Albania, Greece and North Macedonia join efforts to seek UNESCO status for Lake Prespa
Albania, Greece and North Macedonia are joining efforts to include Great Prespa Lake on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The initiative seeks to protect and promote the area’s natural and cultural heritage, according to Greek newspaper Kathimerini. Greece launched the initiative in 2014. The European Union now supports the process …
Kurti: We have begun talks to reach an agreement on the president
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti said on Friday that talks have begun on reaching an agreement for the election of the country’s president. “We have started discussions and, of course, this weekend is crucial for reaching an agreement so that we can have a president next week,” Kurti said. Political …
PM Rama tells US Democrats: Don’t use Albania in your fight against Trump
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama launched a sharp attack on US Democrats over the ongoing “Flamingo Revolution” protests against a planned luxury resort backed by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Donald Trump. What began as protests against the project has evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations and is now entering …
Rama: From 2 to 12 million tourists, now we urgently need to improve quality
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that Albania has recorded a significant increase in tourist numbers in recent years, but that the main challenge now is improving the quality of tourism. Speaking at the first edition of the “Future Hospitality Forum 2026,” Rama said the number of tourists has risen from …
Kurti shares photo with Trump: US is Kosovo’s main ally and indispensable partner
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti has shared a photo of himself with US President Donald Trump and his wife, Rita Augestad Knudsen. In his post, Kurti said the meeting took place on the sidelines of the High-Level Week of the United Nations General Assembly. “I had the honour of meeting …
Defence Minister Nufi meets US Ambassador Eric Wendt: Albania and the US stand side by side
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has met with the new US Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt. In a social media post, Nufi shared moments from his meeting with the US ambassador, highlighting the importance of the partnership between Albania and the United States in the fields of defence and security. “Ambassador …
Saudi Arabia Eases Visa Procedures for Kosovo Citizens
Tirana Times, October 2, 2026 – Saudi Arabia has introduced simplified visa procedures for Kosovo citizens, allowing them to apply for an electronic tourist visa or obtain a visa on arrival from October 1, 2026. The measure marks a significant easing of travel requirements for citizens visiting the Kingdom for tourism, family visits …
Security Expert Questions Albania’s Readiness to Learn from Spy Chief’s Arrest
Security expert Arjan Dyrmishi tells BIRN the “whole system of governance” has been brought into question by the arrest of the head of Albania’s State Intelligence Service. Original post Here
Preza Castle: A Fortress Watching Over Tirana’s Historic Routes
Preza Castle rises on a rocky hill overlooking the Tirana plain. Its position gave the fortress a strategic view of the important economic and military routes that once crossed the area. The castle follows a rectangular plan, measuring about 80 by 50 meters. Four circular towers strengthen its corners, while …
European Commission President von der Leyen: Institutional stability essential for Kosova
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen says institutional stability is essential for Kosova. She made the remarks after meetings with Kosova’s state leaders. Von der Leyen says institutional stability provides the main foundation for further progress. She highlights reforms, growth and progress on the European path as key priorities. …
Women get a raw deal at elections in Bosnia, a spy chief’s arrest raises security questions in Albania and protesters challenge war crimes verdicts in Kosovo – plus much more in our selection of this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories. Original post Here
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania has entered an important stage of tourism development. He spoke at the Future Hospitality Forum, organised by the Albanian Investment Development Agency. Gonxhja said growing international interest, expanding investment and a more diverse tourism offer are changing the sector. He added …
Mid’hat bej Frashëri, known by his pen name Lumo Skëndo, was one of the prominent figures of Albania’s political and cultural history. He worked as a diplomat, writer, politician, publicist and Albanologist, and played an active role in the Albanian National Renaissance and the country’s political life after independence. Frashëri …
The 17th edition of the international Fokus Award Photography Festival has opened in Shkodër with the exhibition “No Limits”. The Oda Gallery hosts works by 10 Italian photographers. Festival artistic director Arben Alliaj said the photographers bring different styles, approaches and subjects. He said the exhibition reflects the broad possibilities …
Albania aims to increase international tourism revenue to around €8.5 billion by 2030. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj announced the target at the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 in Tirana. Ibrahimaj said the next stage of tourism development should focus on creating more value from each visit. She also called …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged investors to seize the opportunities offered by Albania’s tourism sector. He spoke at the first edition of the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 in Tirana. The forum brought together investors, international brands and representatives of the hospitality and tourism sectors. Rama said Albania aims to …
Albania adopted the Minority Protection Charter on October 2, 1921. The charter guaranteed all citizens full protection of life and liberty regardless of origin, nationality, language, race or religion. Albania recognised members of minorities as citizens with equal rights. Albanian representative Fan Noli signed the charter at the League of …
Albanian Customs General Director Besmir Beja held talks with senior European Commission officials in Brussels on customs reform and European Union standards. The meetings focused on modernising systems, strengthening controls and developing professional capacity. Beja presented the progress of Albania’s customs reforms and its priorities for the European integration process. …
Kosova Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the coming weekend will be crucial for electing the country’s president. He said he has already started communicating with opposition party leaders on the issue. Kurti made the remarks on Friday at the International Conference on Women’s Empowerment. Kosova must elect a president by …
The Friend of the Book campaign has returned this October, organised by the National Centre for Books and Reading. The first event took place at Ismail Qemali School and focused on Albanian author Vath Koreshi, marking the 90th anniversary of his birth. The campaign also coincides with Book October, a …