Berat’s Gorica Quarter Preserves Centuries of Orthodox Heritage
Berat attracts visitors with its Ottoman architecture, historic streets and rich cultural heritage. In the Gorica quarter, two Orthodox churches offer a closer look at the city’s spiritual history and centuries-old traditions. The Church of St. Spyridon, built in the 19th century, holds a special place in Albania’s religious history. …
Gjirokastër Welcomes Tourists Despite Autumn Rain
Gjirokastër continues to welcome visitors from around the world this autumn, as tourists explore its characteristic stone streets despite the rainy weather. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared social media footage of visitors walking through the historic city and enjoying its distinctive atmosphere. He captioned the post “Autumn in Gjirokastër.” The …
Albania to close fourth EU accession negotiation chapter on Tuesday
Albania expects to close Chapter 20 of its European Union accession negotiations on Tuesday. The chapter covers Enterprise and Industrial Policy. The intergovernmental conference will follow approval by representatives of EU member states. They approved the decision through the Committee of Permanent Representatives (COREPER). This step will bring Albania’s provisionally …
Saranda Port Handles Nearly 688,000 Passengers as Tourist Ship Arrivals Rise
Saranda Port handled 687,594 passengers in the first nine months of 2026, a slight increase from 686,398 during the same period last year. Tourist ship arrivals also rose, reflecting the port’s continued role in southern Albania’s tourism sector. Hatixhe Ismaili, who oversees ship and ferry operations at the port, told …
Albania increases PhD funding to over 600,000 euros
Albania has opened its 2026 call for doctoral study funding, with a budget exceeding 600,000 euros. The Ministry of Education and the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation are running the programme. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said the scheme had entered its second year with clearer rules and much …
Kolonjë Attracts More Foreign Tourists with Natural Beauty and Improved Access
Kolonjë is attracting growing numbers of visitors throughout the year, thanks to its rich natural landscapes and the warm hospitality of local residents. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared autumn footage of the southeastern Albanian region on social media, showing tourists cycling along scenic roads and enjoying its fresh air and …
Kosova PM Kurti: Council of Europe and Interpol membership would benefit citizens
Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti said greater international integration would benefit citizens, particularly through membership in the Council of Europe and Interpol. Speaking at the opening of the 12th Diplomatic School for young diplomats, Kurti highlighted Kosova’s progress through diplomacy and international cooperation. He said Council of Europe membership would …
Albania launches price comparison platform and discount scheme
Albania has launched two initiatives to help households compare prices and reduce shopping costs. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented the online Price Comparison platform and the “KURSE” (Save On Shopping) discount scheme. The platform lists 238 products across 13 categories. Consumers can check prices at 155 sales outlets …
PM Rama announces fixed prices for over 200 products until January 2027
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced an agreement with five major food retailers to keep prices unchanged on more than 200 products until January 12, 2027. The agreement forms part of Albania’s Price Comparison platform and the “KURSE” (Save on Shopping) initiative. Rama said the initiative aims to protect consumers …
Albania in the EU Enlargement Process – Marta Kos: Membership Requires Strategic Alignment
Albania is among four countries for which the European Union plans to hold intergovernmental conferences, in a development that Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos described as evidence that the European integration process is moving forward. In her statement from Brussels, Kos mentioned Albania, Montenegro, Moldova and Ukraine, stressing that countries making …
After the capital endured a third night of violent clashes between student-led protesters and police, Edi Rama vowed not to bow to the demands for him to quit. Original post Here
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week takes a look at salacious tales making unpleasant headlines, political deals being mooted and insiders spilling secrets. Original post Here
Albania’s construction sector expanded rapidly between 2020 and 2024, ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing markets. The latest Eurostat data show that real construction activity rose by 36% over the four-year period. Eurostat measures construction’s gross value added in real terms, using comparable prices and 2020 as the base year. Albania’s index …
Albania’s national futsal team secured a 4-2 victory over Turkey in their second friendly match in Tirana, bouncing back after losing the opening encounter. Shqipron Brahimi opened the scoring for Albania, giving the home side an early boost. Ermir Kryeziu then delivered an impressive performance, scoring twice, while Qendrim Bakia …
The General Directorate of Archives (GDA), in cooperation with the Historical and Diplomatic Archives of Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, will donate reproductions of rare documents related to the 1908 Congress of Manastir to the Museum of the Albanian Alphabet in Bitola, North Macedonia. The initiative will support …
Albania joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 68 years ago, becoming part of an international effort to protect cultural and natural heritage around the world. UNESCO safeguards invaluable heritage sites that bear witness to human life and activity across the centuries. The organization has 194 member …
The Interfaith Council of Albania has issued a public statement calling for peace, justice, responsibility and national dialogue. The appeal comes as the country faces protests and rising tensions. Representatives of Albania’s official religious communities urged authorities to take citizens’ and students’ concerns seriously. They called for concrete and transparent …
Albania’s hotels and other accommodation facilities recorded a sharp slowdown in tourism growth during the peak summer season. Both visitor numbers and overnight stays increased at much slower rates than a year earlier, according to the country’s statistics agency, INSTAT. The number of visitors staying in Albanian accommodation rose by …
A traditional Japanese tea ceremony brought an authentic taste of Japanese culture to Tirana as part of Japanese Cultural Week, which began on October 14 and runs through October 18. Japanese masters led demonstrations that introduced participants to this centuries-old tradition. The ceremony combined aesthetics, philosophy, mindfulness and harmony. Participants …
The United Nations in Albania has expressed concern over acts of violence and rising tensions during protests in Tirana. The organization has called on all parties to avoid violence and engage in constructive dialogue. In its statement, the UN reaffirmed the importance of protecting fundamental rights. These include peaceful assembly, …