Ageing vehicle fleet raises pollution risks in Albania, World Bank says
TIRANA, August 25 – Albania faces growing pollution and road-safety risks from its ageing vehicle fleet, according to the World Bank. The country’s motorization rate has increased by 122% over the past 10 years. Of the vehicles registered in Albania, 91% are more than 10 years old. The rest have …
Albania Strengthens Protection for Local Products
Albania is taking steps to give traditional and locally made products greater value in domestic and European markets through stronger geographical protection. A new legal framework aims to protect the names, quality and reputation of products linked to specific regions. The initiative forms part of Albania’s industrial property reform and …
31 wildfires reported in 24 hours, 3 remain active and 6 under monitoring
TIRANA, August 25 – Albania recorded 31 wildfires over the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Defence. Three fires remain active, while authorities are monitoring 6 others. A total of 370 operational personnel and 22 firefighting vehicles have joined efforts to manage the situation. The Armed Forces have …
118 national priority projects worth 14.8 billion euros in planned investment
TIRANA, August 25 – The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination has updated Albania’s Unified List of Projects of National Importance. The list includes 118 projects with a projected investment value of 14.8 billion euros. The projects support the country’s strategic development priorities and aim to provide a …
Shkodra Earns International Recognition for Sustainable Tourism
Shkodra has received the “Green Destinations Bronze Award”, recognizing the city’s efforts to promote sustainable and responsible tourism. The international certification highlights Shkodra’s commitment to protecting its natural environment, cultural heritage and local communities while developing tourism. The award adds Shkodra to a growing global network of destinations focused on …
Dardha village attracts tourists with nature and traditional character
TIRANA, August 25 – Dardha village in Korça remains a popular tourist destination throughout the year. Visitors come for its natural surroundings, climate and traditional character. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the picturesque village on social media today. The photos show Dardha surrounded by green forests and visitors …
Albania Under-21 beat Kosova 3-1 at Mediterranean Games
TIRANA, August 25 – Albania Under-21 beat Kosova 3-1 today in their second Group B match of the football tournament at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Bode opened the scoring in the 51st minute. Valentin Daja doubled Albania’s lead in the 74th minute. Arlind Leshi added a third goal from …
Pelican Island: Protecting Rare Wildlife in Divjakë-Karavasta
The Divjakë-Karavasta National Park continues to attract visitors with its rich biodiversity, wetlands and rare bird species. In 2026, the park remains an important destination for nature tourism and birdwatching in Albania. At the heart of the Karavasta Lagoon lies the Pelican Island, an important nesting site for the Dalmatian …
Joe DioGuardi urges Kosova parties to elect president, warns of major problems
TIRANA, August 25 – Former US Congressman Joe DioGuardi has urged Kosova’s parliamentary parties to elect the country’s president. He warned that failure to do so could create major problems for Kosova and affect stability in the Balkans. DioGuardi made the remarks after receiving Kosova citizenship. DioGuardi said he had …
Across the Balkans, Foreign-Backed Luxury Developments Cause Local Anger
Albanian protesters’ campaign to halt a Trump-connected luxury development echoes discontent across the Balkans about outside investors’ mega-projects – with increasingly vocal demands for more public input and transparency. Original post Here
On June 8, Monika Silva-Koniuszek was murdered in Ecuador. After obtaining a drive containing files the Polish activist had compiled, BIRN uncovered a network of companies linked to Albanian gangs allegedly used to launder drug money. Original post Here
Following an attack on a gendarme guarding the Israeli embassy in Belgrade, Serbia’s caretaker Interior Minister Ivica Dacic raised the terror threat status to the highest level. Original post Here
New archaeological research is revealing more of Butrint’s ancient past. A century after Italian archaeologist Luigi Ugolini brought the site back to international attention, researchers have identified previously undocumented buildings, fortifications, water systems and burial sites. According to Italian art and heritage publication Finestre sull’Arte, these findings shed new light …
President Bajram Begaj has invited parliamentary parties to a consultation meeting on October 30 to discuss the date of the 2027 local elections. The vote is expected between April 15 and May 15. Begaj should announce the official date by November 9, following consultations with political representatives. The Democratic Party …
Albania will have stable weather on Wednesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Skies will remain mostly clear, with occasional moderate to dense clouds over mountainous areas in the east. Northeasterly to northwesterly winds will reach average speeds of 9 metres per second. Along the coast and in valleys, gusts …
The American business and finance outlet TheStreet has highlighted Tirana as a budget-friendly destination gaining international attention ahead of 2027. Citing travel booking platform Skyscanner’s annual travel trends report, the outlet says travellers increasingly choose destinations where favourable exchange rates stretch their budgets. A survey of 28,000 travellers found that …
Kosova President Justina Shiroka Pula attended a ceremony on Tuesday evening marking Austria’s National Day. She highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries and their shared commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and peace. Shiroka Pula thanked Austria for its support during difficult periods in Kosova’s history. She stressed …
Albania’s Abissnet Superiore will resume on Wednesday and Thursday, October 28–29, with five matches scheduled across the ninth round. Wednesday’s fixtures begin at 13:30, when FK Vora host Vllaznia. Two more matches follow at 18:30, as Skënderbeu face Laçi and AF Elbasani take on Partizani at Elbasan Arena. Meanwhile, Thursday …
The Albanian government will review the draft 2027 budget today, with planned spending of €10 billion. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj will then present the document to the Assembly’s Conference of Chairpersons. Parliamentary committees will subsequently examine the proposal. Reporter Rugova Dunisha reported that the budget may include compensation for businesses …
The European Union has stressed that Serbia’s parliamentary election results do not change the framework of its facilitated dialogue with Kosova. All commitments made by both sides in the normalisation process remain in force, an EU spokesperson told Radio Television of Kosova. These include obligations under the 2023 Agreement on …