Forbes: Albania presented as a hidden Balkan treasure of history, nature and hospitality
TIRANA, August 20 – “Forbes” has highlighted Albania as a destination rich in history, culture, nature and hospitality. Travel journalist Jeanine Barone describes the country as a once-forgotten “jewelry box” that now attracts international visitors. The article highlights Albania’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic towns and diverse landscapes. Visitors can …
Deputy Prime Minister Koçiu: Support for farmers and businesses to expand processing capacity
TIRANA, August 20 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu highlighted the growth of Albanian agricultural businesses in international markets. She cited Zdrava Group, an Albanian agro-processing company, as an example of a business that has grown alongside farmers and invested in technology. The company has operated in agro-processing for more …
5 active fires and 3 under control, 382 personnel on the ground
TIRANA, August 20 – Albania’s Ministry of Defence reported 35 fires across the country over the past 24 hours. Five remain active, while authorities have placed 3 under control. A total of 382 operational personnel and 40 fire engines are working across the affected areas. The Armed Forces are supporting …
United States renews call for Kosova institutions amid political deadlock
TIRANA, August 20 – The United States has renewed its call for Kosova’s political leaders to cooperate on forming institutions in line with the Constitution and Constitutional Court decisions. A US State Department spokesperson told Radio Free Europe that political leaders should work together to overcome the institutional deadlock. The …
Wildfires across albania, five blazes remain active
The wildfire situation across the country remains problematic, although improvements have been reported in several affected areas over the past 24 hours. Of the 35 fires reported, five remain active, while three others are being kept under control. A total of 382 operational personnel and 40 fire engines have been …
Referendum on Protected Areas Law: CEC Provides Form for Collecting Signatures
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has decided to provide the standard form to the initiative group seeking to collect 50,000 signatures for a referendum on repealing Law No. 21/2024 on protected areas. The initiative follows continued opposition from environmental organizations and activists to the law, which they say could facilitate …
Debate at Maliq Municipal Council Meeting Over Draft Law on Merger with Korça
The Maliq Municipal Council meeting was marked by tensions and heated debate on Thursday, as councillors were expected to make a decision on a proposal to dissolve the Municipality of Maliq and merge it with the Municipality of Korça. Opposition councillors called for a unanimous vote against the dissolution of …
Prrenjas residents protest againagainst new Administrative Reform
Residents of Prrenjas have once again taken to the streets to protest against the new administrative-territorial reform, which proposes the dissolution of 15 municipalities, including the Municipality of Prrenjas. They are demanding that Prrenjas retain its status as a municipality, arguing that the merger would affect citizens’ representation, the provision …
Inflation reaches 3.4% according to Eurostat, Albania above EU average
Inflation in Albania reached 3.4% in July, standing 0.4 percentage points above the European Union average. Rising prices were mainly driven by food, transport and tourism-related services. Inflation in Albania, measured according to the harmonised methodology used to compare European countries, reached 3.4% in July 2026, placing the country above …
4.5 billion traded on domestic FX market in three months
Foreign exchange trading in Albania reached a historic high, with around €4.5 billion exchanged in the second quarter alone. Despite the increased supply of foreign currency, the lek continues to strengthen against the euro, which has fallen to record-low levels. Foreign exchange trading volumes in the domestic market reached a …
Student-led protests in Albania have escalated into violent clashes with police, drawing international attention and raising fresh questions about government accountability, corruption and the future of young people. The demonstrations began with demands for better university conditions, lower education costs and greater financial support for students. However, they soon expanded …
Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi condemned attacks on Parliament and public institutions during a violent protest in Tirana. He described the acts of vandalism and destruction as unacceptable. In a social media statement, Peleshi stressed that violence serves no cause and harms the public interest and society. He also rejected attempts …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro urged students to reject violence as protests entered their second day. She expressed deep concern over attacks on the Education Ministry and other public institutions. “Physical clashes and property destruction must never replace words, arguments and dialogue,” Kumbaro said. The minister defended students’ right to protest …
The US Embassy in Tirana issued a security alert on Tuesday, warning American citizens that violent protests could spread near government buildings. The embassy said a demonstration on Durrës Street, near Skanderbeg Square, turned violent after protesters threw stones. It warned that unrest could spread to nearby areas and government …
The Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Albania (KISH) condemned the removal of the Vatican flag during a protest in Tirana on Tuesday, calling the act unacceptable. In a public statement, the conference said protesters had targeted the Apostolic Nunciature, the Vatican’s diplomatic mission in Tirana. Several demonstrators removed the Vatican flag …
The German Embassy has shared the position of the European Union Delegation to Albania regarding the ongoing student protests in Tirana. The German Embassy has expressed the same position as the EU Delegation, which voiced concern over escalating tensions between law enforcement officers and young protesters and called on all …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced during a government meeting that a proposal to establish a working group tasked with drafting, coordinating and harmonising a state strategy regarding appeal proceedings at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague had been approved. Kurti stated that the first-instance verdict against the four …
The British Embassy in Tirana has reacted following clashes on the second day of protests outside the Ministry of Education. In a statement published on the Ministry’s official Facebook page, the embassy stressed that the right to protest does not justify the use of violence or damage to public and …
Former Defence Minister Piro Vengu has reacted following acts of violence reported for the second consecutive day during protests outside the Ministry of Education. In a social media post, Vengu stated that students have the right to protest and express their concerns, but stressed that violence and vandalism serve no …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has reacted to the incidents that occurred today during protests that have escalated significantly. In an official statement, Begaj called on all parties to exercise restraint to prevent the situation from escalating further. Begaj stressed that peaceful protest is a fundamental right, but violence must not …