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Will the Strategic Investments Law Be Repealed? Rama: We Will Approve a New Draft Law

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced that the government will repeal the Strategic Investments Law. He made the statement during a press conference with journalists from European Union member states. The head of government said that the law has fulfilled its purpose and is no longer necessary. He noted that …

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Day 10 of Protests in Tirana: Activists and Citizens Gather in Front of the Prime Minister’s Office

This Tuesday at 6:00 PM, representatives of civil society, activists, and citizens gathered once again in Skanderbeg Square, marking the tenth day of protests over the issue of protected areas. From there, they continued to call for the government’s resignation, chanting slogans such as “Albania belongs to Albanians” and “Rama …

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Fier, Rama to Protesters: Accountability Is Found at the Table, Not by Demanding the Government’s Resignation

The Socialist Party branch in Fier today celebrated the 35th anniversary of its founding during an event held at the Archaeological Park of Apollonia. Hundreds of Socialist Party supporters attended the event, including prominent figures from the party as well as Prime Minister Edi Rama. During his speech, Rama addressed …

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EU-Western Balkans Summit 2026: New Impetus for the Enlargement Debate?

By Odeta Barbullushi and Marina Vulovic Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – A new proposal on enlargement was tabled by the French President Emmanuel Macron and the German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the EU-Western Balkans Summit in Tivat, Montenegro, on June 5, 2026. Its timing could not be more strategic: …

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Kushner’s Sazan Island Project Under Scrutiny

As Albania faces growing protests over protected coastal areas, a draft government decision to transfer Sazan Island from the Defence Ministry raises new questions over transparency, public assets and strategic investments. Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – Albania’s debate over strategic investments along its coastline has entered a new and …

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Letter from Brussels: Getting Creative about EU Enlargement in the Balkans

A new Franco-German proposal is heralding a possible new approach to the European bloc’s enlargement process – and leaving the door open for Kosovo. But it was Serbia’s president who grabbed the headlines at the latest EU-Balkans summit. Original post Here

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Digitrips/L’Écho: Albania ranked most affordable Mediterranean destination in ticket price barometer

TIRANA, June 9 – Albania stands out as one of the most attractive summer 2026 destinations, not only for its coastline and landscapes but also for increasingly competitive travel costs, Anna Duplantis writes in an article published by the French media outlet “Ulysse”. In addition, a price barometer by Digitrips …

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Switzerland strong supporter of vocational education and training reforms in Albania

TIRANA, June 9 – Swiss Ambassador to Albania Ruth Huber said Switzerland strongly supports reforms that place vocational education and training at the centre of social and economic development in Albania. She made the statement during the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education and Training, where participants discussed reform results. …

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PM Rama: Tourism success boosts foreign investment, rejects claims on cheap labour and environmental harm

TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s success in tourism has triggered growing interest from foreign capital and international businesses to invest in the country. He made the remarks during the 3rd National Conference on Vocational Education and Training. Meanwhile, Rama rejected claims that foreign investors come …

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The Pope, AI and the Future of Humanity

The most important political text of the 21st century comes not from politicians but from Pope Leo XIV by Milena Harito I am an atheist, but today I can do nothing but thank Pope Leo XIV, who with his first encyclical, wrote the most reasonable and meaningful political text I …

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Albania’s Civic Revolt Demands the Government’s Resignation

What began as a protest over Zvernec and Sazan has become a nationwide civic movement demanding the resignation of the government and challenging corruption, oligarchic power and a political system many Albanians say has exhausted the country. Tirana Times, June  15, 2026 –  A protest movement that began with anger over …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 15, 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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Italian Tourists Dance to Albanian Rhythms in Karaburun

Italian tourists were seen dancing aboard a tourist boat along the stunning coast of Karaburun, according to a video shared on social media by Socialist Party parliamentary leader Taulant Balla. The footage captures visitors enjoying the crystal-clear waters and vibrant summer atmosphere in one of southern Albania’s most popular coastal …

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French magazine Quartz: Albanian Riviera and Alps among world’s rising destinations

TIRANA, June 15 – French magazine Quartz has listed Albania among the world’s most promising travel destinations and recommends visiting the country before mass tourism expands further. According to Quartz, Albania has attracted growing international attention thanks to its Adriatic and Ionian coastline, mountain landscapes and lower travel costs compared with …

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Clear weather across Albania on Monday

TIRANA, June 15 – The Military Meteorological Service forecasts stable weather conditions across Albania on Monday. The service expects clear skies throughout the country. However, a few temporary clouds may appear over high mountainous areas from midday into the afternoon. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the west at an average …

