Blog
News

Pensions increased by over 70% for some categories since 2013

TIRANA, June 29 – Around 900,000 pensioners will benefit from a new 2.7% pension indexation starting from July 1. The decision was approved at the latest government meeting. Meanwhile, Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the measure is part of the government’s ongoing policies to support pensioners. She made the …

Read More
News

Supreme Court President Sadushi: Justice requires integrity, impartiality and public responsibility

TIRANA, June 29 – Supreme Court President Sokoli Sadushi spoke at the National Conference on the interaction between the justice system and the media. He said justice requires integrity, impartiality and public responsibility. Meanwhile, he called for deeper reflection on the role and responsibilities of magistrates in carrying out their …

Read More
News

La Repubblica Highlights Albania’s Contrast Between Modern Cities and Historic Heritage

The Italian newspaper La Repubblica describes Albania as a country where modern life and historical heritage coexist. It presents a journey from Tirana to Berat that reveals strong contrasts across the country. It shows Tirana with its new skyscrapers, electric vehicles, and rapid urban growth. It also shows rural areas …

Read More
News

Lungomare 4 coastal promenade project advances in Radhima, Vlora

TIRANA, June 29 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media from ongoing works on the “Lungomare 4” coastal promenade project in Radhima. He described the project as another milestone in the transformation of the Vlora coastline. Meanwhile, Rama also published a video showing the progress of works …

Read More
News

Media must report judicial cases carefully, perception often replaces evidence

TIRANA, June 29 – Director of the School of Magistrates Arben Rakipi said media and the justice system must maintain a balanced relationship during the National Conference on the interaction between justice and media. Meanwhile, he said the justice system must remain open to the public. He stressed transparency and …

Read More
News

Public administration reform aims to streamline state institutions in European Union alignment process

TIRANA, June 29 – The Committee on Europe and Foreign Affairs reviewed a draft law on amendments to Law No. 90/2012 on the organisation and functioning of the state administration. Meanwhile, Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said the bill forms a key pillar of public …

Read More
News

Tourists from around the world enjoy Vlora coastline

TIRANA, June 29 – Vlora is hosting tourists from around the world this summer as visitors explore the Ionian coastline, local cuisine and hospitality. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing crowded streets and the Lungomare promenade in the coastal city. At the same time, Vlora …

Read More
News

Queen Geraldine maternity hospital reopens after full transformation

TIRANA, June 29 – The Queen Geraldine maternity hospital has reopened after a full renovation that modernised one of Albania’s leading healthcare institutions for women and newborns. The investment introduced modern facilities, advanced technology and improved working conditions for medical staff. The hospital treats more than 20,000 patients each year …

Read More
News

Letter from Washington: US and EU Square Off Over Balkan Assets

Once a field of cooperation, the Balkans is turning into a battleground for competing US and European visions and interests, says Jovana Djurovic in her latest despatch from DC. Original post Here

Read More
News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 29, 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

Read More
News
Albanian Journalists Complain of Unwritten ‘Red Lines’ and ‘Untouchable Topics’

Self-censorship is rife among Albanian journalists and news editors who fear crossing powerful, politically connected media moguls, a BIRN survey reveals. Original post Here

News
German diplomat Dirk Schubel appointed EU Special Representative for Kosovo

The Council of the European Union has appointed German diplomat Dirk Schubel as the new EU Special Representative for Kosovo. Schubel will take office on September 1, 2026, with an initial two-year mandate, replacing Estonian diplomat Aivo Orav. With extensive experience, Schubel has worked in the European External Action Service, …

News
Butrint National Park launches new website

TIRANA, July 14 – Butrint National Park has launched a new official website to provide visitors with a more accessible digital experience. The website uses the slogan “Before us, there was Butrint” and helps visitors plan their trips more easily. It also presents the park’s history, monuments and cultural heritage. …

News
Petrela Castle combines history, nature and Albanian hospitality near Tirana

Petrela Castle continues to attract visitors as one of Albania’s most popular cultural tourism destinations. Located on a hill about 17 kilometers southeast of Tirana, the castle offers impressive views of the Erzen Valley and a unique experience for both local and international visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images …

News
Stable weather with temperatures reaching 37°C

TIRANA, July 14 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The country will have mostly clear skies, while northern areas may see some passing clouds in the afternoon. Meanwhile, winds will blow from northwest to northeast at an average speed of 7 …

News
Albanian student Marius Gjika wins silver medal at Beijing Mathematics Olympiad

