New EU Ambassador to Albania After Meeting Rama: Good Discussion on the Country’s European Future
The new EU Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, posted on X about her meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama earlier today. Alongside a photo from the meeting, the Ambassador wrote that the discussion focused on Albania’s European future, expressing optimism about it. Full statement: “Today I had my …
New Parliamentary Session Begins, Balla: EU Integration by 2030 Is a National Mission
The head of the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, stated at the opening of the new parliamentary session that Albania has entered a decisive phase in the process of negotiations for membership in the European Union. During his speech, Balla said that the Socialist parliamentary group would organize its …
Inflation at 3.2% in August, Transport and Food Drive Price Increases
Inflation in Albania rose to 3.2% in August 2026, marking a significant acceleration compared with the same month last year, when the rate stood at 2.3%. Compared with July, consumer prices increased by 0.1%. Data from INSTAT show that the annual increase in prices was driven primarily by food and …
Evis Kushi Elected Deputy Speaker of Parliament with 79 Votes as Opposition Boycotts Vote
During today’s plenary session, Evis Kushi was elected Deputy Speaker of Parliament with 79 votes in favor. At the time of the vote, the opposition boycotted the process and walked out of the chamber. Also today, Parliament voted on the President’s decree appointing Klodiana Spahiu as the new Minister of …
Honors for Ratko Mladić in Serbia, Minister Hoxha: Glorifying War Criminals Goes Against European Values
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha reacted in a post on X to the honoring of the convicted war criminal. Hoxha said that Albania condemns the glorification of Mladić and joins the European Union and other countries that have condemned the way he was honored in Serbia. He …
Court Presidents Call for Salaries to Be Unblocked: Constitutional Court Ruling Must Be Implemented
The presidents of Albania’s courts have called for the immediate unblocking of salaries for judges and judicial administration staff, as well as the implementation of the Constitutional Court’s ruling on the matter. At a meeting held today, they discussed the situation created by the failure to process salaries and the …
Kosovo Records 27.8% Rise in Hotel Visitors
Kosovo recorded a significant increase in hotel visitors in July 2026, according to the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS). Hotels welcomed 99,053 visitors during the month. Domestic visitors accounted for 32,098, while foreign visitors reached 66,954. Compared with July 2025, when hotels recorded 77,481 visitors, the total number increased by …
Gonxhja: Northern Towers Set for Restoration and Revitalization, Investments to Start by 2027
Albania is preparing to restore and revitalize its traditional northern towers. The government plans to start concrete investments by 2027. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the plan. He said the ministry is finalizing the national program with GIS and the State Cadastre Agency (ASHK). “Our goal is …
Athletes from Albania and the Region Compete in 14th “Labeat” Triathlon
Shirokë, on the shores of Lake Shkodra, hosted the 14th edition of the “Labeat” Triathlon, bringing together athletes from Albania and across the region. The event combines swimming, cycling and running, creating a demanding competition that tests athletes across three disciplines. This year’s edition attracted around 90 competitors from Albania, …
New Initiative to Finance Women Entrepreneurs Launches National Analytical Panel
The Bank of Albania and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) launched the “WE Finance Code Albania – Code for Financing Women Entrepreneurs” today. The initiative starts a national partnership to improve access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led or owned by women. The …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
The Hague will deliver its verdict on September 16 in the trial of former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. The four have pleaded not guilty. The case has attracted significant attention in Kosova because of the defendants’ prominent roles during the 1998-1999 …
Albania ranks among the 10 most preferred destinations outside the European Union for EU residents, according to Eurostat data. The Agency for Media and Information cited Eurostat figures showing around 2 million trips to Albania that included at least one overnight stay. These trips accounted for 2% of all journeys …
Deputy Defence Minister Blerina Abrazhda says Albania needs time to build its defence industry and develop the infrastructure, technology and skilled workforce required for production. She made the remarks in response to opposition criticism of the sector’s initial industrial projects. Abrazhda said Albania should assess early projects not only by …
Around 17,000 students have started the new school year at vocational schools across Albania. The programmes combine theoretical education with practical training and work experience to prepare students for the labour market. Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj wished students a successful new school year. She also sent a …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced that the Goddess of Butrint, known as Dea, has returned to her place of discovery. The return allows visitors to see the valuable archaeological work up close. The sculpture has completed a long journey from the ancient city of Butrint to …
Euronews reports that Albania could rank among the most sought-after tourism destinations in 2027. The report highlights its beaches and competitive prices as key attractions for tourists. Advantage Travel Partnership, a UK-based organisation that brings together independent travel businesses, ranks Albania among the destinations to visit in 2027. It highlights …
The Antigonea Archaeological Park in the Gjirokastër region hosted participants in the Ultra4Charity Mountain Race. The runners crossed the area and explored the landscapes of the Drinos Valley. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the event promoted the area’s cultural heritage and tourism potential. Ultra4Charity organises races and …
Gonxhja: Archaeological Discovery in Strikçan Among Five Finalists for International “Palmyra” Award
A monumental tomb discovered in Strikçan, Bulqizë, has been selected among the five finalists for the international “Palmyra” Award and the “Special” Public Award at the Borsa Mediterranea del Turismo Archeologico (BMTA). The Institute of Archaeology led the project that uncovered the monumental tomb. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi …
Tourists continue to visit Vlora in September as they enjoy the final days of summer, the city’s natural beauty and its lively coastal atmosphere. The coastal city remains a popular destination even after the peak summer months. September brings milder temperatures and a quieter atmosphere. This combination attracts visitors who …