Begaj: Western Balkans Have Strategic Importance for NATO
President Bajram Begaj meets today participants of the High Course on Security and Defence at the Albanian Armed Forces College. Representatives from security institutions and allied countries attend the meeting. These include Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, Kosovo, Poland, and Jordan. Begaj praises the course. He highlights cooperation among …
Vengu: Peaceful Student Protest in North Macedonia Is a European Example
Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu supports Albanian students protesting in North Macedonia. He praises the protest. He calls it peaceful and civic. He describes it as a European example. Vengu says students defend the Albanian language in professional exams. He says they show strong civic energy. He states that the …
The global potential of Ola Foods. Export Director Mr. Luis Palluqi speaks after the success at TuttoFood Milano 2026
Albanian brand Ola Foods marked another success with its participation in the largest food industry trade fair, TuttoFood Milano 2026. Following the event, the company’s Export Director, Mr. Luis Palluqi, spoke about the interest Ola Foods received from various markets and partners during Italy’s biggest food industry exhibition. According to …
OSCE representative: Free and independent journalism is the foundation of democratic society, weak media undermines national security
TIRANA, May 18 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Jan Braathu spoke at a media freedom conference. He said free, independent and secure journalism represents a foundation for society and democracy. He also said ethical and transparent journalism is essential for any democratic system. He stressed that free …
Shkodër Historical Museum Welcomes Many Visitors in a Warm Atmosphere
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the Shkodër Historical Museum, showing it filled with local and foreign visitors. He described the museum as having a lively and pleasant atmosphere. The museum began its organization in 1947 under the name “People’s Museum” and was fully established in 1949. It was …
FM Hoxha: Safer environment for media professionals essential for stronger democratic institutions
TIRANA, May 18 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the 11th OSCE South East Europe Media Conference in Tirana. The event is titled “Strengthening Journalism as a Public Good” and focuses on media freedom and journalist safety. He said Albania remains committed to strengthening …
PM Rama announces e-Albania 2.0 platform: New step in digital transformation of public services, easier access for persons with disabilities
TIRANA, May 18 – e-Albania 2.0 introduces a redesigned platform for public services in Albania. It enables easier access for citizens. It also improves usability for persons with disabilities. In a Facebook post, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the platform. He described it as a new step in the digital …
Albania participates in insurance supervision meeting in Warsaw
TIRANA, May 18 – Albania took part in the 25th meeting of the Central, Eastern and South Eastern Europe Insurance Supervision Initiative in Warsaw, Poland. The meeting brought together supervisory authorities from across the region. The delegation of the Albanian Financial Supervisory Authority included Merita Gurabardhi, Aranit Muja and Lusjana …
Forensic Science Institute becomes full member of European forensic network
TIRANA, May 18 – The Forensic Science Institute took part for the first time as a full member of the European Network of Forensic Science Institutes in Zurich, Switzerland. The meeting gathered directors of European forensic science institutes. Institute Director Perlat Çullaj presented the institute’s role and development. He outlined …
Minister Gonxhja: Museum Week brings together culture, history and art
TIRANA. May 18 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the “Museum Week 2026” initiative in a social media post. He said the event will take place from 18 to 24 May across Albania. During the week, museums, archaeological parks and cultural heritage sites will open their …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja welcomed the delegations and artistic groups taking part in the sixth International Folk Festival Tirana, “Days of Celebration in Tirana,” after three nights of music, dance and cultural performances. Gonxhja praised the artists for their contribution and highlighted folklore’s role in bringing cultures …
The International Air Beat Festival – Lulu Fest filled the city of Korça with music and performances for two consecutive nights, bringing together more than 200 musicians from Albania, Italy, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the festival on social media. He said the …
Italian media outlet Quotidian Post.it has ranked Albania among Europe’s top 10 destinations for affordable summer holidays in 2026. Travel experts selected the destinations for their combination of natural beauty, quality experiences and reasonable prices. The report says travelers can still enjoy memorable holidays on a limited budget by choosing …
More than 34,000 domestic and international tourists visited the protected areas of Kukës during the first half of 2026, exploring alpine landscapes, mountain trails, biodiversity and natural attractions. The protected areas offer visitors a unique experience through forests, lakes, natural springs and cultural heritage sites, combining adventure with nature exploration. …
Agrotourism is becoming an important driver of economic and social development in Albania’s rural areas, creating jobs and strengthening local economies. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the “N’Kanu” agrotourism centre in Perlat, Mirditë, describing it as an example of returning migrants investing in their hometowns and promoting rural …
Seman Beach, located 18 kilometres from Fier, is attracting visitors with its wide coastline, fine therapeutic sand and warm waters. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the popular summer destination on social media, highlighting its appeal among holidaymakers. In recent years, Seman and Darzezë beaches have become increasingly popular …
President Begaj praised the forum as a valuable platform that strengthens interfaith dialogue and promotes peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation across Europe. He said Albania stands as a model of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and hospitality. He added that these values define the country’s identity and encouraged the delegates to …
*]: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:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today. In a video message, Rama said the global index places Albania 46th among 177 countries. He added that the country has achieved …
An artisan workshop in the heart of Tropoja has become a model for preserving cultural heritage and strengthening women’s economic independence. With support from the European Union through the EU4Innovation programme, local women artisans are keeping traditional crafts alive while creating new job opportunities for the community. At the workshop, …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here