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 …
Balla: $302 Million US Defence Deal Fast-Tracked for National Interest
Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla defended the fast-track approval of Albania’s defence agreement with the United States. Balla said national interest and security needs justified the accelerated parliamentary review. He rejected opposition claims that lawmakers violated parliamentary deadlines. He said the Constitution defines when fast-track procedures cannot apply. …
Nufi: US Loan Agreement Ratification Marks Strategic Investment in Security
Albania’s Parliament approved today the direct loan agreement with the United States under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme. Defence Minister Ermal Nufi described the ratification as a historic moment in a social media post. Nufi said the agreement represents the strongest concrete and financial support Albania has received from …
Ibrahimaj: “Double Your Business” Programme Supports Companies Expanding Investments
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj visited a food production company today to highlight the opportunities offered by the “Double Your Business” programme. The programme helps businesses increase investments, expand production, and create new jobs. During her visit to a pastry company, Ibrahimaj met entrepreneur Fatmir, who has built his …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”be058c35-e82e-43c8-8d85-0d7c47dc523e” data-turn-id-container=”be058c35-e82e-43c8-8d85-0d7c47dc523e” data-testid=”conversation-turn-15″ data-turn=”user”> Residents and local government representatives gathered outside Patos Municipality on Monday to protest a proposal to merge the Municipality of Patos with the Municipality of Fier. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-7″ …
Former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi has been denied conditional release from pre-trial detention in The Hague. According to Klan Kosova, the request was rejected due to concerns over the risk of flight and the potential for interference with the judicial proceedings. Thaçi had offered a financial guarantee of €50,000 and …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-turn=”assistant”> Obesity is becoming one of Europe’s biggest public health challenges, but Albania continues to rank among the countries with the lowest obesity rates on the continent. According to Eurostat data for 2022, 12.6% of Albanians aged 18 and over are classified …
At the end of June, the Municipality of Durres introduced the city’s first public beach, equipped with umbrellas and sun loungers available free of charge for visitors. The initiative has been welcomed by residents, particularly elderly beachgoers who have frequented this stretch of sand along the Taulantia promenade for years. …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”4ca8945c-e447-4e71-aff9-53c29cb8b97e” data-turn-id-container=”4ca8945c-e447-4e71-aff9-53c29cb8b97e” data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-turn=”user”> Rising temperatures have led to an increase in heat-related health emergencies across Albania. In an interview with Euronews Albania, National Emergency Service Director Skënder Brataj said that emergency teams assisted more than 6,700 people during July who sought help for heat-related …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”5a79515d-c08e-45c0-b7db-3afcb0f8a319″ data-turn-id-container=”5a79515d-c08e-45c0-b7db-3afcb0f8a319″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-5″ data-turn=”user”> Albanian State Police Director General Skënder Hita welcomed a high-level delegation from Italy’s Guardia di Finanza, led by the Commander of Air and Maritime Operations, Major General Joselito Minuto. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-turn=”assistant”> During the meeting, …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”10e5ebe6-16b5-4cec-91e2-c7592938b98c” data-turn-id-container=”10e5ebe6-16b5-4cec-91e2-c7592938b98c” data-testid=”conversation-turn-3″ data-turn=”user”> The 65th protest organized by activists and citizens took place in Tirana on Monday, as participants once again gathered to demonstrate against the government. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8d784432-a90e-4d80-a353-c5142e3e58fc-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> Protesters initially assembled at Skanderbeg Square before marching …
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 …