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Balla hosts Lipjan students in Parliament: Proud of UÇK’s liberation war and sacrifice for freedom

Taulant Balla, head of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, welcomes students and teachers from the “Mehmet Akif” school in Lipjan, Kosovo, to the Albanian Parliament. The group visits Tirana on a friendly and educational trip. Balla highlights the strong ties between Albania and Kosovo. He stresses the importance of national …

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On the Eve of Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Albanian Radio and Television introduces special programme with live coverage and interviews

TIRANA, May 12 – Albanian Radio and Television launches the programme “Prag Eurovision”, presented as “On the Eve of Eurovision”, dedicated to the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Meanwhile, the broadcaster said the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest begins in a few hours. In this context, it added that …

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Sejko: Internal audit is key pillar of financial stability and transparency

Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko highlights internal audit as a key pillar of financial stability and transparency. He speaks at the International Conference of Auditors in Tirana. Moreover, he stresses its role in strengthening integrity and credibility in the financial system. First, he says Albania hosts high-level global and …

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Tirana to host Ukraine ministerial in June, says Foreign Minister Hoxha

TIRANA, May 12 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. In a post on social media platform X, Hoxha said diplomacy does not remain limited to formal meeting rooms. He added that it also takes place in informal moments, including while waiting …

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Albanian Mail and IdentiTek sign agreement to improve citizen services

TIRANA, May 12 – Albanian Mail and IdentiTek signed a cooperation agreement on improving service delivery for citizens in Albania and abroad. The two institutions aim to strengthen access, security, and efficiency in identity-related services. The agreement was signed by Albanian Mail Administrator Etjen Xhafaj and IdentiTek Administrator Silda Anagnosti …

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New archaeological discoveries at Amantia date back to 3rd century BC

TIRANA, May 12 – New archaeological findings have emerged at the Amantia Archaeological Park, following excavations carried out in 2025 on the eastern terrace of the fortification site. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport said the latest excavations, conducted by the National Institute of Cultural Heritage and the …

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Albania and European Union discuss conditions for closing negotiation chapters in justice and security, says Albania’s chief-negotiator

TIRANA, May 12 – The Committee for Europe and Foreign Affairs held a hearing with Minister of State and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka on the Council of Ministers’ report on Albania’s accession process to the European Union. She presented progress achieved in 2025. Albania opened negotiations on all chapters. The …

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EUR 20 million financing for Albanian businesses for innovation and green transition

TIRANA, May 12 – Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania’s economy stands at a strong development stage. She said the government works to direct growth toward innovation, digitalisation, and deeper European integration through partnerships with international financial institutions. At a signing ceremony for a new financing line …

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Rama: Albania represents itself with dignity in art and culture at Venice Biennale

Albania presents its national pavilion at the Venice Biennale 2026. The pavilion is titled “A Place in the Sun” by artist Genti Korini. It highlights Albania’s cultural identity on a major international art stage. Prime Minister Edi Rama shares photos from the event. He expresses pride in Albania’s participation. He …

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PM Rama says support for doubling small and medium enterprises will secure new jobs

TIRANA, May 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the signing of a financing agreement between the European Investment Bank and Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Albania. The agreement targets small and medium enterprises in innovation, digitalisation, technology, and green investments. At the ceremony, Rama said the government will support …

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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 …

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. …

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. …