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Albania marks 106th anniversary of Vlora War

TIRANA, June 5 – Albania on Thursday marked the 106th anniversary of the Vlora War, one of the most significant events in the country’s efforts to consolidate statehood. The conflict began on June 5, 1920, at a time when Albania’s future remained under discussion in international forums and concerns over …

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Zvërnec investment will not harm biodiversity, will create thousands of jobs, minister says

TIRANA, June 5 – Minister for Relations with Parliament Erjona Ismailaj said the planned investment in Zvërnec will not damage the flora and fauna of the Narta Lagoon. She said the project will support economic development and create thousands of jobs in the Vlora region. Speaking in a media interview, …

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“Bread & Heart” festival promotes book by Stefano Boeri and Amos Gitai

TIRANA, June 5 – The second edition of the “Bread & Heart” festival featured the promotion of A Private Glossary, a book by Italian architect Stefano Boeri and Israeli film director Amos Gitai. The festival serves as a meeting point for architecture, culture and urban development. The book combines architecture, …

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PM Rama rejects Zvërnec project claims, calls narratives hybrid warfare

TIRANA, June 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said no approved project exists for Zvërnec. He made the remarks in an interview with foreign media at the Western Balkans–European Union summit in Tivat. Meanwhile, he rejected claims about the project and described the debate as part of what he called …

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Europe’s Enlargement’s Bargain on Ukraine, Balkans, Risks Backfiring

As EU moves to prioritise geopolitical needs over old merit-based approaches, the concern is that rushed membership for Ukraine and Albania could come at a cost. Original post Here

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Prattipati Urges Kosovo to Join U.S. LNG Energy Projects

The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Pristina, Anu Prattipati, called on Kosovo to enter a long-term energy partnership with the United States through liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects. First, she said the partnership would strengthen Kosovo’s energy security and support long-term economic stability. She added that the U.S. and Kosovo could …

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MBZHR Adopts Animal Health Law, Aligning Albania with EU Standards

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MBZHR) has approved the Law on Animal Health. The government described it as an important step in Albania’s EU integration process and in the implementation of the Growth Plan. The new law aligns Albanian legislation with EU Regulation 2016/429. It strengthens the prevention …

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Ramadani and Mitaj: Friendlies Against Luxembourg Help National Team Preparation

The Albanian national team continues preparations for the second friendly match against Luxembourg. Coach Rolando Maran leads training sessions at the “House of Football.” First, midfielder Ylber Ramadani analyzed the match against Israel. He said the team played well in the first half but lost balance in the second. Next, …

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EU – Western Balkans summit in Tivat, PM Rama attends opening reception

TIRANA, June 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is in Montenegro to take part in the EU Western Balkans Summit, which holds its main proceedings on Thursday in Tivat. Meanwhile, the summit brings together European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders. It confirms the strategic partnership. It confirms the joint …

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Sunny weather with light clouds in mountain areas today

TIRANA, June 5 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will remain under stable weather conditions on Thursday. Meanwhile, the weather is forecast to stay mostly clear across the country. In addition, light to moderate cloudiness is expected during midday and afternoon hours. The clouds will be more present in …

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Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games: Albania sends record 72-athlete delegation

TIRANA, August 21 – The Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games open today in Italy, with Albania represented by 72 athletes. The delegation is the largest in Albania’s history at the Mediterranean Games. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja congratulated the Albanian athletes as the competition began. The delegation includes …

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Medicinal and aromatic plants offer growing potential for Albanian agriculture

TIRANA, August 21 – The cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants is becoming an increasingly important sector for Albanian agriculture. It provides income for farmers and contributes to the country’s exports. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from fields in Devoll, where farmers have turned to medicinal plant cultivation in …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

News

Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games: Albania sends record 72-athlete delegation

TIRANA, August 21 – The Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games open today in Italy, with Albania represented by 72 athletes. The delegation is the largest in Albania’s history at the Mediterranean Games. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja congratulated the Albanian athletes as the competition began. The delegation includes …

News

Medicinal and aromatic plants offer growing potential for Albanian agriculture

TIRANA, August 21 – The cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants is becoming an increasingly important sector for Albanian agriculture. It provides income for farmers and contributes to the country’s exports. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from fields in Devoll, where farmers have turned to medicinal plant cultivation in …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …