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“Youth Tech Center” opens in Lushnjë for young innovators

A new space dedicated to young people passionate about technology and innovation has opened in the city of Lushnjë. The center is called “Youth Tech” and is located near the city museum. It has already attracted strong interest from local youth. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared moments from the center …

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Foreign minister says Albania on track for European Union membership by 2030

TIRANA, May 14 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha told parliament on Wednesday that Albania remains on track for European Union membership by 2030 if the current pace of reforms continues. He made the remarks during discussions on a draft resolution on Albania’s European integration process. Hoxha said European Union support …

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“Courtyards That Speak” project brings authentic Himara closer to visitors

TIRANA, May 14 – “Courtyards That Speak” is a cultural project that invites visitors to discover an authentic side of Himara through local memories, songs, traditional recipes and stories passed down across generations. The initiative opens several traditional courtyards in the coastal area to the public for a limited period. …

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Gonxhja inspects Jalë and Dhërmi beaches ahead of new tourist season

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja inspected the beaches of Jalë and Dhërmi ahead of the upcoming summer season. He reviewed readiness on the ground. He said some work and adjustments are still needed. Moreover, he stressed that local authorities and businesses must ensure clean, orderly and hygienic …

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In an article in Luxus Magazine, Albania is described as an emerging luxury tourism destination

TIRANA, May 14 – In an article in “Luxus Magazine”, the publication describes Albania as one of Europe’s fastest-growing luxury tourism destinations. It cites rapid development along the Ionian coast, rising international visibility and expanding investment in hospitality. The article highlights the transformation of the Albanian Riviera. It describes clear …

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Exhibition “Albania 1921 – Eugène Pittard” opens in Durrës

The photographic exhibition “Albania 1921 – Eugène Pittard” has opened in Durrës. It presents rare images of Albania from the early 20th century. The opening ceremony was attended by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Klodiana Spahiu and Swiss Ambassador Ruth Huber. The exhibition is a joint project between the Swiss Embassy …

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Eurovision 2026, second semi-final tonight, Alis performs “Nan” as Albania targets Grand Final spot

TIRANA, May 14 – Albanian Eurovision representative Alis performs tonight in the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. He takes the stage with the song “Nan” [Mother], as Albania competes for a place in the Grand Final. The show airs live on Albanian Radio and Television …

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10 years since Kosovo joined FIFA and UEFA, Duka recalls historic moment

Albanian Football Federation President Armand Duka has marked the 10th anniversary of Kosovo’s membership in FIFA and UEFA. He described the decision as a historic achievement that confirmed Kosovo’s place in international football. Moreover, Duka praised the late former Football Federation of Kosovo president Fadil Vokrri, highlighting his key role …

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EU with YOU – for opportunities in the Western Balkans

EU support is not abstract — it can be seen in the streets of Western Balkan cities, in growing businesses, and in the opportunities opening up for young people. The two-day “Creative HUB” event, organized by WeBalkans in Belgrade at the end of April, became a meeting point for journalists, …

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Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Suspicions Linger in Dropped Albania Smuggling Case

Prosecutors dropped a probe into the alleged smuggling of Russian oil through an Albanian port in 2023, but behind the vessel in question lies a network of individuals and companies linked by Ukrainian intelligence agents to an alleged ‘shadow fleet’ used by Russia to bypass sanctions and finance its war …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: September 28, 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

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Albanian MPs join regional meeting on parliamentary integrity

A delegation of the Albanian Parliament took part in the Regional Parliamentary Anti-Corruption Clinic in Beciq, Montenegro, on September 24–26. MPs Milva Ekonomi, Antoneta Dhima and Kliti Hoti represented the Parliament. The National Democratic Institute organised the event with the Parliament of Montenegro. The meeting brought together MPs and parliamentary …

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Speaker Peleshi: Public support in EU states key to Albania’s accession

Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi said direct engagement with citizens and communities in EU member states is essential for the success of Albania’s EU integration process. He made the remarks at a conference with representatives of Albanian institutions and the European Parliament. Peleshi said enlargement cannot rely only on political …

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Health Minister Spahiu: Health structures to be reorganised around citizens’ needs

Health and Social Protection Minister Klodiana Spahiu visited health facilities in Mallakastër to review investments, services and staff work. The visit took place as part of a process to restructure and reorganise health facilities. The process aims to align their capacities with community needs. Spahiu said the reorganisation aims to …

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PM Rama: EU must not leave Western Balkans behind again

