EU Ambassador Gonzato Receives “Benemerenti” Grand Medal for His Contribution to Albania–EU Relations
Albania awarded European Union Ambassador Silvio Gonzato the Grand Star of the “Benemerenti” Medal in recognition of his contribution to strengthening Albania–EU relations during his mandate. At the ceremony, Gonzato thanked the Albanian people and highlighted the country’s progress toward European integration. He said the European Union represents more than …
Martin Camaj, a key figure of Albanian literature and Albanology
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:b965c3ae-2c15-4065-89ce-7199e95487d8-95″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:b965c3ae-2c15-4065-89ce-7199e95487d8-95″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-38″ data-turn=”assistant”> Today marks the 101st anniversary of the birth of Martin Camaj, one of the most important figures in Albanian literature and Albanology. Martin Camaj was an Albanian folklorist, linguist, poet, and writer. Throughout his career, he became a major figure in …
“The Drunken City”: Tasos’ 45 Pastel Works Reveal the Soul of Pogradec
The Pogradec Art Gallery has opened an exhibition by renowned Albanian painter Anastas Kostandini, known as Taso, titled “The Drunken City”. The exhibition presents 45 pastel works that capture the identity, memories and spirit of Pogradec. It will remain open to art lovers until the end of July. Kostandini, one …
Beyond Diplomacy: Ambassador Elissa Golberg on the Future of Canada–Albania Ties
Tirana Times, July 21, 2026 – Relations between Albania and Canada have expanded steadily in recent years, from growing trade and new bilateral agreements to closer cooperation within NATO and the launch of the first direct flight between the two countries. In an interview with Tirana Times, Canada’s Ambassador to Albania, …
Europe Warns of Declining Press Freedom in Kosovo
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8c64583c-a703-4b61-8781-824378c77044-67″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:8c64583c-a703-4b61-8781-824378c77044-67″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> Press freedom in Kosovo has entered a clear period of decline, according to a report by partner organizations of the Council of Europe’s Platform for the Protection of Journalism and Safety of Journalists. The report links the decline to political interference, …
“Flamuri i Arbërit” Magazine Marks 143 Years of History
On July 20, 1883, the monthly political, social, cultural and literary magazine “Flamuri i Arbërit” was first published in Corigliano Calabro, Italy. Jeronim De Rada, one of the most important figures of 19th-century Albanian literature and the Arbëresh community, founded the magazine. Known as the “father of Albanian journalism,” De …
Pogradec enjoys strong summer tourism boom
Pogradec is enjoying a strong summer tourist season. The lakeside city continues to attract large numbers of visitors from Albania and abroad. Local authorities say tourist arrivals have risen sharply in July. Visitors choose Pogradec for its cool climate, scenic lake, and quality tourist services. The Municipality’s Tourism Directorate also …
UN Tourism: Albania ranks among the world’s busiest tourist destinations
Albania has transformed into one of Europe’s fastest-growing tourist destinations. The country has also earned a strong place on the global tourism map. According to UN Tourism, Albania ranks among the world’s busiest tourist destinations when measured by visitors per resident. This ranking compares annual tourist arrivals with the local …
Authorities Monitor Pogradec Lakeshore to Protect Public Beach Areas
Inspectors from the National Coastline Agency continue daily inspections along Pogradec’s lakeshore to ensure proper management of public beach areas and enforce regulations. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja shared photos from the inspections on social media. He said inspectors removed umbrellas placed outside approved concession areas and issued …
Rama: Mountain Package will develop mountain areas through nature-friendly investments
Prime Minister Edi Rama responded today to criticism and calls to cancel the Mountain Package. He said the initiative will help people in mountain areas develop their properties and attract investment. During an online conversation with citizens, Rama explained that the Mountain Package does not mean selling mountains. Instead, it …
Electricity distribution losses in Albania fell to 15.6% in the first eight months of 2026, according to data from the Electricity Distribution System Operator. The figure marks a continued improvement from 18.93% in 2023, 17.93% in 2024 and 16.96% in 2025. Regional data also show lower losses. Fier recorded the …
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is among the leading candidates in the European Union enlargement process. In an interview with Italian daily Corriere della Sera, she placed Albania and Montenegro at the front of the process, followed by Moldova and Ukraine. Kos said enlargement had achieved more …
Albania U19 secured a second consecutive victory over Lithuania U19, coming from behind to win 2-1 in a friendly match at the Vora Stadium. Lithuania took the lead in the first half, scoring from one of their few chances of the game. However, Albania responded strongly after the break and …
The International Dance Festival Tirana (IDFT) will launch its fifth edition on October 3, bringing a rich program of contemporary dance, international artists and artistic companies to the Albanian capital through October 21. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the festival will feature 17 performances in nine …
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, met today with representatives of the Union of Judges, the National Association of Judges and the Association of Prosecutors of Albania to discuss recent developments in the country’s justice system. According to the OSCE Presence, the discussion focused on …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media today from “Gran Tour Albania,” an event that brought Italian collectors of vintage cars to the historic city of Gjirokastër. “Motoring enthusiasts and tourists added a new color to Gjirokastër in autumn,” Rama wrote alongside photos from the event. Rare vintage …
The National Library in Tirana hosted the presentation of “Usta Josifi and the Saze of Përmet,” a new monographic study by author Niko Mihali dedicated to one of Albania’s richest musical traditions. The book explores the urban folk music tradition of Përmet and focuses on the life and contribution of …
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met today with the new U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, and reaffirmed the strong partnership between Albania and the United States in the fields of defense and security. Nufi described the United States as Albania’s indispensable partner in security and defense, while stressing that Albania …
Albanian film “The Delegation” (Le Dernier Prisonnier), directed by Bujar Alimani, was screened in the French city of Reims on Thursday evening. The event took place through cooperation between the European Commission Representation in France and the association “7ème Œil.” Albanian Ambassador to France Dritan Tola, Montenegro’s Ambassador to France …
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