Foreign minister Hoxha: Public administration undergoing deep transformation toward European Union standards
TIRANA, July 3 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania’s public administration is undergoing a deep transformation. He linked the process to preparations for European Union membership. He spoke at the third edition of Public Administration Week. The event carried the theme “Public Service for a European Albania.” He said …
PM Rama: National Flight School opens, training and certification also for NATO and Kosova pilots
TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the opening of the National Flight School. He described it as an ambitious project for the modernization of the Armed Forces. He said the initiative was initially met with humour and scepticism. However, Rama added that the project has now become …
From the Nile to the Balkans
By Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, July 3, 2026 – If you sit by the banks of the Nile on a quiet afternoon and allow its serene flow to guide your thoughts, you realize that the water remembers not only the lands it traverses, but also the people who shaped …
Week in Review: Hopes, Schemes and Stand-Offs
While some countries in the region dare to hope that they might join the EU in the near future, BIRN’s selection of Premium stories this week suggests others remain stuck in their usual deadlock. Original post Here
ALL 8.9 billion added to health and social welfare budget, focus on salary increases
TIRANA, July 3 – The health and social welfare budget for 2026 increases by 8.9 billion lek compared with the initial projection for the same year. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection records this as the largest increase for the sector. The ministry says the additional funding aims to …
Albania completes EU energy legal obligations under EU negotiation Chapter 15
TIRANA, July 3 – Albania has fulfilled all legal obligations under the European Union’s Chapter 15 on energy after Parliament approved the new electricity sector law, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said at the Energy Community Ministerial in Prishtina. Karakaçi said the legislation completes the country’s legal package and …
Durrës Port Authority assists disabled Maltese yacht
TIRANA, July 3 – The Durrës Port Authority successfully coordinated a towing operation for the Maltese-flagged yacht Infinity Nine after it reported engine failure at sea. The authority said the yacht requested assistance about 20 nautical miles west of Bisht Palla. Meanwhile, the operation became possible through cooperation with the …
Summer Afternoon Draws Crowds of Tourists to Durrës
Durrës continues to attract local and foreign tourists, who enjoy the city’s beaches, seaside atmosphere, and cultural attractions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of residents and visitors spending a summer afternoon in the city center and along the Taulantia Promenade, known as the Vollga area. The city recently transformed …
Special anti-corruption prosecution chief: Strategy targets 70% cut in case backlog
TIRANA, July 3 – Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK) chief Klodian Braho said the institution has finalized its strategy against organized crime and aims to reduce its case backlog by more than 70%. Reporting to Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on SPAK’s 2025 activity, Braho …
PM Rama: Albania develops first artificial intelligence model for public procurement
TIRANA, July 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania is developing the world’s first artificial intelligence model for public procurement, describing the project as a major step toward improving the management of public funds and eliminating problems linked to tenders and contracts. Speaking during Public Administration Week, Rama said …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
As Albania and Montenegro surge ahead, the EU is split on whether to move Serbia forward on the path to accession in the absence of tangible progress. Original post Here
TIRANA, July 13 – The Vjosa River has become one of the most popular summer destinations for visitors seeking adventure and cooler temperatures. High summer temperatures have increased interest in the river’s wild landscapes, untouched nature and outdoor activities. Local and foreign tourists visit Vjosa not only to relax but …
TIRANA, July 13 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is travelling to Paris today to attend the Coalition of the Willing summit on Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron invited Rama to the meeting, which will bring together heads of state and government. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark …
TIRANA, July 13 – Gjirokastër has been included among the world’s 10 most spectacular and unusual destinations to visit this summer, according to a selection published by Gulf News. The UAE-based media outlet highlighted the historic Albanian city as one of Europe’s hidden gems. It praised Gjirokastër for its cultural …
Himara is seeing a significant increase in visitors this summer, strengthening its position as one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. The municipality has introduced new measures to improve services, expand public beach areas, increase accessibility and support sustainable tourism development. Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo said the city is managing …
TIRANA, July 13 – More than 1,000 entrepreneurs and innovators have applied for the Grant 2026 programme, showing growing interest in startups across Albania, according to the Agency for Media and Information. The agency said the applications reflect stronger engagement from young innovators and entrepreneurs who want to turn business …
TIRANA, July 13 – Albania took part in EUROGYM 2026, Europe’s largest gymnastics festival for young people, held in Pistoia, Italy. More than 7,000 participants from across Europe attended the event. The President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee, Fidel Ylli, attended the festival at the invitation of Italian Gymnastics …
The Uçkave public beach, one of the most historic and popular areas along Lake Ohrid’s shoreline, is welcoming a growing number of local and international visitors this summer. Located between the Vila area and Tushemisht, the beach offers organized spaces, free umbrellas, clean waters and improved infrastructure for holidaymakers. Moreover, …
Lezhë Municipality has introduced a new measure to support visitors during the summer season by providing direct contact numbers for reporting concerns related to services, prices and public beach areas. Meanwhile, Mayor Pjerin Ndreu encouraged tourists and residents to report any cases of unfair pricing, poor services or violations of …