Letter from Washington: US and EU Square Off Over Balkan Assets
Once a field of cooperation, the Balkans is turning into a battleground for competing US and European visions and interests, says Jovana Djurovic in her latest despatch from DC. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 29, 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
Rama: Eni Agreement Will Strengthen Energy Security and Create a New Market Operator
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Albania has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Italian energy company Eni S.p.A. The agreement aims to strengthen the country’s energy security. The partnership will help create a national strategic reserve for oil and gas supply and storage. It comes as global energy …
Beja: We Strengthen Regional Cooperation for Postal Security
Customs officials and postal operators from across the region met in Tirana to improve the security of postal and express deliveries. The meeting took place under the Hermes Project, led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). During the meeting, participants discussed current challenges. They also shared …
Cruise Ship Nautica Brings 665 Tourists to Durrës
Durrës continues to attract visitors throughout the year. During the summer, many tourists also arrive by sea. This week, the cruise ship Nautica brought 665 tourists from around the world to the Port of Durrës. The ship returned as part of its Mediterranean itinerary. Most of the visitors come from …
Temperatures to reach 39°C
TIRANA, June 29 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Monday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Forecasters expect clear skies across the country. Meanwhile, a few passing clouds may develop around midday over eastern mountainous areas. In addition, northeasterly to northwesterly winds will blow at up to 7 …
Australian tourist recovers after viper bite in Valbona
TIRANA, June 29 – Australian tourist Amy Lecons is in good health after a viper bit her in a remote area of the Albanian Alps, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection said. Medical teams from the Valbona Summer Health Centre responded immediately after receiving the emergency alert. They provided …
Shkodër entrance park advances
TIRANA, June 29 – Construction crews continue work on a new park at the entrance to Shkodër. The project will create a multifunctional space for all age groups. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the construction site on social media. Meanwhile, he said the project has transformed an area …
President Begaj praises Poland’s support for EU integration
TIRANA, June 29 – President Bajram Begaj attended the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Poznan Uprising in Poznan at the invitation of Polish President Karol Nawrocki. During the ceremony, the participating heads of state adopted a joint declaration. They reaffirmed their commitment to preserving historical memory, defending …
National Geographic Orion Adds Durrës and Saranda to Its Mediterranean Route
The expedition ship National Geographic Orion visits the Port of Durrës with 108 passengers on board. The ship includes Durrës as part of its Mediterranean itinerary. It continues its journey after a day stop in Durrës and sails toward Saranda. The Port Authority of Durrës highlights that the ship specializes …
Albania inaugurated its Honorary Consulate in Naples today. Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the ceremony at Villa Doria d’Angri. Honorary Consul Giuseppe Lettieri, Italian Deputy Foreign Minister Edmondo Cirielli and Albanian Ambassador to Italy Anila Bitri also attended. Campania Region President Roberto Fico, Naples Mayor Gaetano Manfredi and Naples Prefect …
Croatian Ambassador to Albania Zlatko Kramarić said today that Kosovo should accept the Special Court’s decision on Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi, regardless of how painful it may be. Speaking to the media, Kramarić said a conviction of Thaçi would not help Kosovo’s image. “We need …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said Albania is ready to join European efforts against disinformation and hybrid threats. Hoxha welcomed a resolution adopted today by the European Parliament on the European Democracy Shield. The resolution recognizes the Western Balkans as a key target of foreign information manipulation …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that Albania and Italy share a long history of closeness and alliance. He also described Italy as Albania’s strongest representative of interests within the European Union. “When I said that Italy is Albania’s European alter ego, I meant something sacred: a very long history …
The National Tourism Agency and “Tradita.al” have formalized a partnership to promote Albania’s cultural heritage, traditions, handicrafts, gastronomy and authentic products. National Tourism Agency Director General Jola Hysaj and “Tradita.al” founder Edlira Sulaj signed the Memorandum of Cooperation. The agreement marks a new step toward joint initiatives that promote Albanian …
Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj took part in a regional meeting of chief EU negotiators from the Western Balkans in Skopje. Jaupaj said the meeting focused on the European Union’s new budget for 2028-2034. He said the participants also discussed the EU integration process and the environmental dimension of the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama sent a congratulatory letter to Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti on the start of his new government mandate. The Kosovo Prime Minister’s Office published Rama’s message today. In the letter, Rama reaffirmed the Albanian government’s readiness to strengthen cooperation with Kosovo at all levels. “Your new …
Protecting Lake Ohrid and strengthening cross-border environmental cooperation were at the center of a meeting between Albania’s Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj and his North Macedonian counterpart Muamet Hoxha in Skopje. The meeting took place during a regional gathering of chief negotiators and officials responsible for European integration. Jaupaj said the …
Reshat Arbana celebrates his 86th birthday today. He remains one of the most important figures in Albanian cinema and theatre. Arbana was born in Tirana on September 15, 1940. He graduated from the Higher Institute of Arts and began his artistic career in theatre. He later became one of Albania’s …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met today with the new Dutch Ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster. They discussed ways to intensify political dialogue and strengthen bilateral relations. The two sides praised cooperation between Albania and the Netherlands. They also focused on parliamentary ties and exchanges between the Albanian Parliament, the …