Economist global forum, Sala: Albania pursues deep reforms for stronger and more inclusive health system
TIRANA, June 9 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala took part in the 11th World Cancer Forum 2026 organized by The Economist. Participants discussed challenges and solutions for equal access to cancer care across Europe. Meanwhile, Sala said inequalities in cancer treatment cannot be addressed through fragmented reforms. …
Art and Culture Week Calendar Highlights Israeli Cultural Week, Painting Colony in Himarë and Nationwide Events
This week, Albania hosts a busy cultural program across multiple cities. First, the Israeli Cultural Week runs from 9–11 June. It promotes cultural dialogue. It also highlights Israeli artistic energy and creativity. Next, the program opens with a concert by Israeli artist Hillel at the National Theatre of Opera and …
UEFA Report: Albania Leads Europe in Interest in Football
Albania leads Europe in interest in football, according to the latest UEFA Grow Market Research report. UEFA conducted the study in partnership with Nielsen Sport. The report shows that 78% of Albanian adults follow football. This figure stands far above the European average of 48%. It also marks a sharp …
PM Rama rejects Iranian claims, says country will never be turned against peoples
TIRANA, June 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama rejected on Monday remarks by Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei, who dismissed allegations of Iranian involvement in hybrid or cyber activities in Albania. Rama said Albanian institutions, public services and digital infrastructure were targeted by cyberattacks that international investigations have linked …
“fanpage.it”: Albania among most affordable Mediterranean destinations, combining sea, history and low costs
TIRANA, June 9 – Albania is emerging as one of the most attractive destinations in the Mediterranean. Valeria Paglionico writes this in an article published by the Italian media outlet “fanpage.it”. She cites beaches, history, hospitality and low prices as key factors. Paglionico highlights a wide travel offer across the …
Weather forecast: Clear conditions with passing clouds, temperatures up to 33°C
TIRANA, June 9 – The Military Meteorological Service said on Tuesday that Albania will be under stable atmospheric conditions. Skies will be mostly clear. Cloud cover will pass during midday hours. In addition, light and occasional rainfall will develop in mountainous areas during the afternoon. These showers will remain weak …
EU Appoints Sofia Moreira de Sousa as New Ambassador to Albania
The European Union has appointed Sofia Moreira de Sousa as its new ambassador to Albania. EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, announced the appointment as part of the EU’s 2026 diplomatic rotation. Currently, Moreira de Sousa leads the European Commission Representation in Portugal. Previously, she …
Lake Shkodra Joins UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves
The UNESCO has officially designated Lake Shkodra as a transboundary Biosphere Reserve. As a result, the lake has joined the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves. This recognition highlights the ecological importance of one of the region’s most valuable natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video from the …
Rama: Shkodra Continues to Grow as a Tourist Destination
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said that Shkodra has become a thriving tourist destination that continues to grow year after year. Speaking at the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Shkodra, Rama rejected accusations that government policies have damaged Albanian cities and regions. Instead, he argued …
Task Force Meets on Tourism Season 2026, Focus on Safety and Services
The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, chaired a meeting of the interinstitutional task force for the 2026 summer tourism season. The task force coordinated measures to ensure a smooth and safe tourist season across Albania. Officials focused on key priorities such as beach safety, waste management, food …
Historical narratives, political systems, institutions and economies across the region are being put to the test as old problems collide with new pressures, our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a change at the helm of the Interior Ministry. Besfort Lamallari will leave the post and move to the Prime Minister’s Office, while Ervin Demo will take over the ministry. Rama announced the move while presenting changes to the government. He said Lamallari would …
The Ministry of Defense reported 40 wildfires across Albania in the past 24 hours. Six remain active, nine are under monitoring and 25 have been fully extinguished. A total of 492 local personnel and 36 firefighting vehicles are supporting operations. The Armed Forces have deployed 133 personnel, one helicopter, two …
Klodiana Spahiu has been sworn in as Minister of Health and Social Welfare at the Presidency. President Bajram Begaj appointed her following Prime Minister Edi Rama’s proposal, after Evis Sala resigned from the post. Spahiu is a cardiologist and holds a medical degree from the University of Tirana. She later …
An exhibition dedicated to one of Albania’s leading 20th-century artists, Ibrahim Kodra, will open in Tirana on September 23. “Ibrahim Kodra – The Sea and Music” will be held at the Bank of Albania and will remain open until November 23. The exhibition features 41 works created between 1947 and …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the launch of a national campaign to register artisans across Albania. The campaign aims to identify, assess and promote traditional crafts and the people who preserve them. Gonxhja said the campaign would give greater visibility to artisans and their work. It will …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has announced a new National Housing Fund to support not only vulnerable groups, but also professionals, young people and newly formed families. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj said the programme will make 7,000 apartments available. Around 2,000 will be offered through interest-free loans …
The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, met with UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis to discuss cooperation in green finance, financial and digital education, payment systems, and support for SMEs. The meeting focused on Albania’s latest economic and financial developments and the Bank’s ongoing initiatives. Davis praised the …
Albania is increasingly attracting visitors through its natural heritage, with protected areas becoming key destinations for tourists. Diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity and outdoor activities are drawing more visitors and adding a new dimension to the country’s tourism offer. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said more than 4.5 million visitors explored Albania’s …
General jurisdiction prosecutors from Tirana, Elbasan, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Kukës, Korçë, Berat, Fier, Vlora, Dibër, Lezhë and Shkodër took part in a training session on prosecutorial ethics and professional dilemmas. The Dutch Embassy in Albania said the training was led by Dutch prosecutor Disa Jironet. It focused on complex cases, …