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Rama at the Albania-Israel Innovation Summit: “For Jewish People, Our Country Is Their Home”

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”02287d9b-3a2c-408d-a316-141d0923f8d9″ data-turn-id-container=”02287d9b-3a2c-408d-a316-141d0923f8d9″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the Albania-Israel Summit this Tuesday, which brought together around 40 innovative Israeli companies specializing in cybersecurity. *]: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:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> In his speech, Rama praised the relations between the …

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e-Albania Portal to Be Temporarily Offline from May 15–18, Official Announcement Released

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”a00c6105-4df6-47e8-ab6a-0d8acb53edf9″ data-turn-id-container=”a00c6105-4df6-47e8-ab6a-0d8acb53edf9″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-5″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The e-Albania portal has announced that it will be temporarily out of service due to a process of technical updates and optimization of its technological infrastructure. *]: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:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> According to the official …

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Elections in Kosovo: Deadline for Submitting Candidate Lists for MPs Ends Tonight

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”855176b5-d8e8-4353-a12c-093cd4fd79b1″ data-turn-id-container=”855176b5-d8e8-4353-a12c-093cd4fd79b1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-25″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Political parties in Kosovo have until this Tuesday to submit the lists of parliamentary candidates with whom they will compete in the snap elections scheduled for June 7. *]: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:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-12″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-12″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-26″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The spokesperson …

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Czech Tourists Choose the Shkumbin River: Albania an Ideal Destination for Nature Adventures

Adventure tourists from the Czech Republic have chosen the Shkumbin River and Albania’s natural landscapes for an active holiday filled with packrafting, camping, and exploring mountainous areas. Visitors praise the scenery, hospitality, and authenticity which, according to them, make Albania an ideal destination for adventure tourism. The group of Czech …

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Eurostat Report: Number of Albanians Returned from EU Countries

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”5aeb1120-6d1a-4003-ac1f-210cfcfe2c28″ data-turn-id-container=”5aeb1120-6d1a-4003-ac1f-210cfcfe2c28″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-19″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> More than 8,000 Albanians were returned from European Union countries during 2025. Eurostat data ranks Albania among the countries with the highest number of citizens returned from the EU. *]: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:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-9″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-9″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-20″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> According …

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Villa 31 Becomes an Art Space: “Geography of Care” Exhibition Opens

As part of Europe Week, the exhibition “Geography of Care” opened at Villa 31 in Tirana. Three artists — Mariana Kostandini, Olsi Hoxha, and Orestia Kapedani — present three different approaches to social, spatial, and political realities, connecting their works to the history of the villa itself. One of artist …

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Hoxha at the “Friends of the Western Balkans” Meeting: EU Integration Is a Necessity

While participating in the “Friends of the Western Balkans” Group meeting in Bratislava, Minister Ferit Hoxha met with Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani. During the meeting, Hoxha particularly praised Italy’s consistent role as one of the strongest supporters of Albania’s European …

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Agreement on Migrants with Italy, Rama Responds: “It Will Continue for as Long as Our Neighbor Wants”

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”3baebb70-c69a-44e8-997f-b0d77b18be09″ data-turn-id-container=”3baebb70-c69a-44e8-997f-b0d77b18be09″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted on the platform “X” regarding the agreement with Italy on refugees, firmly stating that the pact will continue “for as long as the neighboring country wants it.” *]: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:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-6″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-6″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ …

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Konjufca Meets Sorensen: Kosovo Committed to Concluding Dialogue with Serbia

Acting Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca has stated that Kosovo remains committed to concluding the dialogue with Serbia through mutual recognition. Konjufca said he reaffirmed this during a joint meeting with Kosovo’s chief negotiator in the dialogue with Serbia, Agron Bajrami, while hosting the European Union’s Special Envoy, Peter Sorensen, in …

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Trial of Former KLA Leaders: Defense Witness Says Prosecutor Pressured Her

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”eddee727-177e-4677-aa4b-303b07f10679″ data-turn-id-container=”eddee727-177e-4677-aa4b-303b07f10679″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-23″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Forensic linguistics expert Helen Fraser stated that Special Prosecutor Joshua Hafetz exerted pressure on her during yesterday’s questioning in an attempt to make her admit that Artificial Intelligence tools had been essential to her evaluations. *]: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” …

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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

News
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 …

News
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 …

News
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 …

News
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 …

News
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 …

News
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 …

News
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 …

News
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 …

News
General’s Beach, Crystal Waters Hidden Among Kavaja’s Rocky Coastline

General’s Beach, located along the Kavaja coastline, offers visitors crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes and a peaceful natural environment. The beach lies between Durrës and Kavaja and surprises visitors with its rocky coastline, blue sea and green hills, creating a landscape that resembles the southern Albanian Riviera on a smaller scale. …

News

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

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

General’s Beach, Crystal Waters Hidden Among Kavaja’s Rocky Coastline

General’s Beach, located along the Kavaja coastline, offers visitors crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes and a peaceful natural environment. The beach lies between Durrës and Kavaja and surprises visitors with its rocky coastline, blue sea and green hills, creating a landscape that resembles the southern Albanian Riviera on a smaller scale. …