112 years since the outbreak of World War I
TIRANA, July 28 – World War I began on July 28, 1914. The conflict started after the assassination of Austro-Hungarian Archduke Franz Ferdinand by Bosnian Serb Gavrilo Princip, a member of the Black Hand network. The assassination ended the era of European empires and opened a bloody chapter in history. …
Albania and Moldova strengthen cooperation on customs modernization
TIRANA, July 28 – Albania and Moldova are strengthening cooperation to modernize customs systems, align procedures with European Union standards, and facilitate trade. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja met with General Director of Moldova’s Customs Service Radu Vrabie during the first high-level Albania–Moldova meeting. The meeting received support from …
Holta Canyon, a journey through Albania’s natural beauty
TIRANA, July 28 – Holta Canyon in Gramsh is one of Albania’s most visited tourist attractions. The destination offers visitors a journey through a landscape shaped by rock formations and thermal waters. Its caves and natural features make it an attractive site for exploration. PM Rama shared images of Holta …
Albanian economy grows 3.7% in first quarter of 2026
TIRANA, July – Albania’s economy grew by 3.7% in the first quarter of 2026, exceeding the average growth rate of Western Balkan countries and the European Union. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the latest economic indicators and said the Finance Ministry expects growth to reach 4% by the end of …
On Albania’s Adriatic Coast, Tourism Ambitions Put at Risk by Pollution
Litter, construction debris and untreated wastewater are conspiring to undermine Albania’s bid to become the next big tourist destination on the Adriatic and Ionian seas. Original post Here
Letter from Washington: US Seeks to Score Material Goals in the Balkans
The Trump administration is now making it clear that it sees the Balkans as a field to pursue its commercial, energy and defence-related interests – and not ‘democracy-building’. Original post Here
“Hani i Qerosit” Agrotourism Boosts Rural Tourism in Kuçovë
Agrotourism continues to drive economic and social development across Albania by creating jobs and strengthening rural communities. Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the “Hani i Qerosit” agrotourism site in Kuçovë, Berat, which is emerging as a popular destination for visitors seeking nature, tradition, and authentic farm experiences. Rama said the …
Croatia Sees Strong Potential to Expand Economic Ties with Albania
Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman described Albania as a reliable economic partner. Speaking alongside Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, Radman said the two countries have strong potential to expand economic cooperation. He identified transport, infrastructure, energy, and defence as key areas for closer collaboration. Radman also called …
Hoxha: Albania-Croatia Security Cooperation Threatens No One
Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania’s security cooperation with Croatia aims to strengthen regional peace and should not concern any country. Hoxha made the remarks after meeting Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman in Tirana. The two ministers agreed that the European future of the Western …
Radman: Croatia Will Continue to Support Albania’s EU Membership Bid
Croatian Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman praised Albania’s progress toward European Union membership and pledged Croatia’s continued support. Speaking alongside Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha, Radman said Albania and Croatia enjoy strong and friendly relations built on trust, shared values, and their NATO alliance. He said regular …
TIRANA, August 3 – Emergency teams continue operations to extinguish a fire that broke out yesterday afternoon in Vilz village, in the Postriba administrative unit of Shkodër. The Shkodër Prefecture and the National Civil Protection Agency are coordinating the response. Local civil protection forces and the Shkodër Fire and Rescue …
TIRANA, August 3 – Italian news outlet Fanpage.it has ranked the Albanian Alps among the best-value mountain destinations for summer 2026. The report recommends Theth and Valbona Valley as ideal retreats for travelers seeking cooler temperatures during Italy’s Ferragosto holiday. According to Fanpage.it, Italy has experienced repeated heatwaves this summer, …
TIRANA, August 3 – Gjirokastër has launched “Iso mbi Kalldrëm” (Iso on the Cobblestones), a month-long cultural event that fills the city’s historic bazaar with the sounds of Albanian iso-polyphony. Gjirokastër Mayor Flamur Golemi shared scenes from the lively streets, where performances will take place every evening from August 1 …
TIRANA, August 3 – Five icons of outstanding historical and artistic value are undergoing restoration at the National Museum of Medieval Art in Korça. Conservation specialists are carrying out the work to preserve the artworks and extend their lifespan for future generations. The collection includes a 14th-century icon that experts …
TIRANA, August 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage on social media today showing the first Albanian-made military vehicles undergoing road tests after their delivery to the Albanian Armed Forces. Rama described the vehicles as a source of national pride. He said the vehicles meet North Atlantic Treaty Organization …
TIRANA, August 3 – Isa Elezi, a lahuta player from Rugova in Kosova, says the traditional instrument has long inspired Albanian warriors and preserved the nation’s history. Elezi describes the lahuta as more than a musical instrument. He says it carries centuries of values and traditions. According to him, its …
TIRANA, August 3 – This week could bring progress in talks on forming Kosova’s new institutions. The discussions involve the Self-Determination Movement (Vetëvendosje), which won the June 7 elections, and the opposition Democratic League of Kosova (LDK). Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti said he expects results from talks with …
TIRANA, August 3 – Albania marks the anniversary of the birth of poet and patriot Filip Shiroka, one of the leading literary voices of the Albanian National Awakening whose work championed national identity and independence. Born in Shkodra on August 3, 1859, Shiroka devoted his poetry and journalism to patriotism. …
TIRANA, August 3 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met elite athletes serving in Albania’s Armed Forces to present a new initiative that will introduce sports classes as an extracurricular program at the Armed Forces Academy. Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, also attended the meeting. Participants discussed …
TIRANA, August 3 – Albania’s Economic Sentiment Index (ESI) weakened in July after business confidence declined across all sectors, especially construction and trade. Meanwhile, consumer confidence improved. According to the Bank of Albania, the index remained 5.4 points above its long-term average despite the monthly decline. Confidence in industry fell …