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Abissnet Superiore 2026-2027 schedule draw sets opening matches

The Albanian Football Federation held the draw for the 2026-2027 Abissnet Superiore season calendar at the “House of Football” in Tirana. During the ceremony, club representatives and media members attended as the federation announced the fixtures for the 88th edition of Albania’s top football championship. The new season will start …

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Egnatia target home victory over Petrocub in Champions League qualifier

TIRANA, July 14 – Albanian champions Egnatia will host Moldova’s Petrocub on Wednesday in the second leg of the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. The match will kick off at 21:00 at Arena Egnatia in Rrogozhinë. The tie remains open after Egnatia secured a 1-1 draw in …

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French tourists discover Kolonja through cuisine and nature

TIRANA, July 14 – Kolonja continues to attract French visitors with its traditional cuisine, unspoiled landscapes and cultural heritage, as culinary tourism gains popularity in southeastern Albania. Visitors can explore historical sites and take part in traditional cooking experiences. Many learn how to prepare lakror [traditional Albanian pie], one of …

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FM Hoxha: Ninth Albania–European Union Conference reflects institutional commitment

TIRANA, July 14 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said the 9th Albania–European Union Intergovernmental Conference reflects years of sustained institutional work on the country’s European integration. In a social media post, Hoxha recalled key milestones in Albania’s accession process. He noted that the country had not opened any negotiation chapters …

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Albania projects steady growth and stronger public finances for 2027-2029

TIRANA, July 14 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said Albania is maintaining economic stability and stronger public finances through the new Macroeconomic and Fiscal Framework for 2027-2029. In a social media post, Malaj said the framework sets clear priorities for growth, public investment and lower public debt. He added that …

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PM Rama travels to Brussels as Albania closes first EU negotiation chapters

TIRANA, July 14 – Albania takes another step in its European integration process today. The country’s delegation joins the 9th Albania–European Union Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels. The Agency for Media and Information said Prime Minister Edi Rama heads the Albanian delegation at the meeting. The conference starts at 19:00. The …

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Albanian Journalists Complain of Unwritten ‘Red Lines’ and ‘Untouchable Topics’

Self-censorship is rife among Albanian journalists and news editors who fear crossing powerful, politically connected media moguls, a BIRN survey reveals. Original post Here

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German diplomat Dirk Schubel appointed EU Special Representative for Kosovo

The Council of the European Union has appointed German diplomat Dirk Schubel as the new EU Special Representative for Kosovo. Schubel will take office on September 1, 2026, with an initial two-year mandate, replacing Estonian diplomat Aivo Orav. With extensive experience, Schubel has worked in the European External Action Service, …

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Butrint National Park launches new website

TIRANA, July 14 – Butrint National Park has launched a new official website to provide visitors with a more accessible digital experience. The website uses the slogan “Before us, there was Butrint” and helps visitors plan their trips more easily. It also presents the park’s history, monuments and cultural heritage. …

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Petrela Castle combines history, nature and Albanian hospitality near Tirana

Petrela Castle continues to attract visitors as one of Albania’s most popular cultural tourism destinations. Located on a hill about 17 kilometers southeast of Tirana, the castle offers impressive views of the Erzen Valley and a unique experience for both local and international visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images …

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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
Gjirokastër Castle draws record number of visitors

Gjirokastër Castle remains the most popular tourist attraction in southern Albania. More Albanian and international visitors have explored the landmark this summer, highlighting the growing appeal of the UNESCO-listed museum city and its rich cultural heritage. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage reports that about 130,000 people have visited the …

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Albania’s exports rise sharply in June

Albania recorded strong growth in foreign trade in June 2026. According to the latest report from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), merchandise exports reached 35.4 billion lek, up 13.6 percent from a year earlier. Exports also increased 8.3 percent from May. Imports climbed to 83.5 billion lek, marking a 9.1 …

News
Albania’s inflation reaches 3.2 percent in June

Albania’s annual inflation rate reached 3.2 percent in June 2026, according to the latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices tracks retail prices and aligns with European Union standards. Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation, adding 1.02 percentage …

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

News

Gjirokastër Castle draws record number of visitors

Gjirokastër Castle remains the most popular tourist attraction in southern Albania. More Albanian and international visitors have explored the landmark this summer, highlighting the growing appeal of the UNESCO-listed museum city and its rich cultural heritage. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage reports that about 130,000 people have visited the …

News

Albania’s exports rise sharply in June

Albania recorded strong growth in foreign trade in June 2026. According to the latest report from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), merchandise exports reached 35.4 billion lek, up 13.6 percent from a year earlier. Exports also increased 8.3 percent from May. Imports climbed to 83.5 billion lek, marking a 9.1 …

News

Albania’s inflation reaches 3.2 percent in June

Albania’s annual inflation rate reached 3.2 percent in June 2026, according to the latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices tracks retail prices and aligns with European Union standards. Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation, adding 1.02 percentage …