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 …
Gonxhja Highlights Nikaj-Mërturi’s Mountain Tourism Potential
Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja described Nikaj-Mërturi as one of the Albanian Alps’ greatest treasures and a destination with strong mountain tourism potential. He met guesthouse owners, hotel managers and tour guides to discuss challenges, opportunities and sustainable tourism development. Moreover, Gonxhja stressed that close cooperation with local communities and businesses …
Albania continues to attract foreign tourists with its coastline, natural landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. Tourism remains one of the country’s most important economic sectors. At the same time, a longer tourism season creates new opportunities for local businesses and supports employment growth. Prime Minister Edi Rama today …
The xhubleta, one of the most distinctive elements of Albania’s cultural heritage, now features on a new postage stamp. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today that the new philatelic issue by Albanian Post aims to promote the history, values and symbolism of the traditional garment. “The xhubleta, this precious part …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that the “Flamingo Mirror” platform recorded more than 127,000 searches within its first 24 hours online. He described the platform as marking a new era of transparency. In a social media post, Rama said that “Flamingo Mirror” recorded 3,397 page searches during its first …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today that growing interest from international brands in Albania highlights the country’s tourism potential and investor confidence in the sector’s continued development. Gonxhja referred to the “Future Hospitality Forum,” which took place in Tirana several days ago. He said Albania has …
A delegation from the Albanian Customs Administration, led by Director General Besmir Beja, held its first coordination meeting in Brussels with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union (DG TAXUD). The meeting focused on implementing the European Union’s digital customs systems and achieving full interoperability with the EU’s …
Albanian emigrants from different parts of Germany gathered outside the German Parliament in Berlin on Sunday for a protest under the slogan “Not in My Name.” The rally was organized to express opposition to the guilty verdicts handed down by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers against former leaders of the Kosovo …
Parliament will hold a series of parliamentary committee meetings on October 5, ahead of the plenary session scheduled to begin at 3:00 p.m. At the center of attention is the draft law “On the Administrative-Territorial Division of Local Government Units in the Republic of Albania,” which will be discussed and …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Sunday that more than 127,000 searches were recorded within 24 hours of the launch of the “Flamingo Mirror” platform, which he described as marking a new era of transparency. In a Facebook post, Rama said that in its first 24 hours, “Flamingo Mirror” recorded …
The parliamentary group of the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV) submitted a request on Sunday for the Kosovo Assembly to hold a plenary session on Monday at 9:00 a.m. The requested session is also expected to consider amendments to the Law on the Specialist Chambers, commonly known as the Law on the …
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 …