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 …
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 …
“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 …
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 …
Kosovo’s Tourism Grows as More Than 44,000 Foreign Visitors Arrive in May
Kosovo’s hotel sector recorded significant growth in May 2026, with the number of visitors increasing compared to the same period last year. According to data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS), hotels across the country welcomed 69,081 visitors in May, including 25,026 domestic tourists and 44,055 international visitors. Compared …
Albania launches hydrometeorological service reform to create modern system
TIRANA, July 8 – Albania has started the process of reforming its hydrometeorological service to modernize the sector and strengthen its capacity to address climate change, public safety and sustainable development challenges. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj held the first meeting today with the inter-institutional working group established for the reform. …
PM Rama: 4-million-euro Kanye West concert could generate over 100 million euros
TIRANA, July 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama defended the government’s decision to allocate 4 million euros for the Kanye West concert, saying the event could generate more than 100 million euros for the Albanian economy. Rama said the government approved the funding at the last minute to prevent the …
Central Bank Governor Sejko: Stronger Lek reflects structural economic improvements
TIRANA, July 8 – Central Bank Governor Gent Sejko said on Wednesday that the Albanian Lek (ALL) has continued to strengthen, attributing the trend to structural improvements in the country’s external balance and increased foreign currency inflows. Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on Citizens’ Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight, Sejko …
AKSHI Shares Albania’s Digital Transformation Experience with Kurdistan Region Delegation
The National Agency of Information Society (AKSHI) hosted a high-level delegation from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, led by Deputy Prime Minister Qubad Talabani, to discuss digital transformation and innovation in public administration. AKSHI Director General Igli Tafa and other representatives welcomed Talabani and his delegation, which included the Minister …
Rama Arrives at NATO Summit, Meets Erdoğan Ahead of Bilateral Talks
Prime Minister Edi Rama and his wife, Linda Rama, arrived at the official reception and dinner hosted by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and First Lady Emine Erdoğan during the NATO Summit in Ankara. Rama met President Erdoğan and the First Lady before posing for an official photograph. He also …
TIRANA, July 17 – The Artistic Ensemble “Skanderbeg” from Korça represented Albania at the 59th edition of the International “Festival des Cultures du Monde” in Chambéry, France. The festival brought together folklore and cultural groups from different parts of the world. The Albanian ensemble presented traditional costumes, music and dances, …
TIRANA, July 17 – Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj presented the sovereign scheme “Double your business”, which aims to help Albanian companies access financing and increase investment, productivity and competitiveness in European markets. Ibrahimaj said the initiative responds to the real needs of businesses and supports the development …
TIRANA, July 17 – The Albanian government has launched the national program “Double Your Enterprise” to support small and medium-sized businesses through financing opportunities that aim to increase investment, employment and economic development. At the program’s presentation, Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko said the institution had worked for a …
TIRANA, July 17 – Kosova’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu said the constitutive session of the country’s parliament will take place in early August. She explained that the constitutional deadline expires on August 7. Haxhiu added that the Constitution gives the president 30 days to call the session. Meanwhile, she said …
TIRANA, July 17 – European Union Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos said Albania has effectively started closing negotiation chapters for the first time in its accession process, as the bloc prepares for a new phase of enlargement. Speaking at the European Economic and Social Committee in Brussels, Kos said EU enlargement …
TIRANA, July 17 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the national program “Double Your Enterprise” will support joint ventures in rural areas between private entities, farmers, and small and medium-sized businesses. Speaking at the presentation event of the program, Rama said rural development remains a priority, especially through the promotion …
Ethnic Cleansing Remark Tests Serbia’s Claim to Have Broken With Milošević A Serbian minister’s declared willingness to expel Kosovo Albanians has drawn condemnation across the region and Europe. Belgrade’s refusal to remove her has transformed a personal scandal into a test of government policy and Serbia’s European ambitions. Tirana Times, …
From fresh battles over memory in Bosnia to the acquittal of North Macedonia’s former PM and Turkey’s post-coup legacy, this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories show how contested history keeps the region chained to its past. Original post Here
TIRANA, July 17 – Prime Minister Edi Rama congratulated Ukraine’s newly appointed Prime Minister Serhii Koretskyi on his appointment by the Verkhovna Rada. Rama wished Koretskyi success as he joins President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in leading Ukraine during one of the most difficult chapters in its history. He said the country …
TIRANA, July 17 – The Central State Film Archive presented the restored version of the film “The Brave Ones” at Drita Cinema. The 1970 production by Film Studios “New Albania” returned to the big screen through the “Adopt a Film for Restoration” initiative. The screening presented one of the most …