Albania’s Diverse Fruit Production: From Korçë Apples to Berat Figs
Albania has a diverse fruit production map, with different regions specializing in different crops. Korçë remains one of the country’s leading apple-producing areas. The municipality produced around 17,700 tonnes of apples in 2025. Maliq followed with about 17,200 tonnes, while Devoll produced nearly 13,000 tonnes. Elbasan leads the country in …
Gjirokastër Castle Welcomes 161,000 Visitors in Seven Months, Up 13%
Gjirokastër Castle continues to attract growing numbers of visitors. Between January and July 2026, the historic site welcomed 161,274 visitors, marking a 13% increase from the same period last year. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the figures. He said the castle continues to attract visitors because of …
Albanian Olympic Committee delegation attends election of new Mediterranean Games chief
TIRANA, August 21 – Albanian Olympic Committee President Fidel Ylli and Secretary General Gerti Shima took part in the election of Francesco Purromuto as the new president of the International Committee of Mediterranean Games. The election took place in Taranto ahead of the opening of the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. …
Albania’s National Cinematography Center Opens Call for Debut Feature Films
The National Cinematography Center (QKK) has opened applications for its “First Feature Film” category. The call targets Albanian filmmakers and emerging talents who want to bring their first feature-length projects to the big screen. QKK aims to support new filmmakers with original ideas and distinctive stories. The initiative gives young …
Albanian Football Federation chief Duka highlights competition and young talent as new season begins
TIRANA, August 21 – The new Abissnet Superiore season starts today on RTSH. The 88th edition of Albania’s top football division opens with Vllaznia against Skënderbeu at Loro Boriçi Stadium at 21:00. Albanian Football Federation President Armand Duka says the new season will bring stronger competition and new opportunities for …
Zelensky Visit to Belgrade: What Could He Learn from Israeli Experience
by Edward P. Joseph Tirana Times, August 21, 2026 – At the NATO Summit in Ankara last month, I had the high honor of meeting President Zelensky. Had I known he was heading soon to Belgrade, I would have shared critical advice with his advisors. Besieged by an aggressor like …
‘Return Hubs’ for Migrants Anticipated in Balkans for ‘Era of Deportations’
As the EU awaits final approval for plans to set up ‘return hubs’ in third countries for migrants awaiting deportation, it’s predicted that Balkan countries could end up hosting such holding centres despite concerns about human rights violations. Original post Here
Waste Money Wasted: The Millions of Euros Behind Albania’s Ghost Incinerators
BIRN dissects the accusations against 12 individuals standing trial for allegedly siphoning millions of euros in public money supposed to be spent on solving Tirana’s long-standing garbage problem. Original post Here
Egnatia Draw 0–0 with Lillestrøm, Europa League Tie Remains Open
Albanian champions Egnatia drew 0–0 with Norway’s Lillestrøm in the first leg of the UEFA Europa League play-off. Egnatia played the match at Arena Egnatia. The Rrogozhina side defended well and created several chances. Gruda came closest to scoring in the second half. His header hit the crossbar. Egnatia missed …
Farewell to Rezana Çeliku, an Actress Remembered for Her Talent and Kindness
Albanian actress Rezana Çeliku has died, leaving behind family, friends, colleagues and admirers who remember her with deep affection. Her relatives announced the sad news. They described Çeliku as a warm, kind and exceptional person. Although she did not appear in many film productions, she made a lasting impression in …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha reacted today to the death in prison of Ratko Mladić, who received a life sentence for genocide and war crimes. Hoxha described Mladić as a brutal killer who faced convictions for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Tribunal …
TIRANA, August 28 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the Thoma Turtulli Children’s Library in Korça on social media this morning. The library has been transformed into a modern space for children. In his Facebook post, Rama highlighted the renovated facilities and the spaces created for reading, learning …
TIRANA, August 28 – Albania will have mostly stable weather on Friday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Temperatures will remain high. The weather will alternate between clear skies and moderate cloud cover around midday and in the afternoon. Mountainous areas will mainly see these conditions. Meanwhile, isolated light rain …
TIRANA, August 28 – British newspaper Daily Mail has highlighted Tirana as Europe’s most affordable destination for short breaks. The report cited a new study by British travel agency Thomas Cook. The study ranked 51 popular European destinations. It found that 18 destinations could be visited for less than 100 …
“Sophie” Guesthouse in Libohovë, Gjirokastër, has received support through the IPARD Programme. The investment has helped develop rural tourism and promote local products. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the guesthouse, which Marika Karanxha runs. The property offers 11 rooms and combines local traditional elements with modern comfort. Moreover, …
TIRANA, August 28 – The former home of Albanian poet Migjeni still stands in Shkodër. The building now links the poet’s literary legacy with the religious mission of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Child Jesus. Migjeni remains one of Albania’s most important poets. His work focused on poverty, hardship …
Brazilian magazine “Estado de Minas” has highlighted one of Albania’s most remarkable natural wonders: Lake Neuron in the Vjosa Valley. The underground thermal lake lies near Përmet and the Bënjë thermal springs. It holds around 8.3 million liters of water. The magazine described Lake Neuron as a hidden treasure beneath …
World Lakes Day, marked on August 27, highlights the importance of scientific research and innovation in protecting and sustainably managing lakes. The National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (AKKSHI) said people should view lakes not only as natural treasures and beautiful landscapes, but also as natural laboratories for scientific …
The High Scardus Trail is emerging as a major mountain tourism destination in the Western Balkans. The cross-border route connects Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. The German Embassy in Albania says the trail offers more than spectacular mountain landscapes. It also creates economic opportunities for local communities and helps protect …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the “Pasqyra Albania” platform will allow citizens to compare product prices and find where they can buy them more cheaply. At the same time, the government will use the platform to analyze how prices form across the entire value chain. Ibrahimaj told ATSH …