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Climate change requires immediate action and regional cooperation

TIRANA, May 5 – Climate change no longer represents a distant threat. It already affects economies, infrastructure, and communities across borders. Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj made the statement during the Regional Climate Conference in Tirana. At the same time, he said Albania is pleased to host the conference. He …

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European Parliament committee adopts report, praises Albania’s commitment to European Union accession

TIRANA, May 5 – The Committee on Foreign Affairs of the European Parliament has welcomed Albania’s progress in accession talks with the European Union. It also stressed that full implementation of reforms remains essential. In a report adopted with 58 votes in favour, 7 against, and 7 abstentions, Members of …

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Kosovo Opens New Consulate in Texas to Strengthen U.S. Presence

Kosovo has approved a new consular mission in the United States. Acting President Albulena Haxhiu signs a decree to establish a consulate in Texas. The consulate will be based in Houston and will operate as a Consulate General. The new mission aims to strengthen Kosovo’s diplomatic presence in the United …

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“Cave of the Cyclops” in Spile of Himara offers new visitor experience

TIRANA, May 5 – The Spile Cave in Himara is one of the most distinctive coastal sites in Albania. The site has undergone an intervention to improve its year-round tourism appeal. At the same time, the cave links to the myth of the Cyclops described by Homer around 2,700 years …

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TKOB Brings a Full Cultural Program in May, from “Carmen” to National Ensemble Shows

The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania presents a rich cultural program throughout May in Tirana. The month opens with the ballet “Carmen,” staged from May 4 to May 10. The production features the return of Anbeta Toromani in the lead role, alongside Luca Curreli and Alessandro Macario. …

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Cultural Events, Concerts and Tourism Season Opening Mark a Busy Week in Albania

Tirana hosts a full week of cultural and artistic events across theaters, galleries, and music venues. The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania presents performances including “Carmen” and concerts by violinist Tedi Papavrami. Exhibitions continue at several venues. The “S.T.I.L.L” exhibition by Brook Velos runs at Catalyst Institute. …

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Port of Durrës handles 10 cargo vessels at start of week

TIRANA, May 5 – The start of the week has brought high operational activity at the Port of Durrës. The port has scheduled 10 cargo vessels for handling, mainly carrying raw materials for the construction sector. According to the Port Authority of Durrës, six vessels are currently under processing. Two …

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SIGMA report on public administration reform says Albania consolidates governance reforms

TIRANA, May 5 – The SIGMA initiative, a joint programme of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the European Union on governance and public administration reform, has assessed Albania positively in its latest report. It said Albania stands out in several key areas with more consolidated practices. …

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Exploited for Profit: Call Centre Fraud Schemes ‘Criminalise Albanian Youth’

Call centres specialising in online financial fraud have become a growth industry in Albania, attracting young people to criminal activity with the lure of quick money. Original post Here

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Kurti and Kallas Stress Positive Momentum in Kosovo–Serbia Dialogue

Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti meets EU High Representative Kaja Kallas on the sidelines of the European Political Community Summit in Yerevan. They discuss the political situation in the region and key security issues. Kurti stresses the importance of alignment with the European Union. He highlights Kosovo’s path toward EU …

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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 …

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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 …