Albania and Italy strengthen cooperation on digital customs and AI
Albania and Italy are expanding customs cooperation by focusing on digital systems, electronic data exchange and the use of artificial intelligence in customs operations. Director General of the Albanian Customs Administration Besmir Beja met with Roberto Alesse, Director General of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, during an official visit …
Kumbaro hails EU negotiation milestone on education and science
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro welcomed the approval by COREPER to close the first three chapters of Albania’s EU accession negotiations, calling it a major achievement for the country and its negotiating team. Kumbaro highlighted that two of the three chapters are directly related to the Ministry of Education: Chapter 25 …
COREPER approves provisional closure of three EU accession chapters for Albania
COREPER approved the provisional closure of three chapters in Albania’s European Union accession negotiations, pushing the country another step forward on its path toward membership. The Agency for Media and Information (MIA) announced that the Committee of Permanent Representatives of EU member states endorsed the EU’s Common Position on closing …
EtnoArtGallery in Korçë showcases Albania’s cultural identity and heritage
EtnoArtGallery – “The House of Memory” in the heart of Korçë’s Old Bazaar invites visitors on a journey through Albanian history, traditions and cultural heritage. The gallery displays authentic traditional costumes, rare objects and handmade elements that reflect everyday life in Albanian cities and villages of the past. Prime Minister …
Albanians Hold ALL 1.8 Trillion in Bank Savings, Top 10 Depositors Control 7.5% of Total Deposits
Albanian households and businesses hold approximately ALL 1.8 trillion (around €18 billion) in bank deposits, while the country’s ten largest depositors account for about 7.5% of the total savings in the banking system. According to the Bank of Albania’s Supervision Report, total deposits reached ALL 1.8 trillion at the end …
Qafë Qelë–Koman Road Reconstructed, Improving Access to One of Northern Albania’s Key Tourist Destinations
The 31-kilometre Qafë Qelë–Koman road has been reconstructed, significantly improving access to one of northern Albania’s most promising tourist destinations. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi, together with the Director of the Albanian Road Authority, Ami Kozeli, inspected the completed works during a site visit. The investment is considered …
Gaza Mission: Defense Minister Nufi Says Albania Will Initially Deploy Staff Officers
Albania will initially contribute staff officers to the international stabilization mission in Gaza, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi announced in an interview with Euronews Albania. Nufi said that following the completion of a reconnaissance and assessment mission, and after reviewing the report prepared by Albanian officers, the General Staff of the …
Alpine Theth stays busy as summer tourism peaks
TIRANA, July 10 – The mountain village of Theth, located 70 kilometres from Shkodër, continues to rank among Albania’s most popular summer destinations. Large numbers of Albanian and foreign visitors are exploring the area during the peak tourist season. They come to experience Theth’s natural beauty as well as its …
Kosova’s political leaders begin talks to form new institutions
TIRANA, July 10 – Kosova’s political leaders began talks on Thursday to establish new institutions following the snap parliamentary elections held on 7 June. Acting Prime Minister and Self-Determination Movement leader Albin Kurti met Democratic Party of Kosova leader Bedri Hamza at the Assembly. Later in the day, Kurti is …
Shkodra landscapes chosen for Honda’s international advertising campaign
The stunning landscapes of the Shkodër region have become the backdrop for Honda’s latest advertising campaign, showcasing Albania’s growing appeal for international productions. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the commercial and said the project highlights Shkodra’s rise as an important destination for high-level film and advertising productions. In …
More than 34,000 domestic and international tourists visited the protected areas of Kukës during the first half of 2026, exploring alpine landscapes, mountain trails, biodiversity and natural attractions. The protected areas offer visitors a unique experience through forests, lakes, natural springs and cultural heritage sites, combining adventure with nature exploration. …
Agrotourism is becoming an important driver of economic and social development in Albania’s rural areas, creating jobs and strengthening local economies. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the “N’Kanu” agrotourism centre in Perlat, Mirditë, describing it as an example of returning migrants investing in their hometowns and promoting rural …
Seman Beach, located 18 kilometres from Fier, is attracting visitors with its wide coastline, fine therapeutic sand and warm waters. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the popular summer destination on social media, highlighting its appeal among holidaymakers. In recent years, Seman and Darzezë beaches have become increasingly popular …
President Begaj praised the forum as a valuable platform that strengthens interfaith dialogue and promotes peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation across Europe. He said Albania stands as a model of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and hospitality. He added that these values define the country’s identity and encouraged the delegates to …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today. In a video message, Rama said the global index places Albania 46th among 177 countries. He added that the country has achieved …
An artisan workshop in the heart of Tropoja has become a model for preserving cultural heritage and strengthening women’s economic independence. With support from the European Union through the EU4Innovation programme, local women artisans are keeping traditional crafts alive while creating new job opportunities for the community. At the workshop, …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Gjirokastër Castle remains the most popular tourist attraction in southern Albania. More Albanian and international visitors have explored the landmark this summer, highlighting the growing appeal of the UNESCO-listed museum city and its rich cultural heritage. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage reports that about 130,000 people have visited the …
Albania recorded strong growth in foreign trade in June 2026. According to the latest report from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), merchandise exports reached 35.4 billion lek, up 13.6 percent from a year earlier. Exports also increased 8.3 percent from May. Imports climbed to 83.5 billion lek, marking a 9.1 …
Albania’s annual inflation rate reached 3.2 percent in June 2026, according to the latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices tracks retail prices and aligns with European Union standards. Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation, adding 1.02 percentage …