Large Wildfire Breaks Out in Himarë, Strong Winds Fuel the Flames
A large wildfire has broken out in the Nivicë area of the Municipality of Himarë, raising concerns as the flames continue to spread rapidly. According to preliminary information, strong winds are fueling the fire, making it more difficult for firefighters to bring the blaze under control. Firefighting crews have arrived …
Work on Durrës’ “Taulantia” Promenade Remains Suspended, Residents Criticize Delays
As the beginning of August approaches, construction on the final section of the “Taulantia” promenade in Durrësremains unfinished, despite earlier promises from the contractor’s engineer and Mayor Emiriana Sako that the project would be completed by the end of June. At the construction site, located in one of the city’s …
Europa League, Egnatia faces Irish test aiming for play-off
TIRANA, August 4 – Albanian champions Egnatia will take the field on Tuesday evening for the first leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Europa League. Egnatia will face Irish side Shamrock Rovers in an away match that will start at 21:00. The team coached by Nevil Dede …
Kosova starts trial of over 20 former Serbian officers 27 years after Reçak massacre
TIRANA, August 4 – Nearly 27 years after the Reçak massacre, Kosova’s justice system has opened an in absentia trial against more than 20 former Serbian army and police members. They face accusations over the killing of 42 Albanian civilians on January 15, 1999. The first hearing took place in …
20 wildfires managed in 24 hours, 727 operational forces deployed
TIRANA, August 4 – A total of 727 operational forces have worked over the past 24 hours to manage 20 wildfire outbreaks across Albania, Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said. The response included 128 members of the Armed Forces, 2 firefighting vehicles, 1 medical ambulance and 3 Air Force helicopters. These …
Customs handles summer travel surge with round-the-clock service
TIRANA, August 4 – Albanian Customs is managing heavy summer travel flows with 24-hour service and efficient border procedures, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said. Malaj noted that more than 1.8 million passengers travelled through Tirana International Airport during July. The airport also handled about 9,500 flights, reflecting the peak of …
National Farm Support Scheme attracts more farmers
TIRANA, August 4 – Albania’s 2026 National Agricultural Support Scheme has expanded its beneficiary base and drawn significantly more applications after lowering minimum funding thresholds and easing eligibility requirements. Ardita Kuçi, Director General of the Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development (AZHBR), said the revised scheme has encouraged broader participation …
EU trade chapter signals major changes for Albania
TIRANA, August 4 – Albania’s provisional closure of Chapter 30 – External Relations commits the country to align future trade agreements with European Union rules, including a clause allowing their termination without compensation once Albania joins the bloc. EU affairs expert Geron Kamberi said the chapter focuses on the EU’s …
President Begaj receives Ecuador’s ambassador
TIRANA, August 4 – President Bajram Begaj received Ecuador’s Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Esteban Assar Moscoso Bohman, at an official credentials ceremony after the diplomat presented his Letters of Credence. Begaj wished the ambassador success in his diplomatic mission and reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ecuador. He …
US Embassy welcomes $302 million defence loan for Albania
TIRANA, August 4 – The US Embassy in Tirana welcomed Albania’s ratification of a $302 million loan agreement under the Foreign Military Financing (FMF) programme, describing it as strong support for the continued modernisation of the Albanian Armed Forces. According to the embassy, the funding will help Albania advance toward …
Albania’s government plans to cut the number of municipalities from 61 to 46, but critics fear it will only further isolate rural communities from public services and undermine environmental protections. Original post Here
The “BeachVolleyShkodra 2026” event brought three days of sport and entertainment to Velipojë. Teams from Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro competed in beach volleyball, creating a lively atmosphere for participants and holidaymakers. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared footage from the event. “Three days full of energy, excitement …
The “Marubi” National Museum of Photography in Shkodër has revived the historic collaboration between Gjon Mili and Pablo Picasso after more than seven decades. Mili met Picasso in Vallauris in 1949. He then proposed an innovative idea. Picasso would draw in the air with light. Mili would capture the movement …
Brazilian DJ ALOK delivered a spectacular performance in Vlora on Sunday evening. Thousands of people gathered along the city’s Lungomare to enjoy the electronic music event. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the performance. He described the night as magical and highlighted the vibrant atmosphere along the waterfront. “Thousands …
TIRANA, August 18 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will experience relatively unstable atmospheric conditions on Tuesday. The weather will bring sunny periods and intervals of moderate to locally dense cloud cover from midday through the afternoon. Short spells of light rain may occur over the country’s hilly and …
TIRANA, August 18 – The Ministry of Defence said authorities recorded 13 wildfires across Albania by 20:00 on August 17. Seven remained active, while authorities monitored 3 others. A total of 424 operational personnel and 14 firefighting vehicles joined the response. The Armed Forces deployed 129 personnel, 2 firefighting vehicles, …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja attended the flag handover ceremony for Albania’s delegation to the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Gonxhja praised the athletes who will represent Albania at the major international sporting event. He said elite athletes remain one of the country’s greatest sporting assets. Therefore, the government …
TIRANA, August 18 – Tourism is creating new opportunities in southern Albania and encouraging some people who left the country to return, according to the World Bank’s Europe and Central Asia region, known as WorldBankECA. The shift follows years of population decline, particularly among young people, even as the region …
TIRANA, August 18 – European Union countries remained Albania’s main trading partner for goods in July 2026, accounting for 53.6% of total trade, according to INSTAT. European markets also received the largest share of Albanian exports during the month. Exports to European Union countries accounted for 68.4% of Albania’s total …
The Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) has published “FactSheet Tourism”. The guide gives investors key data on Albania’s tourism sector and its investment potential. According to the factsheet, Albania has recorded 12.5 million foreign tourists. Tourism contributes around 22% to the country’s GDP. International hotel brands also operate in Albania. …