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Albania Women Aim to Finish World Cup Qualifiers with Victory

The Albanian women’s national team is preparing for its final match in the 2027 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign against Montenegro. The match will be played tomorrow at 19:00 at Loro Boriçi Stadium in Shkodra. After a positive draw against the Czech Republic, the team enters the match with strong …

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Late Antique Archaeological Discoveries Reveal Major Temple Complex in Bushat

Archaeologists have uncovered significant remains in Bushat, in Shkodër. They found parts of a large temple. They also uncovered sections of the ancient city wall. In addition, they identified a Late Antique building. First, the discovery came during joint excavations. The University of Tirana’s Department of Archaeology and Cultural Heritage …

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Durrës-Tirana-Rinas railway operator consultation begins, service expected by end of 2027

TIRANA, June 9 – The Albanian government has launched a market consultation process to select the operator that will provide public passenger rail transport services on the Durrës-Tirana-Tirana International Airport railway line. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy has published a call for expressions of interest. The ministry has …

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PM Rama: 63% of vocational graduates employed after graduation, aim for one in three students to choose this path

TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said vocational education in Albania has undergone a major transformation in recent years. He said the sector has moved from a degraded system to an attractive option for young people. Meanwhile, Rama spoke during an event on vocational education and training. He …

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Economist global forum, Sala: Albania pursues deep reforms for stronger and more inclusive health system

TIRANA, June 9 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala took part in the 11th World Cancer Forum 2026 organized by The Economist. Participants discussed challenges and solutions for equal access to cancer care across Europe. Meanwhile, Sala said inequalities in cancer treatment cannot be addressed through fragmented reforms. …

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Art and Culture Week Calendar Highlights Israeli Cultural Week, Painting Colony in Himarë and Nationwide Events

This week, Albania hosts a busy cultural program across multiple cities. First, the Israeli Cultural Week runs from 9–11 June. It promotes cultural dialogue. It also highlights Israeli artistic energy and creativity. Next, the program opens with a concert by Israeli artist Hillel at the National Theatre of Opera and …

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UEFA Report: Albania Leads Europe in Interest in Football

Albania leads Europe in interest in football, according to the latest UEFA Grow Market Research report. UEFA conducted the study in partnership with Nielsen Sport. The report shows that 78% of Albanian adults follow football. This figure stands far above the European average of 48%. It also marks a sharp …

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PM Rama rejects Iranian claims, says country will never be turned against peoples

TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected on Monday remarks by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, who dismissed allegations of Iranian involvement in hybrid or cyber activities in Albania. Rama said Albanian institutions, public services and digital infrastructure were targeted by cyberattacks that international investigations have linked …

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“fanpage.it”: Albania among most affordable Mediterranean destinations, combining sea, history and low costs

TIRANA, June 9 – Albania is emerging as one of the most attractive destinations in the Mediterranean. Valeria Paglionico writes this in an article published by the Italian media outlet “fanpage.it”. She cites beaches, history, hospitality and low prices as key factors. Paglionico highlights a wide travel offer across the …

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Weather forecast: Clear conditions with passing clouds, temperatures up to 33°C

TIRANA, June 9 – The Military Meteorological Service said on Tuesday that Albania will be under stable atmospheric conditions. Skies will be mostly clear. Cloud cover will pass during midday hours. In addition, light and occasional rainfall will develop in mountainous areas during the afternoon. These showers will remain weak …

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Week in Review: Momentous Moves and Dubious Intentions

Big changes are afoot amid the heat of the summer holiday season. Our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories takes a deep dive into the motives and agendas driving these changes. Original post Here

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Inspectorate and Financial Intelligence Agency strengthen anti-money laundering cooperation

TIRANA, August 21 – The General Inspectorate and the Financial Intelligence Agency have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation against money laundering and terrorist financing. General Inspector Dashnor Sula and Financial Intelligence Agency Director Ervin Koci signed the agreement. It aims to improve the detection and reporting of suspected illegal …

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Conference League: Dinamo City draw 1-1 with Pafos, qualification remains open

TIRANA, August 21 – Dinamo City drew 1-1 with Pafos at Elbasan Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off. The result leaves the tie open ahead of the return match. Neither side scored in the first half. Pafos missed a penalty in the 36th minute before …

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National Maritime Museum to highlight Shkodër’s historic link with the lake

TIRANA, August 21 – The National Maritime Museum is taking shape at the entrance to Shkodër. The museum will tell the story of the city’s historic links with the lake, rivers and navigation. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the construction work on social media as the project adds …

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NATO: Any decision on reopening Ibër bridge must address all communities

TIRANA, August 21 – NATO says any decision to reopen the main bridge over the Ibër River to vehicle traffic must address the needs of all local communities. A NATO official told Radio Free Europe that KFOR continues to provide security support for European Union diplomatic efforts. The official said …

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Albanian anthem omitted in Pustec, PM Rama: ‘Parody’, minorities are a national asset, we will not respond in kind

TIRANA, August 21 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to the cultural event held in Pustec on August 20. Organisers played the North Macedonian national anthem but omitted the Albanian national anthem. In a post on X, Rama described the incident as a “meaningful parody”. He said Pustec Mayor …

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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 …

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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 …

News
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. …

News
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 …

News

Week in Review: Momentous Moves and Dubious Intentions

Big changes are afoot amid the heat of the summer holiday season. Our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories takes a deep dive into the motives and agendas driving these changes. Original post Here

News

Inspectorate and Financial Intelligence Agency strengthen anti-money laundering cooperation

TIRANA, August 21 – The General Inspectorate and the Financial Intelligence Agency have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation against money laundering and terrorist financing. General Inspector Dashnor Sula and Financial Intelligence Agency Director Ervin Koci signed the agreement. It aims to improve the detection and reporting of suspected illegal …

News

Conference League: Dinamo City draw 1-1 with Pafos, qualification remains open

TIRANA, August 21 – Dinamo City drew 1-1 with Pafos at Elbasan Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off. The result leaves the tie open ahead of the return match. Neither side scored in the first half. Pafos missed a penalty in the 36th minute before …

News

National Maritime Museum to highlight Shkodër’s historic link with the lake

TIRANA, August 21 – The National Maritime Museum is taking shape at the entrance to Shkodër. The museum will tell the story of the city’s historic links with the lake, rivers and navigation. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the construction work on social media as the project adds …

News

NATO: Any decision on reopening Ibër bridge must address all communities

TIRANA, August 21 – NATO says any decision to reopen the main bridge over the Ibër River to vehicle traffic must address the needs of all local communities. A NATO official told Radio Free Europe that KFOR continues to provide security support for European Union diplomatic efforts. The official said …

News

Albanian anthem omitted in Pustec, PM Rama: ‘Parody’, minorities are a national asset, we will not respond in kind

TIRANA, August 21 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to the cultural event held in Pustec on August 20. Organisers played the North Macedonian national anthem but omitted the Albanian national anthem. In a post on X, Rama described the incident as a “meaningful parody”. He said Pustec Mayor …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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. …

News

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 …