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 State Police Director General Skënder Hita congratulated students on the start of the new academic year. He said the police will step up its efforts to ensure their safety and provide a calm environment for study. Hita said the State Police will work with students to prevent any activity …
State Minister for Parliamentary Relations Erjona Ismaili met a delegation from the United States House of Representatives on Monday. They discussed ways to modernise Albania’s legislative process and strengthen parliamentary institutions. The talks also covered technology and artificial intelligence. The participants discussed their use to improve transparency and efficiency. They …
Assembly of Albania Speaker Niko Peleshi met a delegation from the United States House of Representatives on Monday. Republican Representative Vern Buchanan of Florida led the delegation. United States Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt also attended the meeting. The talks focused on strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the …
The life and work of Albanian filmmaker Viktor Stratobërdha (1925–2000) took centre stage at a film event in Tirana. The event examined the career of an artist whose creative work lasted only 13 months before the communist regime cut it short. The Authority for Information on Former State Security Documents …
Sulejman Delvina was born in Delvina on October 5, 1871. He was a political activist and patriot. He later became prime minister of the government formed by the Congress of Lushnja in 1920. Delvina began his studies at the Zosimea Gymnasium in Ioannina. He later continued his education in Istanbul. …
The Kosovo Assembly has approved, in its first reading, a draft law proposed by the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) to amend and supplement the Law on the Specialist Chambers and the Specialist Prosecutor’s Office. The draft law was approved with 91 votes in favour, none against and no abstentions. …
The head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, Taulant Balla, said that the parliamentary majority will vote on Thursday to approve the territorial reform. Speaking to reporters, Balla said the country needs stronger municipalities with higher revenues, while calling on the Democratic Party to take part in discussions on the …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi welcomed a delegation from the United States House of Representatives to the Albanian Parliament, led by Congressman Vern Buchanan, Chairman of the House Democracy Partnership. US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt also attended the meeting. Discussions focused on further strengthening the strategic relationship between Albania …
Ilir Panda has been elected the new President of Albania’s Supreme Court. The judges of the Supreme Court unanimously voted in favour of Panda, who was the only candidate in the race. Fourteen judges took part in the vote, all voting in favour of his candidacy. Panda will lead the …
Begaj: Integrity and professionalism of magistrates will determine the success of the justice system
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj attended the opening ceremony of the 2026–2027 academic year at the School of Magistrates, where he addressed the new generation of magistrates, candidates for prosecutors and judges, state attorneys and judicial assistants. Begaj stressed the importance of integrity and professionalism among the new generation …