Albania’s beekeeping sector reaches 645,000 hives with thousands receiving support
TIRANA, August 20 – Albania’s beekeeping sector continues to show potential for development, with 7,016 beekeepers applying for support under the 2026 National Scheme. The Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development said the number followed a change in the funding threshold for beekeeping support. Data for 2025 show that Albania …
Kurti Meets New EULEX Chief to Discuss Security and Cooperation
Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti met today with Antero Lopes, the new head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). Kurti congratulated Lopes on his new position and wished him success during his mandate. The two officials discussed EULEX’s continued monitoring of Kosovo’s justice institutions and …
Wales Online: Albania draws tourists as affordable Mediterranean holiday destination
TIRANA, August 19 – British media outlet Wales Online reports that Albania is experiencing a surge in tourist demand as travelers seek more affordable alternatives to expensive Mediterranean destinations. Holiday bookings for Albania have risen by 293% compared with last year, according to Thomas Cook. Nicholas Smith, director of dynamic …
Four wildfires remain active in Albania as situation improves, no threat to populated areas
TIRANA, August 19 – Albania has 6 wildfire hotspots, with 4 still active and 2 under monitoring, the Ministry of Defence said in an update at 14:00. Authorities have deployed 126 local operational personnel. The Armed Forces are supporting the response with 90 personnel and 2 Air Force helicopters. On …
The Independent: Albania Among 10 European Countries Outside the EES System for 2026 Holidays
Albania is among 10 European countries that are not required to apply the new Entry/Exit System (EES) during the 2026 holiday season, British newspaper The Independent reports. Travel across Europe may become more complicated this year as the new biometric border system expands. The EES requires travelers to provide biometric …
Mount Tomorr Pilgrimage: Police Announce Traffic Restrictions and Designated Routes
Berat police have introduced measures to protect public safety during the Mount Tomorr pilgrimage, which runs from August 18 to 25, 2026. The measures aim to prevent road accidents, ease traffic and maintain public order. Police have deployed additional officers along roads leading to Mount Tomorr and around the Kulmak …
Five Injured After Two Boats Collide on Lake Koman
Five people suffered injuries today after two boats collided on Lake Koman, Shkodra Police reported. Police said the accident happened at around 3:15 p.m. The two boats reportedly collided accidentally. The five injured people remain out of danger. Other passengers on the boats escaped injury. Other boats helped bring the …
Haxhiu meets British ambassador, discusses need for political dialogue
Acting President of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu met today with British Ambassador to Kosovo Jonathan Hargreaves at her office. According to the Presidency, Haxhiu and Hargreaves discussed recent political developments and the country’s institutional situation. They also discussed the need for political dialogue and efforts to overcome the current institutional deadlock, …
CamelPhat to Perform Live in Dhërmi for the First Time in Albania
British DJ and producer duo CamelPhat will perform in Albania for the first time on August 21 in Dhërmi. Dave Whelan and Mike Di Scala rank among the biggest names in international electronic music. Prime Minister Edi Rama also announced their arrival on social media. The duo gained international recognition …
Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026; Albania Under-21 coach Bushi: We want to show character, not just participate
TIRANA, August 19 – Albania’s Under-21 national football team will compete at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, which RTSH will broadcast. Albania Under-21 head coach Alban Bushi has announced the squad for the tournament. He said the team wants to show the character, personality and mentality of Albanian football. Albania …
Albanian skier Lara Colturi is preparing for her next challenge as the new Ski World Cup season gets underway in Sölden, Austria. Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja shared footage of Colturi during training and wished her success in the upcoming competition. “Lara Colturi is ready for her next …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met with Major General Roberto Vergori, the new commander of NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR), in Tirana on October 20. They discussed KFOR’s role in ensuring security and stability in Kosovo and maintaining peace across the region. During the meeting, Nufi highlighted the importance of KFOR …
Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has reaffirmed the government’s readiness to hold talks with students and citizens, while ruling out dialogue with those who damage public and private property. In an interview with Klan News on October 20, Koçiu condemned the violence during recent protests in Tirana. She said …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited protesting students and university lecturers to talks, saying he and his government are ready to meet anyone willing to engage in dialogue. In a video posted on social media on October 20, Rama said he remained available for discussions. To underline his offer, …
Albania will be represented by 12-year-old singer Eslin Kurti at the 2026 Junior Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place in Ta’ Qali, Malta, on October 24. Kurti will perform “Kërce me mua” (“Dance with Me”), a song that aims to bring energy, rhythm and a message of unity through …
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has responded to protests in Albania, Belgium, France, Italy and Portugal. Türk condemned all acts of violence during the demonstrations and called on all parties involved to immediately ease tensions and prevent further escalation. According to the senior UN official, the best …
Albanian and Turkish naval forces held a joint exercise in the Bay of Vlora and the naval base in it. The activity took place under NATO’s Neptune Strike 26-4 programme. The exercise involved Turkish warships TCG Anadolu and TCG Gaziantep, aircraft and the Albanian Boarding Team. According to the Ministry …
Kosova remains at Tier 2 in the US State Department’s 2025 report on human trafficking. The report notes more funding for victim assistance and more convictions, but highlights gaps in law enforcement, identifying children forced to beg and providing long-term support. Police investigated four trafficking cases in 2025, down from …
Ahmet Prençi, commissioner of the Ombudsman’s National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture, presented preliminary findings from monitoring police stations, the Security Block and the University Trauma Hospital on October 19. He said the investigation continued. Police escorted 50 people to stations, including 18 minors. The Security Block held 109 …
Demand for loans from businesses and individuals increased in the third quarter of 2026. Banks expect this trend to continue in the final quarter, according to the Bank of Albania’s lending survey. Businesses increased borrowing across all size categories for investment and liquidity needs. Higher investment needs, inventory financing and …