Five wildfires remain active after 28 reported in 24 hours
TIRANA, August 6 – Albania reported 28 wildfires in the past 24 hours, with 5 fires still active, according to the Ministry of Defence. The National Civil Protection Agency, local authorities and the Armed Forces are coordinating firefighting operations across the country. A total of 64 firefighting vehicles, 631 operational …
US Senate confirms Eric Wendt as US ambassador to Albania
TIRANA, August 6 – The US Senate has confirmed Eric Wendt as the new US ambassador to Albania. Wendt received 50 votes in favour and 44 against. Wendt becomes the first US ambassador to Albania since Yuri Kim left the post in June 2023. President Donald Trump nominated him for …
Blue Eye in Saranda attracts visitors with its natural beauty
TIRANA, August 6 – The Blue Eye natural monument is attracting a growing number of domestic and foreign visitors during the summer season. Tourists choose the destination for its crystal-clear waters, untouched nature and unique landscapes. Visitors describe the spring as a rare natural phenomenon emerging from deep underground. They …
Central Bank Governor: Instant payment system to cut costs and boost savings
TIRANA, August 6 – Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko said the TIPS Clone instant payment system will reduce transfer costs and bring major benefits to citizens, businesses and the Albanian economy. The Bank of Albania plans to launch the system in November. It developed the project with the Bank …
No queues at Kakavija border crossing with Greece despite peak summer traffic
TIRANA, August 5 – The Kakavija border crossing with Greece continues to operate smoothly despite the peak summer travel season. Border Police report normal traffic flow, with no queues or long waiting times for travellers or vehicles. Meanwhile, officers processed 7,448 travellers during the past 24 hours. Authorities recorded 4,359 …
Fincantieri Albania established to develop Albania’s naval industry
TIRANA, August 5 – Albania and Italy have established Fincantieri Albania, marking a new step in their strategic partnership and the development of Albania’s maritime industry. Officials signed the company’s founding act and statute at the Naval Vessels Division of Italy’s Fincantieri in Genoa. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said …
Roadworks on Tirana–Durrës Highway at Kashar Overpass on August 6–7, ASRA Announces Traffic Restrictions and Diversions
*]: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:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> The Albanian Road Authority (ASRA) has announced that on August 6 and 7, 2026, traffic will be restricted on two lanes of the main Tirana–Durrës highway near the new Kashar overpass from 00:00 to 04:30. According to the authority, the restrictions …
Traffic at Korçë Border Crossings Continues to Rise as Thousands of Travelers Cross
*]: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:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-turn=”assistant”> Border crossing points in Korçë County continue to experience an increasing flow of travelers entering and leaving Albania. Over the past 24 hours, 5,252 Albanian and foreign nationals entered the country through the Kapshticë Border Crossing Point, while 4,658 people crossed …
Fire Destroys Dozens of Vehicles at Auto Salvage Yard in Selenicë
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”1a058c7f-d397-4086-bfe5-d644c7da2d09″ data-turn-id-container=”1a058c7f-d397-4086-bfe5-d644c7da2d09″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-7″ data-turn=”user”> A fire that broke out around midday on Wednesday in the village of Penkovë, in the Municipality of Selenicë, spread to an auto salvage yard used for storing vehicles for spare parts. The blaze destroyed dozens of vehicles, causing significant material …
More Than 5,000 Residents Left Without Public Bus Service as Urban Transport Has Been Absent for Five Years in Vlorë
*]: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:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:4132cbd0-2ebf-43d0-8a04-f3b52f422443-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-turn=”assistant”> Several neighborhoods in Vlorë continue to lack access to public transportation, including the Transballkanike area, where more than 5,000 residents live and around 1,000 businesses operate. Despite its large population, no urban bus service has operated along this route for more …
TIRANA, August 19 – British media outlet Wales Online reports that Albania is experiencing a surge in tourist demand as travelers seek more affordable alternatives to expensive Mediterranean destinations. Holiday bookings for Albania have risen by 293% compared with last year, according to Thomas Cook. Nicholas Smith, director of dynamic …
TIRANA, August 19 – Albania has 6 wildfire hotspots, with 4 still active and 2 under monitoring, the Ministry of Defence said in an update at 14:00. Authorities have deployed 126 local operational personnel. The Armed Forces are supporting the response with 90 personnel and 2 Air Force helicopters. On …
Albania is among 10 European countries that are not required to apply the new Entry/Exit System (EES) during the 2026 holiday season, British newspaper The Independent reports. Travel across Europe may become more complicated this year as the new biometric border system expands. The EES requires travelers to provide biometric …
Berat police have introduced measures to protect public safety during the Mount Tomorr pilgrimage, which runs from August 18 to 25, 2026. The measures aim to prevent road accidents, ease traffic and maintain public order. Police have deployed additional officers along roads leading to Mount Tomorr and around the Kulmak …
Five people suffered injuries today after two boats collided on Lake Koman, Shkodra Police reported. Police said the accident happened at around 3:15 p.m. The two boats reportedly collided accidentally. The five injured people remain out of danger. Other passengers on the boats escaped injury. Other boats helped bring the …
Acting President of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu met today with British Ambassador to Kosovo Jonathan Hargreaves at her office. According to the Presidency, Haxhiu and Hargreaves discussed recent political developments and the country’s institutional situation. They also discussed the need for political dialogue and efforts to overcome the current institutional deadlock, …
British DJ and producer duo CamelPhat will perform in Albania for the first time on August 21 in Dhërmi. Dave Whelan and Mike Di Scala rank among the biggest names in international electronic music. Prime Minister Edi Rama also announced their arrival on social media. The duo gained international recognition …
TIRANA, August 19 – Albania’s Under-21 national football team will compete at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, which RTSH will broadcast. Albania Under-21 head coach Alban Bushi has announced the squad for the tournament. He said the team wants to show the character, personality and mentality of Albanian football. Albania …
TIRANA, August 19 – Cultural and religious heritage sites have attracted strong interest from domestic and foreign tourists in Gjirokastër County this year. Churches, mosques, cultural monuments and historical sites have featured prominently in tourist itineraries. As a result, cultural and religious tourism has become one of the area’s main …
Durrës remains one of Albania’s most popular destinations for both domestic and international tourists during the summer season. The coastal city combines beaches, history, culture and Albanian hospitality, offering visitors a diverse holiday experience. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the city’s busy streets, filled with tourists during the …