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Montenegro Points to Albania and Serbia in Hybrid Threat Claim

Tirana Times, August 28, 2026 – An extraordinary political and diplomatic controversy has emerged between Montenegro and Albania after Montenegrin media reported that Prime Minister Milojko Spajić was referring to Albania and Serbia when he warned of a coordinated hybrid operation aimed at destabilizing Montenegro and obstructing its progress toward …

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Week in Review: Hopes and Dilemmas

From Turkey’s search for peace to Serbia’s creeping elections, our selection of Premium stories takes a look at the hopes and dilemmas bubbling away in the background of these developments. Original post Here

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Albanian beekeeper marks 50 years in the profession with 68 hives

TIRANA, August 28 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu highlighted the story of Haxhire, a beekeeper who has worked in the field for around 50 years. She currently cares for 68 beehives. In a social media post, Kociu praised Albanian beekeepers and the support they receive through the National Agriculture …

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Egnatia and Dinamo City exit European competitions

TIRANA, August 28 – Egnatia were eliminated by Norway’s Lillestrom in the final qualifying round for the Europa League despite taking the lead and controlling much of the match. The Albanian champions will continue their European campaign in the Conference League. Dinamo City also ended its European campaign after losing …

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Taranto 2026: Kosova’s Donjeta Sadiku wins boxing gold

TIRANA, August 28 – Kosova’s Donjeta Sadiku won the gold medal in boxing at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games after defeating Serbia’s Kristina Kuluhova in the final of the women’s up to 60 kg category. Sadiku dominated the bout and forced her opponent to stop in the second round. The …

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Ali Podrimja: A Defining Voice of Modern Albanian Poetry

Ali Podrimja (August 28, 1942–July 21, 2012) was one of the most influential Albanian poets from Kosovo. Critics regard him as a leading figure in modern Albanian poetry, while readers around the world have discovered his work through numerous translations. Born in Gjakova in 1942, Podrimja studied Albanian language and …

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Ministry of Defence: 22 wildfires reported in 24 hours, 3 remain active

TIRANA, August 28 – Authorities reported 22 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Three remain active, while four others remain under monitoring. The Ministry of Defence said 288 operational personnel and 21 firefighting vehicles have joined the response. The Armed Forces also deployed two helicopters, which took part …

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State to intervene to protect cultural heritage homes, starting with Gjirokastër

TIRANA, August 28 – The state will take concrete measures to save, restore and protect homes that hold cultural heritage monument status and face deterioration or loss. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the measures will address neglect, fragmented ownership, abandonment and deliberate inaction. Gonxhja said the state …

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Health Minister Sala among top 10 women in global oncology list

TIRANA, August 28 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala ranks among the top 10 names on OncoDaily’s “100 Women of Impact in Oncology 2026” list. The international initiative recognizes women making significant contributions to cancer care and treatment worldwide. OncoDaily has run the initiative since 2023. The organization …

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Albania puts Nations League tickets on sale for Belarus and San Marino matches

TIRANA, August 28 – Albania will begin its new UEFA Nations League campaign with four Group 1 League C matches in September and October. The national team will host Belarus at Air Albania Stadium on September 26 before playing away on September 29 and October 3. Albania will return to …

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Week in Review: Tests and Pressures

Historical narratives, political systems, institutions and economies across the region are being put to the test as old problems collide with new pressures, our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here

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Ervin Demo to take over Interior Ministry as Lamallari moves to Prime Minister’s Office

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a change at the helm of the Interior Ministry. Besfort Lamallari will leave the post and move to the Prime Minister’s Office, while Ervin Demo will take over the ministry. Rama announced the move while presenting changes to the government. He said Lamallari would …

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Ministry of Defense: 40 wildfires reported across Albania, six remain active

The Ministry of Defense reported 40 wildfires across Albania in the past 24 hours. Six remain active, nine are under monitoring and 25 have been fully extinguished. A total of 492 local personnel and 36 firefighting vehicles are supporting operations. The Armed Forces have deployed 133 personnel, one helicopter, two …

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Klodiana Spahiu sworn in as new health minister

Klodiana Spahiu has been sworn in as Minister of Health and Social Welfare at the Presidency. President Bajram Begaj appointed her following Prime Minister Edi Rama’s proposal, after Evis Sala resigned from the post. Spahiu is a cardiologist and holds a medical degree from the University of Tirana. She later …

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Ibrahim Kodra exhibition “The Sea and Music” to open in Tirana on September 23

An exhibition dedicated to one of Albania’s leading 20th-century artists, Ibrahim Kodra, will open in Tirana on September 23. “Ibrahim Kodra – The Sea and Music” will be held at the Bank of Albania and will remain open until November 23. The exhibition features 41 works created between 1947 and …

