National programme aims to boost business competitiveness for the European single market
TIRANA, July 6 – A national programme for preparing businesses for European Union integration was presented on Monday in Tirana. The initiative aims to support Albanian enterprises in adapting to the European single market. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania is carrying out extensive reforms to meet EU …
Electricity demand rises in summer as Electricity Distribution System Operator upgrades power grid in Durrës
TIRANA, July 6 (Monday) – The Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has completed works on several key sections of the electricity network in Durrës. The company said the interventions aim to strengthen the security of electricity supply. OSHEE Group, the Albanian electricity distribution company, said the works covered the Currila …
Marubi Museum expands exhibition programme for anniversary year
TIRANA, July 6 – The Marubi Museum continues to welcome visitors with the exhibition “Gjon Mili: Retrospective”, part of its 10th anniversary programme. The institution said it will host more exhibitions than usual this year. Museum director Luçjan Bedeni said visitors will have access to new exhibitions in the coming …
Sovereign guarantee and financing package to support businesses preparing for EU single market
TIRANA, July 6 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that the government will support businesses as Albania advances toward European Union membership. He spoke during the presentation of a national programme for preparing businesses for EU integration. Addressing the process, Rama said the government backs enterprises facing the …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 6, 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
Second phase of soft loan scheme opens, applications due by July 31, official says
TIRANA, July 6 – The second phase of the municipal soft loan scheme opened on July 1 after the completion of the first stage, a city official said. He said 2,500 applicants were approved in the first phase out of 4,909 applications. However, he added that several applicants were excluded …
Turkey at the centre of global diplomacy as Ankara hosts NATO Summit on 7 July, agenda revealed
TIRANA, July 6 – Turkey will host the 36th NATO Summit of Heads of State and Government in Ankara on 7 July. The meeting takes place amid global uncertainty. Ankara last hosted a NATO summit in Istanbul in 2004. Meanwhile, the summit will gather 32 heads of state and government. …
Preza Castle: Where History and Nature Meet in a Peaceful Landscape
Just a few kilometers from Tirana, Preza Castle rises on a green hill, and it stands as one of the most distinctive historical and panoramic sites in the area. First, visitors reach the castle through a rural landscape, and they pass traditional houses and green hills that create a calm …
RTSH Governing Council head outlines reforms for RTSH Parliament channel, archives and auditing
TIRANA, July 6 – RTSH Governing Council Chairman Fatjon Hoxhalli said the public broadcaster is strengthening the structure of the RTSH Parliament channel as part of a broader effort to modernize its operations. Speaking at the parliamentary Committee on Citizens’ Initiatives, Cooperation and Institutional Oversight, Hoxhalli said the channel has …
RTSH targets digital transformation, Director Vasili: Public media must be present wherever the audience is
TIRANA, July 6 – RTSH Director General Eni Vasili highlighted digital transformation as the public broadcaster’s main strategic priority during a parliamentary committee session reviewing RTSH’s 2025 performance. She said public media must reach audiences wherever they consume content. According to Vasili, the future of public broadcasting depends on a …
More than 34,000 domestic and international tourists visited the protected areas of Kukës during the first half of 2026, exploring alpine landscapes, mountain trails, biodiversity and natural attractions. The protected areas offer visitors a unique experience through forests, lakes, natural springs and cultural heritage sites, combining adventure with nature exploration. …
Agrotourism is becoming an important driver of economic and social development in Albania’s rural areas, creating jobs and strengthening local economies. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the “N’Kanu” agrotourism centre in Perlat, Mirditë, describing it as an example of returning migrants investing in their hometowns and promoting rural …
Seman Beach, located 18 kilometres from Fier, is attracting visitors with its wide coastline, fine therapeutic sand and warm waters. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the popular summer destination on social media, highlighting its appeal among holidaymakers. In recent years, Seman and Darzezë beaches have become increasingly popular …
President Begaj praised the forum as a valuable platform that strengthens interfaith dialogue and promotes peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation across Europe. He said Albania stands as a model of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and hospitality. He added that these values define the country’s identity and encouraged the delegates to …
*]: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:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today. In a video message, Rama said the global index places Albania 46th among 177 countries. He added that the country has achieved …
An artisan workshop in the heart of Tropoja has become a model for preserving cultural heritage and strengthening women’s economic independence. With support from the European Union through the EU4Innovation programme, local women artisans are keeping traditional crafts alive while creating new job opportunities for the community. At the workshop, …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Gjirokastër Castle remains the most popular tourist attraction in southern Albania. More Albanian and international visitors have explored the landmark this summer, highlighting the growing appeal of the UNESCO-listed museum city and its rich cultural heritage. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage reports that about 130,000 people have visited the …
Albania recorded strong growth in foreign trade in June 2026. According to the latest report from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), merchandise exports reached 35.4 billion lek, up 13.6 percent from a year earlier. Exports also increased 8.3 percent from May. Imports climbed to 83.5 billion lek, marking a 9.1 …
Albania’s annual inflation rate reached 3.2 percent in June 2026, according to the latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices tracks retail prices and aligns with European Union standards. Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation, adding 1.02 percentage …