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Rama Shares Photo Highlighting Government Priorities: Trust, Empathy, Service and Commitment

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo on social media featuring a handwritten note that reads: “Trust, empathy, service and commitment.” Alongside the image, Rama included the Albanian flag and a red heart emoji. The values listed on the note reflect the government’s key priorities in serving citizens and advancing …

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Public Consultations Begin in Maliq on Proposed Merger with Korçë

The Maliq Municipal Council has officially announced and invited residents to take part in public consultations regarding the new administrative-territorial reform of local government units. Under the proposed changes, the Municipality of Maliq would be merged with the Municipality of Korçë. According to the announcement, the consultations aim to gather …

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Hague Court Sets September Dates for Closing Arguments in Obstruction of Justice Case Against Thaçi and Four Others

The Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague announced on Thursday that September 10, 11, and 14 have been scheduled for the presentation of closing arguments in the obstruction of justice case against former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, Bashkim Smakaj, Isni Kilaj, Fadil Fazliu, and Hajredin Kuçi. The five defendants are …

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Begaj at the Ulcinj Book Fair: Books Should Be Treated as a National Priority

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-1″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-1″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-4″ data-turn=”assistant”> President Bajram Begaj attended the opening ceremony of the 25th anniversary edition of the Ulcinj Book Fair. The fair is regarded as one of the region’s most important cultural events, bringing together authors, publishers, writers, and book enthusiasts from Montenegro, Albania, …

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Defense Ministry Defends Procurement Process for Three Firefighting Aircraft

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”70e2f248-5867-4c1f-8cac-5495e6e2f2fb” data-turn-id-container=”70e2f248-5867-4c1f-8cac-5495e6e2f2fb” data-testid=”conversation-turn-15″ data-turn=”user”> Albania’s Ministry of Defense has responded to recent claims made by the Democratic Party regarding the procurement process for the purchase of three firefighting aircraft. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> In its statement, the ministry said that …

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Elbasan Begins Public Consultations on New Territorial Reform Following Protests

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-5″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-5″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Following protests in several municipalities across Elbasan County against the proposed Administrative-Territorial Reform, local authorities have officially launched the public consultation process. Opposition to the proposed territorial map first emerged in Prrenjas, where hundreds of residents protested against plans to merge …

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Lamallari Inspects Security Measures in Himarë, Says Safety Remains Top Priority During Tourist Season

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–sticky-padding-top)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”9de6290b-9798-49d9-a732-6c80566e0f98″ data-turn-id-container=”9de6290b-9798-49d9-a732-6c80566e0f98″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-turn=”user”> Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari, together with State Police Director General Skënder Hita, inspected security measures in Himarë to assess preparations for the summer tourist season. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-6″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-6″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-14″ data-turn=”assistant”> During a meeting with Himarë Mayor Vangjel …

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Albania Introduces Eye Injections to Prevent Blindness in Premature Babies

Albania has introduced, for the first time, eye injections designed to prevent blindness in premature babies. Ophthalmologists say that not every premature infant requires the treatment, and that close cooperation between maternity hospitals and the Ophthalmology Department at the University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” (QSUT) is essential for accurately identifying …

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Kosovo Indicts 20 People, Including Radoičić, for War Crimes in Gjakovë

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2879f987-ca36-40cf-8eae-63afa084fefc-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-turn=”assistant”> Kosovo’s Special Prosecution Office has filed war crimes charges against 20 individuals over crimes allegedly committed in Gjakovë during the 1998–1999 Kosovo war. According to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, one of the defendants is Milan Radoičić. The group is accused of …

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Bank of Albania keeps key interest rate unchanged at 2.5%

TIRANA, August 6 – The Supervisory Council of the Bank of Albania kept the key interest rate unchanged at 2.5% on Wednesday. The council said the current monetary policy stance supports price stability and economic growth. The decision followed the approval of the Quarterly Monetary Policy Report. Governor Gent Sejko …

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Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games: Albania sends record 72-athlete delegation

TIRANA, August 21 – The Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games open today in Italy, with Albania represented by 72 athletes. The delegation is the largest in Albania’s history at the Mediterranean Games. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja congratulated the Albanian athletes as the competition began. The delegation includes …

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Medicinal and aromatic plants offer growing potential for Albanian agriculture

TIRANA, August 21 – The cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants is becoming an increasingly important sector for Albanian agriculture. It provides income for farmers and contributes to the country’s exports. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from fields in Devoll, where farmers have turned to medicinal plant cultivation in …

News
Return of emigrants increases border traffic, over 10,000 cross Kakavija border crossing with Greece in 24 hours

TIRANA, August 21 – Border traffic has increased at Kakavija border crossing with Greece as Albanian emigrants return, with more than 10,000 people and 3,000 vehicles processed over the past 24 hours. Border services processed 10,581 people at the Kakavija crossing. A total of 4,294 entered Albania, while 6,287 left …

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Over 824,000 visitors to cultural heritage sites, Gjirokastër Castle leads

TIRANA, August 21 – Albania’s cultural heritage institutions and sites recorded a significant rise in visitors during the first 7 months of 2026. A total of 824,340 domestic and foreign visitors visited the sites from January to July, marking an 80% increase from the same period in 2023. According to …