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Gonxhja: National Campaign to Register Artisans Begins

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the launch of a national campaign to register artisans across Albania. The campaign aims to identify, assess and promote traditional crafts and the people who preserve them. Gonxhja said the campaign would give greater visibility to artisans and their work. It will …

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Minister Ibrahimaj: Albania to make 7,000 apartments available under new housing fund

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has announced a new National Housing Fund to support not only vulnerable groups, but also professionals, young people and newly formed families. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj said the programme will make 7,000 apartments available. Around 2,000 will be offered through interest-free loans …

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Bank of Albania, UNDP strengthen cooperation on green finance and SME support

The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, met with UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis to discuss cooperation in green finance, financial and digital education, payment systems, and support for SMEs. The meeting focused on Albania’s latest economic and financial developments and the Bank’s ongoing initiatives. Davis praised the …

News
Albania’s protected areas attract 4.5 million visitors in eight months

Albania is increasingly attracting visitors through its natural heritage, with protected areas becoming key destinations for tourists. Diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity and outdoor activities are drawing more visitors and adding a new dimension to the country’s tourism offer. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said more than 4.5 million visitors explored Albania’s …

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Netherlands trains 13 Albanian prosecutors in Tirana, focusing on ethics and complex cases

General jurisdiction prosecutors from Tirana, Elbasan, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Kukës, Korçë, Berat, Fier, Vlora, Dibër, Lezhë and Shkodër took part in a training session on prosecutorial ethics and professional dilemmas. The Dutch Embassy in Albania said the training was led by Dutch prosecutor Disa Jironet. It focused on complex cases, …

News

Week in Review: Tests and Pressures

Historical narratives, political systems, institutions and economies across the region are being put to the test as old problems collide with new pressures, our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here

News

Ervin Demo to take over Interior Ministry as Lamallari moves to Prime Minister’s Office

Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a change at the helm of the Interior Ministry. Besfort Lamallari will leave the post and move to the Prime Minister’s Office, while Ervin Demo will take over the ministry. Rama announced the move while presenting changes to the government. He said Lamallari would …

News

Ministry of Defense: 40 wildfires reported across Albania, six remain active

The Ministry of Defense reported 40 wildfires across Albania in the past 24 hours. Six remain active, nine are under monitoring and 25 have been fully extinguished. A total of 492 local personnel and 36 firefighting vehicles are supporting operations. The Armed Forces have deployed 133 personnel, one helicopter, two …

News

Klodiana Spahiu sworn in as new health minister

Klodiana Spahiu has been sworn in as Minister of Health and Social Welfare at the Presidency. President Bajram Begaj appointed her following Prime Minister Edi Rama’s proposal, after Evis Sala resigned from the post. Spahiu is a cardiologist and holds a medical degree from the University of Tirana. She later …

News

Ibrahim Kodra exhibition “The Sea and Music” to open in Tirana on September 23

An exhibition dedicated to one of Albania’s leading 20th-century artists, Ibrahim Kodra, will open in Tirana on September 23. “Ibrahim Kodra – The Sea and Music” will be held at the Bank of Albania and will remain open until November 23. The exhibition features 41 works created between 1947 and …

News

Gonxhja: National Campaign to Register Artisans Begins

Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the launch of a national campaign to register artisans across Albania. The campaign aims to identify, assess and promote traditional crafts and the people who preserve them. Gonxhja said the campaign would give greater visibility to artisans and their work. It will …

News

Minister Ibrahimaj: Albania to make 7,000 apartments available under new housing fund

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has announced a new National Housing Fund to support not only vulnerable groups, but also professionals, young people and newly formed families. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj said the programme will make 7,000 apartments available. Around 2,000 will be offered through interest-free loans …

News

Bank of Albania, UNDP strengthen cooperation on green finance and SME support

The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, met with UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis to discuss cooperation in green finance, financial and digital education, payment systems, and support for SMEs. The meeting focused on Albania’s latest economic and financial developments and the Bank’s ongoing initiatives. Davis praised the …

News

Albania’s protected areas attract 4.5 million visitors in eight months

Albania is increasingly attracting visitors through its natural heritage, with protected areas becoming key destinations for tourists. Diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity and outdoor activities are drawing more visitors and adding a new dimension to the country’s tourism offer. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said more than 4.5 million visitors explored Albania’s …

News

Netherlands trains 13 Albanian prosecutors in Tirana, focusing on ethics and complex cases

General jurisdiction prosecutors from Tirana, Elbasan, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Kukës, Korçë, Berat, Fier, Vlora, Dibër, Lezhë and Shkodër took part in a training session on prosecutorial ethics and professional dilemmas. The Dutch Embassy in Albania said the training was led by Dutch prosecutor Disa Jironet. It focused on complex cases, …