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 …
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 …
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 …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has confirmed Albania’s support for diplomat Lana Nusseibeh, nominated by the United Arab Emirates for the position of Secretary-General of the United Nations. In a post on X, the prime minister described her candidacy as an opportunity for a fresh start for the UN at a …
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on Western Balkan countries to strengthen regional cooperation and continue reforms for European Union membership. Speaking at the Berlin Process summit in Budva, Montenegro, he also stressed that violence must never be an option during protests. Merz said EU enlargement must continue and bring …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared footage on social media showing protesters’ response to his invitation for dialogue. The video shows protesters removing stone benches that the government had symbolically placed as an invitation to discuss their demands. The benches were intended to provide a setting for dialogue between the …
Albania has ratified the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer, the first legally binding international treaty dedicated entirely to safeguarding the legal profession. Justice Minister Toni Gogu outlined five key obligations the state assumes under the Convention. These include ensuring lawyers can practise freely, …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has praised public administration employees and frontline service workers for continuing to serve citizens amid heightened tensions. In a video message, Koçiu highlighted the daily work of doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers, police officers, firefighters, emergency teams and municipal workers who clean and maintain cities. …
Albania’s National Institute of Cultural Heritage has marked 61 years since its establishment, celebrating decades of research, documentation, conservation and restoration of the country’s historic monuments. The institution traces its roots to 1965, when Albania established the Institute of Cultural Monuments to bring these activities under one organization. It later …
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned violence and intimidation against journalists covering recent protests in Albania. The organization is calling for independent investigations, accountability and stronger protection for media workers. RSF documented 28 reports of violence, intimidation and attempts to obstruct reporting, affecting at least 23 media professionals. At least …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video on Facebook this Thursday showing his arrival in Budva, Montenegro, where the Berlin Process Summit is taking place. Alongside the post, Rama also shared his brief remarks to journalists, expressing his happiness at once again attending the annual gathering. “Actually, the only place …
From Spajić to Merz and Kos, Rama Shares Photos from Meetings at Berlin Process Summit in Montenegro
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared more moments from his visit to Budva, Montenegro, where he attended the Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit. This time, the Prime Minister shared several photos showing him meeting with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, Kosovo …
The stone benches placed outside the Prime Minister’s Office as part of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s invitation for dialogue have been overturned during today’s protest. Earlier, the Prime Minister had shared images of the benches, where he had placed invitations for dialogue with protesters. However, his call has not led …