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Trump’s nominee for ambassador to Albania, Wendt: We will support the country in the fight against corruption and organized crime

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”29ffcb7e-d35b-4b20-b5da-416375ac529e” data-turn-id-container=”29ffcb7e-d35b-4b20-b5da-416375ac529e” data-testid=”conversation-turn-13″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Eric Wendt, President Donald Trump’s nominee for the position of U.S. Ambassador to Albania, delivered his opening statement before the U.S. Senate, where he focused on his military experience, relations with Albania, and the objectives he hopes to achieve if …

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Trump nominee for U.S. ambassador to Tirana, Eric Wendt, questioned by Senate about Trump family investments in Albania – here is his response

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”af7fec03-0c08-46eb-9dc4-a11509eee1fe” data-turn-id-container=”af7fec03-0c08-46eb-9dc4-a11509eee1fe” data-testid=”conversation-turn-15″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> During today’s Senate hearing on his nomination as U.S. ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt was asked by one of the senators about how he would institutionally respond to investments expected to be made by the Trump family in Albania. *]:pointer-events-auto …

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Wendt speaks in the Senate about Porto Romano: It is an effective location for our forces, I hope it will be developed by 2030

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Eric Wendt spoke before the Senate about NATO’s role in Albania and his perspective as the future ambassador there, if confirmed by the Senate. Wendt specifically highlighted the importance of Porto Romano for NATO. “As for our NATO alliance, an …

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University of Tirana students represent Albania in Venice sports competition

TIRANA, May 20 – Students from the University of Tirana took part in the international sports competition “2nd Lion Explorer in Venice 2026” in Venice. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja described the participation of Albanian students in the event as an important step for university sports. He said …

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Albania supports Italy on illegal migration challenges

TIRANA, May 20 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said Albania continues to support Italy in challenges linked to illegal migration and regional security. During a press conference, Lamallari answered questions about contacts with Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and the latter’s visit to Tirana. He confirmed that Albanian and Italian …

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Slovak cyclist wins second stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania

TIRANA, May 20 – Slovak cyclist Samuel Fedor has won the second stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania, held from Lezha to Elbasan over 149.9 kilometres. Fedor of Dukla Banska Bystrica secured victory after a strong sprint finish and recorded a time of 3 hours, 6 minutes and 26 …

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PM Rama to Estonian media: Europe must strengthen its diplomatic role with Russia

TIRANA, May 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has said the European Union must take a more direct role in diplomacy with Russia. The bloc, he said, made a strategic mistake by relying heavily on the United States for dialogue with Moscow. Rama made the remarks in an interview with …

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Albanian Film “Shoku ynë Tili” Set for Restoration

A new film will be restored under the “Adopt a Film for Restoration” initiative by the Albanian National Film Archive. The director of AQSHF, Eljan Tanini, announced that the next project is the film “Shoku ynë Tili”. He thanked a supporter from Kosovo, Baki Wahsh, for helping make the restoration …

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Finance Minister Malaj in Paris: Albania active partner in global efforts against terrorist financing

TIRANA, May 20 – Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj took part in the 5th international ministerial conference “No Money for Terror” in Paris, France. French Minister for Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty Roland Lescure hosted the event under France’s G7 presidency for 2026. French President Emmanuel Macron …

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14 Audiovisual Projects Receive Financial Support in Albania

The National Center of Cinematography of Albania has announced the winners in the “Various Cinematographic Projects” category. A total of 14 projects will receive financial support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport of Albania. The aim is to strengthen Albania’s audiovisual industry. It also seeks to support new …

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Four Scenarios for Democracy in the Western Balkans: From Hope to Disenchantment

By the year 2040, will countries in the region choose to consolidate democracy, settle for ‘stabilitocracy’, or descend into full-blown authoritarianism? Original post Here

News
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 1, 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

News
Swedish media Dagens highlights Albania as emerging European tourist destination

TIRANA, June 1 – Albania is emerging as a new European tourism destination. Swedish media outlet “Dagens” reports growing interest from European travelers and describes Albania as more affordable than Spain and Greece, while also comparing it with Italy. Meanwhile, “Dagens” highlights Albania’s beaches, natural landscapes and competitive prices. It …

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Cherry Festival in Godolesh Highlights Local Tradition and Rural Tourism

The village of Godolesh welcomed hundreds of visitors this weekend for the annual Cherry Festival, an event dedicated to promoting the area’s agricultural traditions, cultural heritage and tourism potential. Residents and visitors from Elbasan, other Albanian cities and foreign tourists gathered in the village center to take part in the …

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Blendi Gonxhja: FIP Platinum Albania Puts Albania on Global Padel Map

