Tirana’s Towers, Albania’s New Pyramids?
How a criminal political economy built on concrete, dirty money and construction may put the Albanian state at risk. Tirana Times, June 22, 2026 – Tirana’s skyline has become the most visible expression of Albania’s new political economy. Over the past six or seven years, dozens of high-rise towers have …
Albania’s Missing Generation: A Country Losing Its Future Before 2050
Tirana Times, June 22, 2026 – Albania is no longer facing a normal demographic decline. It is facing the possible disappearance of the very generation on which its economic, social and political future depends. New United Nations population projections cited in the latest analysis show that Albania is expected to …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 22, 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
White Villages of the Blue Riviera: From Dhërmi to Vuno
The journey starts in the old village of Dhërmi along the main road. It leads through one of the most scenic hiking trails of the Albanian Riviera. First, the village of Dhërmi stands out with its white stone houses and blue sea views. Moreover, its narrow paths and natural spring …
“Rrënjët” Guesthouse Opens in Ersekë, Blending History and Comfort
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the opening of a new guesthouse called “Rrënjët” in the center of Rilindja Square in Ersekë. The project adds new accommodation capacity to the Kolonjë region. It also strengthens the local tourism offer. Moreover, Rama shared images of the guesthouse on social media. He described …
Spanish Media: From Riviera to Alps, Albania Emerges as Europe’s Most Sought-After Destination
Albania is attracting strong international attention as one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations for 2026. The Spanish media outlet Noticias del Vino describes the country as “the last affordable paradise” in Europe. Moreover, the article highlights that Albania trends heavily on social media, especially TikTok. It shows how low-cost …
Ksamil Transforms from Small Resort Town into International Tourism Trend
The coastal town of Ksamil has transformed from a small holiday destination into one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Albania and beyond. Moreover, the town attracts visitors with its crystal-clear waters, small islands, and proximity to Butrint National Park. It also benefits from its strategic location near Sarandë …
Public Beach at “Taulantia” Promenade in Durrës Equipped with Sunbeds and Umbrellas
The public beach along the “Taulantia” promenade in Durrës has been equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds. As a result, it now offers more comfort, relaxation, and free access to the coastline for both residents and tourists. Moreover, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared images of the upgraded …
UEFA Report: Albanian National Team Unites Fans and Enjoys the Most Positive Image
The Albanian national football team remains the strongest symbol of identity and pride for fans across the country. This conclusion comes from the “UEFA Grow Market Research” report, conducted by UEFA in cooperation with Nielsen. The report shows that interest in the national “A” team has increased over the past …
Historic Center of Pogradec Undergoes Major Urban Transformation
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the ongoing urban rehabilitation of the historic center of Pogradec, highlighting the visible transformation after restoration and infrastructure works. The project improves key urban areas, especially Naim Frashëri Street. Previously, the area showed damaged pavement and degradation. Now, it displays a renewed and …
Tirana police came to the aid of two German tourists who lost their way in the mountains behind Mount Dajti on Sunday evening. Police learned at around 20:15 that the two tourists needed help near Qafë Mollë. Officers from Police Station No. 4 immediately began searching for them. The officers …
The fourth round of Albania’s Abissnet Superiore ended on Sunday with AF Elbasani beating Egnatia 2-1 at Elbasan Arena. Earlier on Sunday, Laçi defeated Vllaznia 2-0 at home. On Friday, Skënderbeu and Tirana drew 1-1 in Korça. Meanwhile, Dinamo City beat Partizani 4-2 in another Tirana derby on Saturday. Teuta …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met Pierre Sentenac, the new head of the Regional Economic Department at the French Embassy, at the central bank. Sejko highlighted Albania’s close relations with France and described France as an important European partner. Sejko briefed Sentenac on recent economic and financial developments in …
The 21st International Human Rights Film Festival opens in Tirana on September 14 and runs through September 19. The Academy of Film and Multimedia “Marubi” organises the festival. This year’s programme focuses on war, peace, the rule of law and the memory of victims. Over six days, the festival will …
Revenues from managing and renting confiscated property reached ALL 180 million in the first eight months of 2026, according to Risena Xhaja, head of Albania’s Agency for the Administration of Confiscated Assets. Xhaja presented the figures during a hearing with the Committee on Citizen Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight. She …
Albanian director and researcher Ilir Yzeiri has won the Best Documentary Director award at the Venice International Film Festival. He received the award for his documentary “Lucia Nadin and Albanians in Venice 1474–1552”. The documentary previously earned selection by the Veneto Region for the festival’s 83rd edition. Italian company Cinemaset, …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
The Hague will deliver its verdict on September 16 in the trial of former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. The four have pleaded not guilty. The case has attracted significant attention in Kosova because of the defendants’ prominent roles during the 1998-1999 …
Albania ranks among the 10 most preferred destinations outside the European Union for EU residents, according to Eurostat data. The Agency for Media and Information cited Eurostat figures showing around 2 million trips to Albania that included at least one overnight stay. These trips accounted for 2% of all journeys …
Deputy Defence Minister Blerina Abrazhda says Albania needs time to build its defence industry and develop the infrastructure, technology and skilled workforce required for production. She made the remarks in response to opposition criticism of the sector’s initial industrial projects. Abrazhda said Albania should assess early projects not only by …