No agreement yet on consulates, Albanian foreign minister says
TIRANA, July 30 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania and Serbia have not yet reached an agreement on opening new consulates, responding to recent remarks by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric. Hoxha said Albania has requested to open a Consulate General in the Presheva Valley. Meanwhile, Serbia has requested …
First Mountain Package permit approved, Prime Minister says
TIRANA, July 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said authorities approved the first permit under the Mountain Package during a meeting of the National Territorial Council. Rama announced on social media that the permit belongs to the Hasani family from Theth. He said the family decided to invest its savings …
Western Balkans’ Right to Democracy Depends on the EU Enlargement
by Sokol Lleshi, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of New York Tirana Background The political systems in the Western Balkan region feature politicized public administrations, weak enforcement of rule of law norms, and inconsistent practices of political accountability. In general, the historical experience of the region is such that …
Western Balkans’ Right to Democracy Depends on the EU Enlargement
by Sokol Lleshi, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of New York Tirana Background The political systems in the Western Balkan region feature politicized public administrations, weak enforcement of rule of law norms, and inconsistent practices of political accountability. In general, the historical experience of the region is such that …
Council of Europe urges stronger municipalities, rejects centralization
TIRANA, July 30 – The Council of Europe says Albania’s planned municipal mergers should follow a detailed review of the 2015 territorial reform and real consultations with affected communities. A preliminary report by rapporteurs Anders Knape and Soren Schumacher, prepared in March 2026, warns that weaknesses in local government should …
“Ardenica Restaurant & Wine” Offers an Authentic Experience of Nature and Tradition
“Ardenica Restaurant & Wine,” located near the historic Ardenica Monastery in Lushnja’s Kolonjë area, is emerging as a destination that combines traditional hospitality, local cuisine and quality wines. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the business on social media. The Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (AZHBR) supported the project …
Clear weather expected across Albania, temperatures to reach 38 degrees Celsius
TIRANA, July 30 – Albania will experience mostly clear weather on Thursday as stable atmospheric conditions continue across the country. According to the Military Meteorological Service, light to moderate temporary cloud formations may appear around midday, mainly over mountainous areas in the south. Local light rain showers may occur in …
Agreement Signed to Train Young Tourism Professionals
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports and the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the University of Tirana have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the development of human resources in Albania’s tourism sector. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja and Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Prof. …
“Daily Mail”: Albania tops British travellers’ choices as Europe’s cheaper holiday alternative
TIRANA, July 30 – British newspaper “Daily Mail” has highlighted Albania as one of the most attractive lower-cost European alternatives for travellers who are reconsidering expensive long-haul holidays. In an article by Alessia Fidler, the British outlet writes that rising travel costs are pushing many Britons to replace dream destinations …
Special Forces complete advanced military training courses
TIRANA, July 30 – The Special Operations Regiment (ROS) in Zall Herr completed the “Commando” and “Reconnaissance Operator” courses with a graduation ceremony. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, senior military officials, service members and relatives attended the event. …
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. …
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. …
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. …
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 …
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 …
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 …
A new clinical guideline approving gender-affirming hormone therapy in Albania sparked an online backlash about subsidies for transgender people – although official documents show that no reimbursement for medication will be provided. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 17 – Gjirokastër, known as Albania’s “Stone City,” continues to attract visitors from around the world. Its history, distinctive architecture, traditions and cultural heritage fill its cobbled streets with tourists during the summer season. Visitors from different countries are exploring the city’s historic streets and traditional houses. One …
TIRANA, August 17 – Albanian international Arbër Hoxha scored his first league goal of the new season for Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia. He scored in the 63rd minute as Dinamo secured a 4-0 win over Rudes in the third round of the Croatian football championship. Hoxha started the match and …
Golem Beach remains one of the most popular coastal destinations for local and foreign tourists this summer. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage showing the lively atmosphere along the Golem coastline. The area continues to welcome large numbers of visitors during the peak August season. Located along the Durrës coastline, …