Malaj Meets IMF: Albanian Economy Shows Stable Growth
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj held a meeting with the head of the International Monetary Fund mission for Albania, Diego Cerdeiro, as part of regular consultations on economic and fiscal developments. During the meeting, both sides discussed the performance of the Albanian economy. They noted that it continues to show stable …
PM Rama: Nature protection must go hand in hand with development
TIRANA, June 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said nature protection should not stand in opposition to development. He said both objectives can advance together through responsible planning and architecture. Rama made the remarks at the second edition of the Bread & Heart festival in Tirana. Speaking at the event, …
Archaeologists uncover Roman thermal complex near Lushnja
TIRANA, June 4 – Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the discovery of significant archaeological remains near Lushnja. He said specialists identified a new archaeological site in the village of Zgjana. According to Gonxhja, experts from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage worked with the Department of Archaeology …
Institute of Statistics: Construction costs rise 1.1% in first quarter of 2026
TIRANA, June 4 – Albania’s Construction Cost Index rose 1.1% in the first quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the INSTAT, Albania’s Institute of Statistics. According to the institute, higher labour costs drove the annual increase. The “Wage Expenses” group rose 4.8%. In …
Shkodër tourism rises 30% as Alps, museums and Shiroka–Zogaj drive visitor growth
TIRANA, June 4 – Tourism in Shkodër has recorded a significant increase in recent years, strengthening the local economy and boosting activity across hotels, gastronomy, trade and tourism services. According to the Director of Tourism at Shkodër Municipality, Renato Lumçi, visitor numbers rose by 30% in the first five months …
Fiscal Peace Agreement applications close on 5 June 2026
TIRANA, June 4 – The Tax Administration has set 5 June 2026 as the deadline for applications to the Fiscal Peace Agreement and called on taxpayers to meet all legal conditions. The procedure runs online through the “e-filing” system. Meanwhile, the process covers registered taxpayers, including individuals and business entities …
European Youth Film Festival, fourth edition in Tirana
The fourth edition of the Tirana European Youth Film Festival starts today at the “Agimi” art center in the capital. The festival will bring several days of European films for young audiences and film lovers. The festival promotes contemporary European cinema, supports young filmmakers, and encourages cultural dialogue through film. …
Behind a Trump-Linked Albanian Resort Project, a Host of Murky Interests
Donald Trump’s son-in-law is headlining a planned luxury development in Albania’s protected Narta Lagoon, but behind him lies a web of colourful business interests knee-deep in controversy. Original post Here
Gonxhja: Cultural and Tourism Support Reaches Around €4 Million in Albania
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja presented key achievements in the cultural sector during the launch of the National Culture Strategy 2026–2030. He described culture as a stable pillar of Albania’s development and a driving force in everyday life. Furthermore, he said the cultural sector has undergone a major …
PM Rama defends Zvërnec investment plan, cites site conditions
TIRANA, June 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama defended a planned 4 billion euro investment in Zvërnec after publishing a video on Facebook showing the site. Meanwhile, he said the footage reflects the current condition of the area and differs from criticism by opponents of the project. In addition, he …
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, …