Customs Hosts EU Customs Network Meeting in Tirana
General Directorate of Customs of Albania hosted the 31st meeting of the EU Customs Coordinators Network in Tirana, in cooperation with the European Commission. In addition, representatives from EU member states and candidate countries took part in the discussions. The meeting focused on strengthening cooperation between customs administrations. It also …
Begaj: Strong NATO Cooperation and Regional Security Require More Investment
President Bajram Begaj received the Chief of General Staff of North Macedonia, Major General Sashko Lafchiski, in Tirana. The two sides focused on strengthening defense and security cooperation between the two NATO allies. In addition, they discussed the importance of regional coordination in addressing current security challenges. Begaj praised North …
Balla: Albania Can Close EU Negotiations by Next Christmas
Taulant Balla said that Albania is advancing at record speed in its EU integration process during a meeting of the Parliamentary Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs in Tirana. He stated that the country could complete accession negotiations with the European Union by next Christmas. In addition, Balla praised the …
Hoxha: Western Balkans EU Membership Is a Geostrategic Necessity
Ferit Hoxha attended the High-Level Meeting of the “Friends of the Western Balkans” Group in Bratislava. He said the meeting confirmed a shared understanding that EU integration of the Western Balkans is no longer a long-term aspiration but a geostrategic necessity. He stressed that a stronger, safer, and more united …
Hoxha Clarifies Statement on Italy Migration Protocol Renewal
Ferit Hoxha clarified his earlier remarks regarding the possible renewal of the migration protocol between Albania and Italy. He explained that a journalist in Brussels asked whether the agreement would be renewed after its initial five-year period. Hoxha said he responded: “I am not sure.” He added that he assumed …
Vengu Meets Ali Ahmeti in Tetovo: Albanian Factor Seen as Pillar of Stability and EU Orientation
Pirro Vengu met with Ali Ahmeti in Tetovo. He stressed the role of Albanians as a force for stability and European integration. Vengu praised Ahmeti as a key political figure. He called him a reference point in changing times. He said Ahmeti represents wisdom and long-term vision. He added that …
Rama at the Albania-Israel Innovation Summit: “For Jewish People, Our Country Is Their Home”
*]: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=”02287d9b-3a2c-408d-a316-141d0923f8d9″ data-turn-id-container=”02287d9b-3a2c-408d-a316-141d0923f8d9″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the Albania-Israel Summit this Tuesday, which brought together around 40 innovative Israeli companies specializing in cybersecurity. *]: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:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> In his speech, Rama praised the relations between the …
e-Albania Portal to Be Temporarily Offline from May 15–18, Official Announcement Released
*]: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=”a00c6105-4df6-47e8-ab6a-0d8acb53edf9″ data-turn-id-container=”a00c6105-4df6-47e8-ab6a-0d8acb53edf9″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-5″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The e-Albania portal has announced that it will be temporarily out of service due to a process of technical updates and optimization of its technological infrastructure. *]: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:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> According to the official …
Elections in Kosovo: Deadline for Submitting Candidate Lists for MPs Ends Tonight
*]: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=”855176b5-d8e8-4353-a12c-093cd4fd79b1″ data-turn-id-container=”855176b5-d8e8-4353-a12c-093cd4fd79b1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-25″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Political parties in Kosovo have until this Tuesday to submit the lists of parliamentary candidates with whom they will compete in the snap elections scheduled for June 7. *]: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:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-12″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:c7b68e64-d976-4584-869d-d0520b3fc14d-12″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-26″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The spokesperson …
Czech Tourists Choose the Shkumbin River: Albania an Ideal Destination for Nature Adventures
Adventure tourists from the Czech Republic have chosen the Shkumbin River and Albania’s natural landscapes for an active holiday filled with packrafting, camping, and exploring mountainous areas. Visitors praise the scenery, hospitality, and authenticity which, according to them, make Albania an ideal destination for adventure tourism. The group of Czech …
More than 34,000 domestic and international tourists visited the protected areas of Kukës during the first half of 2026, exploring alpine landscapes, mountain trails, biodiversity and natural attractions. The protected areas offer visitors a unique experience through forests, lakes, natural springs and cultural heritage sites, combining adventure with nature exploration. …
Agrotourism is becoming an important driver of economic and social development in Albania’s rural areas, creating jobs and strengthening local economies. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the “N’Kanu” agrotourism centre in Perlat, Mirditë, describing it as an example of returning migrants investing in their hometowns and promoting rural …
Seman Beach, located 18 kilometres from Fier, is attracting visitors with its wide coastline, fine therapeutic sand and warm waters. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the popular summer destination on social media, highlighting its appeal among holidaymakers. In recent years, Seman and Darzezë beaches have become increasingly popular …
President Begaj praised the forum as a valuable platform that strengthens interfaith dialogue and promotes peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation across Europe. He said Albania stands as a model of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and hospitality. He added that these values define the country’s identity and encouraged the delegates to …
*]: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:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today. In a video message, Rama said the global index places Albania 46th among 177 countries. He added that the country has achieved …
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, …
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 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 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 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 …