UK bans support for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps
TIRANA, July 13 – The United Kingdom has announced measures to ban support for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), designating the group as a threat to national security, according to the BBC. UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the new powers will make support for the IRGC a criminal …
Governor Sejko Meets EBRD’s New Resident Representative in Albania, Hannes Takacs
On Monday, the Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, held an official meeting with a delegation from the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), led by Hannes Takacs, the EBRD’s newly appointed Resident Representative in Albania. The delegation also included Ekaterina Solovova, along with other representatives from …
Coalition of the Willing Summit: Rama Welcomed by Macron in Paris, Shares Footage from the Meeting
Prime Minister Edi Rama arrived in Paris on Monday to attend the Coalition of the Willing Summit in support of Ukraine. Rama said he had been invited by French President Emmanuel Macron and shared footage of his arrival, where he was welcomed by the French leader. Rama and other European …
Violations and Evasion at Currency Exchange Offices, Bank of Albania Revokes 83 Licenses
The Bank of Albania revoked the licenses of 83 currency exchange offices during 2025 following inspections that uncovered regulatory violations and financial irregularities related to cash circulation. According to the central bank, the inspections revealed shortcomings in customer identification procedures, transaction monitoring, screening against sanctions lists, and the reporting of …
Tax Authorities Audit High-Income Individuals, Identify €770,000 in Suspicious Findings
Around 200 high-income individuals in Albania are being audited as part of an intensified effort by the tax authorities to verify their wealth and income. The General Directorate of Taxes says it has identified €770,000 in suspicious findingsso far. The Tax Administration has stepped up inspections targeting individuals with significant …
Rama: ‘Open Balkan’ Was Branded a “Terrible Idea” Simply Because Vučić and I Supported It
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama said the Open Balkan initiative was labeled “a terrible idea” for one reason only: because it was backed by him and Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić. “It was considered a terrible idea for only one reason – because Vučić and I were behind it. If you removed our …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 13, 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
Letter from Brussels: No EU ‘Super Tuesday’ for Accession Laggard Serbia
As Albania and Montenegro surge ahead, the EU is split on whether to move Serbia forward on the path to accession in the absence of tangible progress. Original post Here
Vjosa River attracts more tourists with summer rafting adventures
TIRANA, July 13 – The Vjosa River has become one of the most popular summer destinations for visitors seeking adventure and cooler temperatures. High summer temperatures have increased interest in the river’s wild landscapes, untouched nature and outdoor activities. Local and foreign tourists visit Vjosa not only to relax but …
PM Rama attends Paris summit on support for Ukraine
TIRANA, July 13 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is travelling to Paris today to attend the Coalition of the Willing summit on Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron invited Rama to the meeting, which will bring together heads of state and government. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania recorded strong tourism growth during the first months of 2026, but growth slowed significantly in June. In a television interview, Gonxhja said tourist arrivals increased by 16% in May compared with the same month last year. The first five months of …
TIRANA, July 29 – The travel magazine “Travel Off Path” highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for visitors seeking spectacular nature, safety and authentic experiences at affordable prices. In an article by Tyler Fox, the magazine presents Albania as an alternative to more expensive and crowded European …
Velipoja continues to welcome visitors throughout the summer season, offering long sandy beaches, a lively atmosphere, and relaxing seaside holidays. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Velipoja on social media, showcasing the vibrant evening atmosphere as lights, restaurants, and seaside promenades fill with holidaymakers. Stretching for more than 14 …
TIRANA, July 29 – The Military Meteorological Service reported that Albania will experience relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. Cloud cover will continue to decrease compared with the previous weekend. The weather will remain mostly clear, with limited and temporary clouds during midday hours. The clouds will mainly appear over …
TIRANA, July 29 – Artan Pogoni passed away on Wednesday at the age of 54 after suffering cardiac arrest while on holiday in the city of Vlora. Pogoni was one of Albania’s most recognised volleyball figures. He won national titles both as a player and as a coach. He also …
TIRANA, July 29 – Kosova Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla, Kosova Intelligence Agency (KIA) Director Petrit Ajeti and Minister of Local Government Administration Elbert Krasniqi visited Kalludër e Vogël village in Zubin Potok on Tuesday. The officials inspected the site where authorities continue excavations after locating a suspected mass grave. Investigators …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja called for stronger municipalities and improved local governance, stressing that effective local administration is essential for tourism development. In a television interview, Gonxhja said tourism depends heavily on how well municipalities manage public services and local infrastructure. “Tourism is directly affected by the …
Former Defence Minister and Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu said the loan agreement with the United States marks the largest defence financing package in Albania’s history. The agreement will finance the purchase of US-made military systems, equipment and weapons. Speaking in a television interview, Vengu said the agreement provides $302 …
Italy launched its 2026–2027 Presidency of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) with a focus on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the European integration of the Western Balkans. During the opening meeting in Rome, participants highlighted the strategic importance of the Adriatic-Ionian region in addressing …
Pogradec commemorated the 114th anniversary of the Albanian flag raising at Guri i Kamjes, a historic event for the regions of Gorë, Mokër and Opar. On July 28, 1912, Kapedan Kajo Babeni led hundreds of fighters from Mokër and Opar in their fight against Ottoman rule. Shahin Matraku and other …