Hoxha: Democracy Comes from Dialogue, Not Force or Intimidation
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha commented today on last night’s protest in the capital. First, he said democracy, freedom, and rights are not given but earned through effort, sacrifice, and responsibility. He also said they come from dialogue and wisdom, not intimidation or imposition. In addition, he …
Peleshi Meets Schellenberger: Strengthening Parliamentary Cooperation with Germany
Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi held a meeting with Gunnar Schellenberger, President of the Parliament of the German state of Saxony-Anhalt, focusing on strengthening parliamentary cooperation between the two countries. First, the two sides discussed expanding institutional relations and increasing cooperation in key areas such as economy, education, …
Rama: Fincantieri Deal to Create 500 New Jobs at Pashaliman Shipyard
Prime Minister Edi Rama presents key government developments of the week and highlights a new partnership between Italy’s “Fincantieri” and the state-owned company “KAYO”. First, he says the agreement strengthens Albania’s defense sector and supports the revival of the country’s military industry. Next, he explains that the partnership expands to …
PM Rama to BBC: Judicial reform remains one of Albania’s most significant achievements in recent years
TIRANA, July 5 – Judicial reform remains one of Albania’s most significant achievements in recent years, according to Prime Minister Edi Rama in an interview with BBC News. He said the justice system must operate independently and act without political influence. Rama reiterated that judicial reform is a central milestone …
Paesi online: Journey to Durrës, the 2,500-year-old city between ancient empires and modern life
TIRANA, July 5 – The Italian media outlet “Paesi online” highlights Durrës in a feature story, describing it as one of the Adriatic’s most fascinating destinations, where ancient history and modern urban life coexist side by side. The article presents Durrës as one of Albania’s oldest cities, with more than …
Fire in Shëngjin mountain brought under control after overnight battle with flames
TIRANA, July 5 – Firefighters brought a blaze under control in the Shëngjin mountain area near the main road in the “Sakë” neighbourhood in Lezha after an overnight operation. Fire units from Lezha and Tirana worked through the night to contain the flames. Lezha Mayor Pjerin Ndreu said firefighters stayed …
Tirana Accuses Kremlin of Being Behind Protests?
Russian Embassy rejects the claims as “completely unfounded” and tells Albanian officials not to “look for enemies where they do not exist.” Tirana Times, July 04, 2026 – Albania’s government is increasingly casting the country’s month-long anti-government protests as part of a foreign-backed effort to destabilize the country, with senior …
PM Rama congratulates the United States on Independence Day, calls July 4 a shared celebration for Albanians
TIRANA, July 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has extended his congratulations to the United States of America on the occasion of July 4, Independence Day. He said July 4 is also a special celebration for Albanians. He highlighted the historic ties and friendship between the two countries. Rama referred …
President Begaj congratulates United States on 250th Independence anniversary, expresses gratitude for long-standing support
TIRANA, July 4 – President Bajram Begaj has extended congratulations to the United States of America on the 250th anniversary of Independence Day. He conveyed his warmest wishes to President Donald Trump and the American people. Begaj said Albania deeply values its enduring friendship and strategic partnership with the United …
Albania and North Macedonia to Introduce New Protocol for Joint Customs Controls
Albania and North Macedonia are strengthening customs cooperation by preparing a new protocol for the implementation of their Joint Border Controls Agreement. The initiative aims to improve the efficiency of border inspections, facilitate trade, and reduce waiting times at border crossings. During a visit to the Qafë Thanë–Qafasan joint border …
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 …
The luxury superyacht Yas docked at the Port of Durrës this weekend. At about 141 metres long, Yas ranks among the world’s largest private superyachts. It stands out for its sleek design and futuristic appearance. Engineers transformed a former military vessel into the iconic luxury yacht. According to the Port …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited the public to attend the National “NONA” Festival, which will take place in Përmet from August 7 to 9. In a social media post, Rama described the festival as a celebration of tradition, gastronomy, and the invaluable role of grandparents. He said the event …
Europe’s newest tourism hotspot could see major changes for visitors after joining the European Union, writes Vinicius Costa in the American travel magazine Travel Off Path. For nearly a decade now, Albania has been a beacon of freedom for travelers, especially digital nomads looking for hassle-free ways to extend their time in …
Pogradec, one of Albania’s most popular destinations on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is attracting many domestic and international visitors this summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Pogradec’s beaches, showing organized public spaces and free umbrellas available for visitors. The lakeside city offers clean waters, open areas …
Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja described Nikaj-Mërturi as one of the Albanian Alps’ greatest treasures and a destination with strong mountain tourism potential. He met guesthouse owners, hotel managers and tour guides to discuss challenges, opportunities and sustainable tourism development. Moreover, Gonxhja stressed that close cooperation with local communities and businesses …
General’s Beach, located along the Kavaja coastline, offers visitors crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes and a peaceful natural environment. The beach lies between Durrës and Kavaja and surprises visitors with its rocky coastline, blue sea and green hills, creating a landscape that resembles the southern Albanian Riviera on a smaller scale. …