New draft law changes defence and security procurement
TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …
The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics
Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …
Apollonia Archaeological Park welcomes visitors from around the world
TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …
Shkodër Art Gallery to resume rich artistic calendar in September
TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …
Perseid meteor shower to light up Tirana’s night sky
TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …
EU opposes Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River
TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …
US State Department reacts to Vucic’s statements on Ibër: Normalisation of relations is essential
TIRANA, August 12 – The US State Department has reacted to statements about a possible change in the course of the Ibër River. The department told Radio Free Europe that peace and stability in the Western Balkans remain US priorities. A State Department spokesperson said normalisation of relations between Serbia …
KFOR chief: Troops may increase if security in Kosova is at risk
TIRANA, August 12 – NATO’s mission in Kosova, KFOR, met Serbian List President Zlatan Elek on Tuesday. The meeting followed the party’s opposition to a gradual reduction of KFOR’s presence on the main bridge over the Ibër River in Mitrovica. Elek requested the meeting at KFOR headquarters in Film City …
190 years since the publication of De Rada’s “Songs of Milosao”
TIRANA, August 12 – Jeronim De Rada published “Songs of Milosao” in Naples 190 years ago. The work appeared in August 1836. It is also considered a lyrical masterpiece of the Albanian National Renaissance. De Rada had completed the work in October 1834. He also wrote its preface at that …
Fire in Lura National Park enters second day, flames advance towards inhabited areas
TIRANA, August 12 – A fire in Lura National Park has entered its second day. The flames are advancing towards inhabited areas. Around 140 personnel are now involved in the operation. Two Canadair aircraft are also supporting the operation from the air. Dibër Mayor Rahim Spahiu reported the large fire …
Prime Minister Edi Rama urged the international community to establish a global agreement on sovereign and democratic artificial intelligence during his address to the United Nations General Assembly in New York. First, Rama warned that the misuse of content distribution now threatens freedom of speech. He said citizens must know …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania became the first country to introduce an artificial intelligence instrument into the architecture of government through Diella, the country’s AI minister. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Rama stressed that the initiative was not designed to transfer sovereignty from people …
The Albanian government has approved a decision declaring the village of Vuno an immovable cultural heritage site and a Historical Center, while also defining its protected zone. According to the decision, authorities established the boundaries of Vuno’s Historical Center based on zoning maps and coordinates within the Albanian Geodetic Reference …
Prime Minister Edi Rama is set to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York today. Before delivering his speech, Rama shared a photo on social media standing beside the Albanian flag at the UN headquarters. “Proud of Albania,” Rama wrote alongside the image. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister is …
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Albania is developing an artificial intelligence-powered Digital Mirror designed to identify manipulation in real time. Speaking at the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Rama said the Digital Mirror will not act as an arbiter of opinion. Instead, it will serve as a …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has posted a photograph shortly before his speech at the United Nations General Assembly in New York. In the image shared on social media, Rama is seen standing beside the Albanian flag as he waits to take the podium at the UN. Rama is in New …
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke in his address to the United Nations General Assembly about the impact of disinformation and Artificial Intelligence on society, citing the “Flamingo Revolution” protests in Albania as an example. Rama claimed that the movement was driven by a fabricated narrative alleging an Israeli takeover of …
Tech concerns mount over elections in Serbia, spy chief’s arrest tests Albania’s NATO ties, protests over court verdicts continue in Kosovo and North Macedonia mulls impact of dangerous virus, our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here
More than 9.4 million foreign nationals entered Albania in the first eight months of 2026, according to INSTAT. The figure represents a 5.3% increase from the same period in 2025. In August alone, foreign entries rose 2% year on year. The pace slowed from July, when entries increased 7.1%, but …
Work is continuing on the Shëngjin bypass in Lezha, which will ease traffic and improve access to coastal tourist areas. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the construction site and said the bypass is expected to be fully completed by March 2027. The 8.1-kilometre road runs along the slopes …