Minister Hoxha Meets Senior US Official, Defense and Security in Focus
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker on the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum. In a post on the social media platform X, Hoxha said the meeting reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership between Albania …
Albania Loses Top Spot in Europe for Growth in Tourist Overnight Stays
Albania has lost its top position in Europe for growth in tourist overnight stays, ranking third this year behind Ireland and Malta. Kosovo ranks fourth, continuing to record significant growth in tourism activity. After three years of double-digit growth and record results at the European level, Albania has recorded a …
Security Academy Applications: Lamallari Signs Order Revising Age Limit for Police Recruitment
Minister of Internal Affairs Besfort Lamallari has signed an order revising the age limit for admission to the State Police, expanding opportunities for young people, experienced professionals, and employees coming from other security institutions. The decision comes in response to numerous requests addressed to the minister through social media and …
Bank of Albania: Economic confidence rises 1.8 points in August, led by construction
TIRANA, September 1 – Economic confidence in Albania improved in August, led by construction, while trade and services also recorded gains, according to the Bank of Albania. The Economic Sentiment Indicator rose by 1.8 points and stood 7.4 points above its historical average. Construction recorded the strongest increase, with confidence …
Public beach areas increase by 67% this season
TIRANA, September 1 – The number of public beach areas increased by 67% across Albania this tourist season. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the increase in a social media post. The total area of public beach stations also grew by more than 10%. Gonxhja said the expansion …
Metro: Albania offers a rare European mountain escape beyond the Dolomites
TIRANA, September 1 – British newspaper Metro highlights the Albanian Alps as a rare mountain destination with dramatic landscapes, quiet trails and low costs. Reporter Sadie Whitelocks describes the region as an alternative to the crowded Dolomites. The article follows a 7-day hiking challenge across the mountains of Albania, Kosova …
FM Hoxha at European Forum Alpbach: Albania contributes to Europe’s security
TIRANA, September 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha took part in the European Forum Alpbach in Austria at the invitation of Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. He joined a panel focused on Europe’s ability to act in a rapidly changing world. Hoxha said Albania’s present and future are closely linked …
Kukës lake boat tours set to expand with planned Kukës-Fierza route
TIRANA, September 1 – Tourist boat trips on Kukës Lake have drawn strong interest during the summer season, the first year of the service. Visitors have used the tours to explore the lake and the area’s natural attractions. According to boat operator Edmond Bytyçi, requests came from visitors from several …
FM Hoxha at Bled Strategic Forum: EU enlargement makes the bloc stronger and more united
TIRANA, September 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha took part in a panel on “Enlargement as Europe’s Future Geopolitical Tool” at the Bled Strategic Forum, alongside European Commissioner Marta Kos. Hoxha said enlargement should remain a merit-based process and stressed the importance of credibility and maintaining the pace of negotiations. …
27 wildfires reported in 24 hours, 4 remain active
TIRANA, September 1 – The Ministry of Defence reported 27 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Four fires remain active, while authorities are monitoring 4 others. Firefighters deployed 432 operational personnel and 43 vehicles, with support from 70 military personnel and 3 Air Force helicopters. Today, authorities plan …
Historical narratives, political systems, institutions and economies across the region are being put to the test as old problems collide with new pressures, our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a change at the helm of the Interior Ministry. Besfort Lamallari will leave the post and move to the Prime Minister’s Office, while Ervin Demo will take over the ministry. Rama announced the move while presenting changes to the government. He said Lamallari would …
The Ministry of Defense reported 40 wildfires across Albania in the past 24 hours. Six remain active, nine are under monitoring and 25 have been fully extinguished. A total of 492 local personnel and 36 firefighting vehicles are supporting operations. The Armed Forces have deployed 133 personnel, one helicopter, two …
Klodiana Spahiu has been sworn in as Minister of Health and Social Welfare at the Presidency. President Bajram Begaj appointed her following Prime Minister Edi Rama’s proposal, after Evis Sala resigned from the post. Spahiu is a cardiologist and holds a medical degree from the University of Tirana. She later …
An exhibition dedicated to one of Albania’s leading 20th-century artists, Ibrahim Kodra, will open in Tirana on September 23. “Ibrahim Kodra – The Sea and Music” will be held at the Bank of Albania and will remain open until November 23. The exhibition features 41 works created between 1947 and …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the launch of a national campaign to register artisans across Albania. The campaign aims to identify, assess and promote traditional crafts and the people who preserve them. Gonxhja said the campaign would give greater visibility to artisans and their work. It will …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has announced a new National Housing Fund to support not only vulnerable groups, but also professionals, young people and newly formed families. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj said the programme will make 7,000 apartments available. Around 2,000 will be offered through interest-free loans …
The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, met with UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis to discuss cooperation in green finance, financial and digital education, payment systems, and support for SMEs. The meeting focused on Albania’s latest economic and financial developments and the Bank’s ongoing initiatives. Davis praised the …
Albania is increasingly attracting visitors through its natural heritage, with protected areas becoming key destinations for tourists. Diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity and outdoor activities are drawing more visitors and adding a new dimension to the country’s tourism offer. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said more than 4.5 million visitors explored Albania’s …
General jurisdiction prosecutors from Tirana, Elbasan, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Kukës, Korçë, Berat, Fier, Vlora, Dibër, Lezhë and Shkodër took part in a training session on prosecutorial ethics and professional dilemmas. The Dutch Embassy in Albania said the training was led by Dutch prosecutor Disa Jironet. It focused on complex cases, …