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Kosova election vote count completed, Self-Determination Movement leads with 42.91%

TIRANA, June 8 – The Central Election Commission of Kosova said it completed the count of all ballot boxes in the parliamentary elections. Meanwhile, it reported that the Self-Determination Movement won 42.91% of votes, or 299,152 ballots. The Democratic Party of Kosova followed with 21.12%, or 174,220 votes. The Democratic …

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Librazhd opens multifunctional centre for persons with disabilities

TIRANA, June 8 – Librazhd opened a multifunctional centre for persons with disabilities, offering integrated care and support services for people with special needs and their families. Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala and Librazhd Mayor Mariglen Disha inspected the facility. They met staff, children with disabilities and their …

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Foreign Tourists Embrace Permet’s Relaxed Rhythm and Warm Hospitality

Permet continues to grow as a sustainable tourism destination in southern Albania. The town attracts visitors with its untouched nature, rich cuisine, and warm hospitality. Furthermore, foreign tourists highlight the authentic experience that Permet offers. They say the town stands out because it moves away from mass tourism and encourages …

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Vendreshë e Vogël: A Skrapar Mountain Village of Cherries, Nature, and Living Tradition

Travelers leave Çorovoda and enter the Skrapar mountains, where Mount Tomorr rises dramatically and shapes the landscape. Along the route, they spot small villages that preserve history, culture, and strong hospitality traditions. Furthermore, Vendreshë e Vogël welcomes visitors with rich natural beauty. Yellow broom flowers cover the slopes, while green …

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Albania joins regional deal to protect transport infrastructure from climate change

TIRANA, June 8 – Albania joined a regional cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening the resilience of transport infrastructure against climate change during a meeting of Western Balkan transport authorities in Helsinki, Finland. The agreement was signed by Ergys Verdho, head of Albanian Railways. It brings together road and rail authorities …

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EU integration: Deputy minister urges farmers to prepare for higher standards

TIRANA, June 8 – Deputy Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Fatmir Guri said farmers must prepare for higher requirements and standards linked to European Union integration during a parliamentary hearing on EU accession negotiations. Meanwhile, Guri presented progress in negotiations covering agriculture and rural development. He also addressed food safety, …

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Rama: Flamingos of Zvërnec Are a Unique Asset for Tourism Development

Prime Minister Edi Rama said the flamingos of Zvërnec represent a unique natural asset for Albania’s tourism development. He argued that nature can support investment instead of blocking it. Furthermore, he referred to recent protests against the planned Zvërnec investment. He said such debates often misunderstand how nature and tourism …

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Gonxhja in Pogradec: Seaplane as a New Opportunity for Tourism Development and Regional Connectivity

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja participated in the opening of the tourist season in Pogradec. He presented a symbolic seaplane flight as a new initiative to promote innovative tourism and strengthen regional connections between lakes, cities, and neighboring areas. Gonxhja held a meeting with local tourism operators …

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Rama: EU Integration Remains Albania’s Historic Challenge and Greatest Opportunity

Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Albania’s main challenge remains integration into the European Union. He stressed that the country must move to a new level of economic and social development. Speaking at the 35th anniversary celebration of the Socialist Party in Elbasan, Rama said Albania is closer than ever …

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Rama: We Won the Elections to Bring Albania into the EU, Next National Vote in 2029

Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government is driving Vlora toward a new era of tourism development. He stated that by 2030, Vlora will become one of the Mediterranean’s top tourist destinations. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Elbasan, Rama highlighted the impact of government investments in …

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Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games: Albania sends record 72-athlete delegation

TIRANA, August 21 – The Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games open today in Italy, with Albania represented by 72 athletes. The delegation is the largest in Albania’s history at the Mediterranean Games. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja congratulated the Albanian athletes as the competition began. The delegation includes …

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Medicinal and aromatic plants offer growing potential for Albanian agriculture

TIRANA, August 21 – The cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants is becoming an increasingly important sector for Albanian agriculture. It provides income for farmers and contributes to the country’s exports. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from fields in Devoll, where farmers have turned to medicinal plant cultivation in …

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Return of emigrants increases border traffic, over 10,000 cross Kakavija border crossing with Greece in 24 hours

TIRANA, August 21 – Border traffic has increased at Kakavija border crossing with Greece as Albanian emigrants return, with more than 10,000 people and 3,000 vehicles processed over the past 24 hours. Border services processed 10,581 people at the Kakavija crossing. A total of 4,294 entered Albania, while 6,287 left …

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Over 824,000 visitors to cultural heritage sites, Gjirokastër Castle leads

TIRANA, August 21 – Albania’s cultural heritage institutions and sites recorded a significant rise in visitors during the first 7 months of 2026. A total of 824,340 domestic and foreign visitors visited the sites from January to July, marking an 80% increase from the same period in 2023. According to …

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10 active wildfires, 2 under monitoring as operations continue

TIRANA, August 21 – The Ministry of Defence reported 16 wildfires by 14:00. Ten remained active and two were under monitoring. The ministry said 240 military personnel, 3 firefighting vehicles, 4 helicopters and 2 Air Tractor aircraft supported the operations. In Gojan–Gjegjan, Puka, the situation remains calm and authorities report …

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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

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 …

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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 …

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

Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games: Albania sends record 72-athlete delegation

TIRANA, August 21 – The Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games open today in Italy, with Albania represented by 72 athletes. The delegation is the largest in Albania’s history at the Mediterranean Games. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja congratulated the Albanian athletes as the competition began. The delegation includes …

News

Medicinal and aromatic plants offer growing potential for Albanian agriculture

TIRANA, August 21 – The cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants is becoming an increasingly important sector for Albanian agriculture. It provides income for farmers and contributes to the country’s exports. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from fields in Devoll, where farmers have turned to medicinal plant cultivation in …

News

Return of emigrants increases border traffic, over 10,000 cross Kakavija border crossing with Greece in 24 hours

TIRANA, August 21 – Border traffic has increased at Kakavija border crossing with Greece as Albanian emigrants return, with more than 10,000 people and 3,000 vehicles processed over the past 24 hours. Border services processed 10,581 people at the Kakavija crossing. A total of 4,294 entered Albania, while 6,287 left …

News

Over 824,000 visitors to cultural heritage sites, Gjirokastër Castle leads

TIRANA, August 21 – Albania’s cultural heritage institutions and sites recorded a significant rise in visitors during the first 7 months of 2026. A total of 824,340 domestic and foreign visitors visited the sites from January to July, marking an 80% increase from the same period in 2023. According to …

News

10 active wildfires, 2 under monitoring as operations continue

TIRANA, August 21 – The Ministry of Defence reported 16 wildfires by 14:00. Ten remained active and two were under monitoring. The ministry said 240 military personnel, 3 firefighting vehicles, 4 helicopters and 2 Air Tractor aircraft supported the operations. In Gojan–Gjegjan, Puka, the situation remains calm and authorities report …

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 …