“Urban Renaissance 2.0” to launch in July, targets gaps in water and sewage infrastructure
The “Urban Renaissance 2.0” program, set to be presented in early July, will address issues in water supply and sewage systems. Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about the initiative during an event with local government leaders. Moreover, he described it as a large-scale program with strategic importance for communities across …
Puppet Theatre of Tirana launches summer tour across Albania
The Puppet Theatre is ready to begin its summer tour across Albania. First, the National Center for Children’s Culture announced the program through its director Melsi Qirici on social media. The tour will bring children’s performances to several cities across the country. In addition, the program includes popular shows such …
Albania’s Disregard for Environmental Protection ‘Hurting EU Accession Hopes’
Amid continuing street protests, Albania is coming under increasing pressure to reverse its weakening of environmental protections in the interests of ‘luxury tourism’, or risk a setback in its pursuit of EU accession. Original post Here
Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia sign agreement on cross-border citizens’ rights
The Ombudsmen of Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia signed a memorandum of cooperation today in Prizren. The agreement aims to strengthen and protect citizens’ rights across borders. First, the heads of the institutions committed to turning cooperation into real benefits for citizens in all three countries. They emphasized practical protection …
First Division Format to Change from the 2027/2028 Season
The Executive Committee approved a new format for Albania’s First Division starting from the 2027/2028 season. The change aims to increase competition and maintain sporting interest throughout the season. However, the current format will remain unchanged for the next edition. The championship will continue with three regular phases and 33 …
INSTAT: Unemployment falls to 8.4% in 2025 as average wage rises to 84,000 lek
*]: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:5e4ae464-f2d0-41ad-87cc-49336df2d056-343″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:5e4ae464-f2d0-41ad-87cc-49336df2d056-343″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Albania’s labor market improved further in 2025, as unemployment declined and average monthly wages increased, according to the latest data from INSTAT. The country’s labor force reached 1,279,906 people. Men accounted for 54.2% of the total, while women made up …
Rama to France24: Outside interference fuels Zvërnec protest
*]: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:5e4ae464-f2d0-41ad-87cc-49336df2d056-347″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:5e4ae464-f2d0-41ad-87cc-49336df2d056-347″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Prime Minister Edi Rama responded to questions from France24 about the protest against the Zvërnec project. He said several outside actors have influenced the movement. “There is a lot of interference. Iran has targeted us during a three-year cyber conflict. …
Balla to Young Albanians in North Macedonia: The Albanian Language Is Not Negotiable
Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla met with young Albanians from North Macedonia and stressed the importance of protecting Albanian language rights. He stated that Albanians in North Macedonia are a state-forming nation, not an ethnic minority. Therefore, the right to education and the use of the Albanian language …
Rama: Revival of Korça’s French High School Discussed with Macron
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the revival of the French High School in Korça was among the projects discussed with French President Emmanuel Macron during their meeting in Paris. The project is a joint initiative between the Albanian and French governments. It aims to create a regional center of …
Albania Signs Energy Agreement with ENI to Study National Oil and Gas Capacity
Albania and Italy signed a memorandum of understanding in Tirana to strengthen cooperation in the energy sector. The agreement focuses on improving energy security and developing strategic hydrocarbon supply capacities. Prime Minister Edi Rama, Economy Minister Delina Ibrahimaj, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi, and senior Italian representatives attended the …
Tirana police came to the aid of two German tourists who lost their way in the mountains behind Mount Dajti on Sunday evening. Police learned at around 20:15 that the two tourists needed help near Qafë Mollë. Officers from Police Station No. 4 immediately began searching for them. The officers …
The fourth round of Albania’s Abissnet Superiore ended on Sunday with AF Elbasani beating Egnatia 2-1 at Elbasan Arena. Earlier on Sunday, Laçi defeated Vllaznia 2-0 at home. On Friday, Skënderbeu and Tirana drew 1-1 in Korça. Meanwhile, Dinamo City beat Partizani 4-2 in another Tirana derby on Saturday. Teuta …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met Pierre Sentenac, the new head of the Regional Economic Department at the French Embassy, at the central bank. Sejko highlighted Albania’s close relations with France and described France as an important European partner. Sejko briefed Sentenac on recent economic and financial developments in …
The 21st International Human Rights Film Festival opens in Tirana on September 14 and runs through September 19. The Academy of Film and Multimedia “Marubi” organises the festival. This year’s programme focuses on war, peace, the rule of law and the memory of victims. Over six days, the festival will …
Revenues from managing and renting confiscated property reached ALL 180 million in the first eight months of 2026, according to Risena Xhaja, head of Albania’s Agency for the Administration of Confiscated Assets. Xhaja presented the figures during a hearing with the Committee on Citizen Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight. She …
Albanian director and researcher Ilir Yzeiri has won the Best Documentary Director award at the Venice International Film Festival. He received the award for his documentary “Lucia Nadin and Albanians in Venice 1474–1552”. The documentary previously earned selection by the Veneto Region for the festival’s 83rd edition. Italian company Cinemaset, …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
The Hague will deliver its verdict on September 16 in the trial of former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. The four have pleaded not guilty. The case has attracted significant attention in Kosova because of the defendants’ prominent roles during the 1998-1999 …
Albania ranks among the 10 most preferred destinations outside the European Union for EU residents, according to Eurostat data. The Agency for Media and Information cited Eurostat figures showing around 2 million trips to Albania that included at least one overnight stay. These trips accounted for 2% of all journeys …
Deputy Defence Minister Blerina Abrazhda says Albania needs time to build its defence industry and develop the infrastructure, technology and skilled workforce required for production. She made the remarks in response to opposition criticism of the sector’s initial industrial projects. Abrazhda said Albania should assess early projects not only by …