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Belsh Unveils New Zip Line to Boost Tourism

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the inauguration of a new zip line in Belsh, describing it as another reason to visit the popular tourist destination in the Dumre region. The new attraction, stretching 724 meters, adds a new dimension to Belsh’s tourism offer by combining nature, adventure, and local …

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U.S. Supports Albanian Civil Aviation with Training and Equipment

Connectivity, operational safety, and aviation security are the three main pillars of cooperation between the Transportation Security Administration and the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority. The Albanian Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) announced that the donation of a testing equipment set by the TSA, combined with specialized training for experts from the …

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Government Declares Dhërmi Historic Center a Cultural Heritage Site

The Albanian government has declared the historic center of Dhërmi an immovable cultural heritage site. The Council of Ministers approved the decision and defined the protection zone of the historic center through zoning maps and coordinates in the Albanian Geodetic Reference Framework. The government also approved a plan to preserve, …

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Week in Review: Flamingos, Deflections and Posturing

Like the weather, the political temperature across the region is rising, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here

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FM Hoxha in Cyprus: European Union support, Tirana-Nicosia flights discussed

TIRANA, June 26 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos during an official visit to Cyprus. The ministers discussed stronger bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of common interest. Meanwhile, Hoxha thanked Cyprus for its continued support for Albania’s European Union integration. …

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Acting Tirana Mayor outlines second phase of soft loan applications in Tirana

TIRANA, June 26 – Acting Tirana Mayor Anuela Ristani said the extension of the application deadline for subsidized housing loans has increased the number of beneficiary families. She presented the update during Thursday’s municipal council meeting. Meanwhile, Ristani said authorities received 4,409 applications in the first phase. She added that …

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Rama: Radhima Transforms as “Lungomare 4” Takes Shape

Edi Rama said that Vlora continues to transform through major investments in public spaces and tourism infrastructure. He stated that the coastal area of Radhimë is undergoing visible changes. As a result, the “Lungomare 4” project is now taking shape. Rama said the project is part of a broader vision …

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Draft property tax law opens for public consultation, Finance minister highlights low rates

TIRANA, June 26 – The Ministry of Finance has opened a draft law on immovable property tax for public consultation. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the reform protects Albanian families and preserves one of the region’s lowest property tax rates. Meanwhile, Malaj said the proposal would not increase the tax …

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Ksamil expands free public beach access for summer visitors

TIRANA, June 26 – Ksamil is welcoming visitors this summer with more public beach areas and improved services. Local authorities have introduced measures to provide functional public spaces, stronger safety and better conditions along the coastline. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of Ksamil’s public beaches. He said the …

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Marubi Museum workshop explores light photography inspired by Gjon Mili

TIRANA, June 26 – The “Drawing with Light” creative workshop at the Marubi Museum in Shkodër introduced young participants to experimental photography. The museum’s education team organized the activity. Meanwhile, the workshop drew inspiration from the work of photographer Gjon Mili. Participants created light drawings by using light sources and …

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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 …