Import prices fall 0.1%, production prices rise 0.1% in second quarter
TIRANA, September 4 – Import prices fell by 0.1% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the Institute of Statistics. The decline reflected lower prices for electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning, which fell by 2.2%. Extractive industry prices dropped by …
FM Hoxha in Dublin: Albania enters decisive stage on path to EU membership
TIRANA, September 4 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in an informal meeting of European affairs ministers in Dublin, organised by Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. During a session on EU enlargement, reform support and administrative capacity, Hoxha presented Albania’s experience …
Open Government Partnership marks 15 years as Albanian Prime Minister Rama says open government should not be taken for granted
TIRANA, September 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said open government should not be taken for granted as the Open Government Partnership marks 15 years since its founding. The Agency for Media and Information published Rama’s video message for the anniversary. Albania joined the partnership in 2011. Rama said it …
Large fire in Fier-Levan, families evacuated, Fier-Vlora traffic diverted
TIRANA, September 4 – A large fire has engulfed olive groves and scrubland in Radostinë, Fier. The fire remains active. Flames have reached the area of two businesses in Qafa e Koshovicës, east of Radostinë. Several nearby families have evacuated after dense smoke covered their homes. The fire and heavy …
Albania weather: Stable conditions, temperatures up to 37 C
TIRANA, September 4 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Friday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will alternate between clear spells and occasional moderate cloud cover, mainly over hilly and mountainous areas. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the northeast to northwest at an average speed of …
Travel Off Path: Ksamil named Europe’s best coastal destination
TIRANA, September 4 – Ksamil has been named Europe’s best coastal destination by US travel media outlet “Travel Off Path”. Journalist Trevor Kucheran ranked it first among five European coastal destinations recommended by travel experts. The article highlights Ksamil’s exceptionally clear waters and white-pebble beaches. It also points to the …
PM Rama: Tirana International Airport leads region with 6 million passengers in six months
TIRANA, September 4 – Tirana International Airport handled 6 million passengers in the first six months of 2026. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the figure puts the airport ahead of others in the region. According to Rama, passenger traffic increased by 17% compared with the same period in 2025. He …
“Shame and Money”, Visar Morina’s latest film, comes to Tirana International Film Festival
One of the most acclaimed Albanian-language films in European cinema this year, and an Oscar contender, will meet Albanian audiences with a powerful story about dignity, poverty, family and the human cost of survival. The Tirana International Film Festival, taking place from September 21 to 27, will screen “Shame and …
Grila on Lake Shkodra shores attracts tourists seeking nature and scenic landscapes
TIRANA, September 4 – Grila, on the shores of Lake Shkodra in Malesia e Madhe, has become a popular destination for visitors seeking nature, tranquillity and scenic landscapes. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos showing visitors enjoying picnics and outdoor sports by the lake. They are also spending their holidays …
“BBC Wildlife”: Rare discovery off Albania’s coast as 151 species inhabit the “Po” shipwreck
A World War II hospital ship that sank off the Albanian coast in 1941 has transformed into a rich underwater ecosystem decades later, according to British outlet “BBC Wildlife.” Researchers have identified 151 species living on and around the wreck. The discovery also includes a Mediterranean monk seal, one of …
Tirana police came to the aid of two German tourists who lost their way in the mountains behind Mount Dajti on Sunday evening. Police learned at around 20:15 that the two tourists needed help near Qafë Mollë. Officers from Police Station No. 4 immediately began searching for them. The officers …
The fourth round of Albania’s Abissnet Superiore ended on Sunday with AF Elbasani beating Egnatia 2-1 at Elbasan Arena. Earlier on Sunday, Laçi defeated Vllaznia 2-0 at home. On Friday, Skënderbeu and Tirana drew 1-1 in Korça. Meanwhile, Dinamo City beat Partizani 4-2 in another Tirana derby on Saturday. Teuta …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met Pierre Sentenac, the new head of the Regional Economic Department at the French Embassy, at the central bank. Sejko highlighted Albania’s close relations with France and described France as an important European partner. Sejko briefed Sentenac on recent economic and financial developments in …
The 21st International Human Rights Film Festival opens in Tirana on September 14 and runs through September 19. The Academy of Film and Multimedia “Marubi” organises the festival. This year’s programme focuses on war, peace, the rule of law and the memory of victims. Over six days, the festival will …
Revenues from managing and renting confiscated property reached ALL 180 million in the first eight months of 2026, according to Risena Xhaja, head of Albania’s Agency for the Administration of Confiscated Assets. Xhaja presented the figures during a hearing with the Committee on Citizen Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight. She …
Albanian director and researcher Ilir Yzeiri has won the Best Documentary Director award at the Venice International Film Festival. He received the award for his documentary “Lucia Nadin and Albanians in Venice 1474–1552”. The documentary previously earned selection by the Veneto Region for the festival’s 83rd edition. Italian company Cinemaset, …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
The Hague will deliver its verdict on September 16 in the trial of former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. The four have pleaded not guilty. The case has attracted significant attention in Kosova because of the defendants’ prominent roles during the 1998-1999 …
Albania ranks among the 10 most preferred destinations outside the European Union for EU residents, according to Eurostat data. The Agency for Media and Information cited Eurostat figures showing around 2 million trips to Albania that included at least one overnight stay. These trips accounted for 2% of all journeys …
Deputy Defence Minister Blerina Abrazhda says Albania needs time to build its defence industry and develop the infrastructure, technology and skilled workforce required for production. She made the remarks in response to opposition criticism of the sector’s initial industrial projects. Abrazhda said Albania should assess early projects not only by …