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Albania’s exports rise sharply in June

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 …

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Albania’s inflation reaches 3.2 percent in June

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 …

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Luxury Superyacht “Yas” Docks at Port of Durrës

The luxury superyacht Yas docked at the Port of Durrës this weekend. At about 141 metres long, Yas ranks among the world’s largest private superyachts. It stands out for its sleek design and futuristic appearance. Engineers transformed a former military vessel into the iconic luxury yacht. According to the Port …

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Permet to host National ‘NONA’ Festival in August

Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited the public to attend the National “NONA” Festival, which will take place in Përmet from August 7 to 9. In a social media post, Rama described the festival as a celebration of tradition, gastronomy, and the invaluable role of grandparents. He said the event …

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Travel off Path: Europe’s Top New Tourism Hotspot Faces Major Visitor Rule Changes Upon EU Entry

Europe’s newest tourism hotspot could see major changes for visitors after joining the European Union, writes Vinicius Costa in the American travel magazine Travel Off Path. For nearly a decade now, Albania has been a beacon of freedom for travelers, especially digital nomads looking for hassle-free ways to extend their time in …

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Organized Beaches and Improved Services Make Pogradec a Summer Destination

Pogradec, one of Albania’s most popular destinations on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is attracting many domestic and international visitors this summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Pogradec’s beaches, showing organized public spaces and free umbrellas available for visitors. The lakeside city offers clean waters, open areas …

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Gonxhja Highlights Nikaj-Mërturi’s Mountain Tourism Potential

Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja described Nikaj-Mërturi as one of the Albanian Alps’ greatest treasures and a destination with strong mountain tourism potential. He met guesthouse owners, hotel managers and tour guides to discuss challenges, opportunities and sustainable tourism development. Moreover, Gonxhja stressed that close cooperation with local communities and businesses …

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General’s Beach, Crystal Waters Hidden Among Kavaja’s Rocky Coastline

General’s Beach, located along the Kavaja coastline, offers visitors crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes and a peaceful natural environment. The beach lies between Durrës and Kavaja and surprises visitors with its rocky coastline, blue sea and green hills, creating a landscape that resembles the southern Albanian Riviera on a smaller scale. …

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Albania aligns Central Bank law with EU standards

Albania has taken another step toward European Union membership with a new draft law on the Bank of Albania. The legislation sets the legal framework the country will need after joining the EU and meeting the requirements to enter the Eurozone. The draft law aligns Albania’s banking legislation with EU …

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New Dialogue Platform Connects Civil Society Organizations with EU Institutions

The European Commission has launched a call for civil society organizations that want to join the new Civil Society Platform, a permanent dialogue mechanism between civil society groups and European Union institutions. The platform aims to create a forum where organizations can exchange ideas and experiences, discuss challenges facing civil …

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Ura e Vashës: A Hidden Gem of Albania’s Cultural Heritage

Ura e Vashës stands as a valuable symbol of Albania’s history and traditional architecture. The stone bridge lies between the villages of Klos and Guri i Bardhë, where it connects the two sides of the Mat River. Built around 300 years ago, the bridge once served as the main connection …

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Vlora Bay naval base facility to produce vessels up to 82 meters

TIRANA, July 30 – The government approved a project act to close the old shipyard at the Vlora Bay naval base and make the facility available to Fincantieri. The Italian company will use the site through a joint venture with KAYO. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said the decision opens the …

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Tirana Welcomes Growing Number of Tourists at the End of July

Thousands of tourists are exploring Tirana this July, filling the city’s main squares, streets and landmarks with energy and activity. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of visitors walking along “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, where they captured photos of key attractions and discovered more about Albanian culture. Tourists continue to …

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Rare 1655 Map at National Library Traces the Journey of Ulysses

The National Library of Albania preserves a rare 1655 map of the Mediterranean that reflects how 17th-century scholars connected ancient myths with real geography. The map shows the coasts of Europe and Asia Minor and highlights locations such as Troy and Ithaca, known in the map as “Val Compare”. These …

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Air Albania pitch to reopen in September

TIRANA, July 30 – Renovation work on the pitch at Air Albania Stadium is nearing completion, while the Albanian Football Association continues the project according to schedule. The association rebuilt the entire foundation of the pitch to meet modern technical and performance standards. It also completed the installation of a …

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INSTAT: Air passenger traffic rises 26.4% in second quarter

