Tirana hosts film festival on war, peace and human rights
The 21st International Human Rights Film Festival opens in Tirana on September 14 and runs through September 19. The Academy of Film and Multimedia “Marubi” organises the festival. This year’s programme focuses on war, peace, the rule of law and the memory of victims. Over six days, the festival will …
Confiscated property rentals generate ALL 180 million in 2026
Revenues from managing and renting confiscated property reached ALL 180 million in the first eight months of 2026, according to Risena Xhaja, head of Albania’s Agency for the Administration of Confiscated Assets. Xhaja presented the figures during a hearing with the Committee on Citizen Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight. She …
Albanian director Ilir Yzeiri wins documentary award in Venice
Albanian director and researcher Ilir Yzeiri has won the Best Documentary Director award at the Venice International Film Festival. He received the award for his documentary “Lucia Nadin and Albanians in Venice 1474–1552”. The documentary previously earned selection by the Veneto Region for the festival’s 83rd edition. Italian company Cinemaset, …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: September 14, 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
Kosova awaits September 16 Hague verdict
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 Among Top 10 Non-EU Destinations for European Residents
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 …
Defence industry needs time to build capacity, deputy minister says
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 …
17,000 students begin new year at Albania’s vocational schools
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 …
Gonxhja: Dea’s Return Enriches the Story of Butrint
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: Albania among tourism destinations in trend for 2027
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 …
Friday is expected to bring mostly stable atmospheric conditions across Albania, with clear skies and partly cloudy weather over mountainous areas. According to the Military Meteorological Service, clouds will be more present in the north and partly in central Albania. Light rain is expected in northern mountain areas and locally …
Albania and Slovenia aim to expand economic cooperation and create new investment partnerships. Mountain tourism and wood processing are among the sectors in focus. The business forum “Slovenia–Albania: An Economic Bridge” took place in Celje as part of MOS Fair 2026. Laura Saro, executive director of the Albanian Investment Development …
The French edition of Italian travel publication FullTravel.it highlights Albania as a Mediterranean destination where visitors can combine historic cities, culture, gastronomy and Ionian beaches in a seven-day journey. In an article by Raffaele Giuseppe Lopardo, the publication presents Albania as a country whose appeal extends beyond its coastline. According …
The Assembly of Albania held a marathon session on Thursday and approved several bills and decisions after extensive debate. The agenda included a law on the status of judges and prosecutors. The law also addresses magistrates’ salaries. MPs also approved government changes, changes to standing committees, and international agreements. The …
The Organization of Kosova Liberation Army War Veterans has called a public protest in Prishtina today following the Hague ruling against four former KLA leaders. The protest will begin at noon in Prishtina’s Skanderbeg Square, and the organization says it will remain peaceful. Gazmend Syla of the organization announced the …
British travel media outlet CN Traveller highlights Albania among Balkan destinations worth visiting. In an article by Christopher Beanland, the publication describes the region as a destination combining mountains, beaches, waterfalls, diverse cultures and historic cities. The article also notes that many Balkan countries remain less crowded and more affordable …
Korça is preparing to host another major sporting event as the city holds the title of European City of Sport 2026. The Korça Marathon will take place on September 20. Participants will compete in 3 km, 5 km and 21 km races, with free entry. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared …
Goods exports reached 20.5 billion lek in August. They rose 1.6% compared with August 2025, according to INSTAT data. Imports rose 12.6% year-on-year. They reached 75.6 billion lek. Compared with July, exports fell 39%. Imports also fell, by 12.6%. The trade deficit reached 55 billion lek in August. It increased …
Ukraine’s voice resonated at the Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD) through literature, memory and humor. The center hosted Ukrainian writer Andrey Kurkov, one of the country’s best-known contemporary authors. Kurkov is visiting Albania for the first time. The discussion focused on his novel “Jimmy Hendrix Live in Lviv.” The …
Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu met with the heads of 28 social care institutions to discuss challenges and needs related to improving social services. According to a social media post by Spahiu, the meeting focused on support for children, older people, young people and people with disabilities. …