Tourist arrivals in Albania rise 11.7% in March, INSTAT reports
TIRANA, April 27 – Albania recorded a strong increase in tourist and passenger flows in March 2026, with total entries reaching 1,289,468 people, according to the latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The figure marks an 11.7% rise compared with the same month in 2025. Authorities said the …
Albania anti-corruption office reports stronger focus on corruption and financial crime in 2025
TIRANA, April 27 – Albania’s Special Prosecution Office said it intensified its focus on high-level corruption and financial crime during 2025, as part of broader efforts to strengthen rule-of-law enforcement. Head Klodian Braho told the High Council of Prosecution that investigators handled more criminal cases compared with the previous year. …
Ceramic Workshop in Fishtë Becomes Tourist Attraction
After years in Italy, artisan Vasil Ukaj returned to his hometown of Fishtë to start a ceramics business. He launched the workshop in 2000 in a small family space, which has since grown into a popular stop for visitors. Tourists now visit the studio to watch the production process, try …
Edi Rama: Government to Offer Easier Credit for Small and Medium Businesses
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a new financing program called “Double Your Enterprise.” He said the initiative will provide reasonable interest rates for businesses that want to expand. Rama explained the program will be implemented in cooperation with the Bank of Albania and commercial banks, with government guarantees to support …
‘As 1945 dawned’: Historic Albanian Play Returns to Memory
Teodor Laço crafts Duke gdhirë viti 1945 as a dramatic reflection of a nation in transition. The National Theatre brings the work to the stage in 1976, under the direction of Dhimitër Pecani, transforming the text into a vivid stage experience. The play captures the tense dawn of 1945, when …
PM Edi Rama convenes government cabinet and SP parliamentary group, focus on EU integration
TIRANA, April 27 – Prime Minister Edi Rama on Monday held a joint meeting with the government cabinet and the ruling Socialist Party parliamentary group, with European Union integration placed at the center of discussions. The meeting took place at the Palace of Brigades in Tirana. Officials said the agenda …
Reuters: Albania’s hydropower shields electricity market amid regional energy shocks
TIRANA, April 27 – In an article published by Reuters, rising global energy prices linked to the Iran conflict have highlighted major differences in Europe’s energy resilience. Albania stands out due to its strong reliance on hydropower. The Drin River system in northern Albania generates more than 90% of the …
Famous Albanian ballet dancer Kledi Kadiu launches International Ballet Competition in Tirana
TIRANA, April 27 – Albanian ballet dancer Kledi Kadiu, widely known for his career in Italy, has announced the first edition of the International Ballet Competition Albania in Tirana. The initiative will take place with support from the National Ballet School, the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports, and the …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: April 27, 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
Kosova Security Force advance team deploys to Gaza for coordination of deployment activities
TIRANA, April 27 – A Kosova Security Force team deployed to Gaza to conduct reconnaissance before troop deployment. The Kosova Security Force said the visit assessed conditions on the ground. It also coordinated operational preparations for the planned contingent deployment. The unit will operate within the International Stabilization Forces peacekeeping …
Tirana protest unfolds amid EU concerns over shrinking parliamentary oversight. TIRANA, May 08, 2026 — Albania’s opposition staged a national protest in Tirana on Friday evening, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and what it described as his corrupt government, while accusing the ruling majority of abuse of …
TIRANA, May 9 – President of the Council of Europe Antonio Costa sent a message to Albania on Europe Day, describing the occasion as a moment to reflect on shared European values and the progress of aspiring countries toward integration. Addressing Albanian citizens as future members of the European Union, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama urged Elbasan to become a leading city for startups and innovation during a meeting with winners of Albania’s national startup program for 2025 and new applicants for 2026. During the event, young innovators presented projects in technology and the digital economy. Meanwhile, organizers highlighted the rapid …
Mayor of Elbasan Gledian Llatja said startups will transform into concrete development models for Elbasan during a meeting with winners of Albania’s 2025 startup program and new applicants for 2026. The event took place at the newly renovated “Onufri” arts high school in Elbasan. Young innovators presented promising technology projects …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met today in Elbasan with winners of Albania’s 2025 startup program and applicants for 2026, who presented promising projects in technology and innovation. During the meeting, Rama said technology is rapidly transforming economic development and innovation. He explained that the world has moved from linear growth …
Albania inaugurated its National Pavilion at the 61st International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia with the presentation of “A Place in the Sun” by artist Genti Korini, curated by Małgorzata Ludwisiak. During the opening ceremony, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja described Albania’s participation as a …
Minister of Interior Besfort Lamallari addressed the International Migration Forum at the United Nations and reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to safe, orderly, and legal migration. During his speech, Lamallari stressed that Albania supports migration policies based on human rights, international cooperation, and stronger engagement with the Albanian diaspora. Furthermore, he said …
Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj met today with Dame Dimitrovski, adviser to the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, and Raimund Jehle during the regional conference United for Climate. During the meeting, Jaupaj discussed a regional forestry initiative supported by the Green Climate Fund and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Furthermore, …
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn attended the “Battle of the Bands” concert in Tirana featuring the Flagship and the Orchestra of the Albanian Armed Forces. During her opening remarks, VanHorn said the event celebrated “Freedom 250,” a global initiative launched by Donald Trump to honor 250 years of American independence, …
Ura e Kamarës is a historic medieval bridge located near the village of Mirakë, along the Elbasan–Librazhd national road. To reach it, visitors follow the old Egnatia Road and pass through a narrow village path. Then they arrive at the bridge site. The bridge measures about 40 meters in length …