Monograph on Usta Josif and Përmet’s Saze Tradition Presented in Tirana
The National Library in Tirana hosted the presentation of “Usta Josifi and the Saze of Përmet,” a new monographic study by author Niko Mihali dedicated to one of Albania’s richest musical traditions. The book explores the urban folk music tradition of Përmet and focuses on the life and contribution of …
Defense Minister Nufi Meets New U.S. Ambassador Eric Wendt
Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met today with the new U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, and reaffirmed the strong partnership between Albania and the United States in the fields of defense and security. Nufi described the United States as Albania’s indispensable partner in security and defense, while stressing that Albania …
Bujar Alimani’s ‘The Delegation’ Screened in Reims, France
Albanian film “The Delegation” (Le Dernier Prisonnier), directed by Bujar Alimani, was screened in the French city of Reims on Thursday evening. The event took place through cooperation between the European Commission Representation in France and the association “7ème Œil.” Albanian Ambassador to France Dritan Tola, Montenegro’s Ambassador to France …
Week in Review: Elections and Struggles
Women get a raw deal at elections in Bosnia, a spy chief’s arrest raises security questions in Albania and protesters challenge war crimes verdicts in Kosovo – plus much more in our selection of this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories. Original post Here
Albania tourism minister calls for investment in workforce
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania has entered an important stage of tourism development. He spoke at the Future Hospitality Forum, organised by the Albanian Investment Development Agency. Gonxhja said growing international interest, expanding investment and a more diverse tourism offer are changing the sector. He added …
Mid’hat Frashëri: The Diplomat, Writer and Nationalist Who Shaped Albania’s Modern History
Mid’hat bej Frashëri, known by his pen name Lumo Skëndo, was one of the prominent figures of Albania’s political and cultural history. He worked as a diplomat, writer, politician, publicist and Albanologist, and played an active role in the Albanian National Renaissance and the country’s political life after independence. Frashëri …
Fokus Award photography festival opens in Shkodër
The 17th edition of the international Fokus Award Photography Festival has opened in Shkodër with the exhibition “No Limits”. The Oda Gallery hosts works by 10 Italian photographers. Festival artistic director Arben Alliaj said the photographers bring different styles, approaches and subjects. He said the exhibition reflects the broad possibilities …
Albania targets €8.5 billion in tourism revenue by 2030
Albania aims to increase international tourism revenue to around €8.5 billion by 2030. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj announced the target at the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 in Tirana. Ibrahimaj said the next stage of tourism development should focus on creating more value from each visit. She also called …
PM Rama urges investors to seize Albania tourism opportunities
Prime Minister Edi Rama has urged investors to seize the opportunities offered by Albania’s tourism sector. He spoke at the first edition of the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 in Tirana. The forum brought together investors, international brands and representatives of the hospitality and tourism sectors. Rama said Albania aims to …
Albania adopted Minority Protection Charter 105 years ago
Albania adopted the Minority Protection Charter on October 2, 1921. The charter guaranteed all citizens full protection of life and liberty regardless of origin, nationality, language, race or religion. Albania recognised members of minorities as citizens with equal rights. Albanian representative Fan Noli signed the charter at the League of …
President Bajram Begaj voiced concern about escalating tensions as students who gathered for a second day of rallies against the government clashed with law enforcement officers again. Original post Here
Franciscan priest Shtjefën Gjeçovi, a prominent figure in Albanian history, passed away on October 14, 1929. He devoted his life to the Albanian cause. According to documents held by the General Directorate of Archives, two men speaking Serbian ambushed Gjeçovi as he returned from Prizren and shot him. Born Hilë …
The government of Kosova has established a working group to coordinate a state strategy for the appeal proceedings involving four former Kosovo Liberation Army leaders: Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi. Prime Minister Albin Kurti described their convictions by the Specialist Chambers as legally and morally unjust. …
Representatives of six Western Balkan countries discussed digital cooperation and alignment with the European Union’s digital agenda at the 8th Regional Digital Summit. Albania has moved most public services online and continues to expand access for citizens living abroad. Deputy Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enkelejda Muçaj said electronic documents with …
Assembly of Albania Speaker Niko Peleshi said the right to protest is a constitutional right that citizens must exercise peacefully and in accordance with the law. He made the remarks as tensions continued for a second day outside the Ministry of Education in Tirana. Peleshi said violence and vandalism undermine …
The European Union Delegation to Albania expressed concern over escalating violence during protests in Tirana. It called for priority investigations into allegations that police used excessive force against protesters and journalists. In a statement on X, the delegation stressed that freedom of gathering and expression are fundamental rights and core …
The Council of Ministers has approved standard rules for ceremonies awarding orders and medals of the Republic of Albania. The rules follow international best practices and established protocol. The decision aims to ensure consistency and solemnity in decoration ceremonies. It also seeks to uphold the dignity and prestige of state …
The British Embassy in Tirana called on all parties to respect the right to peaceful protest and freedom of expression. It stressed that violence cannot be justified and police must avoid disproportionate action. In a statement, the embassy noted that Albania’s Constitution protects peaceful protest and freedom of expression. However, …
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said Italy’s short-term priority is to strongly support Albania and Montenegro’s progress towards European Union membership. She made the remarks in an address to the Senate ahead of the European Council meeting. Meloni said enlargement and the Union’s internal reforms would feature in a strategic …
The moralistic reaction to leaked tapes of women filmed secretly in intimate acts shows Albania is still struggling to accept women as sexual beings – while also failing legally to protect victims of non-consensual exposure. Original post Here