Economic Confidence Falls: Citizens Cut Spending, Uncertainty in Some Sectors
Confidence in the economy declined in April. According to the latest survey by the Bank of Albania, the Economic Sentiment Indicator dropped by 1.5 points, marking a reversal after several months of optimism. Consumers, along with sectors such as services and trade, contributed to the decline in the monthly survey …
Hoxha: No Blockage in Negotiations, Rama–Vučić Article Is Not Against the EU
The Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, reported this Monday to the Parliamentary Foreign Affairs Committee during a hearing session, where he spoke extensively about the progress of Albania’s European integration process and the latest developments in negotiations with the European Union. The minister rejected claims of any …
Document of Ambassadorial Nominee: Eric Wendt on Business Influence and Avoiding Conflicts of Interest
An ethics agreement signed on March 17, 2026, by the nominee for United States Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, outlines the measures he will take to avoid conflicts of interest while carrying out his duties. The document specifies that Wendt will not participate in decision-making processes directly related to his …
President Haxhiu Signs Decree to Open Kosovo Consulate in Texas
The President of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, signed on Monday a decree for the opening of the Consular Mission of the Republic of Kosovo in Texas. According to a statement from the Presidency, Haxhiu emphasized that this is an important step. She noted that with this mission, Kosovo becomes closer to …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: May 4, 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
PM Rama joins leaders’ meetings in Yerevan, appears in family photo and holds talks on security and economic connectivity summit
TIRANA, May 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is attending the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, Armenia. He shared a family photo with the participating leaders. Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed Rama and the Albanian delegation. This reception marked the start of the summit activities. The …
FM Hoxha meets new Turkish ambassador to Albania
TIRANA, May 4 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha met the newly appointed Turkish ambassador to Albania, Barıs Erciyes, in Tirana. He said later on social media that the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the two countries. He also highlighted excellent relations developed over the years. …
Albanian weightlifter Samoel Rrasa wins silver at World Youth Championships in Egypt
TIRANA, May 4 – Albanian weightlifting continues to achieve strong international results. Young athlete Samoel Rrasa won the silver medal at the World Youth Championships held in Egypt. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) said the 18-year-old competed in the 65 kg category. He secured second place in the snatch …
Tirana Launches First Chocolate and Sweets Festival
Tirana hosts the first Chocolate and Sweets Festival and brings together producers, artisans, and visitors in a celebration of flavor and creativity. The event takes place at “Tirana Moons” and receives support from the Municipality of Tirana, with organizers aiming to turn it into an annual tradition. Tourism director Ketrina …
20-year government bond auction opens today in Albania
TIRANA, May 4 – The Ministry of Finance published the calendar of government securities auctions for May. It invited citizens and investors to take part in the process. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said participation in government securities auctions offers an attractive investment opportunity. He highlighted competitive interest rates and a …
Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi welcomed today members of the US Senate and House of Representatives staff at the Ministry of Defense. The US officials are taking part in the “Balkans Forward Congressional Fellowship 2026”, organized by the Atlantic Council. During the meeting, Nufi highlighted Albania’s growing role in Euro-Atlantic …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that planned investments in Sazan and Zvërnec will not harm protected areas. Speaking in an interview on “Flasim Shqip”, Rama explained that Sazan is not a protected area. He added that Zvërnec holds the status of a protected landscape under Category V. According to …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that investments in Zvërnec and Sazan are expected to attract other high-level investors to Albania. Speaking to journalist Rudina Xhunga on the “Flasim Shqip” program, Rama highlighted several major projects that could follow the investments in Sazan and Zvërnec. “They will create an experience …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that investors have never asked to buy Sazan Island and that the Albanian state will become a partner in the investment. Speaking to journalist Rudina Xhunga on the “Flasim Shqip” program, Rama addressed the investment plans for Sazan. He stressed that no one has …
The two floating thermal power plants will receive licenses, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said today. Karakaçi explained that the Energy Regulatory Entity (ERE) postponed its licensing decision because the authorities still need to complete several documents. Speaking to reporters after the government meeting, the minister addressed the …
Geotechnical and geophysical field surveys have started for the Korçë gasification project, Mayor Sotiraq Filo announced today. Filo described gasification as one of the city’s most important projects for the future. The project aims to build a modern natural gas distribution network. It will provide a more efficient energy and …
The Goddess of Butrint, one of Albania’s best-known archaeological heritage works, has returned to the place where archaeologists discovered it, the ancient city of Butrint. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the return after the statue travelled from Butrint to Rome and later to the National Historical …
The Council of Ministers has proposed amendments to the Law on Environmental Protection to strengthen nature restoration, carbon removal certification and financial support for environmental projects. The draft law adds the “restoration of natural elements” as a new measure for environmental protection. The Council of Ministers will approve specific measures …
The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble opened its new artistic season last night with an “Opera Gala”. The special evening celebrated lyrical music and brought together powerful voices, orchestral music and emotion on stage. The artists performed a rich program of world opera masterpieces. The gala marked …
Skënderbeu and Tirana shared the points after a dramatic 1-1 draw in Korçë in the fourth week of the Abissnet Superiore. A packed stadium created an intense atmosphere, with strong support from both sets of fans. The match also saw moments of tension between the two fan groups. Tirana started …