“Nan” to represent Albania at Eurovision 2026, minister Gonxhja meets Alis
TIRANA, May 1 – Ahead of Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Albania’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja met artist Alis. Alis will represent Albania with the song “Nan”. Gonxhja shared details of the meeting on social media. He highlighted the emotional and artistic depth of the project. He …
Koçiu, Salla Visit New “N’Belik” Agrotourism in Dumre, Boost Rural Development
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu and Agriculture Minister Andis Salla visit the new “N’Belik” agrotourism site in Dumre. MP Arbjan Mazniku joins the visit. Entrepreneur Mariglen Azizolli builds the family-run project near Belsh. The site uses local organic products and connects farm production directly to the table. It offers a …
Albania Marks 75 Years of Air Force, Begaj Announces New Transformation Chapter
President Bajram Begaj marks the 75th anniversary of Albania’s Military Aviation at Kuçova Air Base. He honors generations of personnel, including first commander Edip Ohri and 43 fallen heroes. Begaj highlights the Air Force’s transformation from isolation to NATO standards. He says the force has followed Albania’s path toward integration. …
Nufi: Air Force Modernization Remains Strategic Priority
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi marks the 75th anniversary of Albania’s Military Aviation at NATO’s Kuçova Air Base. Senior officials, military leaders, and veterans attend the ceremony. Nufi announces the reopening of the Aviation School in Vlorë after two decades. The school will train military and civilian pilots, as well as …
Albania Showcases Investment Opportunities to German Businesses in Berlin
Albania presents its investment potential at a Germany–Albania business conference in Berlin. Officials and entrepreneurs from both countries attend the event to boost economic cooperation. The Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) hosts a workshop on investment opportunities and investor protection. AIDA Director Laura Saro highlights Germany as a key economic …
EU Regrets Kosovo Parties Fail to Agree on Consensus President Candidate
The European Union expresses regret after Kosovo’s political parties fail to agree on a unified presidential candidate. An EU spokesperson urges political actors to strengthen dialogue and ensure institutional stability. He warns that Kosovo risks missing key opportunities, including benefits from the Growth Plan. Lawmakers fail to elect a new …
Kanye West to Headline Historic One-Night Show in Tirana
Tirana prepares to host a major international music event on July 11, 2026. Kanye West will perform a one-night-only show in Albania. Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja announces the event and calls it a milestone for the country. He says the concert will place Albania on the global events map. Organizers …
Berat and Gjirokastër Highlight Global Model for Heritage Management
Albania presents Berat and Gjirokastër as international examples of heritage management at a conference in Mostar. Regional heritage directorates showcase an integrated management model for the two historic cities. Both cities belong to the UNESCO World Heritage List. Experts present strategies on funding preservation and sustainable growth. They highlight investments …
Arts University and National Opera Sign Cooperation Agreement
The University of Arts and the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble sign a cooperation agreement in Tirana. Director General Aulon Naçi and Rector Erald Bakalli formalize the partnership. The agreement strengthens institutional cooperation. It creates new opportunities for students to gain professional experience and join artistic productions. …
Gjirokastër Extends Visiting Hours at Cultural Monuments for Tourist Season
The official start of the tourist season in Gjirokastër has led to extended visiting hours at cultural heritage sites for visitors and tourists. According to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage, from May 1 to October 31, Gjirokastër Castle and the Antigonea Archaeological Park will welcome ticketed visitors under a …
Prime Minister Edi Rama urged Elbasan to become a leading city for startups and innovation during a meeting with winners of Albania’s national startup program for 2025 and new applicants for 2026. During the event, young innovators presented projects in technology and the digital economy. Meanwhile, organizers highlighted the rapid …
Mayor of Elbasan Gledian Llatja said startups will transform into concrete development models for Elbasan during a meeting with winners of Albania’s 2025 startup program and new applicants for 2026. The event took place at the newly renovated “Onufri” arts high school in Elbasan. Young innovators presented promising technology projects …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met today in Elbasan with winners of Albania’s 2025 startup program and applicants for 2026, who presented promising projects in technology and innovation. During the meeting, Rama said technology is rapidly transforming economic development and innovation. He explained that the world has moved from linear growth …
Albania inaugurated its National Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia with the presentation of “A Place in the Sun” by artist Genti Korini, curated by Małgorzata Ludwisiak. During the opening ceremony, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja described Albania’s participation as a …
Minister of Interior Besfort Lamallari addressed the International Migration Forum at the United Nations and reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to safe, orderly, and legal migration. During his speech, Lamallari stressed that Albania supports migration policies based on human rights, international cooperation, and stronger engagement with the Albanian diaspora. Furthermore, he said …
Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj met today with Dame Dimitrovski, adviser to the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, and Raimund Jehle during the regional conference United for Climate. During the meeting, Jaupaj discussed a regional forestry initiative supported by the Green Climate Fund and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Furthermore, …
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn attended the “Battle of the Bands” concert in Tirana featuring the Flagship and the Orchestra of the Albanian Armed Forces. During her opening remarks, VanHorn said the event celebrated “Freedom 250,” a global initiative launched by Donald Trump to honor 250 years of American independence, …
Ura e Kamarës is a historic medieval bridge located near the village of Mirakë, along the Elbasan–Librazhd national road. To reach it, visitors follow the old Egnatia Road and pass through a narrow village path. Then they arrive at the bridge site. The bridge measures about 40 meters in length …
TIRANA, May 8 – An opposition protest took place in central Tirana on Friday evening, gathering supporters along “Dëshmorët e Kombit” boulevard in front of the Prime Minister’s Office. The demonstra ion started at around 19:30 and formed part of a series of opposition rallies against the government. Unlike previous …
While some events covered in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week suggest that possible changes are afoot, other parts of the region seem stuck in the same rut. Original post Here