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Albania’s Street Revolt Turns Political

Tens of thousands filled Tirana on June 20 demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and his government, turning a three-week protest movement into the most serious political challenge to his 14-year rule. Tirana Times, June 20, 2026 – Albania witnessed its largest anti-government protest in years on Saturday, …

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Tirana’s Towers, Albania’s New Pyramids?

How a criminal political economy built on concrete, dirty money and construction may put the Albanian state at risk. Tirana Times, June 22, 2026 – Tirana’s skyline has become the most visible expression of Albania’s new political economy. Over the past six or seven years, dozens of high-rise towers have …

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Albania’s Missing Generation: A Country Losing Its Future Before 2050

Tirana Times, June 22, 2026 – Albania is no longer facing a normal demographic decline. It is facing the possible disappearance of the very generation on which its economic, social and political future depends. New United Nations population projections cited in the latest analysis show that Albania is expected to …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 22, 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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White Villages of the Blue Riviera: From Dhërmi to Vuno

The journey starts in the old village of Dhërmi along the main road. It leads through one of the most scenic hiking trails of the Albanian Riviera. First, the village of Dhërmi stands out with its white stone houses and blue sea views. Moreover, its narrow paths and natural spring …

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“Rrënjët” Guesthouse Opens in Ersekë, Blending History and Comfort

Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the opening of a new guesthouse called “Rrënjët” in the center of Rilindja Square in Ersekë. The project adds new accommodation capacity to the Kolonjë region. It also strengthens the local tourism offer. Moreover, Rama shared images of the guesthouse on social media. He described …

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Spanish Media: From Riviera to Alps, Albania Emerges as Europe’s Most Sought-After Destination

Albania is attracting strong international attention as one of Europe’s most popular travel destinations for 2026. The Spanish media outlet Noticias del Vino describes the country as “the last affordable paradise” in Europe. Moreover, the article highlights that Albania trends heavily on social media, especially TikTok. It shows how low-cost …

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Ksamil Transforms from Small Resort Town into International Tourism Trend

The coastal town of Ksamil has transformed from a small holiday destination into one of the most popular tourist hotspots in Albania and beyond. Moreover, the town attracts visitors with its crystal-clear waters, small islands, and proximity to Butrint National Park. It also benefits from its strategic location near Sarandë …

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Public Beach at “Taulantia” Promenade in Durrës Equipped with Sunbeds and Umbrellas

The public beach along the “Taulantia” promenade in Durrës has been equipped with umbrellas and sunbeds. As a result, it now offers more comfort, relaxation, and free access to the coastline for both residents and tourists. Moreover, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared images of the upgraded …

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UEFA Report: Albanian National Team Unites Fans and Enjoys the Most Positive Image

The Albanian national football team remains the strongest symbol of identity and pride for fans across the country. This conclusion comes from the “UEFA Grow Market Research” report, conducted by UEFA in cooperation with Nielsen. The report shows that interest in the national “A” team has increased over the past …

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In Search of Albania’s Soul: Manuel Montobbio Returns to Tirana Through Literature

Tirana Times,  July 02, 2026. The Albanian Institute for International Studies and Tirana Times book house hosted a special literary evening in Tirana with Ambassador Manuel Montobbio, diplomat, writer, poet and academic, offering a rare encounter between diplomacy, literature and Albania’s own search for memory, identity and soul. Held at the premises of Tirana …

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Will Washington Derail NATO’s Tirana Summit?

Tirana Times, July 2, 2026 — Albania’s ambition to host a NATO summit in 2027 has suddenly become more than a diplomatic milestone. It has become a test of whether Tirana can keep pace with the alliance’s new defense spending politics, whether Washington under President Donald Trump is willing to …

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Protesters Detained, Police Injured in Clashes Outside Albanian Parliament

At the latest anti-government rally outside parliament in Tirana, several police officers were injured and at least 18 demonstrators were detained. Original post Here

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Deputy PM Koçiu: Children must be kept away from political activities, use in protests is unacceptable

TIRANA, July 2 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu reacted on social media, condemning the involvement of children in political activities. She called for stronger protection of minors from adult political conflicts. Koçiu said recent images circulating in public are concerning. She said they show children exposed to a divisive …

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Saranda sees rising tourist arrivals as visitors embrace Albanian cuisine

TIRANA, July 2 – Saranda has entered the summer season with a higher number of visitors than during the same period last year, according to local tourism businesses. Operators said tourist arrivals have increased steadily from month to month, boosting activity across the hospitality and services sectors. Meanwhile, businesses said …

News
Administrative reform, essential step for EU integration, draft law aims to strengthen autonomy of agencies

