PM Rama: 20 schools in Tirana equipped with smart cameras to strengthen security
TIRANA, August 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that 20 schools in Tirana now have smart cameras under the Smart City project. The investment aims to strengthen security in schools. Rama said the government decided to invest in new security technology after a 14-year-old boy was fatally …
Albania’s Cash Boom Raises Money Laundering Concerns
Cash outside Albania’s banking system reached a record 5.6 billion euros, last month. Tirana Times, August 30, 2026 – The amount of cash circulating outside Albania’s banking system has reached a record high, raising fresh concerns over the scale of the informal economy, the possible presence of illicit money and …
Mladić’s Death Exposes the Balkans’ Unfinished Reckoning With War Crimes
Thousands honor the convicted Bosnian Serb commander as reactions from Belgrade to Podgorica and Skopje reveal how deeply the wars of the 1990s still shape the region’s European future. Tirana Times, August 31, 2026 – PALE, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Candles burned and flares lit the Olympic Park as several thousand …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: August 31, 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
Jaupaj: Nature tourism is growing in Albania, bringing greater responsibility to protect protected areas
Nature tourism continues to grow in Albania as more visitors choose national parks and protected areas to explore the country’s natural heritage. In a video message shared on social media, Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj highlighted several natural destinations that visitors can explore at the weekend, including Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, Llogara …
Albania draws growing attention from international travel media
International media continue to highlight Albania as an emerging tourism destination. Recent articles focus on the country’s natural landscapes, coastline, cultural heritage, and lesser-known travel experiences. The Agency for Media and Information has shared several international articles published this week. Indonesian outlet “IDN Times” highlights the traditional streets and houses …
Ura e Vashës in Klos emerges as a top tourist destination
Ura e Vashës has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Klos area. The historic bridge is attracting a growing number of Albanian and international visitors this summer. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the bridge on social media. He highlighted it as a popular destination …
Shkopet fires worsen as flames surround livestock farm
TIRANA, August 31 – The wildfire situation has worsened in the Shkopet area as flames spread rapidly through the villages of Trodhen and Lundra e Madhe in Mat and moved toward the Kurbin area. The fire is advancing toward the Skanderbeg mountain range, increasing the risk to homes, farmland and …
Shkodër’s Migjeni Theatre archive calls for digitization
TIRANA, August 31 – The archive of the Migjeni Theatre in Shkodër preserves an important part of the institution’s history. Photographs, documents, posters and other materials record its activities over the years and the artists who have performed on its stage. Archivist Astrit Fani said the archive needs better conditions …
Quartz: Durrës tops Europe’s list of most affordable coastal destinations
Durrës has topped a list of Europe’s best-value beach destinations, according to the US media outlet “Quartz”. The list brings together eight coastal destinations that offer travelers a combination of beaches, history, culture, gastronomy, and affordable prices. “Quartz” highlights destinations stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean and from …
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte welcomed Prime Minister Edi Rama at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Monday. Their meeting focused on Albania’s progress in defence and its commitment to NATO obligations. Following the meeting, Rama described Rutte as a strong friend of Albania and an attentive observer of developments in …
Prime Minister Edi Rama visited Brussels on Monday, where he took part in the Euronews Enlargement Summit. The high-level forum focused on EU enlargement and the European future of countries seeking membership. Discussions covered the progress of candidate countries, ongoing reforms and their commitments to the European Union. Participants also …
Albania is working to strengthen regional cooperation in aeronautical search and rescue. The country hosted the second 2026 meeting of the Regional Aeronautical Search and Rescue Advisory Committee (RASARAC), organised by the National Search and Rescue Centre. Deputy Defence Minister Blerina Abrazhda took part in the meeting. She reaffirmed Albania’s …
Albania is promoting its tourism potential at WTM London 2026, one of the world’s leading travel industry events. The country has opened its national pavilion with a programme that highlights tourism, culture, traditions and innovation. The fair runs from November 3 to 5 in London. It brings together tourism officials, …
The Durres Port Authority took part in Waterborne Transport Week 2026, an international event held in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The Permanent Secretariat of the Transport Community organised the forum under the motto “Connecting Transport, Connecting People”. The event brought together representatives of European institutions, transport authorities and regional partners. …
Four NATO warships have arrived at the Port of Vlora as part of a joint military activity with the Albanian Navy. The fleet consists of two German vessels, one Italian vessel, and one Spanish vessel. The ships will remain in port until November 6. During this period, port activities and …
During an interview with journalist Maria Tadeo at the Euronews Enlargement Summit in Brussels, Prime Minister Edi Rama commented on the Western Balkans’ path toward the European Union and Serbia’s regional role. He emphasized that although Serbia’s EU integration is important for regional stability, Belgrade must demonstrate concrete progress, meet …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said during his speech at the Euronews Enlargement Summit in Brussels that Albania aims to conclude accession negotiations with the European Union by the end of 2027. Rama expressed skepticism about the deadlines periodically set by the European Union regarding Albania, but emphasized that the country …
Prime Minister Edi Rama commented on the student protests in Tirana, now in their 22nd day, during an interview in Brussels on Tuesday. The head of government emphasized that protesters are refusing dialogue and insisting on calls for his resignation, without presenting a clear set of demands. “It’s not easy …
The 29th Tirana Book Fair “Tirana 2026” will no longer take place from November 11 to 15, as originally scheduled. The Publishers’ Association and the organizing committee announced on Tuesday that the event has been postponed until December. In their statement, the organizers explained that the decision was made following …