Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games: Albania sends record 72-athlete delegation
TIRANA, August 21 – The Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games open today in Italy, with Albania represented by 72 athletes. The delegation is the largest in Albania’s history at the Mediterranean Games. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja congratulated the Albanian athletes as the competition began. The delegation includes …
Medicinal and aromatic plants offer growing potential for Albanian agriculture
TIRANA, August 21 – The cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants is becoming an increasingly important sector for Albanian agriculture. It provides income for farmers and contributes to the country’s exports. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from fields in Devoll, where farmers have turned to medicinal plant cultivation in …
Return of emigrants increases border traffic, over 10,000 cross Kakavija border crossing with Greece in 24 hours
TIRANA, August 21 – Border traffic has increased at Kakavija border crossing with Greece as Albanian emigrants return, with more than 10,000 people and 3,000 vehicles processed over the past 24 hours. Border services processed 10,581 people at the Kakavija crossing. A total of 4,294 entered Albania, while 6,287 left …
Over 824,000 visitors to cultural heritage sites, Gjirokastër Castle leads
TIRANA, August 21 – Albania’s cultural heritage institutions and sites recorded a significant rise in visitors during the first 7 months of 2026. A total of 824,340 domestic and foreign visitors visited the sites from January to July, marking an 80% increase from the same period in 2023. According to …
10 active wildfires, 2 under monitoring as operations continue
TIRANA, August 21 – The Ministry of Defence reported 16 wildfires by 14:00. Ten remained active and two were under monitoring. The ministry said 240 military personnel, 3 firefighting vehicles, 4 helicopters and 2 Air Tractor aircraft supported the operations. In Gojan–Gjegjan, Puka, the situation remains calm and authorities report …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
TIRANA, August 28 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari and State Police Director General Skënder Hita met with local police and Border Police officials to discuss service standards and public trust. Lamallari called for professional, ethical and lawful service at every level. The minister said citizens build their trust in the …
TIRANA, August 28 – Klevis Qose, head of Albania’s Police Oversight Agency, met Karma M. Smith, the FBI adviser on organised crime at Albania’s Special Prosecution Office. Smith has recently taken up her post in Albania. The meeting focused on continuing existing work and coordinating the next steps. Qose said …
TIRANA, August 28 – Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has rejected suggestions that Albanian officials took part in coordinated hybrid activities in Montenegro. He stressed that no formal accusation has been made against Albania. FM Hoxha responded after Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic referred to the alleged involvement of officials …
Kosovo judoka Fatjona Kasapi has won the bronze medal at the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games. Kasapi received a bye in the first round. However, she lost to France’s Pauline Cuq by Ippon in the quarterfinals. She continued the competition through the repechage. After another bye in her first repechage bout, …
A wildfire broke out this afternoon in an area between the villages of Tërbaç and Vranisht, in the Municipality of Himarë. Firefighters and aerial units are working to contain and extinguish the flames. Himarë Mayor Vangjel Tavo said local firefighting teams are on the ground with specialized vehicles. They are …
Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) President Armando Duka has hailed Egnatia’s participation in the UEFA Conference League, calling it a major achievement for Albanian football. Duka said he followed the UEFA Conference League draw with “special pride” and highlighted the historic significance of Egnatia’s participation. “For the first time in history, …
Kosovo judoka Erza Muminoviq is one win away from securing a bronze medal at the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games. Muminoviq advanced through the second repechage bout after defeating Algeria’s Rahma Ghalima by Ippon. The victory secured her a place in the bronze-medal contest, where she will face Spain’s Mireia Rodriguez …
Economist Linda Rama has discussed the Western Balkans’ economic transformation, challenges and future opportunities in an interview with “Fortune Greece”. Rama said the region has experienced major political, social and economic changes since the 1990s. She highlighted progress in macroeconomic management, public finances, digital services and infrastructure. However, she said …
Egnatia has learned its six opponents for the 2026-27 Conference League league phase, marking the historic debut of the Albanian champions at this stage of the competition. The draw, held in Monaco on Friday, determined the European journey of the Rrogozhina-based club. Egnatia will play three matches at home and …
Iceland’s referendum on restarting European Union membership talks could change the current EU enlargement landscape. It could also create new momentum for countries seeking to join the bloc. Icelanders will vote on August 29. They will decide whether their country should resume accession negotiations with the EU. However, the referendum …