Balla on the tragedy in Durrës: This is not an accident. The perpetrator is a terrorist!
The head of the parliamentary group of the Socialist Party, Taulant Balla, has reacted to the tragic incident in Durrës, where two children lost their lives. In a statement on social media, Balla emphasized that the event should not be considered a road accident. “The tragic event in Durrës is …
Albania – Greece: No Progress, Just Promises
Tirana Times, May 03, 2026 – There is a limit to how long diplomacy can survive on good manners and optimistic statements. The latest round of Albania–Greece engagement, showcased at the Delphi Economic Forum, makes one thing unmistakably clear: the relationship is not moving forward it is being managed in …
“Eqrem Çabej” University Expands International Cooperation
Eqrem Çabej University in Gjirokastër is expanding its cooperation with international universities, creating more opportunities for academic exchanges and training for students and academic staff. Currently, the institution has around 100 cooperation agreements with universities across Europe and the United States. Rector Jaho Cana emphasized that most agreements involve countries …
Chinese Billionaire Dies in Car Accident in Xibrakë
Li Jianhong, chairman and president of Xinjiang Grand Scape Group, has died in a car accident in Albania during a business trip, Chinese media report. The incident occurred on Monday on the Librazhd–Elbasan road, near Xibrakë. According to reports, the 60-year-old died at the scene, while six other people were …
$6 Billion LNG Deal with the U.S., Rama: A Step Toward Energy Independence
Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his podcast “Flasim” that the $6 billion agreement with the United States and Greecewill enable Albania to be supplied with liquefied natural gas (LNG) for 20 years. Rama emphasized that this investment is expected to create a stable foundation for diversifying the country’s energy …
Historical Heritage Attracts Thousands of Tourists
Elbasan is gaining increasing attention from tourists, becoming one of the country’s key destinations. During the past month, more than 3,500 tourists have visited the city, mainly on day trips. The most frequented sites remain the Elbasan Castle and the Ethnographic Museum of Elbasan, which offer insight into the city’s …
Frozen Courtesies: Albania–Greece Relations Between Rhetoric and Reality
Strategic ambitions, unresolved disputes, and a relationship caught between political narratives and diplomatic inertia. Tirana Times, May 02, 2026 – The latest encounter between Edi Rama and Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the Delphi Economic Forum was meant to signal momentum in a relationship long burdened by history. Instead, it exposed a …
EU Integration as Compass: Albania’s Foreign Policy Vision in a Shifting World
By Ferit Hoxha Anyone who knows even a little about Albania is aware that the cornerstone of Albanian foreign policy in the post-communist period has been a clear orientation toward the Euro-Atlantic world, as a guarantee of democracy, security, and the country’s development, and as an expression of our aspiration …
“Jerusalem Post” highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive tourism destinations
TIRANA, May 1 – The Jerusalem Post presents Albania as an emerging tourism hotspot in Europe. It highlights its mix of culture, history, coastline, and mountain landscapes. Located in the Balkans next to Greece, the country increasingly positions itself as an alternative to more crowded Mediterranean destinations. In recent years, …
Week in Review: Faint Hopes and No Regrets
In a world that increasingly finds itself turned upside down, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week tries to make sense of the past, present and future. Original post Here
New tax relief measures reduced state revenue from inheritance and property gifts in 2025. First, authorities expanded tax exemptions. As a result, revenue dropped sharply. Data from the General Directorate of Taxes show collections at 16.2 million lekë in 2025. This marks a fall from 35.8 million lekë in 2024. …
Hekurudha Shqiptare has opened a procurement procedure for the detailed design and construction of the Rinas airport railway station. The project is part of the Tirana–Durrës–Rinas rail line. The allocated budget for this phase stands at around 91.6 million lekë. The authority says the new station is essential to improve …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Cyber Operations Centre, part of the Cyber and Communications Command at the Ministry of Defence. He assessed progress in building cyber defence capabilities. He said the country has made significant advances in protecting defence ministry and armed forces infrastructure. He praised the results achieved …
The Tax Administration has approved a sectoral plan for tourism in 2026 aimed at reducing informality and increasing tax compliance. The plan introduces eight key measures to strengthen control, improve reporting, and increase revenue collection in the tourism sector. First, authorities will increase declared turnover compared to 2025. They will …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said technology is creating new opportunities for young people to access the global job market. He spoke during a discussion with young people in Gjirokastër. He focused on innovation, employment, and entrepreneurship. First, he said the government aims to increase funding for startup programs. At the …
TIRANA, May 6 – Prishtina hosts a full day of commemorative, cultural, and academic events in honour of George Kastrioti Skanderbeg, the national hero of Albanians. The programme brings together citizens, scholars, and delegations from Albanian territories and the Arbëresh diaspora from Italy. The organisation “Shqiptaria” [Albanian-ness] coordinates the activities. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the “Alegria” enterprise in Gjirokastër. He described it as a strong example of Albanian family business success and the potential of “Made in Albania” products abroad. He said the company has multiplied its exports tenfold in recent years. It has expanded into markets such as …
Former Speaker of Parliament Servet Pëllumbi has died at the age of 89. He co-founded the Socialist Party of Albania. He shaped the country’s democratic transition. Colleagues respected his integrity and leadership. He was born in Korça. He studied at the University of Saint Petersburg. He earned a PhD in …
Prime Minister Edi Rama urged unity to safeguard Albania’s EU accession process. He warned against any attempt to derail it. First, he spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Gjirokastër. There, he focused on EU integration. He described negotiations as tough and complex. Next, he stressed that a dedicated team …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to the death of former Speaker Servet Pëllumbi. He expressed sorrow and paid tribute. “Farewell, dear professor,” Rama wrote. He shared a photo of Pëllumbi on social media. Servet Pëllumbi died today at the age of 89. He served as Speaker of Parliament from 2002 …