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Kos: Albania and Montenegro Among EU Integration Front-Runners

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos expressed optimism about Albania’s progress toward European Union membership. Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Poland, Kos described Albania and Montenegro as two of the most advanced countries in the EU enlargement process. She praised Albania’s progress and noted that the country has …

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Belsh Unveils New Zip Line to Boost Tourism

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the inauguration of a new zip line in Belsh, describing it as another reason to visit the popular tourist destination in the Dumre region. The new attraction, stretching 724 meters, adds a new dimension to Belsh’s tourism offer by combining nature, adventure, and local …

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U.S. Supports Albanian Civil Aviation with Training and Equipment

Connectivity, operational safety, and aviation security are the three main pillars of cooperation between the Transportation Security Administration and the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority. The Albanian Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) announced that the donation of a testing equipment set by the TSA, combined with specialized training for experts from the …

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Government Declares Dhërmi Historic Center a Cultural Heritage Site

The Albanian government has declared the historic center of Dhërmi an immovable cultural heritage site. The Council of Ministers approved the decision and defined the protection zone of the historic center through zoning maps and coordinates in the Albanian Geodetic Reference Framework. The government also approved a plan to preserve, …

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Week in Review: Flamingos, Deflections and Posturing

Like the weather, the political temperature across the region is rising, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here

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FM Hoxha in Cyprus: European Union support, Tirana-Nicosia flights discussed

TIRANA, June 26 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos during an official visit to Cyprus. The ministers discussed stronger bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of common interest. Meanwhile, Hoxha thanked Cyprus for its continued support for Albania’s European Union integration. …

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Acting Tirana Mayor outlines second phase of soft loan applications in Tirana

TIRANA, June 26 – Acting Tirana Mayor Anuela Ristani said the extension of the application deadline for subsidized housing loans has increased the number of beneficiary families. She presented the update during Thursday’s municipal council meeting. Meanwhile, Ristani said authorities received 4,409 applications in the first phase. She added that …

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Rama: Radhima Transforms as “Lungomare 4” Takes Shape

Edi Rama said that Vlora continues to transform through major investments in public spaces and tourism infrastructure. He stated that the coastal area of Radhimë is undergoing visible changes. As a result, the “Lungomare 4” project is now taking shape. Rama said the project is part of a broader vision …

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Draft property tax law opens for public consultation, Finance minister highlights low rates

TIRANA, June 26 – The Ministry of Finance has opened a draft law on immovable property tax for public consultation. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the reform protects Albanian families and preserves one of the region’s lowest property tax rates. Meanwhile, Malaj said the proposal would not increase the tax …

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Ksamil expands free public beach access for summer visitors

TIRANA, June 26 – Ksamil is welcoming visitors this summer with more public beach areas and improved services. Local authorities have introduced measures to provide functional public spaces, stronger safety and better conditions along the coastline. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of Ksamil’s public beaches. He said the …

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Medieval Center of Berat: A Journey Through the City’s Ottoman Past

Berat attracts large numbers of tourists, and visitors often outnumber locals in its historic quarters such as Mangalem, Gorica, and the Castle area. First, the article shows how tourism now shapes daily life in the city, while residents themselves continue to rediscover parts of their cultural heritage. Next, the restored …

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Ambassador Bergner: Germany supports Albania’s EU integration process and rule-of-law standards

TIRANA, July 6 – German Ambassador to Albania, Karl Bergner, said on Monday that Germany supports Albania’s path toward European Union integration. He underlined the importance of shared European values during remarks on the country’s reform process. Bergner said Albania’s citizens broadly align with EU principles. He stressed support for …

News
National programme aims to boost business competitiveness for the European single market

TIRANA, July 6 – A national programme for preparing businesses for European Union integration was presented on Monday in Tirana. The initiative aims to support Albanian enterprises in adapting to the European single market. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania is carrying out extensive reforms to meet EU …

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Electricity demand rises in summer as Electricity Distribution System Operator upgrades power grid in Durrës

TIRANA, July 6 (Monday) – The Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has completed works on several key sections of the electricity network in Durrës. The company said the interventions aim to strengthen the security of electricity supply. OSHEE Group, the Albanian electricity distribution company, said the works covered the Currila …

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Marubi Museum expands exhibition programme for anniversary year