Prime Minister Edi Rama has called on the European Union not to leave the Western Balkans behind again. He said failure to integrate the region would also be a major failure for Europe. Rama spoke at the Inter-parliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership”. He said Albania …

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EU Enlargement Commissioner Kos says Albania is on track for membership

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is on the right track toward European Union membership in an interview with France 24. She included Albania among four countries currently making the most progress in the accession process. Kos described 2026 as a high-paced year for EU enlargement. She said …

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European Parliament Albania rapporteur Schieder: Albania can join EU within decade

Andreas Schieder, the European Parliament rapporteur for Albania, said the country has entered the final phase of its EU membership negotiations. He said Albania can close the remaining chapters within the set deadlines. Schieder spoke at the Interparliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership” in Tirana. He …

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EU ambassador Moreira de Sousa: Albania advances, but reforms must be implemented

European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said Albania has entered a new phase of its EU membership process. She noted that the country has opened all six negotiating clusters and provisionally closed three. Moreira de Sousa spoke at a conference with representatives of Albanian institutions and the …

News
European Parliament foreign affairs chief McAllister: EU should advance talks as Albania reforms

European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman David McAllister said the European Union should advance membership negotiations whenever countries meet reform conditions. He spoke at the Interparliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership” in Tirana. McAllister said Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has increased the strategic importance of EU …

News
Golden Autumn in the Tirana Highlands, from Shënmëri to Mount Meçeku

Autumn has begun to paint Tirana’s mountains in golden colors. After a long and scorching summer, golden grass now covers the slopes, while red shrubs add warmer tones. At the same time, green trees still dominate parts of the landscape, creating striking combinations of green, yellow, brown and red. A …

News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: September 28, 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

Albanian MPs join regional meeting on parliamentary integrity

A delegation of the Albanian Parliament took part in the Regional Parliamentary Anti-Corruption Clinic in Beciq, Montenegro, on September 24–26. MPs Milva Ekonomi, Antoneta Dhima and Kliti Hoti represented the Parliament. The National Democratic Institute organised the event with the Parliament of Montenegro. The meeting brought together MPs and parliamentary …

News

Speaker Peleshi: Public support in EU states key to Albania’s accession

Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi said direct engagement with citizens and communities in EU member states is essential for the success of Albania’s EU integration process. He made the remarks at a conference with representatives of Albanian institutions and the European Parliament. Peleshi said enlargement cannot rely only on political …

News

Health Minister Spahiu: Health structures to be reorganised around citizens’ needs

Health and Social Protection Minister Klodiana Spahiu visited health facilities in Mallakastër to review investments, services and staff work. The visit took place as part of a process to restructure and reorganise health facilities. The process aims to align their capacities with community needs. Spahiu said the reorganisation aims to …

News

PM Rama: EU must not leave Western Balkans behind again

Prime Minister Edi Rama has called on the European Union not to leave the Western Balkans behind again. He said failure to integrate the region would also be a major failure for Europe. Rama spoke at the Inter-parliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership”. He said Albania …

News

EU Enlargement Commissioner Kos says Albania is on track for membership

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is on the right track toward European Union membership in an interview with France 24. She included Albania among four countries currently making the most progress in the accession process. Kos described 2026 as a high-paced year for EU enlargement. She said …

News

European Parliament Albania rapporteur Schieder: Albania can join EU within decade

Andreas Schieder, the European Parliament rapporteur for Albania, said the country has entered the final phase of its EU membership negotiations. He said Albania can close the remaining chapters within the set deadlines. Schieder spoke at the Interparliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership” in Tirana. He …

News

EU ambassador Moreira de Sousa: Albania advances, but reforms must be implemented

European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said Albania has entered a new phase of its EU membership process. She noted that the country has opened all six negotiating clusters and provisionally closed three. Moreira de Sousa spoke at a conference with representatives of Albanian institutions and the …

News

European Parliament foreign affairs chief McAllister: EU should advance talks as Albania reforms

European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman David McAllister said the European Union should advance membership negotiations whenever countries meet reform conditions. He spoke at the Interparliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership” in Tirana. McAllister said Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has increased the strategic importance of EU …

News

Golden Autumn in the Tirana Highlands, from Shënmëri to Mount Meçeku

Autumn has begun to paint Tirana’s mountains in golden colors. After a long and scorching summer, golden grass now covers the slopes, while red shrubs add warmer tones. At the same time, green trees still dominate parts of the landscape, creating striking combinations of green, yellow, brown and red. A …