Over 824,000 Visitors Explore Albania’s Cultural Heritage Sites
Albania’s cultural heritage sites recorded a strong increase in visitors during the first seven months of 2026. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja released the figures for January–July 2026. A total of 824,340 local and foreign visitors explored these destinations. The figure marks an 80% increase compared with …
Nufi in Puka’s Gojan i Madh: Wildfires Under Control
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited Gojan i Madh in Puka on Friday evening. He inspected the situation after wildfires affected the area. Nufi said the situation had been difficult during the day. However, firefighting teams brought the fires under control after several hours of work. He praised the local forces …
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 …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has highlighted the tourism and economic potential of Gjinar, in the Elbasan region, describing the Mountain Package as a key opportunity to attract investment, create new businesses and increase visitor numbers. Koçiu stressed that Gjinar’s natural beauty provides a strong foundation for tourism. However, local …
Women in Vlora have joined the Pink October campaign, urging women and girls to prioritize breast health and get regular screenings. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared messages from 14 women working in the arts, sports, journalism, local government and other fields. They called for greater awareness and stressed that early …
Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination Genta Tafa met with UN Resident Coordinator in Albania Ingrid Macdonald on Monday to discuss equality, human rights and stronger safeguards against discrimination. The meeting focused on cooperation between institutions to promote equal treatment and prevent discrimination. Both officials exchanged views on shared priorities and …
Albania’s National Investment Scheme is opening new opportunities for farmers, agro-processors and agrotourism businesses by supporting investment and improving efficiency across the agricultural sector. Through grants from the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR), farmers can purchase agricultural machinery to streamline their work and improve productivity. Prime Minister Edi …
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development signed a cooperation agreement today with Aleksandër Xhuvani University in Elbasan. The agreement aims to connect academic knowledge with the needs of agriculture and rural development. Agriculture Minister Andis Salla and university rector Prof. Dr. Elvora Fetahu signed the agreement. Salla said the …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi announced progress on the Kombinat–Ndroq–Plepa road, a southern alternative route from Tirana towards Durrës and the coast. The Albanian Road Authority has completed the first 5-kilometre section to Peza and formally taken it over. It has also finalised the contract for the next 9 …
Korça welcomes the 13th International Short Film Festival for five nights of screenings at Majestik Cinema and the Digital Arts Gallery. The programme features 100 films from around the world, covering diverse themes and perspectives. It also includes three programmes for children. Festival director Gledis Bica said this year’s new …
The Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence reviewed proposed amendments to the law on managing seized and confiscated assets. Deputy Interior Minister Xhemal Qefalia presented the bill. The amendments would extend management rules to assets seized or confiscated by central and local government bodies, including illegal buildings. They would …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced on Tuesday that he had requested answers from the responsible institutions regarding the murder of Arlinda Zekaj in Peja. Kurti emphasized that he had given the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Ministry of Justice 54 hours to complete a report aimed at identifying …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has invited representatives of parliamentary groups to consultations on October 30 regarding the date of the 2027 local elections, according to sources from the Presidency. The meeting is expected to provide an opportunity for consultations with parliamentary groups before the date of the upcoming …