Travel off Path: Europe’s Top New Tourism Hotspot Faces Major Visitor Rule Changes Upon EU Entry
Europe’s newest tourism hotspot could see major changes for visitors after joining the European Union, writes Vinicius Costa in the American travel magazine Travel Off Path. For nearly a decade now, Albania has been a beacon of freedom for travelers, especially digital nomads looking for hassle-free ways to extend their time in …
Organized Beaches and Improved Services Make Pogradec a Summer Destination
Pogradec, one of Albania’s most popular destinations on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is attracting many domestic and international visitors this summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Pogradec’s beaches, showing organized public spaces and free umbrellas available for visitors. The lakeside city offers clean waters, open areas …
Gonxhja Highlights Nikaj-Mërturi’s Mountain Tourism Potential
Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja described Nikaj-Mërturi as one of the Albanian Alps’ greatest treasures and a destination with strong mountain tourism potential. He met guesthouse owners, hotel managers and tour guides to discuss challenges, opportunities and sustainable tourism development. Moreover, Gonxhja stressed that close cooperation with local communities and businesses …
General’s Beach, Crystal Waters Hidden Among Kavaja’s Rocky Coastline
General’s Beach, located along the Kavaja coastline, offers visitors crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes and a peaceful natural environment. The beach lies between Durrës and Kavaja and surprises visitors with its rocky coastline, blue sea and green hills, creating a landscape that resembles the southern Albanian Riviera on a smaller scale. …
Albania aligns Central Bank law with EU standards
Albania has taken another step toward European Union membership with a new draft law on the Bank of Albania. The legislation sets the legal framework the country will need after joining the EU and meeting the requirements to enter the Eurozone. The draft law aligns Albania’s banking legislation with EU …
New Dialogue Platform Connects Civil Society Organizations with EU Institutions
The European Commission has launched a call for civil society organizations that want to join the new Civil Society Platform, a permanent dialogue mechanism between civil society groups and European Union institutions. The platform aims to create a forum where organizations can exchange ideas and experiences, discuss challenges facing civil …
Albanian Sounds Featured in the Soundtrack of Christopher Nolan’s Epic Film “The Odyssey”
Albania has become part of the soundtrack of one of the year’s most anticipated films, “The Odyssey” by director Christopher Nolan. The film, which premiered worldwide this week, is Nolan’s latest adaptation of Homer’s epic poem. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus and featuring a major Hollywood cast, the production was …
Butrint Community Grants Offer Up to $20,000 in Support
The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), in cooperation with the Butrint Management Foundation (BMF), has launched the first call for applications under the Butrint Community Grant Scheme. The initiative supports individuals, local businesses and nonprofit organizations with projects focused on economic, cultural, social and tourism development in the Butrint National Park …
Albania Highlights EU Progress, International Engagement and New Development Initiatives
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album highlighting the week’s key events. First, he attended the Coalition of the Willing Summit on Ukraine in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. He also joined France’s National Day ceremony and reaffirmed Albania’s strong partnership with its Euro-Atlantic allies. …
The United States Helped Build SPAK. Now SPAK Must Do Its Job
Tirana Times, July 18, 2026 – For years, the U.S. and the EU invested significant political capital, funding, and diplomatic pressure into helping Albania build one of the most ambitious anti-corruption institutions in the Balkans: the Special Anti-Corruption Structure, known as SPAK. SPAK was created to do what previous institutions …
Tickets reserved for Albanian fans are now on sale for the San Marino-Albania match in the UEFA Nations League, League C. The match will take place on September 29, 2026, at the San Marino Stadium. Albanian fans who want to support the national team away from home can buy tickets …
President Bajram Begaj has marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. He paid tribute to the 2,977 people who lost their lives. In a social media post, Begaj expressed his condolences and solidarity with the victims’ families and loved ones. “A quarter …
Foreign visitors spent a record €2.38 billion in Albania during the first six months of 2026, according to the latest data from the Bank of Albania. The figure marks the highest level ever recorded for the first half of a year. It also confirms the growing role of tourism in …
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has marked the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks in the United States. In a Facebook post, the embassy honored the memory of the thousands of people who lost their lives. It also paid tribute to the heroes who emerged in New …
Germany supports Albania’s membership in the European Union. However, Berlin says the pace of accession talks will depend on the implementation of reforms. In an interview with Deutsche Welle, German Ambassador to Tirana Karl Bergner praised Albania’s progress. He also stressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law and …
Foreign direct investment (FDI) in Albania rose sharply during the first six months of 2026. FDI reached €1.144 billion, marking a 50% increase compared with the same period last year. Data from the Bank of Albania on the country’s balance of payments show that FDI flows reached €741 million in …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced today that Luxair will launch direct flights between Luxembourg and Tirana. Hoxha welcomed the arrival of another European airline in Albania. He described the development as excellent news for the country. Starting March 29, 2027, Luxair will operate the new route …
Albania is exploring plans to build an LNG terminal on its Adriatic coast. The proposed terminal would receive US liquefied natural gas (LNG) by ship. It would then store the LNG and convert it from a liquid into gas. The gas could enter regional pipelines and reach countries across the …
Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi met with Michael Hammer, chairman of the Austrian National Council’s Friendship Group with Albania, and its delegation. Peleshi highlighted the long-standing friendship between Albania and Austria. He said the two countries have strengthened their ties over the years through political cooperation and exchanges …
The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, has been honored with the Key to the City of Mesquite, Texas, as part of his visit to the United States. The key was presented to Berisha by Mesquite Mayor Daniel Aleman Jr., according to the Democratic Party’s press office. “During the …