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Lungomare 4 coastal promenade project advances in Radhima, Vlora

TIRANA, June 29 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media from ongoing works on the “Lungomare 4” coastal promenade project in Radhima. He described the project as another milestone in the transformation of the Vlora coastline. Meanwhile, Rama also published a video showing the progress of works …

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Media must report judicial cases carefully, perception often replaces evidence

TIRANA, June 29 – Director of the School of Magistrates Arben Rakipi said media and the justice system must maintain a balanced relationship during the National Conference on the interaction between justice and media. Meanwhile, he said the justice system must remain open to the public. He stressed transparency and …

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Public administration reform aims to streamline state institutions in European Union alignment process

TIRANA, June 29 – The Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs reviewed a draft law on amendments to Law No. 90/2012 on the organisation and functioning of the state administration. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said the bill forms a key pillar of public …

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Tourists from around the world enjoy Vlora coastline

TIRANA, June 29 – Vlora is hosting tourists from around the world this summer as visitors explore the Ionian coastline, local cuisine and hospitality. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing crowded streets and the Lungomare promenade in the coastal city. At the same time, Vlora …

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Queen Geraldine maternity hospital reopens after full transformation

TIRANA, June 29 – The Queen Geraldine maternity hospital has reopened after a full renovation that modernised one of Albania’s leading healthcare institutions for women and newborns. The investment introduced modern facilities, advanced technology and improved working conditions for medical staff. The hospital treats more than 20,000 patients each year …

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Letter from Washington: US and EU Square Off Over Balkan Assets

Once a field of cooperation, the Balkans is turning into a battleground for competing US and European visions and interests, says Jovana Djurovic in her latest despatch from DC. Original post Here

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 29, 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

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Rama: Eni Agreement Will Strengthen Energy Security and Create a New Market Operator

Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Albania has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Italian energy company Eni S.p.A. The agreement aims to strengthen the country’s energy security. The partnership will help create a national strategic reserve for oil and gas supply and storage. It comes as global energy …

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Beja: We Strengthen Regional Cooperation for Postal Security

Customs officials and postal operators from across the region met in Tirana to improve the security of postal and express deliveries. The meeting took place under the Hermes Project, led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). During the meeting, participants discussed current challenges. They also shared …

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Cruise Ship Nautica Brings 665 Tourists to Durrës

Durrës continues to attract visitors throughout the year. During the summer, many tourists also arrive by sea. This week, the cruise ship Nautica brought 665 tourists from around the world to the Port of Durrës. The ship returned as part of its Mediterranean itinerary. Most of the visitors come from …

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NATO’s Ankara Summit: Albania Confirmed, but No Date Set

Tirana Times, July 8, 2026 – NATO’s Ankara Summit, held on July 7 and 8, marked less a moment of new strategic doctrine than a shift from political pledges to implementation. The central message was clear: the Alliance is moving into a phase where defence spending, industrial capacity, support for Ukraine …

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IMF forecast: Albania among Europe’s fastest-growing economies

TIRANA, July 8 – According to projections by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European economy is expected to maintain moderate growth rates during the remaining years of this decade. For the 2027–2031 period, the eurozone economy is forecast to expand by an average of 1.2% annually, while the European …

News
Tourist flows increase towards mountain areas, with Theth and Shala River among top destinations

TIRANA, July 8 – During these hot July days, many foreign tourists fill the streets of Shkodër. Their travel gear and backpacks easily identify them as nature and adventure tourism enthusiasts. Many visitors use Shkodër as a starting point to explore some of northern Albania’s most popular mountain destinations. Meanwhile, …

News
PM Rama: Next NATO Summit to take place in Tirana

TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Wednesday that the next NATO Summit will take place in Tirana, following the conclusion of the Alliance’s meeting in Ankara. PM dismissed speculation that Albania would not host the summit. He said the country had moved beyond a time when …

News
Over 4,000 Teachers Complete Professional Qualification Program, 1,354 Earn “Master Teacher” Title

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro highlighted the achievements of this year’s teacher qualification process, with more than 4,000 educators across Albania completing professional training programs. Kumbaro congratulated the teachers who participated in the qualification process, describing their commitment as an important step toward improving teaching quality and strengthening the education system. …

News
Dutch Prime Minister Supports Kosovo’s Future in the European Family

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressed his support for Kosovo’s European future, saying he hopes the country will become part of the European family one day. “I hope that Kosovo will become part of the European family one day, yes,” Jetten told Euronews Albania. Jetten made the statement while attending …

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PM Rama welcomed by Rutte and Erdogan at official NATO Summit reception

TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the official reception for heads of state and government hosted by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the NATO Summit in Ankara. Rama shared images from the reception on social media. He described the event …

News
Three fires hit Porto Palermo in Himara Municipality, flames brought under control

TIRANA, July 8 – Three fire outbreaks affected the Porto Palermo area in Himarë Municipality overnight, putting emergency structures on alert. According to official information, authorities received the alert around 23:00. Firefighters immediately sent a fire engine and a water tanker to the scene. Meanwhile, the entire firefighting service was …

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“El Generacional”: From Ksamil to Theth, Albania Ranks Among Europe’s Most Affordable Destinations

Spanish media outlet El Generacional has listed Albania among the most affordable travel destinations in Europe this summer, alongside countries such as Romania, Portugal and Bulgaria. According to the article, Albania attracts visitors with its combination of crystal-clear beaches, rich cultural heritage and affordable travel costs, making it an ideal …

News
Defence budget rises to ALL 69.2 billion, Finance Minister Malaj: Albania meets NATO commitments

TIRANA, July 8 – Albania has significantly increased its defence and security investments as part of its commitments as a NATO member. The additional funding supports the modernization of the Armed Forces and the strengthening of defence capabilities. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj published data on defence spending trends, showing that …

News

NATO’s Ankara Summit: Albania Confirmed, but No Date Set

Tirana Times, July 8, 2026 – NATO’s Ankara Summit, held on July 7 and 8, marked less a moment of new strategic doctrine than a shift from political pledges to implementation. The central message was clear: the Alliance is moving into a phase where defence spending, industrial capacity, support for Ukraine …

News

IMF forecast: Albania among Europe’s fastest-growing economies

TIRANA, July 8 – According to projections by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the European economy is expected to maintain moderate growth rates during the remaining years of this decade. For the 2027–2031 period, the eurozone economy is forecast to expand by an average of 1.2% annually, while the European …

News

Tourist flows increase towards mountain areas, with Theth and Shala River among top destinations

TIRANA, July 8 – During these hot July days, many foreign tourists fill the streets of Shkodër. Their travel gear and backpacks easily identify them as nature and adventure tourism enthusiasts. Many visitors use Shkodër as a starting point to explore some of northern Albania’s most popular mountain destinations. Meanwhile, …

News

PM Rama: Next NATO Summit to take place in Tirana

TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Wednesday that the next NATO Summit will take place in Tirana, following the conclusion of the Alliance’s meeting in Ankara. PM dismissed speculation that Albania would not host the summit. He said the country had moved beyond a time when …

News

Over 4,000 Teachers Complete Professional Qualification Program, 1,354 Earn “Master Teacher” Title

Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro highlighted the achievements of this year’s teacher qualification process, with more than 4,000 educators across Albania completing professional training programs. Kumbaro congratulated the teachers who participated in the qualification process, describing their commitment as an important step toward improving teaching quality and strengthening the education system. …

News

Dutch Prime Minister Supports Kosovo’s Future in the European Family

Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten expressed his support for Kosovo’s European future, saying he hopes the country will become part of the European family one day. “I hope that Kosovo will become part of the European family one day, yes,” Jetten told Euronews Albania. Jetten made the statement while attending …

News

PM Rama welcomed by Rutte and Erdogan at official NATO Summit reception

TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the official reception for heads of state and government hosted by NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan during the NATO Summit in Ankara. Rama shared images from the reception on social media. He described the event …

News

Three fires hit Porto Palermo in Himara Municipality, flames brought under control

TIRANA, July 8 – Three fire outbreaks affected the Porto Palermo area in Himarë Municipality overnight, putting emergency structures on alert. According to official information, authorities received the alert around 23:00. Firefighters immediately sent a fire engine and a water tanker to the scene. Meanwhile, the entire firefighting service was …

News

“El Generacional”: From Ksamil to Theth, Albania Ranks Among Europe’s Most Affordable Destinations

Spanish media outlet El Generacional has listed Albania among the most affordable travel destinations in Europe this summer, alongside countries such as Romania, Portugal and Bulgaria. According to the article, Albania attracts visitors with its combination of crystal-clear beaches, rich cultural heritage and affordable travel costs, making it an ideal …

News

Defence budget rises to ALL 69.2 billion, Finance Minister Malaj: Albania meets NATO commitments

TIRANA, July 8 – Albania has significantly increased its defence and security investments as part of its commitments as a NATO member. The additional funding supports the modernization of the Armed Forces and the strengthening of defence capabilities. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj published data on defence spending trends, showing that …