Tourists from around the world enjoy Vlora coastline
TIRANA, June 29 – Vlora is hosting tourists from around the world this summer as visitors explore the Ionian coastline, local cuisine and hospitality. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing crowded streets and the Lungomare promenade in the coastal city. At the same time, Vlora …
Queen Geraldine maternity hospital reopens after full transformation
TIRANA, June 29 – The Queen Geraldine maternity hospital has reopened after a full renovation that modernised one of Albania’s leading healthcare institutions for women and newborns. The investment introduced modern facilities, advanced technology and improved working conditions for medical staff. The hospital treats more than 20,000 patients each year …
Letter from Washington: US and EU Square Off Over Balkan Assets
Once a field of cooperation, the Balkans is turning into a battleground for competing US and European visions and interests, says Jovana Djurovic in her latest despatch from DC. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 29, 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
Rama: Eni Agreement Will Strengthen Energy Security and Create a New Market Operator
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Albania has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Italian energy company Eni S.p.A. The agreement aims to strengthen the country’s energy security. The partnership will help create a national strategic reserve for oil and gas supply and storage. It comes as global energy …
Beja: We Strengthen Regional Cooperation for Postal Security
Customs officials and postal operators from across the region met in Tirana to improve the security of postal and express deliveries. The meeting took place under the Hermes Project, led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). During the meeting, participants discussed current challenges. They also shared …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Tirana police came to the aid of two German tourists who lost their way in the mountains behind Mount Dajti on Sunday evening. Police learned at around 20:15 that the two tourists needed help near Qafë Mollë. Officers from Police Station No. 4 immediately began searching for them. The officers …
The fourth round of Albania’s Abissnet Superiore ended on Sunday with AF Elbasani beating Egnatia 2-1 at Elbasan Arena. Earlier on Sunday, Laçi defeated Vllaznia 2-0 at home. On Friday, Skënderbeu and Tirana drew 1-1 in Korça. Meanwhile, Dinamo City beat Partizani 4-2 in another Tirana derby on Saturday. Teuta …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met Pierre Sentenac, the new head of the Regional Economic Department at the French Embassy, at the central bank. Sejko highlighted Albania’s close relations with France and described France as an important European partner. Sejko briefed Sentenac on recent economic and financial developments in …
The 21st International Human Rights Film Festival opens in Tirana on September 14 and runs through September 19. The Academy of Film and Multimedia “Marubi” organises the festival. This year’s programme focuses on war, peace, the rule of law and the memory of victims. Over six days, the festival will …
Revenues from managing and renting confiscated property reached ALL 180 million in the first eight months of 2026, according to Risena Xhaja, head of Albania’s Agency for the Administration of Confiscated Assets. Xhaja presented the figures during a hearing with the Committee on Citizen Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight. She …
Albanian director and researcher Ilir Yzeiri has won the Best Documentary Director award at the Venice International Film Festival. He received the award for his documentary “Lucia Nadin and Albanians in Venice 1474–1552”. The documentary previously earned selection by the Veneto Region for the festival’s 83rd edition. Italian company Cinemaset, …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
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 …
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 …
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 …