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PM Rama: “The Time When People Were Threatened with Prison in the Streets Is Long Behind Us”

During his press conference with the media, Prime Minister Edi Rama was asked whether he would ever find himself in a situation where he had to choose between resignation and prison, a question raised in the context of the recent protests. Rama responded by saying that he is proud to have led …

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Albania Becomes the Second Most Expensive Country in the Balkans for Daily Rentals

The growing influx of foreign visitors to Albania, initially attracted by its affordable accommodation prices, is now contributing to rising costs, particularly in the short-term rental market. As a result, Albania has become the second most expensive country in the Balkans for daily rentals, behind only Montenegro. AirDNA, an analytics …

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Haxhiu Meets Costa: Kosovo’s Path to the EU Is a Strategic National Interest

Kosovo’s Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, stated that the country’s path toward the European Union is a strategic national interest. She made these remarks during a meeting in Pristina with the President of the European Council, Antonio Costa. According to Haxhiu, their discussions covered a range of issues, including the EU Growth Plan for the Western …

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Albania’s Zvernec Revolt

A luxury resort project linked to Jared Kushner has ignited nationwide protests now demanding the government’s resignation. Tirana Times, June 03, 2026 – A luxury tourism project linked to Jared Kushner has turned a local land dispute on Albania’s southern coast into a national political crisis, triggering mass protests that …

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Albanian Protests Mount Against Kushner-Linked Luxury Resort

Protests intensify against planned upscale resort in protected area, linked to Trump’s son-in-law – which Prime Minister Edi Rama has strongly defended. Original post Here

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Albania elected President of Forest Europe, PM Rama says 45 countries voted unanimously

TIRANA, June 3 – Albania has been elected President of Forest Europe for the 2026–2030 period. Forty-five member countries voted unanimously. The country will take over the role from Sweden. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the decision. He said the outcome represents an important diplomatic milestone for Albania. He added …

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TKOBAP Announces Packed June Calendar of Performances in Albania and Abroad

The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania has published its artistic calendar for June, featuring a rich program of concerts, educational activities, international tours and a world ballet premiere. The institution described the summer season as a period filled with emotions, inspiration and memorable cultural experiences for audiences …

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Police announce measures for Albania–Israel match, road closures near Air Albania Stadium

TIRANA, June 3 – The State Police has presented a detailed plan of measures to ensure public order and safety before, during, and after the friendly football match between Albania and Israel. The match will take place at 20:00 at “Air Albania” stadium in Tirana. Meanwhile, police said the plan …

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IMF: Economic growth and stable banking system in Albania

TIRANA, June 3 – Albania’s economy continues to show resilience and positive development prospects. Growth is supported by higher economic activity, an improving labour market, and favourable financial conditions. The assessment comes from an International Monetary Fund mission led by Diego Cerdeiro, during a visit to Albania from 28 May …

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Weather forecaster warns of weekend heatwave across Albania

TIRANA, June 3 – Weather forecaster Lajda Porja has warned that Albania will face very high temperatures during the weekend and next week. Speaking on the RTSH’s “Mirëmëngjes Shqipëri” [Good Morning Albania] show, she said a heatwave will affect much of Europe and bring significantly warmer conditions across the country. …

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Week in Review: Momentous Moves and Dubious Intentions

Big changes are afoot amid the heat of the summer holiday season. Our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories takes a deep dive into the motives and agendas driving these changes. Original post Here

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Inspectorate and Financial Intelligence Agency strengthen anti-money laundering cooperation

TIRANA, August 21 – The General Inspectorate and the Financial Intelligence Agency have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation against money laundering and terrorist financing. General Inspector Dashnor Sula and Financial Intelligence Agency Director Ervin Koci signed the agreement. It aims to improve the detection and reporting of suspected illegal …

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Conference League: Dinamo City draw 1-1 with Pafos, qualification remains open

TIRANA, August 21 – Dinamo City drew 1-1 with Pafos at Elbasan Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off. The result leaves the tie open ahead of the return match. Neither side scored in the first half. Pafos missed a penalty in the 36th minute before …

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National Maritime Museum to highlight Shkodër’s historic link with the lake

TIRANA, August 21 – The National Maritime Museum is taking shape at the entrance to Shkodër. The museum will tell the story of the city’s historic links with the lake, rivers and navigation. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the construction work on social media as the project adds …

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NATO: Any decision on reopening Ibër bridge must address all communities

TIRANA, August 21 – NATO says any decision to reopen the main bridge over the Ibër River to vehicle traffic must address the needs of all local communities. A NATO official told Radio Free Europe that KFOR continues to provide security support for European Union diplomatic efforts. The official said …

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Albanian anthem omitted in Pustec, PM Rama: ‘Parody’, minorities are a national asset, we will not respond in kind