Blendi Gonxhja described the FIP Platinum Albania tournament as a major sporting and organizational success, saying it placed Albania on the map of top international padel events. He made the remarks after the tournament concluded in Tirana, where the finals took place at Skanderbeg Square. First, Gonxhja highlighted the strong …

News
Fun Fair Albania marks International Children’s Day in Tirana

TIRANA, June 1 – International Children’s Day on June 1 highlights the promotion of children’s rights and well-being. The day builds on international efforts strengthened by the 1959 Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Meanwhile, Tirana hosts the …

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FM Hoxha in Prishtina: Kosova–Serbia dialogue central to normalisation, Albania reaffirms strong support

TIRANA, June 1 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha held meetings in Prishtina focused on Kosova’s political and institutional developments. He met the new leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosova, Ardian Gjini, and congratulated him on taking office at a key political moment. He …

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Book Fair in Shkodër Honors Ridvan Dibra with Best Novel Award

For three days, the courtyard of the parish in Shkodër welcomed writers, researchers, publishers and readers. They gathered for the second edition of the “Libri të ban të lirë” book fair. The event once again highlighted Shkodra’s role as a center of Albanian culture and literature. First, the opening ceremony …

News
Ministry of Health and Social Protection launches National Agenda for Children Rights 2027–2030

TIRANA, June 1 – The Ministry of Health and Social Protection, together with national and international partners, launched the National Agenda for Children Rights 2027–2030 on World Children’s Day. The document sets a strategic framework to strengthen child protection systems and expand children’s rights in Albania. Minister Evis Sala presented …

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Edi Rama: Tirana Wakes Up as a Growing Tourist Hotspot

Edi Rama said that Tirana now welcomes hundreds of tourists every morning as the city continues to grow as a leading travel destination. First, he shared images showing visitors exploring the capital early in the day. He said tourists from around the world actively choose Tirana for their holidays, especially …

News

Four Scenarios for Democracy in the Western Balkans: From Hope to Disenchantment

By the year 2040, will countries in the region choose to consolidate democracy, settle for ‘stabilitocracy’, or descend into full-blown authoritarianism? Original post Here

News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 1, 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

News

Swedish media Dagens highlights Albania as emerging European tourist destination

TIRANA, June 1 – Albania is emerging as a new European tourism destination. Swedish media outlet “Dagens” reports growing interest from European travelers and describes Albania as more affordable than Spain and Greece, while also comparing it with Italy. Meanwhile, “Dagens” highlights Albania’s beaches, natural landscapes and competitive prices. It …

News

Cherry Festival in Godolesh Highlights Local Tradition and Rural Tourism

The village of Godolesh welcomed hundreds of visitors this weekend for the annual Cherry Festival, an event dedicated to promoting the area’s agricultural traditions, cultural heritage and tourism potential. Residents and visitors from Elbasan, other Albanian cities and foreign tourists gathered in the village center to take part in the …

News

Blendi Gonxhja: FIP Platinum Albania Puts Albania on Global Padel Map

Blendi Gonxhja described the FIP Platinum Albania tournament as a major sporting and organizational success, saying it placed Albania on the map of top international padel events. He made the remarks after the tournament concluded in Tirana, where the finals took place at Skanderbeg Square. First, Gonxhja highlighted the strong …

News

Fun Fair Albania marks International Children’s Day in Tirana

TIRANA, June 1 – International Children’s Day on June 1 highlights the promotion of children’s rights and well-being. The day builds on international efforts strengthened by the 1959 Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Meanwhile, Tirana hosts the …

News

FM Hoxha in Prishtina: Kosova–Serbia dialogue central to normalisation, Albania reaffirms strong support

TIRANA, June 1 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha held meetings in Prishtina focused on Kosova’s political and institutional developments. He met the new leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosova, Ardian Gjini, and congratulated him on taking office at a key political moment. He …

News

Book Fair in Shkodër Honors Ridvan Dibra with Best Novel Award

For three days, the courtyard of the parish in Shkodër welcomed writers, researchers, publishers and readers. They gathered for the second edition of the “Libri të ban të lirë” book fair. The event once again highlighted Shkodra’s role as a center of Albanian culture and literature. First, the opening ceremony …

News

Ministry of Health and Social Protection launches National Agenda for Children Rights 2027–2030

TIRANA, June 1 – The Ministry of Health and Social Protection, together with national and international partners, launched the National Agenda for Children Rights 2027–2030 on World Children’s Day. The document sets a strategic framework to strengthen child protection systems and expand children’s rights in Albania. Minister Evis Sala presented …

News

Edi Rama: Tirana Wakes Up as a Growing Tourist Hotspot

Edi Rama said that Tirana now welcomes hundreds of tourists every morning as the city continues to grow as a leading travel destination. First, he shared images showing visitors exploring the capital early in the day. He said tourists from around the world actively choose Tirana for their holidays, especially …