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PM Rama: Protests and Debates Risk the Investment Climate, Look at Greece

*]: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=”f23059fa-d42e-42bc-aa77-a09f92c68c03″ data-turn-id-container=”f23059fa-d42e-42bc-aa77-a09f92c68c03″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-3″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted again this Wednesday on Facebook, emphasizing the need to remain open to foreign investment while comparing economic developments in Greece with the situation in Albania. He stated that the neighboring country continues to successfully attract …

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U.S. State Department: Iran Behind Attacks on Jewish and American Interests in Europe

The U.S. Department of State has published a joint statement by the United States, the United Kingdom, Albania, Australia, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands, New Zealand, North Macedonia, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden regarding threatening activities by the Iranian state …

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INSTAT: 18.1% of Women in Albania Have Experienced Stalking

*]: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:e5f3a318-6513-4bde-9f7b-f91271dd3755-5″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:e5f3a318-6513-4bde-9f7b-f91271dd3755-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The end of a relationship does not always come with mutual understanding. In many cases, it is followed by controlling, threatening, or stalking behavior that becomes a source of fear and insecurity for victims. According to INSTAT, around 18.1% of …

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Durrës Sees Surge in Tourists, but Benefits for Local Businesses Remain Limited

*]: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=”aa64064e-40d1-48a4-b0ec-77f5952fcf39″ data-turn-id-container=”aa64064e-40d1-48a4-b0ec-77f5952fcf39″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Durrës is experiencing another tourism season marked by a significant increase in visitor numbers. Tourists from Poland, the Czech Republic, Germany, and France have chosen the Albanian coast for their holidays, but the majority of them are staying under all-inclusive …

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Begaj at the SEECP Summit in Sofia: European Integration Remains Albania’s Central Objective

*]: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:e5f3a318-6513-4bde-9f7b-f91271dd3755-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:e5f3a318-6513-4bde-9f7b-f91271dd3755-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> President of the Republic of Albania, Bajram Begaj, participated today in the Summit of the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) in Sofia. The summit, marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of SEECP, was held under the theme: “Strengthening Regional …

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Albanian Parties in North Macedonia Clash Over Language Issues, VLEN Accuses DUI of Promoting Serbian

*]: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=”e206bc77-d1a5-4488-afc4-a4bc039ad7e7″ data-turn-id-container=”e206bc77-d1a5-4488-afc4-a4bc039ad7e7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-19″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The VLEN coalition has accused the Democratic Union for Integration (DUI/BDI) of having formalized the Serbian language in the Municipality of Kumanovo, where Serbs make up approximately 6.5% of the population. Representatives of the coalition published a document which they …

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11th Day of Protests: Albanians from Abroad Expected to Join Demonstrations in Tirana

Citizens are continuing their protests this Wednesday, marking the 11th consecutive day of demonstrations, with their main demand being the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama. As in previous days, protesters gathered at 6:00 p.m. in Skanderbeg Square before marching toward the government headquarters. Speeches by organizers, activists, and citizens …

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Parliament to Convene Tomorrow, Interpellations Dominate the Agenda

The Albanian Parliament will convene on Thursday for its next plenary session, with the agenda expected to be dominated by six interpellations requested by opposition lawmakers with members of the government cabinet, including Prime Minister Edi Rama. MP Agron Shehaj has requested an interpellation with the Prime Minister regarding the …

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Western Balkans Youth Need More Skills to Recognise Online Fakes: BIRN Report

New report concludes that young people in the Western Balkan need enhanced practical skills to detect fake news on the internet and social media, but also improvements in online platforms’ standards and transparency to make false information easier to recognise. Original post Here

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Albania at advanced stage in EU negotiations on goods movement and external relations chapters

TIRANA, June 10 – Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Enkelejd Musabelliu reported to the Foreign Policy Committee on Albania’s progress in European Union accession negotiations for Chapter 1 “Free Movement of Goods” and Chapter 30 “External Relations”. He said Chapter 1 focuses on technical standards and regulatory alignment for …

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Over 17,000 textbooks for children in the diaspora

TIRANA, August 31 – Albania plans to provide more than 5,700 learning packages for children in the diaspora during the 2026–2027 school year. The packages contain around 17,000 textbooks. They will reach 15 European countries, the United States and Canada. The materials include the joint textbooks “Albanian Language” and “Albanian …

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President Begaj receives new Dutch ambassador, EU integration in focus

TIRANA, August 31 – President Bajram Begaj received the new Dutch ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster, on Monday. The ambassador presented her credentials during the meeting. Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to stronger relations with the Netherlands. He described the country as an important European partner and a trusted NATO ally. …