TIRANA, July 30 – More than 3.8 million passengers traveled by air in Albania during the second quarter of 2026, marking a 26.4% increase from the same period last year, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). INSTAT reported that 33 foreign airlines operated in Albania between April and June, …

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Defense minister: United States defense deal is transparent, national security must stay above politics

TIRANA, July 30 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi defended Albania’s defense financing agreement with the United States on Wednesday. He rejected opposition claims that the government approved the deal in violation of the Constitution. Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Nufi described the Democratic Party’s criticism as unacceptable. He said national …

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Italian travel website Turisti per Caso: Tirana offers memorable two-day city break

TIRANA, July 30 – Italian travel website Turisti per Caso highlights Tirana as an ideal destination for a two-day getaway. The article follows an Italian traveler who explores the Albanian capital and nearby attractions while praising the country’s affordability, hospitality and rich cultural heritage. The traveler visits Bunk’Art 1 and …

News
No agreement yet on consulates, Albanian foreign minister says

TIRANA, July 30 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania and Serbia have not yet reached an agreement on opening new consulates, responding to recent remarks by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric. Hoxha said Albania has requested to open a Consulate General in the Presheva Valley. Meanwhile, Serbia has requested …

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First Mountain Package permit approved, Prime Minister says

TIRANA, July 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said authorities approved the first permit under the Mountain Package during a meeting of the National Territorial Council. Rama announced on social media that the permit belongs to the Hasani family from Theth. He said the family decided to invest its savings …

News

Ura e Vashës: A Hidden Gem of Albania’s Cultural Heritage

Ura e Vashës stands as a valuable symbol of Albania’s history and traditional architecture. The stone bridge lies between the villages of Klos and Guri i Bardhë, where it connects the two sides of the Mat River. Built around 300 years ago, the bridge once served as the main connection …

News

Vlora Bay naval base facility to produce vessels up to 82 meters

TIRANA, July 30 – The government approved a project act to close the old shipyard at the Vlora Bay naval base and make the facility available to Fincantieri. The Italian company will use the site through a joint venture with KAYO. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said the decision opens the …

News

Tirana Welcomes Growing Number of Tourists at the End of July

Thousands of tourists are exploring Tirana this July, filling the city’s main squares, streets and landmarks with energy and activity. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of visitors walking along “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, where they captured photos of key attractions and discovered more about Albanian culture. Tourists continue to …

News

Rare 1655 Map at National Library Traces the Journey of Ulysses

The National Library of Albania preserves a rare 1655 map of the Mediterranean that reflects how 17th-century scholars connected ancient myths with real geography. The map shows the coasts of Europe and Asia Minor and highlights locations such as Troy and Ithaca, known in the map as “Val Compare”. These …

News

Air Albania pitch to reopen in September

TIRANA, July 30 – Renovation work on the pitch at Air Albania Stadium is nearing completion, while the Albanian Football Association continues the project according to schedule. The association rebuilt the entire foundation of the pitch to meet modern technical and performance standards. It also completed the installation of a …

News

INSTAT: Air passenger traffic rises 26.4% in second quarter

TIRANA, July 30 – More than 3.8 million passengers traveled by air in Albania during the second quarter of 2026, marking a 26.4% increase from the same period last year, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). INSTAT reported that 33 foreign airlines operated in Albania between April and June, …

News

Defense minister: United States defense deal is transparent, national security must stay above politics

TIRANA, July 30 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi defended Albania’s defense financing agreement with the United States on Wednesday. He rejected opposition claims that the government approved the deal in violation of the Constitution. Speaking after the Cabinet meeting, Nufi described the Democratic Party’s criticism as unacceptable. He said national …

News

Italian travel website Turisti per Caso: Tirana offers memorable two-day city break

TIRANA, July 30 – Italian travel website Turisti per Caso highlights Tirana as an ideal destination for a two-day getaway. The article follows an Italian traveler who explores the Albanian capital and nearby attractions while praising the country’s affordability, hospitality and rich cultural heritage. The traveler visits Bunk’Art 1 and …

News

No agreement yet on consulates, Albanian foreign minister says

TIRANA, July 30 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania and Serbia have not yet reached an agreement on opening new consulates, responding to recent remarks by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric. Hoxha said Albania has requested to open a Consulate General in the Presheva Valley. Meanwhile, Serbia has requested …

News

First Mountain Package permit approved, Prime Minister says

TIRANA, July 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said authorities approved the first permit under the Mountain Package during a meeting of the National Territorial Council. Rama announced on social media that the permit belongs to the Hasani family from Theth. He said the family decided to invest its savings …