Week in Review: Polls and Storms
A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here
Gjergj Fishta: The Pen That Gave Voice to Albania’s National Soul
Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …
EU and Western Balkans leaders to meet in Brussels on November 25
European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …
PM Rama urges young people to distance themselves from violent protests
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged young people to distance themselves from violent protests. He called on them to express their views through peaceful democratic means. In remarks on social media, Rama defended the right to peaceful protest. He said citizens could challenge the government through debate and elections. He …
Defense minister meets Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi has met Colonel Murat Ilhan, Turkey’s new military attaché in Tirana. Turkish Ambassador to Albania Bariş Ceyhun Erciyes also attended the meeting. According to the Ministry of Defense, the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey and their shared commitment to closer cooperation in …
Institute of Statistics: Albania records 10.7 million foreign arrivals in nine months
Albania recorded around 17.4 million entries by Albanian and foreign citizens from January to September 2026, according to the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). Foreign citizens accounted for 10.7 million entries, while Albanian citizens accounted for 6.7 million. Compared with the same period in 2025, foreign arrivals rose by 4.9%, while …
Students continue protest outside prime minister’s office
Students continued their protest outside the prime minister’s office in Tirana for an 11th day. University lecturers and other citizens joined them again today. Lecturers and students first gathered outside the Polytechnic University of Tirana. Aleksandër Kovaçi, head of the University Lecturers’ Union, called for greater cooperation among intellectuals in …
Albania holds 2026 National Water Rescue Championship
The Albanian Water Rescue Federation held the 2026 National Water Rescue Championship with support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The competition tested speed, technique and endurance through events that combine sport with life-saving skills. A total of 34 competitors took part. The championship has taken place annually …
Conference League: Egnatia draw 1-1 away to Aarhus
Albanian champions Egnatia drew 1-1 away to Denmark’s Aarhus in their second Conference League group-stage match, extending their unbeaten run in European competition. Egnatia took the lead in the 13th minute when Gruda scored after Adjesa’s assist. Aarhus had already lost Kahl to a red card in the third minute …
Albania and Italy seek stronger defence and security partnership
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation with Italy. Nufi made the statement while recognising Italian Military Attaché Colonel Agostino Piccirillo at the end of his mission in Albania. He praised Piccirillo’s professionalism and contribution to bilateral defence ties. The minister also …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi says the country is developing its military industry and domestic production capacity. The state-owned company KAYO has established 6 commercial partnerships, while local assembly of armoured vehicles has begun. This progress builds on work launched in 2024 to establish the legal and industrial foundations for domestic …
Elbasani came from behind to beat Laçi 2-1, while Skënderbeu and Vllaznia played out a 1-1 draw in Sunday’s two other fixtures of Week 10 of Albania’s Abissnet Superiore. In Korçë, Skënderbeu and Vllaznia shared the points after an evenly contested encounter. The hosts dominated the first half and created …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj says artificial intelligence will extend across all levels of public administration. The goal is to make Albania a leader and a reference point for public-sector use of the technology by 2030. In a video message on social media, the minister said work on integration …
Born far from Albania, in the Egyptian city of Faiyum, Tefta Tashko-Koço would become one of the most celebrated voices in the country’s musical history. Her remarkable soprano brought together the refinement of European classical music and the emotional depth of Albanian urban folk songs, creating an artistic legacy that …
Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla visited the Orikum pumping station following the completion of its reconstruction. The investment aims to improve flood protection for agricultural land. The station had lost drainage capacity because of ageing infrastructure. The project replaced 4 old electric pumps with modern submersible pumps. It …
Prime Minister Edi Rama says pensioners can now use 19 services on the e-Albania platform through voice commands with the help of virtual assistant Diella. Users can also access the platform through Face ID or fingerprint recognition after activation. In a video shared on social media, Rama demonstrated how Diella …
Albania has showcased its rich archaeological heritage at the Mediterranean Exchange of Archaeological Tourism (BMTA) in Paestum, Italy, for the second consecutive year. The delegation promoted the country’s archaeological sites and cultural tourism potential. It also highlighted the importance of international cooperation and sustainable site management. Deputy Ministers of Tourism, …
The electricity distribution operator has completed equipment replacement works at the Rubik and Shutri substations in Mat and Mirdita. The upgrades aim to improve supply reliability for around 4,000 customers. The work covered the 35-kilovolt network and is intended to strengthen the security and quality of electricity supply in both …
Berat welcomed more than one million tourists between January and October 2026, marking a 15% increase compared with the same period last year. The city’s cobbled streets, historic houses and autumn-coloured vineyards attract visitors throughout the year. Mild temperatures also make autumn ideal for exploring Berat Castle and its historic …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj says the 2027 fiscal package will focus on citizens and aim to lower the cost of living. Planned measures target food prices, fuel costs, rents and housing. The minister said the government considered concerns raised by citizens when drafting the package. The proposed measures …