tirana, Shkodër, Durrës, and Vlora. It uses green stickers placed in public areas. Each …
TIRANA, May 25 – The Vatican has awarded Albanian ambassador to the Holy See Majlinda Frangaj the title “Dame Grand Cross of the Piano Order”, one of the highest civil decorations of the Holy See. The Piano Order was founded by Pope Pius IX. It is considered one of the …
Renovation works at Bënja Baths are continuing. The site is located about 14 kilometers from the city of Përmet. It lies in the Petran administrative unit, near the meeting point of the Vjosa River and the Lengarica stream. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the transformation will be completed soon. He …
TIRANA, May 25 – Tirana will become an international centre for elite padel sport. The city will host a major tournament from 26 to 30 May at Skanderbeg Square, with free entry for the public. Top international players will compete in the event. They will play for key ranking points …
Gjirokastër Castle remains one of Albania’s most visited cultural heritage sites, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today. He noted that the monument is enjoying another successful tourist season, with growing interest in cultural tourism in southern Albania. Gonxhja shared images from the site showing the castle …
TIRANA, May 25 – Farmers across the country can apply from today for the National Support Scheme 2026. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development launched the programme with 12 support measures. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Andis Salla said farmers now have full access to apply and benefit from …
Visitors travel to Ndroq and explore its ancient olive groves and rural trails. First, they follow walking paths through green hills and traditional village landscapes.Then, they pass through old orchards and stone terraces. As they move forward, they discover the olive groves of Ndroq. Locals cultivate these groves and maintain …
TIRANA, May 25 – France has awarded Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho the title “Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres” (Knight of Arts and Letters). France grants the distinction to individuals with outstanding contributions to the arts. Jaho reacted online after receiving the award. She said the title represents a great …
Shëngjin officially opened the summer tourism season last night with a series of activities. The event gathered residents of Lezhë and tourists from different countries. The opening ceremony, “Shëngjin 2026”, was attended by Minister of Defence Ermal Nufi, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla, and Lezhë Mayor Pjerin …