Albania’s Cash Boom Raises Money Laundering Concerns
Cash outside Albania’s banking system reached a record 5.6 billion euros, last month. Tirana Times, August 30, 2026 – The amount of cash circulating outside Albania’s banking system has reached a record high, raising fresh concerns over the scale of the informal economy, the possible presence of illicit money and …
Mladić’s Death Exposes the Balkans’ Unfinished Reckoning With War Crimes
Thousands honor the convicted Bosnian Serb commander as reactions from Belgrade to Podgorica and Skopje reveal how deeply the wars of the 1990s still shape the region’s European future. Tirana Times, August 31, 2026 – PALE, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Candles burned and flares lit the Olympic Park as several thousand …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: August 31, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Jaupaj: Nature tourism is growing in Albania, bringing greater responsibility to protect protected areas
Nature tourism continues to grow in Albania as more visitors choose national parks and protected areas to explore the country’s natural heritage. In a video message shared on social media, Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj highlighted several natural destinations that visitors can explore at the weekend, including Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, Llogara …
Albania draws growing attention from international travel media
International media continue to highlight Albania as an emerging tourism destination. Recent articles focus on the country’s natural landscapes, coastline, cultural heritage, and lesser-known travel experiences. The Agency for Media and Information has shared several international articles published this week. Indonesian outlet “IDN Times” highlights the traditional streets and houses …
Ura e Vashës in Klos emerges as a top tourist destination
Ura e Vashës has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Klos area. The historic bridge is attracting a growing number of Albanian and international visitors this summer. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the bridge on social media. He highlighted it as a popular destination …
Shkopet fires worsen as flames surround livestock farm
TIRANA, August 31 – The wildfire situation has worsened in the Shkopet area as flames spread rapidly through the villages of Trodhen and Lundra e Madhe in Mat and moved toward the Kurbin area. The fire is advancing toward the Skanderbeg mountain range, increasing the risk to homes, farmland and …
Shkodër’s Migjeni Theatre archive calls for digitization
TIRANA, August 31 – The archive of the Migjeni Theatre in Shkodër preserves an important part of the institution’s history. Photographs, documents, posters and other materials record its activities over the years and the artists who have performed on its stage. Archivist Astrit Fani said the archive needs better conditions …
Quartz: Durrës tops Europe’s list of most affordable coastal destinations
Durrës has topped a list of Europe’s best-value beach destinations, according to the US media outlet “Quartz”. The list brings together eight coastal destinations that offer travelers a combination of beaches, history, culture, gastronomy, and affordable prices. “Quartz” highlights destinations stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean and from …
Hoxha: Albanian Alps offer a natural treasure that attracts more visitors
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha shared images of Tamara, Lepushë, and Vermosh on X. He highlighted the beauty of the Albanian Alps and their growing potential for mountain tourism. “Here, nature knows no limits, beauty becomes wealth, hospitality becomes law, and tradition becomes identity,” Hoxha wrote. He …
Kosovo recorded a significant increase in hotel visitors in July 2026, according to the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS). Hotels welcomed 99,053 visitors during the month. Domestic visitors accounted for 32,098, while foreign visitors reached 66,954. Compared with July 2025, when hotels recorded 77,481 visitors, the total number increased by …
Albania is preparing to restore and revitalize its traditional northern towers. The government plans to start concrete investments by 2027. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the plan. He said the ministry is finalizing the national program with GIS and the State Cadastre Agency (ASHK). “Our goal is …
Shirokë, on the shores of Lake Shkodra, hosted the 14th edition of the “Labeat” Triathlon, bringing together athletes from Albania and across the region. The event combines swimming, cycling and running, creating a demanding competition that tests athletes across three disciplines. This year’s edition attracted around 90 competitors from Albania, …
The Bank of Albania and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) launched the “WE Finance Code Albania – Code for Financing Women Entrepreneurs” today. The initiative starts a national partnership to improve access to finance for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led or owned by women. The …
The administration of the Tirana Court boycotted work today. Employees protested after authorities failed to pay their August salaries. Although court administration employees do not directly take part in the institutional dispute over magistrates’ salaries, the salary blockage has affected them directly. Lawyer Arben Llangozi said in a social media …
A spectacular and largely untouched coastline stretches opposite Vlora. France’s “Le Figaro Nautisme” highlights the Karaburun Peninsula and Sazan Island as a unique destination between the Adriatic and Ionian seas. In an article by Charlotte Lacroix, the French media outlet describes a coastline of crystal-clear waters, steep cliffs, caves and …
Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed the European Union’s new ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, at the Prime Minister’s Office today. Moreira de Sousa has officially taken charge of the EU Delegation in Tirana. Rama shared photos from the meeting on social media. “Welcome to Tirana, the new Ambassador …
The Electricity Distribution Operator (OSHEE Group) plans to develop a smarter energy grid. General Administrator Mentor Hima said digitalization, smart meters, automation and artificial intelligence will play a key role in this transformation. Hima presented the vision at the “3rd International Conference on Renewable Energies and Smart Technologies – IEEE …
Albania continues to attract visitors with more than its coastal and mountain destinations. Cultural and historical attractions also draw growing interest. Cultural heritage institutions and sites recorded a significant increase in visitors during the first eight months of 2026. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced today that …
Ukraine welcomes Albania’s ‘demonstration of solidarity’ in blocking the ‘Hanuman’ tanker, whose operator, it believes, is linked to Kremlin allies. Original post Here