Wildfires in Albania, Defence Ministry: 7 active fires, 3 under monitoring
TIRANA, August 18 – The Ministry of Defence said authorities recorded 13 wildfires across Albania by 20:00 on August 17. Seven remained active, while authorities monitored 3 others. A total of 424 operational personnel and 14 firefighting vehicles joined the response. The Armed Forces deployed 129 personnel, 2 firefighting vehicles, …
Albania to Compete at Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, Gonxhja: We Increased Support for Elite Athletes
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja attended the flag handover ceremony for Albania’s delegation to the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Gonxhja praised the athletes who will represent Albania at the major international sporting event. He said elite athletes remain one of the country’s greatest sporting assets. Therefore, the government …
World Bank Europe and Central Asia: From emigration to return, tourism revives Albanian cities
TIRANA, August 18 – Tourism is creating new opportunities in southern Albania and encouraging some people who left the country to return, according to the World Bank’s Europe and Central Asia region, known as WorldBankECA. The shift follows years of population decline, particularly among young people, even as the region …
More than half of Albania’s trade with European Union countries, INSTAT data show
TIRANA, August 18 – European Union countries remained Albania’s main trading partner for goods in July 2026, accounting for 53.6% of total trade, according to INSTAT. European markets also received the largest share of Albanian exports during the month. Exports to European Union countries accounted for 68.4% of Albania’s total …
Albania Tourism in Numbers: AIDA Highlights 12.5 Million Foreign Tourists and 22% GDP Contribution
The Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) has published “FactSheet Tourism”. The guide gives investors key data on Albania’s tourism sector and its investment potential. According to the factsheet, Albania has recorded 12.5 million foreign tourists. Tourism contributes around 22% to the country’s GDP. International hotel brands also operate in Albania. …
Albania’s First Football League championship to start on August 21 with new format
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s First Football League championship, the Abissnet Superiore, will start its 2026/27 season on August 21. The new season will introduce reforms aimed at increasing competition, creating more opportunities for young players and improving the organization of the championship. All matches will be broadcast on RTSH. …
Exports rise 10.6% in July to 33.7 billion ALL
TIRANA, August 17 – Albanian exports continued their positive trend in July 2026, reaching 33.7 billion ALL, up 10.6% from the same month a year earlier, according to INSTAT. Compared with June 2026, exports fell 5%. Meanwhile, goods imports reached 86.4 billion ALL, rising 3.6% year-on-year and 3.5% from June. …
New police unit to focus on environmental crimes
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s State Police will establish a new unit focused specifically on environmental crimes. Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari announced the move during a meeting with State Police local directors from Albania’s 12 counties. Lamallari called for a more proactive approach to wildfires. He said police should investigate …
Infrastructure Minister Karakaçi visits Tirana-Durrës motorway works, targets early completion
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi visited the Tirana-Durrës motorway, where workers are carrying out the third phase of its expansion. After opening the first 6 kilometres, crews now focus on the section from the Rinas overpass towards Limuth. Workers are widening the road, while …
Albania’s Defence Minister Nufi: Ground and air operations continue to fight wildfires
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s Armed Forces continue intensive ground and air operations to fight wildfires in several parts of the country, Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said. Nufi shared footage of aerial firefighting operations in areas with difficult terrain. On Mount Dajti in Tirana, 50 Armed Forces personnel and 2 …
TIRANA, August 28 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari and State Police Director General Skënder Hita met with local police and Border Police officials to discuss service standards and public trust. Lamallari called for professional, ethical and lawful service at every level. The minister said citizens build their trust in the …
TIRANA, August 28 – Klevis Qose, head of Albania’s Police Oversight Agency, met Karma M. Smith, the FBI adviser on organised crime at Albania’s Special Prosecution Office. Smith has recently taken up her post in Albania. The meeting focused on continuing existing work and coordinating the next steps. Qose said …
TIRANA, August 28 – Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has rejected suggestions that Albanian officials took part in coordinated hybrid activities in Montenegro. He stressed that no formal accusation has been made against Albania. FM Hoxha responded after Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic referred to the alleged involvement of officials …
Kosovo judoka Fatjona Kasapi has won the bronze medal at the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games. Kasapi received a bye in the first round. However, she lost to France’s Pauline Cuq by Ippon in the quarterfinals. She continued the competition through the repechage. After another bye in her first repechage bout, …
A wildfire broke out this afternoon in an area between the villages of Tërbaç and Vranisht, in the Municipality of Himarë. Firefighters and aerial units are working to contain and extinguish the flames. Himarë Mayor Vangjel Tavo said local firefighting teams are on the ground with specialized vehicles. They are …
Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) President Armando Duka has hailed Egnatia’s participation in the UEFA Conference League, calling it a major achievement for Albanian football. Duka said he followed the UEFA Conference League draw with “special pride” and highlighted the historic significance of Egnatia’s participation. “For the first time in history, …
Kosovo judoka Erza Muminoviq is one win away from securing a bronze medal at the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games. Muminoviq advanced through the second repechage bout after defeating Algeria’s Rahma Ghalima by Ippon. The victory secured her a place in the bronze-medal contest, where she will face Spain’s Mireia Rodriguez …
Economist Linda Rama has discussed the Western Balkans’ economic transformation, challenges and future opportunities in an interview with “Fortune Greece”. Rama said the region has experienced major political, social and economic changes since the 1990s. She highlighted progress in macroeconomic management, public finances, digital services and infrastructure. However, she said …
Egnatia has learned its six opponents for the 2026-27 Conference League league phase, marking the historic debut of the Albanian champions at this stage of the competition. The draw, held in Monaco on Friday, determined the European journey of the Rrogozhina-based club. Egnatia will play three matches at home and …
Iceland’s referendum on restarting European Union membership talks could change the current EU enlargement landscape. It could also create new momentum for countries seeking to join the bloc. Icelanders will vote on August 29. They will decide whether their country should resume accession negotiations with the EU. However, the referendum …