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Tirana vs Partizani derby: Dramatic Comeback Victory for KF Tirana

Tirana vs Partizani derby delivers a thrilling night in the Albanian Superiore, as KF Tirana beats FK Partizani Tirana 2–1 at the “Air Albania” Stadium. Partizani takes the lead in the 22nd minute through Human after a cross from Sibide. Tirana pushes for an equalizer but misses key chances in …

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Tourist arrivals in Albania rise 11.7% in March, INSTAT reports

TIRANA, April 27 – Albania recorded a strong increase in tourist and passenger flows in March 2026, with total entries reaching 1,289,468 people, according to the latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The figure marks an 11.7% rise compared with the same month in 2025. Authorities said the …

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Albania anti-corruption office reports stronger focus on corruption and financial crime in 2025

TIRANA, April 27 – Albania’s Special Prosecution Office said it intensified its focus on high-level corruption and financial crime during 2025, as part of broader efforts to strengthen rule-of-law enforcement. Head Klodian Braho told the High Council of Prosecution that investigators handled more criminal cases compared with the previous year. …

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Ceramic Workshop in Fishtë Becomes Tourist Attraction

After years in Italy, artisan Vasil Ukaj returned to his hometown of Fishtë to start a ceramics business. He launched the workshop in 2000 in a small family space, which has since grown into a popular stop for visitors. Tourists now visit the studio to watch the production process, try …

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Edi Rama: Government to Offer Easier Credit for Small and Medium Businesses

Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a new financing program called “Double Your Enterprise.” He said the initiative will provide reasonable interest rates for businesses that want to expand. Rama explained the program will be implemented in cooperation with the Bank of Albania and commercial banks, with government guarantees to support …

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‘As 1945 dawned’: Historic Albanian Play Returns to Memory

Teodor Laço crafts Duke gdhirë viti 1945 as a dramatic reflection of a nation in transition. The National Theatre brings the work to the stage in 1976, under the direction of Dhimitër Pecani, transforming the text into a vivid stage experience. The play captures the tense dawn of 1945, when …

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PM Edi Rama convenes government cabinet and SP parliamentary group, focus on EU integration

TIRANA, April 27 – Prime Minister Edi Rama on Monday held a joint meeting with the government cabinet and the ruling Socialist Party parliamentary group, with European Union integration placed at the center of discussions. The meeting took place at the Palace of Brigades in Tirana. Officials said the agenda …

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Reuters: Albania’s hydropower shields electricity market amid regional energy shocks

TIRANA, April 27 – In an article published by Reuters, rising global energy prices linked to the Iran conflict have highlighted major differences in Europe’s energy resilience. Albania stands out due to its strong reliance on hydropower. The Drin River system in northern Albania generates more than 90% of the …

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Famous Albanian ballet dancer Kledi Kadiu launches International Ballet Competition in Tirana

TIRANA, April 27 – Albanian ballet dancer Kledi Kadiu, widely known for his career in Italy, has announced the first edition of the International Ballet Competition Albania in Tirana. The initiative will take place with support from the National Ballet School, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, and the …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: April 27, 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

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Summer health centre in Castle-museum quarter serves tourists and residents in Berat

TIRANA, July 1 – The Ministry of Health and Social Protection reports that summer health centres continue to operate across Albania’s tourist areas. They provide medical services for holidaymakers without interruption. The ministry highlights work at the summer health centre in the Kala museum quarter in Berat. Medical staff serve …

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Albanian National Ensemble to Perform for First Time in London

Albania’s cultural heritage will take center stage in London as the National Ensemble of Songs and Dances prepares for its first-ever performance in the United Kingdom. The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet announced that the ensemble will perform on 6 July at the Shaw Theatre in London. The show …

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Negotiations, over 29% of revenues-to-GDP in 2026 from efficiency gains

TIRANA, July 1 – Albania continues progress in EU accession talks under Chapter 16 (Taxation) and Chapter 29 (Customs), with authorities focusing on legal alignment, technical systems and stronger administrative capacity. Ratification of the protocol on illicit tobacco trade remains a key closing requirement. Reporting to the Parliamentary Committee on …

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Ankara NATO summit must be “implementation and delivery summit”

TIRANA, July 1 – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance summit due next week in Ankara should focus on implementation and delivery, with defence spending, support for Ukraine and defence industrial production set as top priorities. Rutte said allies must concentrate on fulfilling commitments made at last year’s …

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Environment minister tells MEPs any Zvërnec project will undergo full environmental assessment

TIRANA, July 1 – Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj met a delegation of European Parliament members on Tuesday to discuss the proposed Narta–Zvërnec project. The delegation included Tineke Strik, Daniel Freund, Cristina Guarda, Jutta Paulus and Anna Strolenberg. During the meeting, Jaupaj said no final project proposal has reached the competent …

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New copyright bill aligns Albania with European Union rules

TIRANA, July 1 – Albania’s new copyright bill will strengthen the protection of creators and rights holders in the digital environment while aligning national legislation with European Union rules, Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Martin Kajo said on Tuesday. Speaking at a conference on digital and audiovisual piracy organised by …

