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Rama: Albania on track with EU accession talks under agreed timetable

Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania remains on track with its European Union accession negotiations and continues to follow the timetable agreed with the European Commission. Speaking at a joint press conference with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne, and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta …

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Albania reaffirms commitment to UN Sustainable Development Goals

Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi participated in the UN High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development (HLPF) in New York, where Albania reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals. The forum provided Albania with an opportunity to present its progress and strengthen cooperation with …

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Albania closes three more EU negotiation chapters at ninth Intergovernmental Conference

Prime Minister Edi Rama arrived at the European Council headquarters in Brussels for the ninth Albania-European Union Intergovernmental Conference. During the conference, Albania closed negotiations on three additional chapters in its EU accession process. The chapters cover Science and Research (Chapter 25), Education and Culture (Chapter 26), and External Relations …

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Rama: Albania’s EU progress must continue with more results for citizens

Prime Minister Edi Rama described the closure of three EU negotiation chapters as another important milestone in Albania’s European integration process. Speaking at a joint press conference with Ireland’s Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne and EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos after the ninth Albania-EU …

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Albania Joins the European Family in Three Areas as EU Calls for Deeper Reforms

EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania reached an important milestone by closing its first three negotiation chapters with the European Union. Speaking after the 9th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels, Kos said the achievement marks a major step in Albania’s path toward EU membership. “Today, we closed the first …

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Balla offers condolences for former Emir of Qatar: His vision and legacy will inspire future generations

Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla visited the Embassy of Qatar in Tirana to express condolences following the death of former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. During the visit, Balla conveyed his condolences to the Qatari Ambassador, Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Al Thani …

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Byrne: Albania enters a new phase of EU negotiations as Ireland pledges continued support

Irish Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence Thomas Byrne praised Albania’s progress on its European integration path, saying the country is entering a new phase of negotiations after agreeing to close three negotiation chapters. Speaking at a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama and European Commissioner …

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Rama from Brussels: Countdown begins to closing all EU negotiation chapters

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video from Brussels after Albania closed its first three EU accession negotiation chapters, describing the moment as the start of a new phase in the negotiation process. Rama said the talks are moving forward and rejected claims that the negotiations had stalled. “Some said …

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FM Hoxha condemns Serbian minister’s Kosova statement over ethnic cleansing remarks

TIRANA, July 14 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha criticised a statement by Serbian Minister for Public Administration and Local Self-Government Snezhana Paunovic regarding Kosova. Paunovic said that, if she had been in the position of Slobodan Milosevic, she would have carried out “ethnic cleansing of Kosova …

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Family-run agritourism guesthouse promotes local flavors in Berat

Agritourism continues to grow in Berat as family-run businesses promote local products and traditional cuisine while attracting more visitors. In a social media post, Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the ALDOR guesthouse in the village of Syzez. The family-run guesthouse welcomes both Albanian and international visitors in a traditional setting …

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Gonxhja: Folklore Is a Universal Language That Brings Cultures Together

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja welcomed the delegations and artistic groups taking part in the sixth International Folk Festival Tirana, “Days of Celebration in Tirana,” after three nights of music, dance and cultural performances. Gonxhja praised the artists for their contribution and highlighted folklore’s role in bringing cultures …

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Air Beat–Lulu Fest Brings Together 200 Artists from Albania and the Region

The International Air Beat Festival – Lulu Fest filled the city of Korça with music and performances for two consecutive nights, bringing together more than 200 musicians from Albania, Italy, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the festival on social media. He said the …

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Italian Media Names Albania Among Europe’s Top Budget Holiday Destinations for 2026

Italian media outlet Quotidian Post.it has ranked Albania among Europe’s top 10 destinations for affordable summer holidays in 2026. Travel experts selected the destinations for their combination of natural beauty, quality experiences and reasonable prices. The report says travelers can still enjoy memorable holidays on a limited budget by choosing …

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Over 34,000 Tourists Explore Kukës Protected Areas from Valbona to Korab-Koritnik

More than 34,000 domestic and international tourists visited the protected areas of Kukës during the first half of 2026, exploring alpine landscapes, mountain trails, biodiversity and natural attractions. The protected areas offer visitors a unique experience through forests, lakes, natural springs and cultural heritage sites, combining adventure with nature exploration. …

