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Balla: “Double Your Business” Programme Opens New Financing Opportunities for SMEs

The “Double Your Business” programme supports Albanian entrepreneurs and creates new financing opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises, said Taulant Balla during a visit to the “Belba” winery in Kavajë. Balla visited the winery, which two brothers established after bringing their experience from Italy and combining it with Albania’s traditional …

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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 …

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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 …

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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, …

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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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Clear weather, temperatures remain high

TIRANA, August 6 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will experience stable and hot weather conditions on Thursday. The weather will remain clear across the country. Meanwhile, light passing clouds may appear over mountainous areas from midday to afternoon. Winds will blow from the southeast to southwest at an …

News
“Washington Post” explores Albania’s authentic travel experience beyond social media fame

TIRANA, August 6 – The “Washington Post” has published a travel feature by reporter Natalie Compton, highlighting Albania’s growing popularity while exploring the country beyond its image on social media. The article follows a journey through northern and southern Albania, from the quiet landscapes of the Shkodër region to the …

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Durrës Port handles over 349,000 passengers from January to July

TIRANA, August 6 – More than 349,000 passengers travelled through the Ferry Terminal of Durrës Port during January-July 2026, confirming its role as Albania’s main maritime gateway for passenger transport. The Durrës Port Authority told the Albanian Telegraphic Agency that 349,423 passengers used the terminal during the first seven months …

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State Enforcement Service operates through 22 offices nationwide

TIRANA, August 6 – The State Enforcement Service operates through 22 local offices across Albania to implement final court decisions, Minister of Justice Toni Gogu said. Gogu highlighted the role of the institution, saying that winning a court case represents only half of the process. He said a decision gains …

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118th anniversary of the birth of Albanologist Eqrem Çabej

TIRANA, August 6 – August 6 marks the 118th anniversary of the birth of linguist and Albanologist Prof. Eqrem Çabej, one of the founders of modern Albanian studies. Çabej was born on August 6, 1908, in Gjirokastër, where he completed his early education. He attended high school in Klagenfurt, Austria, …

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Five wildfires remain active after 28 reported in 24 hours

TIRANA, August 6 – Albania reported 28 wildfires in the past 24 hours, with 5 fires still active, according to the Ministry of Defence. The National Civil Protection Agency, local authorities and the Armed Forces are coordinating firefighting operations across the country. A total of 64 firefighting vehicles, 631 operational …

News
US Senate confirms Eric Wendt as US ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, August 6 – The US Senate has confirmed Eric Wendt as the new US ambassador to Albania. Wendt received 50 votes in favour and 44 against. Wendt becomes the first US ambassador to Albania since Yuri Kim left the post in June 2023. President Donald Trump nominated him for …

News
Blue Eye in Saranda attracts visitors with its natural beauty

TIRANA, August 6 – The Blue Eye natural monument is attracting a growing number of domestic and foreign visitors during the summer season. Tourists choose the destination for its crystal-clear waters, untouched nature and unique landscapes. Visitors describe the spring as a rare natural phenomenon emerging from deep underground. They …

News
Central Bank Governor: Instant payment system to cut costs and boost savings

TIRANA, August 6 – Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko said the TIPS Clone instant payment system will reduce transfer costs and bring major benefits to citizens, businesses and the Albanian economy. The Bank of Albania plans to launch the system in November. It developed the project with the Bank …

News

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 …

News

Clear weather, temperatures remain high

TIRANA, August 6 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will experience stable and hot weather conditions on Thursday. The weather will remain clear across the country. Meanwhile, light passing clouds may appear over mountainous areas from midday to afternoon. Winds will blow from the southeast to southwest at an …

News

“Washington Post” explores Albania’s authentic travel experience beyond social media fame

TIRANA, August 6 – The “Washington Post” has published a travel feature by reporter Natalie Compton, highlighting Albania’s growing popularity while exploring the country beyond its image on social media. The article follows a journey through northern and southern Albania, from the quiet landscapes of the Shkodër region to the …

News

Durrës Port handles over 349,000 passengers from January to July

TIRANA, August 6 – More than 349,000 passengers travelled through the Ferry Terminal of Durrës Port during January-July 2026, confirming its role as Albania’s main maritime gateway for passenger transport. The Durrës Port Authority told the Albanian Telegraphic Agency that 349,423 passengers used the terminal during the first seven months …

News

State Enforcement Service operates through 22 offices nationwide

TIRANA, August 6 – The State Enforcement Service operates through 22 local offices across Albania to implement final court decisions, Minister of Justice Toni Gogu said. Gogu highlighted the role of the institution, saying that winning a court case represents only half of the process. He said a decision gains …

News

118th anniversary of the birth of Albanologist Eqrem Çabej

TIRANA, August 6 – August 6 marks the 118th anniversary of the birth of linguist and Albanologist Prof. Eqrem Çabej, one of the founders of modern Albanian studies. Çabej was born on August 6, 1908, in Gjirokastër, where he completed his early education. He attended high school in Klagenfurt, Austria, …

News

Five wildfires remain active after 28 reported in 24 hours

TIRANA, August 6 – Albania reported 28 wildfires in the past 24 hours, with 5 fires still active, according to the Ministry of Defence. The National Civil Protection Agency, local authorities and the Armed Forces are coordinating firefighting operations across the country. A total of 64 firefighting vehicles, 631 operational …

News

US Senate confirms Eric Wendt as US ambassador to Albania

TIRANA, August 6 – The US Senate has confirmed Eric Wendt as the new US ambassador to Albania. Wendt received 50 votes in favour and 44 against. Wendt becomes the first US ambassador to Albania since Yuri Kim left the post in June 2023. President Donald Trump nominated him for …

News

Blue Eye in Saranda attracts visitors with its natural beauty

TIRANA, August 6 – The Blue Eye natural monument is attracting a growing number of domestic and foreign visitors during the summer season. Tourists choose the destination for its crystal-clear waters, untouched nature and unique landscapes. Visitors describe the spring as a rare natural phenomenon emerging from deep underground. They …

News

Central Bank Governor: Instant payment system to cut costs and boost savings

TIRANA, August 6 – Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko said the TIPS Clone instant payment system will reduce transfer costs and bring major benefits to citizens, businesses and the Albanian economy. The Bank of Albania plans to launch the system in November. It developed the project with the Bank …