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Albania’s Environmental Protesters are ‘Defending EU Values’, Says Dutch MEP

Tineke Strik, the MEP who led an environmental fact-finding mission to Albania, says its EU accession is in peril if the government doesn’t change course on protected areas. Original post Here

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Lake Festival in Zogaj attracts visitors with Shkodra’s traditions and culture

The village of Zogaj, located near Shkodra Lake, transformed into a summer celebration hub with the “Lake Festival,” an event that promoted local traditions, gastronomy and the natural beauty of the area. Residents and foreign tourists gathered by the lake to enjoy traditional flavors, music and the famous hospitality of …

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Rama says Kanye West concert showcased Albania as a safe destination for major events and investment

Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Kanye West concert demonstrated that Albania can successfully host major international events in a safe and welcoming environment. He said the event sent a positive message to international visitors and investors by showing that Albania remains a secure destination for tourism, business and large-scale …

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Kanye West thanks Albania for warm welcome after Tirana concert

American rapper Kanye West, also known as Ye, thanked Prime Minister Edi Rama and the people of Albania for their hospitality following his performance at Eagle Stadium in Tirana. In a social media post, West wrote, “Thank you Edi Rama and all of Albania for building a stadium and for …

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Tirana joins the global concert map with Kanye West

Tirana hosted Kanye West’s first-ever concert in Albania, marking a milestone for the country’s live entertainment industry. Thousands of fans from Albania, Kosovo and across Europe traveled to the capital to attend the performance. Throughout the evening, West performed some of his biggest hits, while spectacular visuals and stage effects …

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Rama pays tribute to Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, calling him a visionary leader of Qatar

Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed condolences following the death of Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, describing him as a visionary statesman and a historic leader of Qatar. In a social media message, Rama praised Sheikh Hamad’s role in transforming Qatar and laying the foundations for the country’s remarkable development. …

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“Little Albania” in New York recognizes the contribution of the Albanian community

New York City has officially added “Little Albania” to its map of immigrant neighborhoods, recognizing the important role of the Albanian community in the city’s cultural and social life. The city included the Bronx neighborhood among 30 areas across New York’s five boroughs that represent diverse immigrant communities and their …

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Rama shares footage of Kanye West concert venue: €4 million is an investment, not an expense

Prime Minister Edi Rama has once again defended the upcoming Kanye West concert in Tirana, scheduled for Saturday evening. In a post on social media, Rama shared footage of the completed concert venue, saying the stadium is ready and that the event will place Albania on the global map of music fans. The prime …

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Kolonja attracts foreign tourists with traditional cuisine and unspoilt nature

*]: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:e5659a20-7ccd-4ac7-ac8b-8f8f08377e9a-28″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:e5659a20-7ccd-4ac7-ac8b-8f8f08377e9a-28″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-58″ data-turn=”assistant”> Visitors to the southeastern Albanian region of Kolonja are not only exploring its natural attractions and cultural heritage sites, but also learning how to prepare traditional dishes before enjoying them. Cooking alongside local residents has become one of the area’s most popular experiences …

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Competition Authority launches grocery price monitoring following public complaints

Albania’s Competition Authority has launched a market monitoring process focused on the retail sale of essential grocery products, following complaints from citizens and concerns raised by members of parliament over the prices of everyday consumer goods. According to an official statement, the monitoring will cover the country’s main supermarket chains …

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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

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

News
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 …

News
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 …

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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 …

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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 …

News
General’s Beach, Crystal Waters Hidden Among Kavaja’s Rocky Coastline

General’s Beach, located along the Kavaja coastline, offers visitors crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes and a peaceful natural environment. The beach lies between Durrës and Kavaja and surprises visitors with its rocky coastline, blue sea and green hills, creating a landscape that resembles the southern Albanian Riviera on a smaller scale. …

News

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

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

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 …

News

General’s Beach, Crystal Waters Hidden Among Kavaja’s Rocky Coastline

General’s Beach, located along the Kavaja coastline, offers visitors crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes and a peaceful natural environment. The beach lies between Durrës and Kavaja and surprises visitors with its rocky coastline, blue sea and green hills, creating a landscape that resembles the southern Albanian Riviera on a smaller scale. …