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Finance Minister Malaj: Fight tax evasion with fairness and transparency

TIRANA, August 31 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met regional leaders of the tax and customs administrations to discuss priorities for the coming period. The talks also focused on improving services for citizens and businesses. Malaj met the general directors of the Tax Administration and Customs Administration. They discussed efforts …

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Kosova: Acting PM Kurti pledges stronger cooperation with municipalities on minority rights

TIRANA, August 31 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has called for stronger cooperation between central institutions and municipalities to address the needs of minority communities in Kosova. Kurti made the call at a meeting with heads of municipal offices for communities and return. Kurti said challenges vary among communities …

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High fire risk in Lezha, Tirana and Fier

TIRANA, August 31 – The Institute of GeoSciences has warned of a high fire risk in several Albanian counties this afternoon and on Tuesday, September 1. The institute expects high risk levels in Lezha, Tirana and Fier. Other counties will face moderate risk. Some areas in Shkodra, Kukës, Dibra, Durres, …

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Kosova: Self-Determination Movement and Democratic League agree on presidential candidate

TIRANA, August 31 – The Self-Determination Movement and the Democratic League of Kosova have agreed on professor Bekim Sejdiu as their joint candidate for president. Self-Determination leader Albin Kurti and Democratic League leader Lumir Abdixhiku presented Sejdiu at a joint news conference. Abdixhiku said the negotiations had not been easy. …

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PM Rama: 20 schools in Tirana equipped with smart cameras to strengthen security

TIRANA, August 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that 20 schools in Tirana now have smart cameras under the Smart City project. The investment aims to strengthen security in schools. Rama said the government decided to invest in new security technology after a 14-year-old boy was fatally …

News
Albania’s Cash Boom Raises Money Laundering Concerns

Cash outside Albania’s banking system reached a record 5.6 billion euros, last month. Tirana Times, August 30, 2026 – The amount of cash circulating outside Albania’s banking system has reached a record high, raising fresh concerns over the scale of the informal economy, the possible presence of illicit money and …

News
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 …

News
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

News

Over 17,000 textbooks for children in the diaspora

TIRANA, August 31 – Albania plans to provide more than 5,700 learning packages for children in the diaspora during the 2026–2027 school year. The packages contain around 17,000 textbooks. They will reach 15 European countries, the United States and Canada. The materials include the joint textbooks “Albanian Language” and “Albanian …

News

President Begaj receives new Dutch ambassador, EU integration in focus

TIRANA, August 31 – President Bajram Begaj received the new Dutch ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster, on Monday. The ambassador presented her credentials during the meeting. Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to stronger relations with the Netherlands. He described the country as an important European partner and a trusted NATO ally. …

News

Finance Minister Malaj: Fight tax evasion with fairness and transparency

TIRANA, August 31 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met regional leaders of the tax and customs administrations to discuss priorities for the coming period. The talks also focused on improving services for citizens and businesses. Malaj met the general directors of the Tax Administration and Customs Administration. They discussed efforts …

News

Kosova: Acting PM Kurti pledges stronger cooperation with municipalities on minority rights

TIRANA, August 31 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has called for stronger cooperation between central institutions and municipalities to address the needs of minority communities in Kosova. Kurti made the call at a meeting with heads of municipal offices for communities and return. Kurti said challenges vary among communities …

News

High fire risk in Lezha, Tirana and Fier

TIRANA, August 31 – The Institute of GeoSciences has warned of a high fire risk in several Albanian counties this afternoon and on Tuesday, September 1. The institute expects high risk levels in Lezha, Tirana and Fier. Other counties will face moderate risk. Some areas in Shkodra, Kukës, Dibra, Durres, …

News

Kosova: Self-Determination Movement and Democratic League agree on presidential candidate

TIRANA, August 31 – The Self-Determination Movement and the Democratic League of Kosova have agreed on professor Bekim Sejdiu as their joint candidate for president. Self-Determination leader Albin Kurti and Democratic League leader Lumir Abdixhiku presented Sejdiu at a joint news conference. Abdixhiku said the negotiations had not been easy. …

News

PM Rama: 20 schools in Tirana equipped with smart cameras to strengthen security

TIRANA, August 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that 20 schools in Tirana now have smart cameras under the Smart City project. The investment aims to strengthen security in schools. Rama said the government decided to invest in new security technology after a 14-year-old boy was fatally …

News

Albania’s Cash Boom Raises Money Laundering Concerns

Cash outside Albania’s banking system reached a record 5.6 billion euros, last month. Tirana Times, August 30, 2026 – The amount of cash circulating outside Albania’s banking system has reached a record high, raising fresh concerns over the scale of the informal economy, the possible presence of illicit money and …

News

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 …

News

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