Ajden Nora brings monophonic singing to life as Gjirokastër’s tradition passes through generations
Gjirokastër continues to inspire young generations with its distinctive houses, architecture and rich cultural heritage. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja shared a video featuring young artist Ajden Nora. He highlighted how young people are keeping Albania’s cultural heritage alive through music and art. “When tradition finds the …
Tourism challenges in Shkodër region, visitor safety remains priority
TIRANA, August 18 – Tourist numbers in Shkodër region have risen significantly this summer. The increase has created new challenges for local institutions. Authorities are focusing on visitor safety and service quality. For the Regional Administration of Protected Areas in Shkodër, visitor safety remains a key concern. The focus has …
Wildfire in Mount Tërbun forests, 40 Armed Forces personnel deployed
TIRANA, August 18 – Authorities continue to monitor a wildfire in the Fushë-Laja area of Puka Municipality, in the forests of Mount Tërbun. The Puka Fire Protection and Rescue Service and forestry service have worked at the site for several days. Local service employees, residents, volunteers and personnel from the …
6,396 all-electric vehicles registered in 7 months, up 126%
TIRANA, August 18 – Albania registered 6,396 all-electric vehicles for the first time between January and July 2026. The figure represents a 126% increase from the same period last year, according to the General Directorate of Road Transport Services. All-electric vehicles accounted for 40.5% of all newly registered zero-mileage vehicles …
414 applications from young farmers for agricultural investments
TIRANA, August 18 – Young farmers have submitted 414 applications for investments under the 2026 National Support Scheme, according to the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development. Livestock and agricultural mechanization account for the main investment priorities. Of the total, 223 applications seek funding to purchase animals. Another 164 applications …
Economic growth reaches 3.71% in first quarter, Finance Minister Malaj says Albania exceeds European Union average
TIRANA, August 18 – Albania’s economy grew by 3.71% in the first quarter of 2026. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the figure places Albania among the fastest-growing economies in the region. He also said the country is narrowing the gap with European economies. According to Malaj, Albania and Kosova recorded …
‘Centralisating Power’? Critics Question Albanian Plan to Redraw Municipal Map
Albania’s government plans to cut the number of municipalities from 61 to 46, but critics fear it will only further isolate rural communities from public services and undermine environmental protections. Original post Here
“Beach Volley Shkodra 2026” brings three days of sport and excitement to Velipojë
The “BeachVolleyShkodra 2026” event brought three days of sport and entertainment to Velipojë. Teams from Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro competed in beach volleyball, creating a lively atmosphere for participants and holidaymakers. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared footage from the event. “Three days full of energy, excitement …
“Marubi” Revives Gjon Mili–Picasso Collaboration After Seven Decades
The “Marubi” National Museum of Photography in Shkodër has revived the historic collaboration between Gjon Mili and Pablo Picasso after more than seven decades. Mili met Picasso in Vallauris in 1949. He then proposed an innovative idea. Picasso would draw in the air with light. Mili would capture the movement …
DJ ALOK creates a magical atmosphere in Vlora
Brazilian DJ ALOK delivered a spectacular performance in Vlora on Sunday evening. Thousands of people gathered along the city’s Lungomare to enjoy the electronic music event. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the performance. He described the night as magical and highlighted the vibrant atmosphere along the waterfront. “Thousands …
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 …
Assembly of Albania Deputy Speaker Evis Kushi and Secretary General Genci Gjonçaj met a delegation from the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance, led by Kevin Casas Zamora. The talks focused on continuing cooperation under the European Union-funded STEP-EU project. The initiative aims to strengthen the Assembly’s legislative, oversight …
The OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR) expressed concern over reports of violence during student and high school protests in Albania. It called for immediate and independent investigations into every reported case of unlawful use of force. In a statement published on X, ODIHR urged all sides …
Irregular border crossings into the European Union fell by almost one-third in the first nine months of 2026, with preliminary data recording just over 91,000 crossings, according to Frontex. The Central Mediterranean route saw the sharpest decline, with detections down 56% year on year. However, the Western Mediterranean route recorded …
As part of NATO’s “Neptune Strike-26” exercise, the Albanian and Turkish Naval Forces conducted a joint military exercise in Vlora Bay and at the Pashaliman Naval Base. The exercise involved the Albanian patrol vessel “Oriku” P-132 and its boarding team, alongside the Turkish naval vessels TCG Anadolu and TCG Gaziantep. …
Albania’s Supreme Court has announced the postponement of court hearings, except for urgent cases, following property damage and damage to judicial files caused by a fire during the protests on October 17. In a public statement issued on October 20, the court said that damage to its premises and infrastructure …
The United Nations Security Council will hold its next meeting on the situation in Kosovo today, with discussions expected to focus on political developments, the security situation, and the dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia. The meeting is scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. New York time, corresponding to 9:00 p.m. …