Foreign tourists pay healthcare service fees online at summer health centers
TIRANA, July 22 – Foreign non-resident tourists have started paying unified healthcare service fees at summer health centers since July 1, according to the Operator of Health Care Services. Director Jeta Deda said the primary healthcare system has published and displayed the applicable fees at these centers. The charges cover …
Normal situation restored after storm, institutions continue monitoring
TIRANA, July 22 – Authorities have restored normal operations after heavy rainfall and strong winds affected several areas of Albania on Tuesday evening. The storm caused temporary disruptions to electricity supply, water services and some infrastructure. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy said that responsible institutions remained on the ground …
105th anniversary of Albania’s first technical school
TIRANA, July 22 – Albania marks the 105th anniversary of the first technical school in the country. American teachers founded the institution on July 22, 1921. The school offered professional training in different fields. Harry Fultz, a mechanics teacher, served as director of the American Technical School. He introduced a …
Albanian Parliament speaker meets U.S. Congress representatives
TIRANA, July 22 – Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met representatives of the United States Congress and the POPVOX Foundation, a U.S.-based civic technology organization. The meeting took place during a regional workshop on parliamentary modernization through artificial intelligence, hosted by Albanian Parliament. Representatives from the parliaments of Kosova, North …
Albania sends army platoon to multinational brigade in Romania
TIRANA, July 22 – Albania will send a platoon from its Armed Forces to a multinational brigade based in Romania. The decision follows a government approval of a draft decision on the deployment, Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said after the Council of Ministers meeting. Nufi said the move is part …
Who Really Benefits from ‘Strategic Investor’ Status in Albania?
The cry of protesters that ‘Albania is not for sale’ is misinterpreted when it is portrayed as a rejection of all investment. Its proper interpretation is procedural: any transfer of common assets must take place in full transparency – with prices determined through competition, permits made public, and beneficiaries clearly …
Local storms cause minor damage in Saranda and Himara
TIRANA, July 22 – Local storms hit several areas of Albania overnight, causing fallen trees and minor material damage, according to reports. Coastal areas, including Saranda, Himara and Vlora, experienced strong winds and storms during the night, following earlier weather forecasts. In Saranda, several people reportedly suffered injuries after a …
Shkodër starts mountain trail inventory to improve visitor safety and promote tourism
TIRANA, July 22 – Albania has started the process of inventorying mountain trails to identify existing routes and map new itineraries, with work also underway in the Shkodër region. Tourism guide Kastriot Faci said the initiative aims to create a complete map of mountain trails across the country. He explained …
Severe storms set to sweep across Albania on Friday
Powerful storm engulfs Albania after battering Kosovo and North Macedonia. The storms will affect almost the entire country. Central and southeastern regions face the highest risk, but severe weather may develop anywhere. Storm cells will form quickly and move over isolated areas. They may bring very heavy rain and powerful …
Restoration project for Saint Nicholas Church in Upper Krutja, Lushnja
TIRANA, July 22 – The National Institute of Cultural Heritage (IKTK) has presented a restoration project for Saint Nicholas Church, a Category I Cultural Monument located in Upper Krutja, Lushnja. IKTK representatives held a working meeting at the Lushnja Municipality, where they discussed planned interventions for the protection, consolidation and …
Women get a raw deal at elections in Bosnia, a spy chief’s arrest raises security questions in Albania and protesters challenge war crimes verdicts in Kosovo – plus much more in our selection of this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories. Original post Here
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania has entered an important stage of tourism development. He spoke at the Future Hospitality Forum, organised by the Albanian Investment Development Agency. Gonxhja said growing international interest, expanding investment and a more diverse tourism offer are changing the sector. He added …
Mid’hat bej Frashëri, known by his pen name Lumo Skëndo, was one of the prominent figures of Albania’s political and cultural history. He worked as a diplomat, writer, politician, publicist and Albanologist, and played an active role in the Albanian National Renaissance and the country’s political life after independence. Frashëri …
The 17th edition of the international Fokus Award Photography Festival has opened in Shkodër with the exhibition “No Limits”. The Oda Gallery hosts works by 10 Italian photographers. Festival artistic director Arben Alliaj said the photographers bring different styles, approaches and subjects. He said the exhibition reflects the broad possibilities …
Albania aims to increase international tourism revenue to around €8.5 billion by 2030. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj announced the target at the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 in Tirana. Ibrahimaj said the next stage of tourism development should focus on creating more value from each visit. She also called …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged investors to seize the opportunities offered by Albania’s tourism sector. He spoke at the first edition of the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 in Tirana. The forum brought together investors, international brands and representatives of the hospitality and tourism sectors. Rama said Albania aims to …
Albania adopted the Minority Protection Charter on October 2, 1921. The charter guaranteed all citizens full protection of life and liberty regardless of origin, nationality, language, race or religion. Albania recognised members of minorities as citizens with equal rights. Albanian representative Fan Noli signed the charter at the League of …
Albanian Customs General Director Besmir Beja held talks with senior European Commission officials in Brussels on customs reform and European Union standards. The meetings focused on modernising systems, strengthening controls and developing professional capacity. Beja presented the progress of Albania’s customs reforms and its priorities for the European integration process. …
Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the coming weekend will be crucial for electing the country’s president. He said he has already started communicating with opposition party leaders on the issue. Kurti made the remarks on Friday at the International Conference on Women’s Empowerment. Kosova must elect a president by …
The Friend of the Book campaign has returned this October, organised by the National Centre for Books and Reading. The first event took place at Ismail Qemali School and focused on Albanian author Vath Koreshi, marking the 90th anniversary of his birth. The campaign also coincides with Book October, a …