Opposition Democratic Party MP calls for special national status for Albanian Film Archive
TIRANA, May 25 – Democratic Party of the opposition MP Ina Zhupa, chair of the Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, visited the National Film Archive of Albania. Zhupa called for stronger institutional attention and concrete government support for the archive. She described it as a key institution for preserving …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: May 25, 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
Protect Nature, EU interactive contest promotes Albania’s biodiversity
TIRANA May 25 – The Delegation of the European Union in Albania has launched the “Protect Nature” contest. The initiative promotes biodiversity and environmental protection through an interactive experience in several Albanian cities. The campaign covers Tirana, Shkodër, Durrës, and Vlora. It uses green stickers placed in public areas. Each …
Vatican honors Albanian ambassador Majlinda Frangaj for contribution to bilateral relations
TIRANA, May 25 – The Vatican has awarded Albanian ambassador to the Holy See Majlinda Frangaj the title “Dame Grand Cross of the Piano Order”, one of the highest civil decorations of the Holy See. The Piano Order was founded by Pope Pius IX. It is considered one of the …
Rama: Bënja Baths to become a modern tourism destination in nature
Renovation works at Bënja Baths are continuing. The site is located about 14 kilometers from the city of Përmet. It lies in the Petran administrative unit, near the meeting point of the Vjosa River and the Lengarica stream. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the transformation will be completed soon. He …
Tirana hosts elite padel tournament, free entry at Skanderbeg Square from 26–30 May
TIRANA, May 25 – Tirana will become an international centre for elite padel sport. The city will host a major tournament from 26 to 30 May at Skanderbeg Square, with free entry for the public. Top international players will compete in the event. They will play for key ranking points …
Gjirokastër Castle continues to attract visitors, Gonxhja says
Gjirokastër Castle remains one of Albania’s most visited cultural heritage sites, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today. He noted that the monument is enjoying another successful tourist season, with growing interest in cultural tourism in southern Albania. Gonxhja shared images from the site showing the castle …
Over 5,000 farmers apply for national support scheme, minister says
TIRANA, May 25 – Farmers across the country can apply from today for the National Support Scheme 2026. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development launched the programme with 12 support measures. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Andis Salla said farmers now have full access to apply and benefit from …
Ancient olive groves of Ndroq, Varosh Castle and warm hospitality near Tirana
Visitors travel to Ndroq and explore its ancient olive groves and rural trails. First, they follow walking paths through green hills and traditional village landscapes.Then, they pass through old orchards and stone terraces. As they move forward, they discover the olive groves of Ndroq. Locals cultivate these groves and maintain …
France awards soprano Ermonela Jaho with Knight of Arts and Letters title
TIRANA, May 25 – France has awarded Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho the title “Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres” (Knight of Arts and Letters). France grants the distinction to individuals with outstanding contributions to the arts. Jaho reacted online after receiving the award. She said the title represents a great …
TIRANA, August 10 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari and State Police Director General Skënder Hita thanked around 300 police officers, firefighters and Armed Forces personnel involved in the Kruja wildfire operation. Lamallari praised their work in evacuating residents and managing the fire, which strong winds intensified. He said special forces, …
TIRANA, August 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama expressed his gratitude and respect for Air Force pilots, firefighters, army special forces and police officers who protected residents during the wildfires in Kruja. In a social media post, Rama said the teams had overcome a difficult challenge. He said they had …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania will experience mostly clear and hot weather on Monday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Clouds will appear occasionally around midday and in the afternoon, mainly over mountainous areas in the south. Southeastern areas may see brief periods of denser clouds. The sky will clear …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albania’s Defence Ministry reported 8 wildfires across the counties of Tirana, Fier, Durrës and Lezha. Six remain active, while authorities have brought 2 under control or placed them under monitoring. A total of 227 personnel are working on the ground. Authorities have also requested 50 additional …
TIRANA, August 10 – Albin Kurti of the Self-Determination Movement (LVV) asked for more time for political talks on August 8. He did not nominate a candidate for parliament speaker. As a result, the constitutive session did not continue. Tensions rose after Time Kadriaj, an MP from the Alliance for …
TIRANA, August 10 – The Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) has launched a national information and promotion campaign for small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs). AIDA is working with 10 municipalities and the Albanian Investment Corporation (AIC) on the campaign. The initiative will provide businesses with information on financing opportunities, exports, …
TIRANA, August 10 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Farka Air Base today and met Air Force pilots involved in wildfire operations. The pilots have carried out aerial missions in several areas affected by fires in recent days. Nufi thanked the pilots for their work and commitment. He also …
TIRANA, August 10 – Gjirokastër continues to attract visitors from around the world with its history, architecture, landscape and cuisine. Tourists from the United States, France, Spain and Italy shared their impressions during visits to Gjirokastër Castle. An American tourist praised the castle’s rich history and age. She said the …
TIRANA, August 10 – Ukrainian MP Oleksiy Goncharenko has called President Volodymyr Zelensky’s statement on Kosova’s independence a diplomatic mistake. Goncharenko, who initiated a draft law on recognising Kosova in the Ukrainian parliament, reacted to Zelensky’s remarks in Belgrade. Zelensky said Ukraine had no plans to change its position on …
Experts say the government’s move to ditch a controversial concession contract to build Vlora International Airport, at significant cost to taxpayers, highlights structural weaknesses in Albania’s public-private partnership framework. Original post Here