Air Beat–Lulu Fest Brings Together 200 Artists from Albania and the Region
The International Air Beat Festival – Lulu Fest filled the city of Korça with music and performances for two consecutive nights, bringing together more than 200 musicians from Albania, Italy, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the festival on social media. He said the …
Italian Media Names Albania Among Europe’s Top Budget Holiday Destinations for 2026
Italian media outlet Quotidian Post.it has ranked Albania among Europe’s top 10 destinations for affordable summer holidays in 2026. Travel experts selected the destinations for their combination of natural beauty, quality experiences and reasonable prices. The report says travelers can still enjoy memorable holidays on a limited budget by choosing …
Over 34,000 Tourists Explore Kukës Protected Areas from Valbona to Korab-Koritnik
More than 34,000 domestic and international tourists visited the protected areas of Kukës during the first half of 2026, exploring alpine landscapes, mountain trails, biodiversity and natural attractions. The protected areas offer visitors a unique experience through forests, lakes, natural springs and cultural heritage sites, combining adventure with nature exploration. …
Rama Highlights “N’Kanu” Agrotourism in Mirditë as a Model of Investing in the Homeland
Agrotourism is becoming an important driver of economic and social development in Albania’s rural areas, creating jobs and strengthening local economies. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the “N’Kanu” agrotourism centre in Perlat, Mirditë, describing it as an example of returning migrants investing in their hometowns and promoting rural …
Seman Beach Attracts Visitors with Therapeutic Sand and Warm Waters
Seman Beach, located 18 kilometres from Fier, is attracting visitors with its wide coastline, fine therapeutic sand and warm waters. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the popular summer destination on social media, highlighting its appeal among holidaymakers. In recent years, Seman and Darzezë beaches have become increasingly popular …
Begaj welcomes representatives of European Interfaith Councils
President Begaj praised the forum as a valuable platform that strengthens interfaith dialogue and promotes peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation across Europe. He said Albania stands as a model of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and hospitality. He added that these values define the country’s identity and encouraged the delegates to …
Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans for environmental performance
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today. In a video message, Rama said the global index places Albania 46th among 177 countries. He added that the country has achieved …
Tropoja’s artisan workshop preserves heritage and empowers women
An artisan workshop in the heart of Tropoja has become a model for preserving cultural heritage and strengthening women’s economic independence. With support from the European Union through the EU4Innovation programme, local women artisans are keeping traditional crafts alive while creating new job opportunities for the community. At the workshop, …
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
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 …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, congratulated newly elected Kosova President Justina Shiroka-Pula. He described her election as an important moment for democracy in Kosova and evidence of the maturity of its democratic institutions. Hoxha said the development responds to the need to further strengthen institutions, consolidate …
Gryka e Vanave in Kukës is attracting visitors with its dramatic landscape and pristine nature. Surrounded by mountains, water and rugged terrain, the area offers striking views and a unique experience for tourists and nature lovers. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the area and highlighted its distinctive natural …
Albania’s Transparency and Temporary Price Limitation Board has cut the maximum retail prices for fuel. The new ceiling is ALL 210 per litre for diesel and ALL 190 per litre for petrol. Both prices fell by ALL 3. The Board also set new wholesale price limits. Diesel meeting the SSH …
The annual painting exhibition “Nëntor 29” has opened at the FAB Gallery, bringing together 32 artists. The exhibition will remain open to the public until October 13. The event creates a meeting point for different generations and artistic approaches. Through diverse styles, techniques and creative perspectives, the exhibition presents a …
State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination (SASPAC) Director General Eridana Çano said Albania is strengthening institutional readiness for a new phase of European integration. She said the country is moving from implementing reforms towards delivering measurable results. Çano also serves as National Coordinator for the Reform and Growth …
Cruise tourism in Saranda continues into autumn, with the arrival of the Seabourn Quest carrying 446 passengers from around the world. The cruise ship arrived from Brindisi, Italy, and will leave for Zakynthos, Greece, after scheduled visits in Saranda. The Saranda Port said this was the 27th cruise ship to …
The US dollar is trading at ALL 81.3 on the buying side and ALL 82.3 on the selling side in Albania today, October 7. The latest figures reflect exchange rates available on the domestic market. Meanwhile, the euro is trading at ALL 91.5 for buying and ALL 92.2 for selling. …
The Security Academy has welcomed 390 new students to its Bachelor’s programme in Security and Investigation. State Police Director General Skënder Hita said the new generation will play an important role in the future of the institution. Hita said strong interest in the programme has brought thousands of applicants over …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania expects to start using artificial intelligence in public procurement this autumn. She said the system will increase transparency in the process. Ibrahimaj said the Council of Ministers discussed the need for a more centralised and transparent public procurement system. The government is …
Council of Europe Programme Coordination Director Claus Neukirch said reforms supported by the Horizontal Facility are bringing Albania closer to European standards and the European Union. He made the remarks in an interview with the Albanian news agency (ATSH) in Tirana. Neukirch highlighted support for judicial efficiency, property rights, the …