TIRANA, August 21 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to the cultural event held in Pustec on August 20. Organisers played the North Macedonian national anthem but omitted the Albanian national anthem. In a post on X, Rama described the incident as a “meaningful parody”. He said Pustec Mayor …

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Albania’s Diverse Fruit Production: From Korçë Apples to Berat Figs

Albania has a diverse fruit production map, with different regions specializing in different crops. Korçë remains one of the country’s leading apple-producing areas. The municipality produced around 17,700 tonnes of apples in 2025. Maliq followed with about 17,200 tonnes, while Devoll produced nearly 13,000 tonnes. Elbasan leads the country in …

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Gjirokastër Castle Welcomes 161,000 Visitors in Seven Months, Up 13%

Gjirokastër Castle continues to attract growing numbers of visitors. Between January and July 2026, the historic site welcomed 161,274 visitors, marking a 13% increase from the same period last year. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the figures. He said the castle continues to attract visitors because of …

News
Albanian Olympic Committee delegation attends election of new Mediterranean Games chief

TIRANA, August 21 – Albanian Olympic Committee President Fidel Ylli and Secretary General Gerti Shima took part in the election of Francesco Purromuto as the new president of the International Committee of Mediterranean Games. The election took place in Taranto ahead of the opening of the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. …

News
Albania’s National Cinematography Center Opens Call for Debut Feature Films

The National Cinematography Center (QKK) has opened applications for its “First Feature Film” category. The call targets Albanian filmmakers and emerging talents who want to bring their first feature-length projects to the big screen. QKK aims to support new filmmakers with original ideas and distinctive stories. The initiative gives young …

News

Week in Review: Momentous Moves and Dubious Intentions

Big changes are afoot amid the heat of the summer holiday season. Our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories takes a deep dive into the motives and agendas driving these changes. Original post Here

News

Inspectorate and Financial Intelligence Agency strengthen anti-money laundering cooperation

TIRANA, August 21 – The General Inspectorate and the Financial Intelligence Agency have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation against money laundering and terrorist financing. General Inspector Dashnor Sula and Financial Intelligence Agency Director Ervin Koci signed the agreement. It aims to improve the detection and reporting of suspected illegal …

News

Conference League: Dinamo City draw 1-1 with Pafos, qualification remains open

TIRANA, August 21 – Dinamo City drew 1-1 with Pafos at Elbasan Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off. The result leaves the tie open ahead of the return match. Neither side scored in the first half. Pafos missed a penalty in the 36th minute before …

News

National Maritime Museum to highlight Shkodër’s historic link with the lake

TIRANA, August 21 – The National Maritime Museum is taking shape at the entrance to Shkodër. The museum will tell the story of the city’s historic links with the lake, rivers and navigation. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the construction work on social media as the project adds …

News

NATO: Any decision on reopening Ibër bridge must address all communities

TIRANA, August 21 – NATO says any decision to reopen the main bridge over the Ibër River to vehicle traffic must address the needs of all local communities. A NATO official told Radio Free Europe that KFOR continues to provide security support for European Union diplomatic efforts. The official said …

News

Albanian anthem omitted in Pustec, PM Rama: ‘Parody’, minorities are a national asset, we will not respond in kind

TIRANA, August 21 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted to the cultural event held in Pustec on August 20. Organisers played the North Macedonian national anthem but omitted the Albanian national anthem. In a post on X, Rama described the incident as a “meaningful parody”. He said Pustec Mayor …

News

Albania’s Diverse Fruit Production: From Korçë Apples to Berat Figs

Albania has a diverse fruit production map, with different regions specializing in different crops. Korçë remains one of the country’s leading apple-producing areas. The municipality produced around 17,700 tonnes of apples in 2025. Maliq followed with about 17,200 tonnes, while Devoll produced nearly 13,000 tonnes. Elbasan leads the country in …

News

Gjirokastër Castle Welcomes 161,000 Visitors in Seven Months, Up 13%

Gjirokastër Castle continues to attract growing numbers of visitors. Between January and July 2026, the historic site welcomed 161,274 visitors, marking a 13% increase from the same period last year. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the figures. He said the castle continues to attract visitors because of …

News

Albanian Olympic Committee delegation attends election of new Mediterranean Games chief

TIRANA, August 21 – Albanian Olympic Committee President Fidel Ylli and Secretary General Gerti Shima took part in the election of Francesco Purromuto as the new president of the International Committee of Mediterranean Games. The election took place in Taranto ahead of the opening of the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. …

News

Albania’s National Cinematography Center Opens Call for Debut Feature Films

The National Cinematography Center (QKK) has opened applications for its “First Feature Film” category. The call targets Albanian filmmakers and emerging talents who want to bring their first feature-length projects to the big screen. QKK aims to support new filmmakers with original ideas and distinctive stories. The initiative gives young …