Wildfires in Albania, Defence Ministry: 7 active fires, 3 under monitoring
TIRANA, August 18 – The Ministry of Defence said authorities recorded 13 wildfires across Albania by 20:00 on August 17. Seven remained active, while authorities monitored 3 others. A total of 424 operational personnel and 14 firefighting vehicles joined the response. The Armed Forces deployed 129 personnel, 2 firefighting vehicles, …
Albania to Compete at Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, Gonxhja: We Increased Support for Elite Athletes
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja attended the flag handover ceremony for Albania’s delegation to the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Gonxhja praised the athletes who will represent Albania at the major international sporting event. He said elite athletes remain one of the country’s greatest sporting assets. Therefore, the government …
World Bank Europe and Central Asia: From emigration to return, tourism revives Albanian cities
TIRANA, August 18 – Tourism is creating new opportunities in southern Albania and encouraging some people who left the country to return, according to the World Bank’s Europe and Central Asia region, known as WorldBankECA. The shift follows years of population decline, particularly among young people, even as the region …
More than half of Albania’s trade with European Union countries, INSTAT data show
TIRANA, August 18 – European Union countries remained Albania’s main trading partner for goods in July 2026, accounting for 53.6% of total trade, according to INSTAT. European markets also received the largest share of Albanian exports during the month. Exports to European Union countries accounted for 68.4% of Albania’s total …
Albania Tourism in Numbers: AIDA Highlights 12.5 Million Foreign Tourists and 22% GDP Contribution
The Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) has published “FactSheet Tourism”. The guide gives investors key data on Albania’s tourism sector and its investment potential. According to the factsheet, Albania has recorded 12.5 million foreign tourists. Tourism contributes around 22% to the country’s GDP. International hotel brands also operate in Albania. …
Albania’s First Football League championship to start on August 21 with new format
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s First Football League championship, the Abissnet Superiore, will start its 2026/27 season on August 21. The new season will introduce reforms aimed at increasing competition, creating more opportunities for young players and improving the organization of the championship. All matches will be broadcast on RTSH. …
Exports rise 10.6% in July to 33.7 billion ALL
TIRANA, August 17 – Albanian exports continued their positive trend in July 2026, reaching 33.7 billion ALL, up 10.6% from the same month a year earlier, according to INSTAT. Compared with June 2026, exports fell 5%. Meanwhile, goods imports reached 86.4 billion ALL, rising 3.6% year-on-year and 3.5% from June. …
New police unit to focus on environmental crimes
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s State Police will establish a new unit focused specifically on environmental crimes. Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari announced the move during a meeting with State Police local directors from Albania’s 12 counties. Lamallari called for a more proactive approach to wildfires. He said police should investigate …
Infrastructure Minister Karakaçi visits Tirana-Durrës motorway works, targets early completion
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi visited the Tirana-Durrës motorway, where workers are carrying out the third phase of its expansion. After opening the first 6 kilometres, crews now focus on the section from the Rinas overpass towards Limuth. Workers are widening the road, while …
Albania’s Defence Minister Nufi: Ground and air operations continue to fight wildfires
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s Armed Forces continue intensive ground and air operations to fight wildfires in several parts of the country, Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said. Nufi shared footage of aerial firefighting operations in areas with difficult terrain. On Mount Dajti in Tirana, 50 Armed Forces personnel and 2 …
A decade of declarations and commitments on good neighbourly relations have not prevented bilateral issues from impeding EU enlargement in the Balkans. A new solution must be found. Original post Here
Welcome to Durrës, a beautiful coastal city where sunshine, sandy beaches and ancient history come together. With its seaside charm, rich heritage and affordable experiences, Durrës offers an ideal escape for every traveller. Fascinating Facts About Durrës Durrës is home to one of the largest Roman amphitheatres in the Balkans, …
Albania is hosting the PISA Governing Board meeting for the first time. Representatives from 91 countries are attending the three-day event in Tirana. The programme includes meetings, panels and roundtable discussions on PISA priorities and development. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro addressed the opening ceremony alongside Andreas Schleicher, the Organisation for …
Albania will experience mostly stable weather on Thursday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Clouds and sunny spells will prevail until the early morning hours. Occasional light rain is expected in the north and central regions. After midday, sunny spells will dominate. Few to moderate passing clouds will mainly affect …
Leaders of the six Western Balkan countries are expected to meet in Miločer, Montenegro, on Thursday for the Berlin Process summit. They will discuss economic cooperation, regional security and European integration. Representatives from Albania, Kosova, Serbia, North Macedonia, Montenegro and Bosnia and Herzegovina are expected to attend. European countries and …
Shkodra’s rich cultural heritage lives on through its music, art and literature. Generations of talented musicians, artists and writers have shaped Albanian culture, while traditional music and dances remain central to local festivals and celebrations. The city is also famous for its residents’ wit and humour. Their ability to find …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu met young interns at the Ministry of Justice and its subordinate institutions. They discussed protests, employment opportunities, professional experience and young people’s future in Albania. For 2026, the ministry and its subordinate institutions have included 82 interns. Gogu stressed the importance of listening to young people …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has described the Berlin Process summit as an important annual tradition for the Western Balkans. He made the remarks upon arriving at the summit in Montenegro. Rama opened his comments with a joke about the host country, saying he was happy to be in such a …
Albania’s National Puppet Theatre won an award at the sixth edition of the International Puppet Art Festival (FLUM) in Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The theatre presented The Circus Show, directed by Klajd Ymeri, which received the award for best puppet articulation. The production stands out because it tells its story …
The National Cyber Security Authority (AKSK) has urged institutions, businesses, organizations and system administrators to address two critical vulnerabilities in PHP, a technology widely used to run websites and web applications. If exploited, the flaws could allow attackers to execute code remotely without authorization, putting systems and sensitive data at …