News
10 active wildfires, 2 under monitoring as operations continue

TIRANA, August 21 – The Ministry of Defence reported 16 wildfires by 14:00. Ten remained active and two were under monitoring. The ministry said 240 military personnel, 3 firefighting vehicles, 4 helicopters and 2 Air Tractor aircraft supported the operations. In Gojan–Gjegjan, Puka, the situation remains calm and authorities report …

News
Week in Review: Momentous Moves and Dubious Intentions

Big changes are afoot amid the heat of the summer holiday season. Our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories takes a deep dive into the motives and agendas driving these changes. Original post Here

News
Inspectorate and Financial Intelligence Agency strengthen anti-money laundering cooperation

TIRANA, August 21 – The General Inspectorate and the Financial Intelligence Agency have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation against money laundering and terrorist financing. General Inspector Dashnor Sula and Financial Intelligence Agency Director Ervin Koci signed the agreement. It aims to improve the detection and reporting of suspected illegal …

News
Conference League: Dinamo City draw 1-1 with Pafos, qualification remains open

TIRANA, August 21 – Dinamo City drew 1-1 with Pafos at Elbasan Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off. The result leaves the tie open ahead of the return match. Neither side scored in the first half. Pafos missed a penalty in the 36th minute before …

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National Maritime Museum to highlight Shkodër’s historic link with the lake

TIRANA, August 21 – The National Maritime Museum is taking shape at the entrance to Shkodër. The museum will tell the story of the city’s historic links with the lake, rivers and navigation. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the construction work on social media as the project adds …

News
NATO: Any decision on reopening Ibër bridge must address all communities

TIRANA, August 21 – NATO says any decision to reopen the main bridge over the Ibër River to vehicle traffic must address the needs of all local communities. A NATO official told Radio Free Europe that KFOR continues to provide security support for European Union diplomatic efforts. The official said …

News

Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games: Albania sends record 72-athlete delegation

TIRANA, August 21 – The Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games open today in Italy, with Albania represented by 72 athletes. The delegation is the largest in Albania’s history at the Mediterranean Games. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja congratulated the Albanian athletes as the competition began. The delegation includes …

News

Medicinal and aromatic plants offer growing potential for Albanian agriculture

TIRANA, August 21 – The cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants is becoming an increasingly important sector for Albanian agriculture. It provides income for farmers and contributes to the country’s exports. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from fields in Devoll, where farmers have turned to medicinal plant cultivation in …

News

Return of emigrants increases border traffic, over 10,000 cross Kakavija border crossing with Greece in 24 hours

TIRANA, August 21 – Border traffic has increased at Kakavija border crossing with Greece as Albanian emigrants return, with more than 10,000 people and 3,000 vehicles processed over the past 24 hours. Border services processed 10,581 people at the Kakavija crossing. A total of 4,294 entered Albania, while 6,287 left …

News

Over 824,000 visitors to cultural heritage sites, Gjirokastër Castle leads

TIRANA, August 21 – Albania’s cultural heritage institutions and sites recorded a significant rise in visitors during the first 7 months of 2026. A total of 824,340 domestic and foreign visitors visited the sites from January to July, marking an 80% increase from the same period in 2023. According to …

News

10 active wildfires, 2 under monitoring as operations continue

TIRANA, August 21 – The Ministry of Defence reported 16 wildfires by 14:00. Ten remained active and two were under monitoring. The ministry said 240 military personnel, 3 firefighting vehicles, 4 helicopters and 2 Air Tractor aircraft supported the operations. In Gojan–Gjegjan, Puka, the situation remains calm and authorities report …

News

Week in Review: Momentous Moves and Dubious Intentions

Big changes are afoot amid the heat of the summer holiday season. Our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories takes a deep dive into the motives and agendas driving these changes. Original post Here

News

Inspectorate and Financial Intelligence Agency strengthen anti-money laundering cooperation

TIRANA, August 21 – The General Inspectorate and the Financial Intelligence Agency have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation against money laundering and terrorist financing. General Inspector Dashnor Sula and Financial Intelligence Agency Director Ervin Koci signed the agreement. It aims to improve the detection and reporting of suspected illegal …

News

Conference League: Dinamo City draw 1-1 with Pafos, qualification remains open

TIRANA, August 21 – Dinamo City drew 1-1 with Pafos at Elbasan Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off. The result leaves the tie open ahead of the return match. Neither side scored in the first half. Pafos missed a penalty in the 36th minute before …

News

National Maritime Museum to highlight Shkodër’s historic link with the lake

TIRANA, August 21 – The National Maritime Museum is taking shape at the entrance to Shkodër. The museum will tell the story of the city’s historic links with the lake, rivers and navigation. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the construction work on social media as the project adds …

News

NATO: Any decision on reopening Ibër bridge must address all communities

TIRANA, August 21 – NATO says any decision to reopen the main bridge over the Ibër River to vehicle traffic must address the needs of all local communities. A NATO official told Radio Free Europe that KFOR continues to provide security support for European Union diplomatic efforts. The official said …