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French tourists discover Kolonja through cuisine and nature

TIRANA, July 14 – Kolonja continues to attract French visitors with its traditional cuisine, unspoiled landscapes and cultural heritage, as culinary tourism gains popularity in southeastern Albania. Visitors can explore historical sites and take part in traditional cooking experiences. Many learn how to prepare lakror [traditional Albanian pie], one of …

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FM Hoxha: Ninth Albania–European Union Conference reflects institutional commitment

TIRANA, July 14 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said the 9th Albania–European Union Intergovernmental Conference reflects years of sustained institutional work on the country’s European integration. In a social media post, Hoxha recalled key milestones in Albania’s accession process. He noted that the country had not opened any negotiation chapters …

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Albania projects steady growth and stronger public finances for 2027-2029

TIRANA, July 14 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said Albania is maintaining economic stability and stronger public finances through the new Macroeconomic and Fiscal Framework for 2027-2029. In a social media post, Malaj said the framework sets clear priorities for growth, public investment and lower public debt. He added that …

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PM Rama travels to Brussels as Albania closes first EU negotiation chapters

TIRANA, July 14 – Albania takes another step in its European integration process today. The country’s delegation joins the 9th Albania–European Union Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels. The Agency for Media and Information said Prime Minister Edi Rama heads the Albanian delegation at the meeting. The conference starts at 19:00. The …

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Albanian Journalists Complain of Unwritten ‘Red Lines’ and ‘Untouchable Topics’

Self-censorship is rife among Albanian journalists and news editors who fear crossing powerful, politically connected media moguls, a BIRN survey reveals. Original post Here

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German diplomat Dirk Schubel appointed EU Special Representative for Kosovo

The Council of the European Union has appointed German diplomat Dirk Schubel as the new EU Special Representative for Kosovo. Schubel will take office on September 1, 2026, with an initial two-year mandate, replacing Estonian diplomat Aivo Orav. With extensive experience, Schubel has worked in the European External Action Service, …

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Butrint National Park launches new website

TIRANA, July 14 – Butrint National Park has launched a new official website to provide visitors with a more accessible digital experience. The website uses the slogan “Before us, there was Butrint” and helps visitors plan their trips more easily. It also presents the park’s history, monuments and cultural heritage. …

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Petrela Castle combines history, nature and Albanian hospitality near Tirana

Petrela Castle continues to attract visitors as one of Albania’s most popular cultural tourism destinations. Located on a hill about 17 kilometers southeast of Tirana, the castle offers impressive views of the Erzen Valley and a unique experience for both local and international visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images …

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Stable weather with temperatures reaching 37°C

TIRANA, July 14 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The country will have mostly clear skies, while northern areas may see some passing clouds in the afternoon. Meanwhile, winds will blow from northwest to northeast at an average speed of 7 …

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Albanian student Marius Gjika wins silver medal at Beijing Mathematics Olympiad

Talented mathematics student Marius Gjika won the silver medal at the International Summer Mathematics Camp Olympiad held in Beijing, China. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro congratulated Gjika and the Albanian team, saying the achievement represents a source of pride for the country. Following this success, the Albanian mathematics team has traveled …

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PM presents ‘Besa’ strategy and comments on recent protests

TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented “Besa”, a document he described as the political and governing strategy for the government’s fourth term, during a joint meeting of the government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group. Rama said recent protests should serve as a moment of reflection rather …

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Week in Review: A Fighting Spirit

From Albania’s ‘Flamingo Revolution’ to Turkey’s embattled opposition, BIRN’s premium selection of stories this week tell a fighting mood is visible across south-east Europe, despite the summer heat. Original post Here

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Kosovo’s Trade Deficit Rises 16%, Exports Cover Only 15% of Imports

Kosovo’s trade deficit increased by 16.1% in June 2026 compared with the same period last year, reaching €578.3 million. The deficit reflects the gap between the value of imports and exports. According to data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS), exports covered only 15% of imports. Kosovo exported goods …

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Speaker Peleshi: Parliament approved 131 laws during current term

TIRANA, July 24 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi presented the work of the legislature during its first 2 sessions. He said the current parliamentary term has focused strongly on Albania’s European integration process. During an expanded meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, attended by Prime Minister and Socialist Party …

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Albania presents ‘eArkiva’ digital document management platform

TIRANA, July 24 – The General Directorate of Archives and the National Agency of Information Society presented ‘eArkiva’, a platform for managing and digitising official documents. The National Agency of Information Society developed the system under the supervision of the General Directorate of Archives. Initially, ministries and other state institutions …