TIRANA, July 2 – Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni presented a draft law on the organisation and functioning of the state administration, calling it a key milestone in public sector reform and Albania’s EU integration process. Pirdeni described the initiative as the result of two …

News
PM Rama: 50 Million Euro Sovereign Guarantee for Businesses, Double Funding for Youth Startups

TIRANA, July 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government has expanded the sovereign guarantee scheme to 50 million euros, aiming to support small and medium-sized enterprises that want to scale up their operations. Speaking during a discussion with pensioners, Rama stressed that the programme targets small and medium …

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EU Growth Plan: Albania leads Western Balkans as reform reporting enters new phase

TIRANA, July 2 – Western Balkan countries have until July 15 to submit progress reports under the European Union’s Growth Plan after the fourth reporting period ended on June 30. The European Commission will review the reports before approving payments. Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said the Reform and Growth Facility …

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July tourist surge lifts Shkodër and Albanian Alps alongside coast

TIRANA, July 2 – July has opened with a strong influx of visitors across Shkodra County, where tourist activity now extends well beyond Velipoja’s beaches to the city and the Albanian Alps. Travellers from across Europe continue to choose Albania for their summer holidays, turning Shkodra into a key stop …

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Deadly Addiction: Albania Needs Liberating From the Flow of Drug Money

The constant flow of laundered drug money into Albania through organised crime has enriched a tiny minority at the cost of distorting politics and impoverishing the rest of the population. Original post Here

News

In Search of Albania’s Soul: Manuel Montobbio Returns to Tirana Through Literature

Tirana Times,  July 02, 2026. The Albanian Institute for International Studies and Tirana Times book house hosted a special literary evening in Tirana with Ambassador Manuel Montobbio, diplomat, writer, poet and academic, offering a rare encounter between diplomacy, literature and Albania’s own search for memory, identity and soul. Held at the premises of Tirana …

News

Will Washington Derail NATO’s Tirana Summit?

Tirana Times, July 2, 2026 — Albania’s ambition to host a NATO summit in 2027 has suddenly become more than a diplomatic milestone. It has become a test of whether Tirana can keep pace with the alliance’s new defense spending politics, whether Washington under President Donald Trump is willing to …

News

Protesters Detained, Police Injured in Clashes Outside Albanian Parliament

At the latest anti-government rally outside parliament in Tirana, several police officers were injured and at least 18 demonstrators were detained. Original post Here

News

Deputy PM Koçiu: Children must be kept away from political activities, use in protests is unacceptable

TIRANA, July 2 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu reacted on social media, condemning the involvement of children in political activities. She called for stronger protection of minors from adult political conflicts. Koçiu said recent images circulating in public are concerning. She said they show children exposed to a divisive …

News

Saranda sees rising tourist arrivals as visitors embrace Albanian cuisine

TIRANA, July 2 – Saranda has entered the summer season with a higher number of visitors than during the same period last year, according to local tourism businesses. Operators said tourist arrivals have increased steadily from month to month, boosting activity across the hospitality and services sectors. Meanwhile, businesses said …

News

Administrative reform, essential step for EU integration, draft law aims to strengthen autonomy of agencies

TIRANA, July 2 – Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni presented a draft law on the organisation and functioning of the state administration, calling it a key milestone in public sector reform and Albania’s EU integration process. Pirdeni described the initiative as the result of two …

News

PM Rama: 50 Million Euro Sovereign Guarantee for Businesses, Double Funding for Youth Startups

TIRANA, July 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government has expanded the sovereign guarantee scheme to 50 million euros, aiming to support small and medium-sized enterprises that want to scale up their operations. Speaking during a discussion with pensioners, Rama stressed that the programme targets small and medium …

News

EU Growth Plan: Albania leads Western Balkans as reform reporting enters new phase

TIRANA, July 2 – Western Balkan countries have until July 15 to submit progress reports under the European Union’s Growth Plan after the fourth reporting period ended on June 30. The European Commission will review the reports before approving payments. Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said the Reform and Growth Facility …

News

July tourist surge lifts Shkodër and Albanian Alps alongside coast

TIRANA, July 2 – July has opened with a strong influx of visitors across Shkodra County, where tourist activity now extends well beyond Velipoja’s beaches to the city and the Albanian Alps. Travellers from across Europe continue to choose Albania for their summer holidays, turning Shkodra into a key stop …

News

Deadly Addiction: Albania Needs Liberating From the Flow of Drug Money

The constant flow of laundered drug money into Albania through organised crime has enriched a tiny minority at the cost of distorting politics and impoverishing the rest of the population. Original post Here