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July brings higher demand at travel agencies in Kukës

TIRANA, June 19 – July has brought increased activity to travel agencies in Kukës as emigrants return for their summer holidays. Agency staff report stronger demand for bookings and travel services from people visiting their families during this period. Meanwhile, agencies have also recorded growing interest from local residents planning …

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Government approves three laws on European companies, EU alignment and business cooperation will improve

TIRANA, June 19 – The government has approved three new laws on European companies, Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj announced. She said the measures aim to align Albanian legislation with European Union standards and strengthen cooperation between Albanian and European companies. Ibrahimaj said the package is part of a …

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Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister reviews public beaches in Kavaja, stresses equal access for visitors

TIRANA, June 19 – As the summer tourism season begins, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports continues to focus on the management of public coastal areas. In Kavaja’s public beaches, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja conducted site visits and spoke with residents and visitors about the implementation …

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Higher traffic at Kapshtica border crossing, over 21,000 travellers in five days

TIRANA, June 19 – The Kapshtica border crossing with Greece has recorded increased traffic during the past five days. According to official data, around 21,000 travellers and more than 8,400 vehicles passed through the border crossing during this period. Meanwhile, the General Directorate of Customs said authorities have introduced organisational …

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“The Sun”: Replace Spain with Albania, a European destination with stunning beaches and authentic traditions

TIRANA, June 19 – The British media outlet “The Sun” reports that Albania is emerging as an alternative European destination with stunning beaches, mountains, and authentic traditions. In addition, it says travellers are increasingly moving away from crowded destinations such as Spain, France, and Italy in search of more affordable …

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Belgian daily Nieuwsblad: Five days in Albania reveal beaches, history and hospitality

TIRANA, June 19 – Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad describes Albania as a rapidly developing destination that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage and authentic traditions. The report follows a five-day journey across the country, highlighting both Albania’s strengths and areas that still need improvement. According to Nieuwsblad, the trip began in Tirana …

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Begaj and Kyrgyz President Zhaparov Pledge Stronger Bilateral Cooperation

President Bajram Begaj paid an official visit to Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday, where he met with President Sadyr Zhaparov to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest. During the meeting, President Begaj expressed Albania’s commitment to deepening dialogue and building a more dynamic partnership …

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Gonxhja in Vlora: Zero Tolerance for the Occupation of Public Spaces

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja continued his inspection tour in the city of Vlora, stressing that authorities will show zero tolerance toward the illegal occupation of public spaces. During a visit to the Lungomare area, Gonxhja inspected the public beach and designated free-access zones. Inspectors identified several …

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Government adopts 10-year National Climate Adaptation Plan

TIRANA, June 19 – The Council of Ministers approved the National Climate Change Adaptation Plan 2026–2036. The document sets a strategic framework to prepare the country for the effects of global warming. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu signed the decision. The measure also repeals the previous 2019 plan and assigns …

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Clear weather with high temperatures and light cloud cover in mountain areas

TIRANA, June 19 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Friday. The weather will remain clear across the entire territory. Meanwhile, light and temporary cloud cover will appear mainly during midday and afternoon hours. These clouds will affect mountainous areas in the east. At …

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In Search of Albania’s Soul: Manuel Montobbio Returns to Tirana Through Literature

Tirana Times,  July 02, 2026. The Albanian Institute for International Studies and Tirana Times book house hosted a special literary evening in Tirana with Ambassador Manuel Montobbio, diplomat, writer, poet and academic, offering a rare encounter between diplomacy, literature and Albania’s own search for memory, identity and soul. Held at the premises of Tirana …

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Will Washington Derail NATO’s Tirana Summit?

Tirana Times, July 2, 2026 — Albania’s ambition to host a NATO summit in 2027 has suddenly become more than a diplomatic milestone. It has become a test of whether Tirana can keep pace with the alliance’s new defense spending politics, whether Washington under President Donald Trump is willing to …

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Protesters Detained, Police Injured in Clashes Outside Albanian Parliament

At the latest anti-government rally outside parliament in Tirana, several police officers were injured and at least 18 demonstrators were detained. Original post Here

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Deputy PM Koçiu: Children must be kept away from political activities, use in protests is unacceptable

TIRANA, July 2 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu reacted on social media, condemning the involvement of children in political activities. She called for stronger protection of minors from adult political conflicts. Koçiu said recent images circulating in public are concerning. She said they show children exposed to a divisive …

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Saranda sees rising tourist arrivals as visitors embrace Albanian cuisine

TIRANA, July 2 – Saranda has entered the summer season with a higher number of visitors than during the same period last year, according to local tourism businesses. Operators said tourist arrivals have increased steadily from month to month, boosting activity across the hospitality and services sectors. Meanwhile, businesses said …

