US congress members visit Balkans, Kosova trip also planned
TIRANA, May 25 – US congress members Keith Self, a Republican, and Suhas Subramanyam, a Democrat, are visiting Serbia. They will also visit the Presheva Valley, a region with an ethnic Albanian majority. Meanwhile, Serbian parliament speaker Ana Brnabic will receive the delegation in Belgrade. The congress members will also …
Prime Minister Rama to attend eighth intergovernmental conference with EU in Brussels
TIRANA, May 25 – Albania and the European Union will hold tomorrow the eighth Intergovernmental Conference on accession negotiations in Brussels. The meeting focuses on advancing reforms under Cluster 1 “Fundamentals” of the negotiation process. The conference will confirm Albania’s fulfilment of interim benchmarks. It will also define final benchmarks …
Opposition Democratic Party MP calls for special national status for Albanian Film Archive
TIRANA, May 25 – Democratic Party of the opposition MP Ina Zhupa, chair of the Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, visited the National Film Archive of Albania. Zhupa called for stronger institutional attention and concrete government support for the archive. She described it as a key institution for preserving …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: May 25, 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
Protect Nature, EU interactive contest promotes Albania’s biodiversity
TIRANA May 25 – The Delegation of the European Union in Albania has launched the “Protect Nature” contest. The initiative promotes biodiversity and environmental protection through an interactive experience in several Albanian cities. The campaign covers Tirana, Shkodër, Durrës, and Vlora. It uses green stickers placed in public areas. Each …
Vatican honors Albanian ambassador Majlinda Frangaj for contribution to bilateral relations
TIRANA, May 25 – The Vatican has awarded Albanian ambassador to the Holy See Majlinda Frangaj the title “Dame Grand Cross of the Piano Order”, one of the highest civil decorations of the Holy See. The Piano Order was founded by Pope Pius IX. It is considered one of the …
Rama: Bënja Baths to become a modern tourism destination in nature
Renovation works at Bënja Baths are continuing. The site is located about 14 kilometers from the city of Përmet. It lies in the Petran administrative unit, near the meeting point of the Vjosa River and the Lengarica stream. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the transformation will be completed soon. He …
Tirana hosts elite padel tournament, free entry at Skanderbeg Square from 26–30 May
TIRANA, May 25 – Tirana will become an international centre for elite padel sport. The city will host a major tournament from 26 to 30 May at Skanderbeg Square, with free entry for the public. Top international players will compete in the event. They will play for key ranking points …
Gjirokastër Castle continues to attract visitors, Gonxhja says
Gjirokastër Castle remains one of Albania’s most visited cultural heritage sites, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today. He noted that the monument is enjoying another successful tourist season, with growing interest in cultural tourism in southern Albania. Gonxhja shared images from the site showing the castle …
Over 5,000 farmers apply for national support scheme, minister says
TIRANA, May 25 – Farmers across the country can apply from today for the National Support Scheme 2026. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development launched the programme with 12 support measures. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Andis Salla said farmers now have full access to apply and benefit from …
TIRANA, August 6 – The Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania kept the key interest rate unchanged at 2.5% on Wednesday. The council said the current monetary policy stance supports price stability and economic growth. The decision followed the approval of the Quarterly Monetary Policy Report. Governor Gent Sejko …
TIRANA, August 6 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will experience stable and hot weather conditions on Thursday. The weather will remain clear across the country. Meanwhile, light passing clouds may appear over mountainous areas from midday to afternoon. Winds will blow from the southeast to southwest at an …
TIRANA, August 6 – The “Washington Post” has published a travel feature by reporter Natalie Compton, highlighting Albania’s growing popularity while exploring the country beyond its image on social media. The article follows a journey through northern and southern Albania, from the quiet landscapes of the Shkodër region to the …
TIRANA, August 6 – More than 349,000 passengers travelled through the Ferry Terminal of Durrës Port during January-July 2026, confirming its role as Albania’s main maritime gateway for passenger transport. The Durrës Port Authority told the Albanian Telegraphic Agency that 349,423 passengers used the terminal during the first seven months …
TIRANA, August 6 – The State Enforcement Service operates through 22 local offices across Albania to implement final court decisions, Minister of Justice Toni Gogu said. Gogu highlighted the role of the institution, saying that winning a court case represents only half of the process. He said a decision gains …
TIRANA, August 6 – August 6 marks the 118th anniversary of the birth of linguist and Albanologist Prof. Eqrem Çabej, one of the founders of modern Albanian studies. Çabej was born on August 6, 1908, in Gjirokastër, where he completed his early education. He attended high school in Klagenfurt, Austria, …
TIRANA, August 6 – Albania reported 28 wildfires in the past 24 hours, with 5 fires still active, according to the Ministry of Defence. The National Civil Protection Agency, local authorities and the Armed Forces are coordinating firefighting operations across the country. A total of 64 firefighting vehicles, 631 operational …
TIRANA, August 6 – The US Senate has confirmed Eric Wendt as the new US ambassador to Albania. Wendt received 50 votes in favour and 44 against. Wendt becomes the first US ambassador to Albania since Yuri Kim left the post in June 2023. President Donald Trump nominated him for …
TIRANA, August 6 – The Blue Eye natural monument is attracting a growing number of domestic and foreign visitors during the summer season. Tourists choose the destination for its crystal-clear waters, untouched nature and unique landscapes. Visitors describe the spring as a rare natural phenomenon emerging from deep underground. They …
TIRANA, August 6 – Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko said the TIPS Clone instant payment system will reduce transfer costs and bring major benefits to citizens, businesses and the Albanian economy. The Bank of Albania plans to launch the system in November. It developed the project with the Bank …