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Cruise Ship Nautica Brings 665 Tourists to Durrës

Durrës continues to attract visitors throughout the year. During the summer, many tourists also arrive by sea. This week, the cruise ship Nautica brought 665 tourists from around the world to the Port of Durrës. The ship returned as part of its Mediterranean itinerary. Most of the visitors come from …

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Temperatures to reach 39°C

TIRANA, June 29 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Monday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Forecasters expect clear skies across the country. Meanwhile, a few passing clouds may develop around midday over eastern mountainous areas. In addition, northeasterly to northwesterly winds will blow at up to 7 …

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Australian tourist recovers after viper bite in Valbona

TIRANA, June 29 – Australian tourist Amy Lecons is in good health after a viper bit her in a remote area of the Albanian Alps, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection said. Medical teams from the Valbona Summer Health Centre responded immediately after receiving the emergency alert. They provided …

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Shkodër entrance park advances

TIRANA, June 29 – Construction crews continue work on a new park at the entrance to Shkodër. The project will create a multifunctional space for all age groups. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the construction site on social media. Meanwhile, he said the project has transformed an area …

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President Begaj praises Poland’s support for EU integration

TIRANA, June 29 – President Bajram Begaj attended the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Poznan Uprising in Poznan at the invitation of Polish President Karol Nawrocki. During the ceremony, the participating heads of state adopted a joint declaration. They reaffirmed their commitment to preserving historical memory, defending …

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National Geographic Orion Adds Durrës and Saranda to Its Mediterranean Route

The expedition ship National Geographic Orion visits the Port of Durrës with 108 passengers on board. The ship includes Durrës as part of its Mediterranean itinerary. It continues its journey after a day stop in Durrës and sails toward Saranda. The Port Authority of Durrës highlights that the ship specializes …

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Kosovo Expands Into New Sports Ahead of Prishtina 2030 Mediterranean Games

Kosovo prepares to host the Mediterranean Games “Prishtina 2030” and expands its focus to new and emerging sports. Sports federations develop long-term strategies to build competitive national teams. They target sports such as padel, rugby, and 3×3 basketball for future international participation. The Padel Federation of Kosovo designs a development …

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Are Europe’s Star Architects Helping Launder Albania’s Criminal Economy?

The Albanian Files suggests that international architecture may have served not only as design, but as a prestigious façade for opaque money, captured institutions and one-man rule. Tirana Times, June 29, 2026 – A glossy architectural volume meant to celebrate Albania’s transformation has unexpectedly become one of the most revealing …

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Architect to PM Rama: Cancel Elections, Become King

Reinier de Graaf’s open letter in The Albanian Files has become a symbol of the troubling relationship between global architecture, political patronage and one-man rule in Albania. The following open letter by Dutch architect Reinier de Graaf, partner at the Office for Metropolitan Architecture, has become one of the most controversial passages …

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Lamallari: Border Agreement with North Macedonia Cuts Waiting Times

Albania and North Macedonia signed a new agreement to simplify border crossings. The deal introduces a one-stop border control system. It will make travel easier for citizens, businesses, and tourists. Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari announced the agreement after meeting his North Macedonian counterpart, Panče Toškovski, in Dibër. Meanwhile, Lamallari said …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: September 14, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Kosova awaits September 16 Hague verdict

The Hague will deliver its verdict on September 16 in the trial of former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. The four have pleaded not guilty. The case has attracted significant attention in Kosova because of the defendants’ prominent roles during the 1998-1999 …

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Albania Among Top 10 Non-EU Destinations for European Residents

Albania ranks among the 10 most preferred destinations outside the European Union for EU residents, according to Eurostat data. The Agency for Media and Information cited Eurostat figures showing around 2 million trips to Albania that included at least one overnight stay. These trips accounted for 2% of all journeys …

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Defence industry needs time to build capacity, deputy minister says

Deputy Defence Minister Blerina Abrazhda says Albania needs time to build its defence industry and develop the infrastructure, technology and skilled workforce required for production. She made the remarks in response to opposition criticism of the sector’s initial industrial projects. Abrazhda said Albania should assess early projects not only by …

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17,000 students begin new year at Albania’s vocational schools

Around 17,000 students have started the new school year at vocational schools across Albania. The programmes combine theoretical education with practical training and work experience to prepare students for the labour market. Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj wished students a successful new school year. She also sent a …

