Rama Highlights Shala River as Tourists Flock to Northern Albania
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the Shala River on social media, showcasing one of Albania’s most popular summer destinations. The Shala River has attracted growing numbers of Albanian and foreign visitors in recent years. Tourists visit the area for its untouched nature, crystal-clear blue waters, and adventure tourism …
Kos: Albania and Montenegro Among EU Integration Front-Runners
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos expressed optimism about Albania’s progress toward European Union membership. Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Poland, Kos described Albania and Montenegro as two of the most advanced countries in the EU enlargement process. She praised Albania’s progress and noted that the country has …
Belsh Unveils New Zip Line to Boost Tourism
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the inauguration of a new zip line in Belsh, describing it as another reason to visit the popular tourist destination in the Dumre region. The new attraction, stretching 724 meters, adds a new dimension to Belsh’s tourism offer by combining nature, adventure, and local …
U.S. Supports Albanian Civil Aviation with Training and Equipment
Connectivity, operational safety, and aviation security are the three main pillars of cooperation between the Transportation Security Administration and the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority. The Albanian Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) announced that the donation of a testing equipment set by the TSA, combined with specialized training for experts from the …
Government Declares Dhërmi Historic Center a Cultural Heritage Site
The Albanian government has declared the historic center of Dhërmi an immovable cultural heritage site. The Council of Ministers approved the decision and defined the protection zone of the historic center through zoning maps and coordinates in the Albanian Geodetic Reference Framework. The government also approved a plan to preserve, …
Week in Review: Flamingos, Deflections and Posturing
Like the weather, the political temperature across the region is rising, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here
FM Hoxha in Cyprus: European Union support, Tirana-Nicosia flights discussed
TIRANA, June 26 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos during an official visit to Cyprus. The ministers discussed stronger bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of common interest. Meanwhile, Hoxha thanked Cyprus for its continued support for Albania’s European Union integration. …
Acting Tirana Mayor outlines second phase of soft loan applications in Tirana
TIRANA, June 26 – Acting Tirana Mayor Anuela Ristani said the extension of the application deadline for subsidized housing loans has increased the number of beneficiary families. She presented the update during Thursday’s municipal council meeting. Meanwhile, Ristani said authorities received 4,409 applications in the first phase. She added that …
Rama: Radhima Transforms as “Lungomare 4” Takes Shape
Edi Rama said that Vlora continues to transform through major investments in public spaces and tourism infrastructure. He stated that the coastal area of Radhimë is undergoing visible changes. As a result, the “Lungomare 4” project is now taking shape. Rama said the project is part of a broader vision …
Draft property tax law opens for public consultation, Finance minister highlights low rates
TIRANA, June 26 – The Ministry of Finance has opened a draft law on immovable property tax for public consultation. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the reform protects Albanian families and preserves one of the region’s lowest property tax rates. Meanwhile, Malaj said the proposal would not increase the tax …
TIRANA, July 1 – Italian media outlet “Idealista” has highlighted 15 key destinations across Albania, presenting the country as an increasingly attractive European tourism hub where history, nature, and coastal landscapes meet. The article notes that Albania combines Roman amphitheatres, Ottoman-era bazaars, and modern urban life within a short travel …
TIRANA, July 1 – President Bajram Begaj welcomed Ireland as it begins its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. In a message published on Wednesday, Begaj wished Ireland success during its term at the helm of the Council. He said Albania was encouraged that European Union enlargement …
Albania is expanding its digital public transport services as the summer tourist season increases travel demand across the country. The General Director of the Road Transport Services Directorate (DPSHTRR), Kreshnik Bajraktari, has launched an intensive information campaign in the field to promote the eTransport platform. The initiative aims to provide …
TIRANA, July 1 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met Hendrik Wüst during his visit to Bochum, Germany. Rama said the talks focused on expanding cooperation between Albania and North Rhine-Westphalia, one of Germany’s leading economic and industrial regions. He identified investment, digital technology, vocational education, and Albania’s European Union membership …
“Shtëpia e Midhjeve” (The House of Mussels), a culinary destination located near Saranda, has ranked second in the “TEA’s Gastronomy Award” category at the TEA Awards 2026 ceremony. The National Tourism Agency says this recognition places “Shtëpia e Midhjeve” among the most highly rated gastronomic destinations based on visitor reviews …
TIRANA, July 1 – United States Chargé d’Affaires Anu Prattipati reaffirmed Washington’s support for Kosova during an event marking the 250th anniversary of American independence. Prattipati said the partnership between the United States and Kosova rests on shared values, mutual respect, and a common commitment to security and opportunity. She …
TIRANA, July 1 – Albanian humanist Frang Bardhi passed away on July 1, 1643. He was a lexicographer, historian, folklorist, ethnographer and senior Catholic cleric. Bardhi was born in 1606 in Kallmet, Zadrima. He completed his studies at the religious college in Loreto, Italy, in 1628. He later earned a …
TIRANA, July 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said EU enlargement is a strategic necessity for Europe’s security, stability and competitiveness during a conference in Luxembourg on EU support for the Western Balkans, held by the European Court of Auditors. The Albanian chief diplomat said the Western Balkans and the …
The EU4Culture program has officially ended in Albania after restoring and revitalizing 23 cultural heritage sites across the country. The United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) implemented the project, which the European Union funded with a total budget of €40 million. The program ran from October 2020 to June …
TIRANA, July 1 – The Council of Ministers declared the Apolonia Archaeological Park an immovable cultural heritage asset, also approving its boundary definition, zoning, and a new protection and management plan. The Albanian government said the new status applies in line with the official zoning map and coordinates set in …