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Rama Highlights “N’Kanu” Agrotourism in Mirditë as a Model of Investing in the Homeland

Agrotourism is becoming an important driver of economic and social development in Albania’s rural areas, creating jobs and strengthening local economies. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the “N’Kanu” agrotourism centre in Perlat, Mirditë, describing it as an example of returning migrants investing in their hometowns and promoting rural …

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Seman Beach Attracts Visitors with Therapeutic Sand and Warm Waters

Seman Beach, located 18 kilometres from Fier, is attracting visitors with its wide coastline, fine therapeutic sand and warm waters. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the popular summer destination on social media, highlighting its appeal among holidaymakers. In recent years, Seman and Darzezë beaches have become increasingly popular …

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Begaj welcomes representatives of European Interfaith Councils

President Begaj praised the forum as a valuable platform that strengthens interfaith dialogue and promotes peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation across Europe. He said Albania stands as a model of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and hospitality. He added that these values define the country’s identity and encouraged the delegates to …

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Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans for environmental performance

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today. In a video message, Rama said the global index places Albania 46th among 177 countries. He added that the country has achieved …

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Tropoja’s artisan workshop preserves heritage and empowers women

An artisan workshop in the heart of Tropoja has become a model for preserving cultural heritage and strengthening women’s economic independence. With support from the European Union through the EU4Innovation programme, local women artisans are keeping traditional crafts alive while creating new job opportunities for the community. At the workshop, …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 20, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

News

Gonxhja: Folklore Is a Universal Language That Brings Cultures Together

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja welcomed the delegations and artistic groups taking part in the sixth International Folk Festival Tirana, “Days of Celebration in Tirana,” after three nights of music, dance and cultural performances. Gonxhja praised the artists for their contribution and highlighted folklore’s role in bringing cultures …

News

Air Beat–Lulu Fest Brings Together 200 Artists from Albania and the Region

The International Air Beat Festival – Lulu Fest filled the city of Korça with music and performances for two consecutive nights, bringing together more than 200 musicians from Albania, Italy, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the festival on social media. He said the …

News

Italian Media Names Albania Among Europe’s Top Budget Holiday Destinations for 2026

Italian media outlet Quotidian Post.it has ranked Albania among Europe’s top 10 destinations for affordable summer holidays in 2026. Travel experts selected the destinations for their combination of natural beauty, quality experiences and reasonable prices. The report says travelers can still enjoy memorable holidays on a limited budget by choosing …

News

Over 34,000 Tourists Explore Kukës Protected Areas from Valbona to Korab-Koritnik

More than 34,000 domestic and international tourists visited the protected areas of Kukës during the first half of 2026, exploring alpine landscapes, mountain trails, biodiversity and natural attractions. The protected areas offer visitors a unique experience through forests, lakes, natural springs and cultural heritage sites, combining adventure with nature exploration. …

News

Rama Highlights “N’Kanu” Agrotourism in Mirditë as a Model of Investing in the Homeland

Agrotourism is becoming an important driver of economic and social development in Albania’s rural areas, creating jobs and strengthening local economies. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the “N’Kanu” agrotourism centre in Perlat, Mirditë, describing it as an example of returning migrants investing in their hometowns and promoting rural …

News

Seman Beach Attracts Visitors with Therapeutic Sand and Warm Waters

Seman Beach, located 18 kilometres from Fier, is attracting visitors with its wide coastline, fine therapeutic sand and warm waters. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the popular summer destination on social media, highlighting its appeal among holidaymakers. In recent years, Seman and Darzezë beaches have become increasingly popular …

News

Begaj welcomes representatives of European Interfaith Councils

President Begaj praised the forum as a valuable platform that strengthens interfaith dialogue and promotes peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation across Europe. He said Albania stands as a model of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and hospitality. He added that these values define the country’s identity and encouraged the delegates to …

News

Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans for environmental performance

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today. In a video message, Rama said the global index places Albania 46th among 177 countries. He added that the country has achieved …

News

Tropoja’s artisan workshop preserves heritage and empowers women

An artisan workshop in the heart of Tropoja has become a model for preserving cultural heritage and strengthening women’s economic independence. With support from the European Union through the EU4Innovation programme, local women artisans are keeping traditional crafts alive while creating new job opportunities for the community. At the workshop, …

News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 20, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here