Private sector loan portfolio grows by around 14%
TIRANA, August 14 – The private sector loan portfolio grew by around 14% in the second quarter from a year earlier. The increase reflects stronger bank financing for businesses and individuals. According to Bank of Albania data, lending expanded across most categories. Businesses continue to show strong demand for loans, …
BIRN Reality Check: What Has Albania’s AI ‘Minister’ Achieved So Far?
Nearly a year after Prime Minister Edi Rama introduced an AI chatbot as a ‘virtual minister’ in his cabinet to tackle corruption, has the technology been a success? Original post Here
Euronews: European Union faces decisive moment on enlargement
TIRANA, August 14 – International media network Euronews says the European Union faces a decisive moment over its enlargement policy. The bloc must balance progress by candidate countries with internal reforms needed to operate as a larger and more complex union. Montenegro and Albania rank among the most advanced candidates, …
Dinamo reach Conference League play-off
TIRANA, August 14 – Dinamo secured a place in the Conference League play-off after beating Auda 4-0 at Elbasan Arena. Dinamo, coached by Albanian Ilir Daja, overturned a 1-0 first-leg defeat in Latvia and continued their European campaign. Qardaku opened the scoring in the 36th minute, while Qefalia doubled Dinamo’s …
Egnatia overturn Shamrock defeat to reach Europa League play-off
TIRANA, August 14 – Albanian champions Egnatia reached the Europa League play-off after a 5-1 win over Shamrock Rovers in Rrogozhina. The result overturned their 3-1 first-leg defeat and secured a meeting with Norwegian side Lillestrom. Egnatia have also secured a place in the Conference League league phase. This applies …
Weather today: Cloudy skies, rain and thunderstorms
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania will experience broadly similar weather conditions today, August 14. Skies will remain mostly clear, with moderate cloud cover that will occasionally become denser over mountainous areas in the south and southeast. Meanwhile, light rain is expected across most of the country. Short thunderstorms may occur …
Wildfires across Albania: 29 reported in 24 hours, 11 remain active
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania reported 29 wildfires during the past 24 hours. Eleven remain active, while authorities are monitoring 3 fires and have brought 4 under control. The Ministry of Defence said 249 firefighters, 48 police officers, 233 municipal and forestry personnel, 206 volunteers and 118 Armed Forces personnel …
George Kastrioti Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja attracts local and foreign visitors
TIRANA, August 14 – The George Kastrioti Skanderbeg Museum in Kruja remains a popular cultural tourism destination, welcoming large numbers of local and foreign visitors during the summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the museum, which stands inside the historic Kruja Castle. The Kruja Museum Centre also …
Morocco lifts visa requirement for Albanian citizens on short stays
TIRANA, August 14 – Morocco has lifted visa requirements for Albanian citizens travelling for short stays. The decision takes effect on August 15, 2026. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said Morocco’s competent authorities had informed Albania of the decision. Morocco’s embassy accredited to Albania and based in Rome …
Hasan Prishtina, advocate of liberation and national unity
TIRANA, August 14 – Hasan Prishtina died in Thessaloniki on August 14 after an assassination attempt. Born in Vushtrri, Kosova, in 1873, he studied at the French High School in Thessaloniki and the Ottoman administration school Mulkiye in Istanbul. Prishtina served three times as a deputy in the Ottoman Parliament. …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha reacted today to the death in prison of Ratko Mladić, who received a life sentence for genocide and war crimes. Hoxha described Mladić as a brutal killer who faced convictions for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Tribunal …
TIRANA, August 28 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the Thoma Turtulli Children’s Library in Korça on social media this morning. The library has been transformed into a modern space for children. In his Facebook post, Rama highlighted the renovated facilities and the spaces created for reading, learning …
TIRANA, August 28 – Albania will have mostly stable weather on Friday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Temperatures will remain high. The weather will alternate between clear skies and moderate cloud cover around midday and in the afternoon. Mountainous areas will mainly see these conditions. Meanwhile, isolated light rain …
TIRANA, August 28 – British newspaper Daily Mail has highlighted Tirana as Europe’s most affordable destination for short breaks. The report cited a new study by British travel agency Thomas Cook. The study ranked 51 popular European destinations. It found that 18 destinations could be visited for less than 100 …
“Sophie” Guesthouse in Libohovë, Gjirokastër, has received support through the IPARD Programme. The investment has helped develop rural tourism and promote local products. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the guesthouse, which Marika Karanxha runs. The property offers 11 rooms and combines local traditional elements with modern comfort. Moreover, …
TIRANA, August 28 – The former home of Albanian poet Migjeni still stands in Shkodër. The building now links the poet’s literary legacy with the religious mission of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Child Jesus. Migjeni remains one of Albania’s most important poets. His work focused on poverty, hardship …
Brazilian magazine “Estado de Minas” has highlighted one of Albania’s most remarkable natural wonders: Lake Neuron in the Vjosa Valley. The underground thermal lake lies near Përmet and the Bënjë thermal springs. It holds around 8.3 million liters of water. The magazine described Lake Neuron as a hidden treasure beneath …
World Lakes Day, marked on August 27, highlights the importance of scientific research and innovation in protecting and sustainably managing lakes. The National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (AKKSHI) said people should view lakes not only as natural treasures and beautiful landscapes, but also as natural laboratories for scientific …
The High Scardus Trail is emerging as a major mountain tourism destination in the Western Balkans. The cross-border route connects Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. The German Embassy in Albania says the trail offers more than spectacular mountain landscapes. It also creates economic opportunities for local communities and helps protect …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the “Pasqyra Albania” platform will allow citizens to compare product prices and find where they can buy them more cheaply. At the same time, the government will use the platform to analyze how prices form across the entire value chain. Ibrahimaj told ATSH …