Six-month indicators confirm continued economic stability
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s main economic indicators for the first half of 2026 confirm continued economic stability, Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj said. In a video message, Yzeiraj said macroeconomic stability remains the foundation for the country’s short-term and long-term economic and policy objectives. He said economic growth has …
Bank of Albania: ALL strengthens 3.2% in second quarter as foreign direct investment rises 12%
TIRANA, August 17 – The ALL continued to strengthen against the euro in the second quarter, while foreign direct investment rose 12%, increasing foreign currency supply in the domestic market, according to the Bank of Albania. The average ALL-euro exchange rate fell to 94.8 ALL in June from 96 ALL …
Tirana–Durrës Highway Expansion Moves Forward at High Speed
Work on Phase III of the Tirana–Durrës highway expansion is progressing rapidly. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu shared footage from the construction site. The project aims to transform one of Albania’s busiest transport corridors into modern infrastructure that meets European standards. The investment will improve traffic flow and increase road …
Albania Among the Destinations That Offer Great Value for Money
A well-known travel website has included Albania among the destinations where tourists can get more value for their money. TravelOffPath highlights Albania as an affordable alternative as travel costs rise in many popular destinations around the world. The website praises Albania for its beaches, natural landscapes, cultural heritage and rich …
“Pilgrims’ Day” Brings Lezhë to Life on Summer Nights
“Pilgrims’ Day”, a celebration honoring Albanian emigrants, has become a popular tradition in Lezhë. Thousands of tourists and residents gathered in Gjergj Kastrioti Square to celebrate. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the festivities on social media. He highlighted the lively atmosphere across Lezhë during the summer nights. Every …
Over 24,000 Passengers Travel Through Vlora Port Since June
Vlora Port has recorded a strong flow of passengers during the summer tourist season. The port serves both the ferry route between Vlora and Brindisi and cruise ships that bring visitors to the coastal city. According to Port Captain Lorenc Rexhepaj, more than 45,000 passengers traveled on the Vlora–Brindisi–Vlora route …
Solar Music Festival Brings Summer Energy to Saranda
Solar Music Festival brought a vibrant summer atmosphere to Saranda. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the event, showing music, entertainment and large crowds of young people. The festival formed part of Albania’s summer calendar of cultural and music events. These activities attract both visitors and music fans to …
Hotel Fire in Vlora Injures Six Tourists
A fire broke out at a hotel in Vlora early on August 16. Police said the incident happened at around 4:05 a.m. in the “10 Korriku” neighborhood. Six tourists suffered injuries. Five were citizens of Kosovo, while one was from Rrëshen. Five of the injured tourists were taken to the …
Rama Tells UnHerd: Protests Show a Normal European Albania
Prime Minister Edi Rama told British media outlet UnHerd that recent protests in Albania differ from those held in June. According to Rama, more political parties and opposition groups have joined the latest demonstrations. These groups include both far-left and far-right forces. Despite the tensions, Rama said he was “very …
Kosovan acting Defence Minister: Kosova ready to help Albania and Montenegro with wildfires
TIRANA, August 14 – Kosova is ready to assist Albania and Montenegro as they tackle wildfires in several areas, acting Defence Minister Ejup Maqedonci said. Maqedonci said he had informed his counterparts in Albania and Montenegro that Kosova’s Ministry of Defence could provide support through its available capabilities. He said …
Euronews journalist Eni Ferati has obtained the testimony given before the Saranda Court by Sokrat Vata, the suspect in the killing of a 21-year-old Portuguese tourist, Luis Miguel Varela Mendes in Ksamil. Vata admitted responsibility for the killing but gave his account of the circumstances, claiming that amid the mass …
The excavation and exhumation of human remains at three locations in Mala Kaludra and Jabuka, in Zubin Potok, where three mass graves have been confirmed, have been completed, Kosovo’s Government Commission on Missing Persons announced. The excavations began in late July in villages in northern Kosovo, and authorities have confirmed …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has visited Italy, where he attended the opening ceremony of the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games in support of the Albanian team of athletes. During the visit, President Begaj was welcomed by his Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, as well as by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia …
Prime Minister Edi Rama will gather his government cabinet for a two-day meeting in Pogradec on August 23 and 24. The meeting will be held in a “retreat” format, with ministers expected to report on the work carried out so far and present their priorities for the coming months. The …
The Mayor of Mirdita, Albert Melyshi, spoke to the media about the wildfire situation in the municipality, describing it as serious and dangerous. He said the village of Tenë is currently the worst-affected area, where the first evacuations have also taken place. According to Melyshi, some of the fires are …
The Cërrik Municipal Council met to set the schedule for public hearings as part of the Administrative-Territorial Reform. From the beginning of the meeting, right-wing councillors voiced their opposition to the proposed merger of Cërrik with Elbasan, while left-wing councillors also appeared unclear about their position. Cërrik Mayor Florenc Doka …
A provocative incident was reported in Spain during the Conference League match between Getafe and Partizan Belgrade, where the visiting fans repeatedly chanted “Kosovo is Serbia”. Around 6,000 fans were present at the stadium, while the political chants by Serbian supporters could be heard throughout the match. Meanwhile, some of …
Theth welcomes the “Ah Theth” festival this weekend. The festival combines music, sports, adventure and tradition. It takes place from August 21 to 23. The event features two nights and three days of activities. Visitors can enjoy events from sunset to sunrise amid the spectacular landscapes of the Albanian Alps. …
Albania has reached its target of more than 600 MW in new renewable energy capacity ahead of schedule. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said the energy sector reforms are producing concrete results. He said the government is modernizing the legal framework and aligning it with European Union standards. …
Albania’s cultural heritage sites recorded a strong increase in visitors during the first seven months of 2026. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja released the figures for January–July 2026. A total of 824,340 local and foreign visitors explored these destinations. The figure marks an 80% increase compared with …