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PM Rama: Protesters reflect new expectations for government standards

TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented his reflections on the June protests during a joint meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group and the government cabinet. Rama referred to the demonstrations as the “Boulevard of Flamingos”. He said he had prepared 2 documents that would guide the …

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Opera “Rozafa” Makes World Premiere at Albania’s National Opera and Ballet Theatre

The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble (TKOBAP) hosted the world premiere of the opera “Rozafa” last night, bringing one of Albania’s most powerful cultural legends to the stage. The opera features music by Ndoc Pistulli, a libretto by Zef Zorba, and orchestration by Gridi Kraja. The production …

News
Finance Ministry says debt risk indicators improved in first half of 2026

TIRANA, July 24 – Albania improved several public debt risk indicators during the first half of 2026 through active debt management and prudent fiscal policy, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said. Malaj said the share of short-term debt declined during the period, reducing refinancing needs. He added that the average maturity …

News
Enkelana Marathon Returns to Pogradec

The Enkelana Marathon returns to Pogradec this weekend, combining sports competition with tourism promotion and the celebration of the region’s natural beauty. The half-marathon will take place along the shores of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Participants will run through a scenic route featuring crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes, …

News
PM Rama discusses reforms, public expectations and protected areas law

TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said citizens’ expectations have increased as Albania has undergone major changes. He made the remarks during a joint meeting of the government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group at the Palace of Brigades. Rama discussed the June protests, which he referred to …

News

PM presents ‘Besa’ strategy and comments on recent protests

TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented “Besa”, a document he described as the political and governing strategy for the government’s fourth term, during a joint meeting of the government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group. Rama said recent protests should serve as a moment of reflection rather …

News

Week in Review: A Fighting Spirit

From Albania’s ‘Flamingo Revolution’ to Turkey’s embattled opposition, BIRN’s premium selection of stories this week tell a fighting mood is visible across south-east Europe, despite the summer heat. Original post Here

News

Kosovo’s Trade Deficit Rises 16%, Exports Cover Only 15% of Imports

Kosovo’s trade deficit increased by 16.1% in June 2026 compared with the same period last year, reaching €578.3 million. The deficit reflects the gap between the value of imports and exports. According to data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS), exports covered only 15% of imports. Kosovo exported goods …

News

Speaker Peleshi: Parliament approved 131 laws during current term

TIRANA, July 24 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi presented the work of the legislature during its first 2 sessions. He said the current parliamentary term has focused strongly on Albania’s European integration process. During an expanded meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, attended by Prime Minister and Socialist Party …

News

Albania presents ‘eArkiva’ digital document management platform

TIRANA, July 24 – The General Directorate of Archives and the National Agency of Information Society presented ‘eArkiva’, a platform for managing and digitising official documents. The National Agency of Information Society developed the system under the supervision of the General Directorate of Archives. Initially, ministries and other state institutions …

News

PM Rama: Protesters reflect new expectations for government standards

TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented his reflections on the June protests during a joint meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group and the government cabinet. Rama referred to the demonstrations as the “Boulevard of Flamingos”. He said he had prepared 2 documents that would guide the …

News

Opera “Rozafa” Makes World Premiere at Albania’s National Opera and Ballet Theatre

The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble (TKOBAP) hosted the world premiere of the opera “Rozafa” last night, bringing one of Albania’s most powerful cultural legends to the stage. The opera features music by Ndoc Pistulli, a libretto by Zef Zorba, and orchestration by Gridi Kraja. The production …

News

Finance Ministry says debt risk indicators improved in first half of 2026

TIRANA, July 24 – Albania improved several public debt risk indicators during the first half of 2026 through active debt management and prudent fiscal policy, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said. Malaj said the share of short-term debt declined during the period, reducing refinancing needs. He added that the average maturity …

News

Enkelana Marathon Returns to Pogradec

The Enkelana Marathon returns to Pogradec this weekend, combining sports competition with tourism promotion and the celebration of the region’s natural beauty. The half-marathon will take place along the shores of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Participants will run through a scenic route featuring crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes, …

News

PM Rama discusses reforms, public expectations and protected areas law

TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said citizens’ expectations have increased as Albania has undergone major changes. He made the remarks during a joint meeting of the government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group at the Palace of Brigades. Rama discussed the June protests, which he referred to …