News
Administrative reform, essential step for EU integration, draft law aims to strengthen autonomy of agencies

TIRANA, July 2 – Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni presented a draft law on the organisation and functioning of the state administration, calling it a key milestone in public sector reform and Albania’s EU integration process. Pirdeni described the initiative as the result of two …

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PM Rama: 50 Million Euro Sovereign Guarantee for Businesses, Double Funding for Youth Startups

TIRANA, July 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government has expanded the sovereign guarantee scheme to 50 million euros, aiming to support small and medium-sized enterprises that want to scale up their operations. Speaking during a discussion with pensioners, Rama stressed that the programme targets small and medium …

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EU Growth Plan: Albania leads Western Balkans as reform reporting enters new phase

TIRANA, July 2 – Western Balkan countries have until July 15 to submit progress reports under the European Union’s Growth Plan after the fourth reporting period ended on June 30. The European Commission will review the reports before approving payments. Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said the Reform and Growth Facility …

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July tourist surge lifts Shkodër and Albanian Alps alongside coast

TIRANA, July 2 – July has opened with a strong influx of visitors across Shkodra County, where tourist activity now extends well beyond Velipoja’s beaches to the city and the Albanian Alps. Travellers from across Europe continue to choose Albania for their summer holidays, turning Shkodra into a key stop …

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Deadly Addiction: Albania Needs Liberating From the Flow of Drug Money

The constant flow of laundered drug money into Albania through organised crime has enriched a tiny minority at the cost of distorting politics and impoverishing the rest of the population. Original post Here

News

In Search of Albania’s Soul: Manuel Montobbio Returns to Tirana Through Literature

Tirana Times,  July 02, 2026. The Albanian Institute for International Studies and Tirana Times book house hosted a special literary evening in Tirana with Ambassador Manuel Montobbio, diplomat, writer, poet and academic, offering a rare encounter between diplomacy, literature and Albania’s own search for memory, identity and soul. Held at the premises of Tirana …

News

Will Washington Derail NATO’s Tirana Summit?

Tirana Times, July 2, 2026 — Albania’s ambition to host a NATO summit in 2027 has suddenly become more than a diplomatic milestone. It has become a test of whether Tirana can keep pace with the alliance’s new defense spending politics, whether Washington under President Donald Trump is willing to …

News

Protesters Detained, Police Injured in Clashes Outside Albanian Parliament

At the latest anti-government rally outside parliament in Tirana, several police officers were injured and at least 18 demonstrators were detained. Original post Here

News

Deputy PM Koçiu: Children must be kept away from political activities, use in protests is unacceptable

TIRANA, July 2 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu reacted on social media, condemning the involvement of children in political activities. She called for stronger protection of minors from adult political conflicts. Koçiu said recent images circulating in public are concerning. She said they show children exposed to a divisive …

News

Saranda sees rising tourist arrivals as visitors embrace Albanian cuisine

TIRANA, July 2 – Saranda has entered the summer season with a higher number of visitors than during the same period last year, according to local tourism businesses. Operators said tourist arrivals have increased steadily from month to month, boosting activity across the hospitality and services sectors. Meanwhile, businesses said …

News

Administrative reform, essential step for EU integration, draft law aims to strengthen autonomy of agencies

TIRANA, July 2 – Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni presented a draft law on the organisation and functioning of the state administration, calling it a key milestone in public sector reform and Albania’s EU integration process. Pirdeni described the initiative as the result of two …

News

PM Rama: 50 Million Euro Sovereign Guarantee for Businesses, Double Funding for Youth Startups

TIRANA, July 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government has expanded the sovereign guarantee scheme to 50 million euros, aiming to support small and medium-sized enterprises that want to scale up their operations. Speaking during a discussion with pensioners, Rama stressed that the programme targets small and medium …

News

EU Growth Plan: Albania leads Western Balkans as reform reporting enters new phase

TIRANA, July 2 – Western Balkan countries have until July 15 to submit progress reports under the European Union’s Growth Plan after the fourth reporting period ended on June 30. The European Commission will review the reports before approving payments. Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said the Reform and Growth Facility …

News

July tourist surge lifts Shkodër and Albanian Alps alongside coast

TIRANA, July 2 – July has opened with a strong influx of visitors across Shkodra County, where tourist activity now extends well beyond Velipoja’s beaches to the city and the Albanian Alps. Travellers from across Europe continue to choose Albania for their summer holidays, turning Shkodra into a key stop …

News

Deadly Addiction: Albania Needs Liberating From the Flow of Drug Money

The constant flow of laundered drug money into Albania through organised crime has enriched a tiny minority at the cost of distorting politics and impoverishing the rest of the population. Original post Here