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Agriculture, Interior ministers announce new investments for food safety and border trade

TIRANA, June 15 – Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla and Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari visited the Qafë-Thana border point to North Macedonia. Representatives from the State Police, Customs and the National Food Authority joined the visit. The officials discussed stronger food safety controls and closer institutional coordination at …

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Albania’s Medieval Icons Go on Display in France

The exhibition “Icons of Albania – Treasures of the National Museum of Medieval Art of Korçë” has opened in the French city of Chambéry, marking one of the most significant events of Albanian cultural diplomacy on the international stage. Announcing the event, Culture Minister Blendi Gonxhja said that French audiences …

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PM Rama: Sazan not for sale, no approved construction project in Zvërnec

TIRANA, June 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Sazan Island remains state property and is not for sale. He made the statement in a social media post addressing public debate over planned investments in Sazan and Zvërnec. Rama said the state plans to participate in the Sazan tourism project …

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Travelers must declare amounts exceeding 10,000 euros at border crossing points

TIRANA, June 15 – Travelers entering or leaving Albania must declare cash, negotiable instruments, precious metals, precious stones, valuables or antiques worth more than 10,000 euros or the equivalent in other currencies. The measure aims to ensure transparency and prevent money laundering and the illegal transport of high-value items. Travelers …

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June Brings High Tourist Influx to Shkodër

The city of Shkodër experiences a strong influx of foreign tourists during June, becoming one of the most popular destinations in northern Albania. Tourists walk through the city’s historic center and fill its characteristic streets. They visit the pedestrian area, museums, the castle, and the lakeside promenade as the city …

News

Albania’s Civic Revolt Demands the Government’s Resignation

What began as a protest over Zvernec and Sazan has become a nationwide civic movement demanding the resignation of the government and challenging corruption, oligarchic power and a political system many Albanians say has exhausted the country. Tirana Times, June  15, 2026 –  A protest movement that began with anger over …

News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 15, 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

Italian Tourists Dance to Albanian Rhythms in Karaburun

Italian tourists were seen dancing aboard a tourist boat along the stunning coast of Karaburun, according to a video shared on social media by Socialist Party parliamentary leader Taulant Balla. The footage captures visitors enjoying the crystal-clear waters and vibrant summer atmosphere in one of southern Albania’s most popular coastal …

News

French magazine Quartz: Albanian Riviera and Alps among world’s rising destinations

TIRANA, June 15 – French magazine Quartz has listed Albania among the world’s most promising travel destinations and recommends visiting the country before mass tourism expands further. According to Quartz, Albania has attracted growing international attention thanks to its Adriatic and Ionian coastline, mountain landscapes and lower travel costs compared with …

News

Clear weather across Albania on Monday

TIRANA, June 15 – The Military Meteorological Service forecasts stable weather conditions across Albania on Monday. The service expects clear skies throughout the country. However, a few temporary clouds may appear over high mountainous areas from midday into the afternoon. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the west at an average …

News

Agriculture, Interior ministers announce new investments for food safety and border trade

TIRANA, June 15 – Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla and Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari visited the Qafë-Thana border point to North Macedonia. Representatives from the State Police, Customs and the National Food Authority joined the visit. The officials discussed stronger food safety controls and closer institutional coordination at …

News

Albania’s Medieval Icons Go on Display in France

The exhibition “Icons of Albania – Treasures of the National Museum of Medieval Art of Korçë” has opened in the French city of Chambéry, marking one of the most significant events of Albanian cultural diplomacy on the international stage. Announcing the event, Culture Minister Blendi Gonxhja said that French audiences …

News

PM Rama: Sazan not for sale, no approved construction project in Zvërnec

TIRANA, June 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Sazan Island remains state property and is not for sale. He made the statement in a social media post addressing public debate over planned investments in Sazan and Zvërnec. Rama said the state plans to participate in the Sazan tourism project …

News

Travelers must declare amounts exceeding 10,000 euros at border crossing points

TIRANA, June 15 – Travelers entering or leaving Albania must declare cash, negotiable instruments, precious metals, precious stones, valuables or antiques worth more than 10,000 euros or the equivalent in other currencies. The measure aims to ensure transparency and prevent money laundering and the illegal transport of high-value items. Travelers …

News

June Brings High Tourist Influx to Shkodër

The city of Shkodër experiences a strong influx of foreign tourists during June, becoming one of the most popular destinations in northern Albania. Tourists walk through the city’s historic center and fill its characteristic streets. They visit the pedestrian area, museums, the castle, and the lakeside promenade as the city …