Letter from Washington: US and EU Square Off Over Balkan Assets
Once a field of cooperation, the Balkans is turning into a battleground for competing US and European visions and interests, says Jovana Djurovic in her latest despatch from DC. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 29, 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
Rama: Eni Agreement Will Strengthen Energy Security and Create a New Market Operator
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Albania has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Italian energy company Eni S.p.A. The agreement aims to strengthen the country’s energy security. The partnership will help create a national strategic reserve for oil and gas supply and storage. It comes as global energy …
Beja: We Strengthen Regional Cooperation for Postal Security
Customs officials and postal operators from across the region met in Tirana to improve the security of postal and express deliveries. The meeting took place under the Hermes Project, led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). During the meeting, participants discussed current challenges. They also shared …
Cruise Ship Nautica Brings 665 Tourists to Durrës
Durrës continues to attract visitors throughout the year. During the summer, many tourists also arrive by sea. This week, the cruise ship Nautica brought 665 tourists from around the world to the Port of Durrës. The ship returned as part of its Mediterranean itinerary. Most of the visitors come from …
Temperatures to reach 39°C
TIRANA, June 29 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Monday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Forecasters expect clear skies across the country. Meanwhile, a few passing clouds may develop around midday over eastern mountainous areas. In addition, northeasterly to northwesterly winds will blow at up to 7 …
Australian tourist recovers after viper bite in Valbona
TIRANA, June 29 – Australian tourist Amy Lecons is in good health after a viper bit her in a remote area of the Albanian Alps, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection said. Medical teams from the Valbona Summer Health Centre responded immediately after receiving the emergency alert. They provided …
Shkodër entrance park advances
TIRANA, June 29 – Construction crews continue work on a new park at the entrance to Shkodër. The project will create a multifunctional space for all age groups. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the construction site on social media. Meanwhile, he said the project has transformed an area …
President Begaj praises Poland’s support for EU integration
TIRANA, June 29 – President Bajram Begaj attended the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Poznan Uprising in Poznan at the invitation of Polish President Karol Nawrocki. During the ceremony, the participating heads of state adopted a joint declaration. They reaffirmed their commitment to preserving historical memory, defending …
National Geographic Orion Adds Durrës and Saranda to Its Mediterranean Route
The expedition ship National Geographic Orion visits the Port of Durrës with 108 passengers on board. The ship includes Durrës as part of its Mediterranean itinerary. It continues its journey after a day stop in Durrës and sails toward Saranda. The Port Authority of Durrës highlights that the ship specializes …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
TIRANA, July 6 – The second phase of the municipal soft loan scheme opened on July 1 after the completion of the first stage, a city official said. He said 2,500 applicants were approved in the first phase out of 4,909 applications. However, he added that several applicants were excluded …
TIRANA, July 6 – Turkey will host the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government in Ankara on 7 July. The meeting takes place amid global uncertainty. Ankara last hosted a NATO summit in Istanbul in 2004. Meanwhile, the summit will gather 32 heads of state and government. …
Just a few kilometers from Tirana, Preza Castle rises on a green hill, and it stands as one of the most distinctive historical and panoramic sites in the area. First, visitors reach the castle through a rural landscape, and they pass traditional houses and green hills that create a calm …
TIRANA, July 6 – RTSH Governing Council Chairman Fatjon Hoxhalli said the public broadcaster is strengthening the structure of the RTSH Parliament channel as part of a broader effort to modernize its operations. Speaking at the parliamentary Committee on Citizens’ Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight, Hoxhalli said the channel has …
TIRANA, July 6 – RTSH Director General Eni Vasili highlighted digital transformation as the public broadcaster’s main strategic priority during a parliamentary committee session reviewing RTSH’s 2025 performance. She said public media must reach audiences wherever they consume content. According to Vasili, the future of public broadcasting depends on a …
TIRANA, July 6 – The Ministry of Defence said 16 wildfire hotspots were recorded across Albania during the day under the coordination of the National Civil Protection Agency. Meanwhile, the ministry said five active hotspots remain under control. It added that operational structures continue work to fully extinguish them. Operations …
Velipojë beach, with a coastline stretching over 14 kilometers, remains one of the most visited destinations by both domestic and foreign tourists this summer season. First, authorities have expanded public beach areas and improved coastal management, which has significantly increased the number of visitors. Next, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared …
TIRANA, July 6 – The Parliamentary Committee on Civic Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight approved on Sunday the draft resolution assessing the activity of Albanian Radio Television (RTSH) for 2025. Earlier in the session, RTSH Director General Eni Vasili said digital transformation remains a core institutional priority in cooperation with …
TIRANA, July 6 – Albania’s Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR) said today is the final day to apply for the 2026 National Agriculture Support Scheme after the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development extended the deadline. The agency said it will accept applications for all support measures until …