Talented mathematics student Marius Gjika won the silver medal at the International Summer Mathematics Camp Olympiad held in Beijing, China. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro congratulated Gjika and the Albanian team, saying the achievement represents a source of pride for the country. Following this success, the Albanian mathematics team has traveled …

News
Albania to close first three EU negotiation chapters at ninth conference

TIRANA, July 14 – Albania is set to provisionally close its first 3 European Union negotiation chapters during the 9th Albania–EU Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels today. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the country has reached an important stage in its European integration process. He added that Albania continues its progress …

News
“Noticias del Vino”: Albania emerges as a top summer 2026 destination from Riviera to Alps

TIRANA, July 14 – Albania is gaining growing attention as one of Europe’s most attractive summer destinations in 2026, according to Spanish media outlet “Noticias del Vino”. In an article by Teresa Navarro Ortega, the publication highlights Albania’s crystal-clear beaches, UNESCO-protected historic cities, mountain landscapes and affordable travel options compared …

News
Rama joins Paris summit on Ukraine at Macron’s invitation

Prime Minister Edi Rama joined the Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris on Sunday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit brought together heads of state and government, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to coordinate international support for Ukraine. During the …

News
EU Ambassador Gonzato encourages young people to drive Albania’s EU integration

EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato called on young Albanians to defend their rights and take an active role in shaping their future. During the weekend, Gonzato met young participants at RinCamp, organized by the National Youth Agency. During the discussion, he stressed that young people are not only beneficiaries …

News

Albanian Journalists Complain of Unwritten ‘Red Lines’ and ‘Untouchable Topics’

Self-censorship is rife among Albanian journalists and news editors who fear crossing powerful, politically connected media moguls, a BIRN survey reveals. Original post Here

News

German diplomat Dirk Schubel appointed EU Special Representative for Kosovo

The Council of the European Union has appointed German diplomat Dirk Schubel as the new EU Special Representative for Kosovo. Schubel will take office on September 1, 2026, with an initial two-year mandate, replacing Estonian diplomat Aivo Orav. With extensive experience, Schubel has worked in the European External Action Service, …

News

Butrint National Park launches new website

TIRANA, July 14 – Butrint National Park has launched a new official website to provide visitors with a more accessible digital experience. The website uses the slogan “Before us, there was Butrint” and helps visitors plan their trips more easily. It also presents the park’s history, monuments and cultural heritage. …

News

Petrela Castle combines history, nature and Albanian hospitality near Tirana

Petrela Castle continues to attract visitors as one of Albania’s most popular cultural tourism destinations. Located on a hill about 17 kilometers southeast of Tirana, the castle offers impressive views of the Erzen Valley and a unique experience for both local and international visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images …

News

Stable weather with temperatures reaching 37°C

TIRANA, July 14 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The country will have mostly clear skies, while northern areas may see some passing clouds in the afternoon. Meanwhile, winds will blow from northwest to northeast at an average speed of 7 …

News

Albanian student Marius Gjika wins silver medal at Beijing Mathematics Olympiad

Talented mathematics student Marius Gjika won the silver medal at the International Summer Mathematics Camp Olympiad held in Beijing, China. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro congratulated Gjika and the Albanian team, saying the achievement represents a source of pride for the country. Following this success, the Albanian mathematics team has traveled …

News

Albania to close first three EU negotiation chapters at ninth conference

TIRANA, July 14 – Albania is set to provisionally close its first 3 European Union negotiation chapters during the 9th Albania–EU Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels today. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the country has reached an important stage in its European integration process. He added that Albania continues its progress …

News

“Noticias del Vino”: Albania emerges as a top summer 2026 destination from Riviera to Alps

TIRANA, July 14 – Albania is gaining growing attention as one of Europe’s most attractive summer destinations in 2026, according to Spanish media outlet “Noticias del Vino”. In an article by Teresa Navarro Ortega, the publication highlights Albania’s crystal-clear beaches, UNESCO-protected historic cities, mountain landscapes and affordable travel options compared …

News

Rama joins Paris summit on Ukraine at Macron’s invitation

Prime Minister Edi Rama joined the Coalition of the Willing summit in Paris on Sunday at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. The summit brought together heads of state and government, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte to coordinate international support for Ukraine. During the …

News

EU Ambassador Gonzato encourages young people to drive Albania’s EU integration

EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato called on young Albanians to defend their rights and take an active role in shaping their future. During the weekend, Gonzato met young participants at RinCamp, organized by the National Youth Agency. During the discussion, he stressed that young people are not only beneficiaries …