Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans for environmental performance
*]: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:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today. In a video message, Rama said the global index places Albania 46th among 177 countries. He added that the country has achieved …
Tropoja’s artisan workshop preserves heritage and empowers women
An artisan workshop in the heart of Tropoja has become a model for preserving cultural heritage and strengthening women’s economic independence. With support from the European Union through the EU4Innovation programme, local women artisans are keeping traditional crafts alive while creating new job opportunities for the community. At the workshop, …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 20, 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
Gjirokastër Castle draws record number of visitors
Gjirokastër Castle remains the most popular tourist attraction in southern Albania. More Albanian and international visitors have explored the landmark this summer, highlighting the growing appeal of the UNESCO-listed museum city and its rich cultural heritage. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage reports that about 130,000 people have visited the …
Albania’s exports rise sharply in June
Albania recorded strong growth in foreign trade in June 2026. According to the latest report from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), merchandise exports reached 35.4 billion lek, up 13.6 percent from a year earlier. Exports also increased 8.3 percent from May. Imports climbed to 83.5 billion lek, marking a 9.1 …
Albania’s inflation reaches 3.2 percent in June
Albania’s annual inflation rate reached 3.2 percent in June 2026, according to the latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices tracks retail prices and aligns with European Union standards. Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation, adding 1.02 percentage …
Luxury Superyacht “Yas” Docks at Port of Durrës
The luxury superyacht Yas docked at the Port of Durrës this weekend. At about 141 metres long, Yas ranks among the world’s largest private superyachts. It stands out for its sleek design and futuristic appearance. Engineers transformed a former military vessel into the iconic luxury yacht. According to the Port …
Permet to host National ‘NONA’ Festival in August
Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited the public to attend the National “NONA” Festival, which will take place in Përmet from August 7 to 9. In a social media post, Rama described the festival as a celebration of tradition, gastronomy, and the invaluable role of grandparents. He said the event …
Travel off Path: Europe’s Top New Tourism Hotspot Faces Major Visitor Rule Changes Upon EU Entry
Europe’s newest tourism hotspot could see major changes for visitors after joining the European Union, writes Vinicius Costa in the American travel magazine Travel Off Path. For nearly a decade now, Albania has been a beacon of freedom for travelers, especially digital nomads looking for hassle-free ways to extend their time in …
Organized Beaches and Improved Services Make Pogradec a Summer Destination
Pogradec, one of Albania’s most popular destinations on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is attracting many domestic and international visitors this summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Pogradec’s beaches, showing organized public spaces and free umbrellas available for visitors. The lakeside city offers clean waters, open areas …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced the creation of a National Council for children with disabilities, aimed at introducing a new approach to relations between institutions, children and their families. The announcement was made during the “Flasim” podcast, where part of the discussion focused on support for children on the …
A fire broke out today in the Zall-Herr area, within the Municipality of Tirana. According to reports, the flames do not pose a threat to homes, as there are no residential buildings near the site of the fire. Six fire engines and 25 firefighters have been deployed to contain and …
Albania’s insurance market continues to expand. In the first eight months of the year, insurance companies collected around ALL 18.3 billion in gross written premiums. According to data from the Albanian Financial Supervisory Authority (AFSA), this represents an increase of 2.4% compared with the same period last year. The increase …
A serious tragedy has struck the Albanian community in Greece following a fatal accident that occurred last night in Nea Peramos, Kavala, claiming the lives of two young Albanian men. The victims have been identified as Arditi, 34, and Marigleni, 36. According to reports, the two men were close friends. …
By Zef Preci Tirana Times, September 30, 2026 – For more than two decades, Albania has had legislation requiring senior public officials to declare their assets and financial interests. Yet persistent concerns over unexplained wealth suggest that the central issue is no longer simply whether officials submit asset declarations. The …
Investigators examine weapons deals, state-linked defense companies and the role of businessman Ron Yeffet after allegations of international arms trafficking surfaced in recordings released by former Deputy Prime Minister Arben Ahmetaj. Tirana Times, October 03, 2026 – A series of searches by Albania’s special prosecutors has opened a potentially significant …
Albania lost 2-1 to Finland at Helsinki Olympic Stadium in a Nations League League C Group 1 match. Rey Manaj put Albania ahead in the fourth minute with a header from Kristjan Asllani’s corner. Goalkeeper Etrit Berisha then made a mistake in the 22nd minute and had to intervene outside …
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 …