Mladić’s Death Exposes the Balkans’ Unfinished Reckoning With War Crimes
Thousands honor the convicted Bosnian Serb commander as reactions from Belgrade to Podgorica and Skopje reveal how deeply the wars of the 1990s still shape the region’s European future. Tirana Times, August 31, 2026 – PALE, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Candles burned and flares lit the Olympic Park as several thousand …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: August 31, 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
Jaupaj: Nature tourism is growing in Albania, bringing greater responsibility to protect protected areas
Nature tourism continues to grow in Albania as more visitors choose national parks and protected areas to explore the country’s natural heritage. In a video message shared on social media, Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj highlighted several natural destinations that visitors can explore at the weekend, including Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, Llogara …
Albania draws growing attention from international travel media
International media continue to highlight Albania as an emerging tourism destination. Recent articles focus on the country’s natural landscapes, coastline, cultural heritage, and lesser-known travel experiences. The Agency for Media and Information has shared several international articles published this week. Indonesian outlet “IDN Times” highlights the traditional streets and houses …
Ura e Vashës in Klos emerges as a top tourist destination
Ura e Vashës has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Klos area. The historic bridge is attracting a growing number of Albanian and international visitors this summer. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the bridge on social media. He highlighted it as a popular destination …
Shkopet fires worsen as flames surround livestock farm
TIRANA, August 31 – The wildfire situation has worsened in the Shkopet area as flames spread rapidly through the villages of Trodhen and Lundra e Madhe in Mat and moved toward the Kurbin area. The fire is advancing toward the Skanderbeg mountain range, increasing the risk to homes, farmland and …
Shkodër’s Migjeni Theatre archive calls for digitization
TIRANA, August 31 – The archive of the Migjeni Theatre in Shkodër preserves an important part of the institution’s history. Photographs, documents, posters and other materials record its activities over the years and the artists who have performed on its stage. Archivist Astrit Fani said the archive needs better conditions …
Quartz: Durrës tops Europe’s list of most affordable coastal destinations
Durrës has topped a list of Europe’s best-value beach destinations, according to the US media outlet “Quartz”. The list brings together eight coastal destinations that offer travelers a combination of beaches, history, culture, gastronomy, and affordable prices. “Quartz” highlights destinations stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean and from …
Hoxha: Albanian Alps offer a natural treasure that attracts more visitors
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha shared images of Tamara, Lepushë, and Vermosh on X. He highlighted the beauty of the Albanian Alps and their growing potential for mountain tourism. “Here, nature knows no limits, beauty becomes wealth, hospitality becomes law, and tradition becomes identity,” Hoxha wrote. He …
Chickpea bread in Korça, a centuries-old tradition
TIRANA, August 31 – Bakeries have been part of life in Korça for hundreds of years. Around 1850, the city had several bakeries in Varosh, Kasaba and the former Çarshia. They prepared bread as well as meat dishes, beans, tripe and other traditional foods. Historical documents show that Korça bakers …
Just in the last two weeks, reporters and media watchdogs have documented dozens of cases of verbal abuse and physical violence directed against members of the press covering anti-governments protests in Albania. In most cases, police officers were the perpetrators. Original post Here
Albania will present its tourism potential at World Travel Market London 2026, one of the world’s leading international tourism events. The fair will take place from November 3 to 5 at ExCeL London in the United Kingdom. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said the event offers an …
Albania plans to establish around 5,000 collection points for portable batteries as part of a new national waste management system. The proposal also introduces digital battery passports and QR codes to improve tracking and recycling. The Ministry of Environment has launched the draft decision for public consultation. It aims to …
Kosovo and Albania are looking to deepen scientific cooperation and strengthen ties between their academic institutions. Kosovo President Justina Shiroka Pula held a meeting with academics Anastas Angjeli from the Academy of Sciences of Albania, Besnik Krasniqi from the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo, and academician Lulzim Tafa, …
Albania plans to introduce a unified national examination for recruitment into the public administration, based on the Cambridge testing model. The initiative is part of a broader reform aimed at strengthening merit-based recruitment, professional performance and the quality of public services. Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the new plan alongside …
Albania ranks among the most advanced countries in digital government, according to the World Bank’s GovTech assessment. However, Prime Minister Edi Rama says the country must now ensure that public institutions respond to citizens on time and take responsibility for their requests. Speaking alongside Minister of State for Public Administration …
Albania is seeking stronger parliamentary ties with the Czech Republic as it advances towards European Union membership. During an official visit to Prague, Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi met with Tomio Okamura, Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, and Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Czech Senate. The …
Albania has started evaluating the performance of public institution leaders as part of a broader reform aimed at strengthening meritocracy and accountability in public administration. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the process during the presentation of the new “Merit Scale” initiative, alongside Minister of Public Administration Adea Pirdeni. Rama stressed …
Kosovo’s government has approved a €4.27 billion draft budget for 2027. The plan includes higher public sector wages, increased child benefits, a 13th salary and major infrastructure investments. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the new budget exceeds the revised 2026 budget by €200 million. The government will now submit it …
Kosovo President Justina Shiroka Pula met on Monday with academics Anastas Angjeli from the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Albania, Besnik Krasniqi from the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo (ASHAK), and academician Lulzim Tafa, an external member of ASHASH. The President shared details and photos from the …