TIRANA, July 6 – The Marubi Museum continues to welcome visitors with the exhibition “Gjon Mili: Retrospective”, part of its 10th anniversary programme. The institution said it will host more exhibitions than usual this year. Museum director Luçjan Bedeni said visitors will have access to new exhibitions in the coming …

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Sovereign guarantee and financing package to support businesses preparing for EU single market

TIRANA, July 6 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that the government will support businesses as Albania advances toward European Union membership. He spoke during the presentation of a national programme for preparing businesses for EU integration. Addressing the process, Rama said the government backs enterprises facing the …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 6, 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

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Second phase of soft loan scheme opens, applications due by July 31, official says

TIRANA, July 6 – The second phase of the municipal soft loan scheme opened on July 1 after the completion of the first stage, a city official said. He said 2,500 applicants were approved in the first phase out of 4,909 applications. However, he added that several applicants were excluded …

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Turkey at the centre of global diplomacy as Ankara hosts NATO Summit on 7 July, agenda revealed

TIRANA, July 6 – Turkey will host the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government in Ankara on 7 July. The meeting takes place amid global uncertainty. Ankara last hosted a NATO summit in Istanbul in 2004. Meanwhile, the summit will gather 32 heads of state and government. …

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Preza Castle: Where History and Nature Meet in a Peaceful Landscape

Just a few kilometers from Tirana, Preza Castle rises on a green hill, and it stands as one of the most distinctive historical and panoramic sites in the area. First, visitors reach the castle through a rural landscape, and they pass traditional houses and green hills that create a calm …

News

Medieval Center of Berat: A Journey Through the City’s Ottoman Past

Berat attracts large numbers of tourists, and visitors often outnumber locals in its historic quarters such as Mangalem, Gorica, and the Castle area. First, the article shows how tourism now shapes daily life in the city, while residents themselves continue to rediscover parts of their cultural heritage. Next, the restored …

News

Ambassador Bergner: Germany supports Albania’s EU integration process and rule-of-law standards

TIRANA, July 6 – German Ambassador to Albania, Karl Bergner, said on Monday that Germany supports Albania’s path toward European Union integration. He underlined the importance of shared European values during remarks on the country’s reform process. Bergner said Albania’s citizens broadly align with EU principles. He stressed support for …

News

National programme aims to boost business competitiveness for the European single market

TIRANA, July 6 – A national programme for preparing businesses for European Union integration was presented on Monday in Tirana. The initiative aims to support Albanian enterprises in adapting to the European single market. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania is carrying out extensive reforms to meet EU …

News

Electricity demand rises in summer as Electricity Distribution System Operator upgrades power grid in Durrës

TIRANA, July 6 (Monday) – The Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has completed works on several key sections of the electricity network in Durrës. The company said the interventions aim to strengthen the security of electricity supply. OSHEE Group, the Albanian electricity distribution company, said the works covered the Currila …

News

Marubi Museum expands exhibition programme for anniversary year

TIRANA, July 6 – The Marubi Museum continues to welcome visitors with the exhibition “Gjon Mili: Retrospective”, part of its 10th anniversary programme. The institution said it will host more exhibitions than usual this year. Museum director Luçjan Bedeni said visitors will have access to new exhibitions in the coming …

News

Sovereign guarantee and financing package to support businesses preparing for EU single market

TIRANA, July 6 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that the government will support businesses as Albania advances toward European Union membership. He spoke during the presentation of a national programme for preparing businesses for EU integration. Addressing the process, Rama said the government backs enterprises facing the …

News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 6, 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

News

Second phase of soft loan scheme opens, applications due by July 31, official says

TIRANA, July 6 – The second phase of the municipal soft loan scheme opened on July 1 after the completion of the first stage, a city official said. He said 2,500 applicants were approved in the first phase out of 4,909 applications. However, he added that several applicants were excluded …

News

Turkey at the centre of global diplomacy as Ankara hosts NATO Summit on 7 July, agenda revealed

TIRANA, July 6 – Turkey will host the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government in Ankara on 7 July. The meeting takes place amid global uncertainty. Ankara last hosted a NATO summit in Istanbul in 2004. Meanwhile, the summit will gather 32 heads of state and government. …

News

Preza Castle: Where History and Nature Meet in a Peaceful Landscape

Just a few kilometers from Tirana, Preza Castle rises on a green hill, and it stands as one of the most distinctive historical and panoramic sites in the area. First, visitors reach the castle through a rural landscape, and they pass traditional houses and green hills that create a calm …