News
Gonxhja: Dea’s Return Enriches the Story of Butrint

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced that the Goddess of Butrint, known as Dea, has returned to her place of discovery. The return allows visitors to see the valuable archaeological work up close. The sculpture has completed a long journey from the ancient city of Butrint to …

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Euronews: Albania among tourism destinations in trend for 2027

Euronews reports that Albania could rank among the most sought-after tourism destinations in 2027. The report highlights its beaches and competitive prices as key attractions for tourists. Advantage Travel Partnership, a UK-based organisation that brings together independent travel businesses, ranks Albania among the destinations to visit in 2027. It highlights …

News
Antigonea race promotes heritage and tourism in Gjirokastër region

The Antigonea Archaeological Park in the Gjirokastër region hosted participants in the Ultra4Charity Mountain Race. The runners crossed the area and explored the landscapes of the Drinos Valley. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the event promoted the area’s cultural heritage and tourism potential. Ultra4Charity organises races and …

News
Gonxhja: Archaeological Discovery in Strikçan Among Five Finalists for International “Palmyra” Award

A monumental tomb discovered in Strikçan, Bulqizë, has been selected among the five finalists for the international “Palmyra” Award and the “Special” Public Award at the Borsa Mediterranea del Turismo Archeologico (BMTA). The Institute of Archaeology led the project that uncovered the monumental tomb. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi …

News
Tourists Continue to Choose Vlora in September as Sea and Hospitality Remain Top Attractions

Tourists continue to visit Vlora in September as they enjoy the final days of summer, the city’s natural beauty and its lively coastal atmosphere. The coastal city remains a popular destination even after the peak summer months. September brings milder temperatures and a quieter atmosphere. This combination attracts visitors who …

News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: September 14, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

News

Kosova awaits September 16 Hague verdict

The Hague will deliver its verdict on September 16 in the trial of former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. The four have pleaded not guilty. The case has attracted significant attention in Kosova because of the defendants’ prominent roles during the 1998-1999 …

News

Albania Among Top 10 Non-EU Destinations for European Residents

Albania ranks among the 10 most preferred destinations outside the European Union for EU residents, according to Eurostat data. The Agency for Media and Information cited Eurostat figures showing around 2 million trips to Albania that included at least one overnight stay. These trips accounted for 2% of all journeys …

News

Defence industry needs time to build capacity, deputy minister says

Deputy Defence Minister Blerina Abrazhda says Albania needs time to build its defence industry and develop the infrastructure, technology and skilled workforce required for production. She made the remarks in response to opposition criticism of the sector’s initial industrial projects. Abrazhda said Albania should assess early projects not only by …

News

17,000 students begin new year at Albania’s vocational schools

Around 17,000 students have started the new school year at vocational schools across Albania. The programmes combine theoretical education with practical training and work experience to prepare students for the labour market. Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj wished students a successful new school year. She also sent a …

News

Gonxhja: Dea’s Return Enriches the Story of Butrint

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced that the Goddess of Butrint, known as Dea, has returned to her place of discovery. The return allows visitors to see the valuable archaeological work up close. The sculpture has completed a long journey from the ancient city of Butrint to …

News

Euronews: Albania among tourism destinations in trend for 2027

Euronews reports that Albania could rank among the most sought-after tourism destinations in 2027. The report highlights its beaches and competitive prices as key attractions for tourists. Advantage Travel Partnership, a UK-based organisation that brings together independent travel businesses, ranks Albania among the destinations to visit in 2027. It highlights …

News

Antigonea race promotes heritage and tourism in Gjirokastër region

The Antigonea Archaeological Park in the Gjirokastër region hosted participants in the Ultra4Charity Mountain Race. The runners crossed the area and explored the landscapes of the Drinos Valley. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the event promoted the area’s cultural heritage and tourism potential. Ultra4Charity organises races and …

News

Gonxhja: Archaeological Discovery in Strikçan Among Five Finalists for International “Palmyra” Award

A monumental tomb discovered in Strikçan, Bulqizë, has been selected among the five finalists for the international “Palmyra” Award and the “Special” Public Award at the Borsa Mediterranea del Turismo Archeologico (BMTA). The Institute of Archaeology led the project that uncovered the monumental tomb. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi …

News

Tourists Continue to Choose Vlora in September as Sea and Hospitality Remain Top Attractions

Tourists continue to visit Vlora in September as they enjoy the final days of summer, the city’s natural beauty and its lively coastal atmosphere. The coastal city remains a popular destination even after the peak summer months. September brings milder temperatures and a quieter atmosphere. This combination attracts visitors who …