Albania’s Interfaith Council calls for peace, justice and national dialogue amid rising tensions
The Interfaith Council of Albania has issued a public statement calling for peace, justice, responsibility and national dialogue. The appeal comes as the country faces protests and rising tensions. Representatives of Albania’s official religious communities urged authorities to take citizens’ and students’ concerns seriously. They called for concrete and transparent …
INSTAT: Albania’s tourism growth slows sharply in August despite rise in hotel occupancy
Albania’s hotels and other accommodation facilities recorded a sharp slowdown in tourism growth during the peak summer season. Both visitor numbers and overnight stays increased at much slower rates than a year earlier, according to the country’s statistics agency, INSTAT. The number of visitors staying in Albanian accommodation rose by …
Japanese Tea Ceremony Brings Tradition and Philosophy to Tirana
A traditional Japanese tea ceremony brought an authentic taste of Japanese culture to Tirana as part of Japanese Cultural Week, which began on October 14 and runs through October 18. Japanese masters led demonstrations that introduced participants to this centuries-old tradition. The ceremony combined aesthetics, philosophy, mindfulness and harmony. Participants …
UN urges restraint and dialogue as tensions escalate during Tirana protest
The United Nations in Albania has expressed concern over acts of violence and rising tensions during protests in Tirana. The organization has called on all parties to avoid violence and engage in constructive dialogue. In its statement, the UN reaffirmed the importance of protecting fundamental rights. These include peaceful assembly, …
Balkans Sea Fair Returns to Orikum for Three Days of Sailing, Adventure and Business
Balkans Sea Fair will return to Marina Orikum in Vlora for its second edition, following its debut in May 2025. The three-day event, scheduled for October 16–18, will promote Albania’s maritime tourism through sailing, adventure, business and seaside entertainment. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the fair …
Petro Zheji: Celebrating Albania’s Renowned Translator and Linguistic Thinker
Petro Zheji (1929–2015) ranks among Albania’s most distinguished translators. During the communist era, he helped introduce major works of world literature to Albanian readers, alongside prominent translators such as Mitrush Kuteli, Jusuf Vrioni, Klio Evangjeli and Vedat Kokona. His translations covered a wide range of literary traditions, including German, Spanish, …
Albanian State Police denies claims that Serbian officers joined its ranks
Albania’s State Police has dismissed social media reports claiming that Serbian police officers have joined its ranks. The force described the allegations as false and malicious. The police said the claims seek to exploit nationalist sentiment, stir tensions and undermine public trust. It warned that such allegations could fuel conflict …
rench media outlet Ulysse: Albania among 10 European destinations recommended for autumn holidays
Albania features among 10 European destinations recommended for autumn holidays in a selection published by French media outlet Ulysse. The list highlights places where visitors can enjoy nature, beaches and cultural attractions in October. In an article by Luc Rongier, Albania appears alongside Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, southern France, Croatia, …
Rama blames opposition and foreign forces for violence during Tirana protests
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama today condemned violence during three days of protests in Tirana. Speaking outside a private business gutted by fire, he blamed the opposition and alleged that foreign forces also sought to destabilize Albania. He claimed these actors wanted to obstruct the country’s path towards European Union …
Durrës Port records sharp growth in vehicle and container handling
Durrës Port recorded significant growth in commercial activity during the first eight months of 2026. Data from the Durrës Port Authority show increases in both vehicle and container handling compared with the same period last year. The port handled a total of 15,827 vehicles between January and August 2026. This …
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has called on Western Balkan countries to strengthen regional cooperation and continue reforms for European Union membership. Speaking at the Berlin Process summit in Budva, Montenegro, he also stressed that violence must never be an option during protests. Merz said EU enlargement must continue and bring …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared footage on social media showing protesters’ response to his invitation for dialogue. The video shows protesters removing stone benches that the government had symbolically placed as an invitation to discuss their demands. The benches were intended to provide a setting for dialogue between the …
Albania has ratified the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of the Profession of Lawyer, the first legally binding international treaty dedicated entirely to safeguarding the legal profession. Justice Minister Toni Gogu outlined five key obligations the state assumes under the Convention. These include ensuring lawyers can practise freely, …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has praised public administration employees and frontline service workers for continuing to serve citizens amid heightened tensions. In a video message, Koçiu highlighted the daily work of doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers, police officers, firefighters, emergency teams and municipal workers who clean and maintain cities. …
Albania’s National Institute of Cultural Heritage has marked 61 years since its establishment, celebrating decades of research, documentation, conservation and restoration of the country’s historic monuments. The institution traces its roots to 1965, when Albania established the Institute of Cultural Monuments to bring these activities under one organization. It later …
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned violence and intimidation against journalists covering recent protests in Albania. The organization is calling for independent investigations, accountability and stronger protection for media workers. RSF documented 28 reports of violence, intimidation and attempts to obstruct reporting, affecting at least 23 media professionals. At least …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video on Facebook this Thursday showing his arrival in Budva, Montenegro, where the Berlin Process Summit is taking place. Alongside the post, Rama also shared his brief remarks to journalists, expressing his happiness at once again attending the annual gathering. “Actually, the only place …
From Spajić to Merz and Kos, Rama Shares Photos from Meetings at Berlin Process Summit in Montenegro
Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared more moments from his visit to Budva, Montenegro, where he attended the Berlin Process Leaders’ Summit. This time, the Prime Minister shared several photos showing him meeting with Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajić, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos, Kosovo …
The stone benches placed outside the Prime Minister’s Office as part of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s invitation for dialogue have been overturned during today’s protest. Earlier, the Prime Minister had shared images of the benches, where he had placed invitations for dialogue with protesters. However, his call has not led …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti attended the Berlin Process Summit in Budva, Montenegro, on Thursday. During his speech, Kurti called for Kosovo to be granted EU candidate status and for accession negotiations with the European Union to begin. He also called for Kosovo’s membership in NATO. Kurti also criticised Serbia’s …