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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Western Balkans’ Right to Democracy Depends on the EU Enlargement
by Sokol Lleshi, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of New York Tirana Background The political systems in the Western Balkan region feature politicized public administrations, weak enforcement of rule of law norms, and inconsistent practices of political accountability. In general, the historical experience of the region is such that …
Western Balkans’ Right to Democracy Depends on the EU Enlargement
by Sokol Lleshi, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of New York Tirana Background The political systems in the Western Balkan region feature politicized public administrations, weak enforcement of rule of law norms, and inconsistent practices of political accountability. In general, the historical experience of the region is such that …
Council of Europe urges stronger municipalities, rejects centralization
TIRANA, July 30 – The Council of Europe says Albania’s planned municipal mergers should follow a detailed review of the 2015 territorial reform and real consultations with affected communities. A preliminary report by rapporteurs Anders Knape and Soren Schumacher, prepared in March 2026, warns that weaknesses in local government should …
TIRANA, August 12 – The Military Meteorological Service says Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. Skies will remain clear across the country, with only limited and passing cloud cover over mountainous areas in the north and east. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the northwest to northeast at an …
TIRANA, August 11 – Albania’s State Minister and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka responded today to Serbian European Integration Minister Nemanja Starović over the debate surrounding the Ibër River. In a social media post, Dhuka said that the river flows forward and history does the same. As a lawyer, she said …
TIRANA, August 11 – Albanian Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha responded on Tuesday to Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric’s statement on the Ibër River. Hoxha stressed the need for dialogue, trust and practical cooperation in the region. Hoxha welcomed the calmer tone of Duric’s closing message. He …
TIRANA, August 11 – Velipoja Beach remains one of Albania’s most popular summer destinations. The beach stretches for more than 14 km and attracts large numbers of domestic and foreign visitors this season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the Velipoja coastline on social media today. He highlighted the …
TIRANA, August 11 – Shkodër will host the second edition of the Youth Wave Festival on August 12. The event marks International Youth Day and will take place in front of the “Republika” Cinema. Shkodër Municipality said the festival will bring temporary parking and traffic restrictions in the area. Parking …
TIRANA, August 11 – The Kosova Chamber of Commerce and Industry has expressed concern over delays in constituting parliament and forming the government. The chamber warned that the lack of functioning institutions is creating uncertainty and causing further damage to the economy and local businesses. The chamber called on parliamentary …
TIRANA, August 11 – Albania ranks first worldwide in the National Cyber Security Index (NCSI), with 98.33 points. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the ranking today. He said Albania has moved from being the target of one of the most serious cyber attacks against a NATO member to becoming a …
TIRANA, August 11 – A fire has reignited in Drenie, Mallakastër, on Tuesday. The flames have spread in the northern part of the fire zone towards Drenie village. The National Civil Protection Agency said 2 Air Tractor aircraft are fighting the fire from the air. On the ground, 5 firefighting …
TIRANA, August 11 – The European Union has called for restraint over statements about a possible change to the Ibër River’s flow. It also called for actions that do not serve the normalization of relations between Kosova and Serbia to be avoided. A European Commission spokesperson said on August 11 …
TIRANA, August 11 – The European Union and Albania have deepened cooperation on security and defence through their Security and Defence Partnership. The partnership focuses on common challenges and threats. The EU Delegation in Albania said today’s threats know no borders. It added that security and defence partnerships turn shared …