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From UNESCO cities to the Ionian coast: Italian media highlights 15 wonders of Albania, writes ‘Idealista’

TIRANA, July 1 – Italian media outlet “Idealista” has highlighted 15 key destinations across Albania, presenting the country as an increasingly attractive European tourism hub where history, nature, and coastal landscapes meet. The article notes that Albania combines Roman amphitheatres, Ottoman-era bazaars, and modern urban life within a short travel …

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Ireland assumes European Union Council presidency, President Begaj welcomes enlargement focus

TIRANA, July 1 – President Bajram Begaj welcomed Ireland as it begins its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. In a message published on Wednesday, Begaj wished Ireland success during its term at the helm of the Council. He said Albania was encouraged that European Union enlargement …

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Albania Promotes “eTransport” Platform to Improve Public Transport Access for Citizens and Tourists

Albania is expanding its digital public transport services as the summer tourist season increases travel demand across the country. The General Director of the Road Transport Services Directorate (DPSHTRR), Kreshnik Bajraktari, has launched an intensive information campaign in the field to promote the eTransport platform. The initiative aims to provide …

News
PM Rama meets North Rhine-Westphalia premier to discuss investment and Albania’s EU membership

TIRANA, July 1 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met Hendrik Wüst during his visit to Bochum, Germany. Rama said the talks focused on expanding cooperation between Albania and North Rhine-Westphalia, one of Germany’s leading economic and industrial regions. He identified investment, digital technology, vocational education, and Albania’s European Union membership …

News

Summer health centre in Castle-museum quarter serves tourists and residents in Berat

TIRANA, July 1 – The Ministry of Health and Social Protection reports that summer health centres continue to operate across Albania’s tourist areas. They provide medical services for holidaymakers without interruption. The ministry highlights work at the summer health centre in the Kala museum quarter in Berat. Medical staff serve …

News

Albanian National Ensemble to Perform for First Time in London

Albania’s cultural heritage will take center stage in London as the National Ensemble of Songs and Dances prepares for its first-ever performance in the United Kingdom. The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet announced that the ensemble will perform on 6 July at the Shaw Theatre in London. The show …

News

Negotiations, over 29% of revenues-to-GDP in 2026 from efficiency gains

TIRANA, July 1 – Albania continues progress in EU accession talks under Chapter 16 (Taxation) and Chapter 29 (Customs), with authorities focusing on legal alignment, technical systems and stronger administrative capacity. Ratification of the protocol on illicit tobacco trade remains a key closing requirement. Reporting to the Parliamentary Committee on …

News

Ankara NATO summit must be “implementation and delivery summit”

TIRANA, July 1 – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the alliance summit due next week in Ankara should focus on implementation and delivery, with defence spending, support for Ukraine and defence industrial production set as top priorities. Rutte said allies must concentrate on fulfilling commitments made at last year’s …

News

Environment minister tells MEPs any Zvërnec project will undergo full environmental assessment

TIRANA, July 1 – Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj met a delegation of European Parliament members on Tuesday to discuss the proposed Narta–Zvërnec project. The delegation included Tineke Strik, Daniel Freund, Cristina Guarda, Jutta Paulus and Anna Strolenberg. During the meeting, Jaupaj said no final project proposal has reached the competent …

News

New copyright bill aligns Albania with European Union rules

TIRANA, July 1 – Albania’s new copyright bill will strengthen the protection of creators and rights holders in the digital environment while aligning national legislation with European Union rules, Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Martin Kajo said on Tuesday. Speaking at a conference on digital and audiovisual piracy organised by …

News

From UNESCO cities to the Ionian coast: Italian media highlights 15 wonders of Albania, writes ‘Idealista’

TIRANA, July 1 – Italian media outlet “Idealista” has highlighted 15 key destinations across Albania, presenting the country as an increasingly attractive European tourism hub where history, nature, and coastal landscapes meet. The article notes that Albania combines Roman amphitheatres, Ottoman-era bazaars, and modern urban life within a short travel …

News

Ireland assumes European Union Council presidency, President Begaj welcomes enlargement focus

TIRANA, July 1 – President Bajram Begaj welcomed Ireland as it begins its six-month presidency of the Council of the European Union. In a message published on Wednesday, Begaj wished Ireland success during its term at the helm of the Council. He said Albania was encouraged that European Union enlargement …

News

Albania Promotes “eTransport” Platform to Improve Public Transport Access for Citizens and Tourists

Albania is expanding its digital public transport services as the summer tourist season increases travel demand across the country. The General Director of the Road Transport Services Directorate (DPSHTRR), Kreshnik Bajraktari, has launched an intensive information campaign in the field to promote the eTransport platform. The initiative aims to provide …

News

PM Rama meets North Rhine-Westphalia premier to discuss investment and Albania’s EU membership

TIRANA, July 1 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met Hendrik Wüst during his visit to Bochum, Germany. Rama said the talks focused on expanding cooperation between Albania and North Rhine-Westphalia, one of Germany’s leading economic and industrial regions. He identified investment, digital technology, vocational education, and Albania’s European Union membership …