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Albania and Israel Sign General Cooperation Agreement, Hoxha Hosts Israeli Counterpart Sa’ar

Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha welcomed his Israeli counterpart, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, on an official visit to Tirana on Monday morning. The meeting focused on further strengthening bilateral relations between Albania and Israel, as well as exchanging views on regional and global security challenges, including Albania’s …

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“Kuq e Zi”: New Children’s Book Combines Poetry, History and Games

Albanian children’s author Rovena Rrozhani has released “Kuq e Zi,” a new book that introduces young readers to Albania’s Independence, the Albanian language and the role of Albanian-language schools in preserving national identity. The book pays tribute to Ismail Qemali and the patriots who fought for Albania’s independence. It also …

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Albanian Epic Legend “Muji and Halili” Set for Big-Screen Debut

“Muji and Halili,” one of the best-known tales of Albanian epic folklore, will soon reach the big screen in a film directed by Turjan Hysko. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared footage from the film on social media, highlighting its retelling of a legendary story passed down …

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Justice Minister Gogu meets Turkish and Georgian counterparts in Istanbul

Albanian Justice Minister Toni Gogu met his Turkish counterpart, Akın Gurlek, and Georgia’s Justice Minister, Paata Salia, during the International Justice Summit in Istanbul. The meetings covered judicial cooperation and ways to deepen institutional partnerships. Meanwhile, Gogu highlighted the importance of friendly and constructive relations in strengthening cooperation between the …

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Himara’s Castle Offers Autumn Visitors Stunning Ionian Views

Himara continues to attract visitors in autumn with its coastal scenery, historic landmarks and spectacular sunsets over the Ionian Sea. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared footage from Himara Castle, where visitors stop to admire the coastline and enjoy the peaceful autumn atmosphere. He encouraged people to …

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EU Enlargement Commissioner Kos calls Kosova court law changes unacceptable

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said amendments to the law governing the Kosovo Specialist Chambers violate Kosovo’s fundamental obligations towards the European Union (EU). She called the changes unacceptable on October 12 in Luxembourg. Kos criticised lawmakers for changing legal rules while judicial proceedings remain underway. She warned that …

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Albania expects afternoon rain and temperatures of up to 24 degrees

Albania will experience cloudy weather with sunny intervals this morning and light rain in the afternoon. Temperatures will reach 24 degrees Celsius. The Military Meteorological Service said unstable atmospheric conditions would affect the country on Monday. Skies will remain partly to heavily cloudy, with clearer periods mainly during the first …

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British media Wales Online highlights Albania as a rising travel destination

British travel outlet Wales Online has recommended Albania as a European holiday destination, highlighting its beaches, natural landscapes and relative lack of crowds. Journalist Amy Jones reports on travel expert Rory King’s recommendation, based on his experience visiting around 80 countries. King described Albania as “absolutely beautiful” and highlighted its …

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Albania introduces new rules for electronic identity card delivery

Albania’s Council of Ministers has approved new rules governing the distribution of electronic identity cards to citizens. The decision amends the existing framework for Albanian citizens’ biometric identity documents. The changes establish procedures for collecting cards, including at application offices in Albania and abroad. The responsible company may also designate …

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Shkodra Draws Foreign Tourists with Stunning Landscapes and Warm Hospitality

Shkodra continues to attract foreign tourists with its lakes, rivers, mountains and traditional hospitality. Visitors praise the northern Albanian city for its natural beauty, outdoor adventures and local cuisine. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video montage on social media on Sunday, featuring foreign visitors who praised their experiences in …

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Albania PM Defiant as Protests Spread to Provincial Cities

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

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Week in Review: Bad Deals and Scandals

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

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Albania’s construction sector grows 36% in four years, among Europe’s fastest expansions

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 …

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Albania beat Turkey 4-2 in second futsal friendly in Tirana

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 …

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Archives Donate Rare Documents to Albanian Alphabet Museum in Bitola

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 …

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Albania marks 68 years of UNESCO membership, highlighting its cultural and natural heritage

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 …

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Albania’s Interfaith Council calls for peace, justice and national dialogue amid rising tensions

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 …

News
INSTAT: Albania’s tourism growth slows sharply in August despite rise in hotel occupancy

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 …

News
Japanese Tea Ceremony Brings Tradition and Philosophy to Tirana

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 …

News
UN urges restraint and dialogue as tensions escalate during Tirana protest

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, …

News

Albania PM Defiant as Protests Spread to Provincial Cities

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

News

Week in Review: Bad Deals and Scandals

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

News

Albania’s construction sector grows 36% in four years, among Europe’s fastest expansions

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 …

News

Albania beat Turkey 4-2 in second futsal friendly in Tirana

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 …

News

Archives Donate Rare Documents to Albanian Alphabet Museum in Bitola

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 …

News

Albania marks 68 years of UNESCO membership, highlighting its cultural and natural heritage

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 …

News

Albania’s Interfaith Council calls for peace, justice and national dialogue amid rising tensions

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 …

News

INSTAT: Albania’s tourism growth slows sharply in August despite rise in hotel occupancy

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 …

News

Japanese Tea Ceremony Brings Tradition and Philosophy to Tirana

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 …

News

UN urges restraint and dialogue as tensions escalate during Tirana protest

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, …