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Albania Marks 27 June as Day of Remembrance for Cham Albanians, Commemorates 82nd Anniversary

Albania marks 27 June as the Day of Genocide against the Cham Albanians. The country remembers the events of 27 June 1944, when violence began against the Cham population. Historical accounts state that forces under Greek general Napoleon Zerva led attacks against civilians in the region of Çamëria. The reports …

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U.S. Donates Aviation Security Training Equipment to Albania

The United States has donated a special aviation security training kit to Albania’s Civil Aviation Authority. The donation came at the end of a five-day training program organized by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), according to the U.S. Embassy in Tirana. The equipment will help aviation security personnel simulate …

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Ibrahimaj: Government Focused on Reforms and EU Integration

Economy Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the government remains focused on reforms and Albania’s European Union integration process. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj answered questions about an ongoing protest that has entered its 26th day. She said the government approved many important acts during the meeting. According to Ibrahimaj, Albania …

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Ibrahimaj: New EU-Aligned Bills to Boost Market Transparency and Fair Trade

The Albanian government approved two draft laws to advance the country’s European Union integration process. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the new legislation will increase transparency in financial markets and improve commercial relations. The Ministry of Economy and Innovation drafted the bills as part of the EU negotiation …

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Rama Highlights Shala River as Tourists Flock to Northern Albania

Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the Shala River on social media, showcasing one of Albania’s most popular summer destinations. The Shala River has attracted growing numbers of Albanian and foreign visitors in recent years. Tourists visit the area for its untouched nature, crystal-clear blue waters, and adventure tourism …

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Kos: Albania and Montenegro Among EU Integration Front-Runners

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos expressed optimism about Albania’s progress toward European Union membership. Speaking at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Poland, Kos described Albania and Montenegro as two of the most advanced countries in the EU enlargement process. She praised Albania’s progress and noted that the country has …

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Belsh Unveils New Zip Line to Boost Tourism

Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the inauguration of a new zip line in Belsh, describing it as another reason to visit the popular tourist destination in the Dumre region. The new attraction, stretching 724 meters, adds a new dimension to Belsh’s tourism offer by combining nature, adventure, and local …

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U.S. Supports Albanian Civil Aviation with Training and Equipment

Connectivity, operational safety, and aviation security are the three main pillars of cooperation between the Transportation Security Administration and the Albanian Civil Aviation Authority. The Albanian Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) announced that the donation of a testing equipment set by the TSA, combined with specialized training for experts from the …

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Government Declares Dhërmi Historic Center a Cultural Heritage Site

The Albanian government has declared the historic center of Dhërmi an immovable cultural heritage site. The Council of Ministers approved the decision and defined the protection zone of the historic center through zoning maps and coordinates in the Albanian Geodetic Reference Framework. The government also approved a plan to preserve, …

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Week in Review: Flamingos, Deflections and Posturing

Like the weather, the political temperature across the region is rising, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 13, 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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Letter from Brussels: No EU ‘Super Tuesday’ for Accession Laggard Serbia

As Albania and Montenegro surge ahead, the EU is split on whether to move Serbia forward on the path to accession in the absence of tangible progress. Original post Here

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Vjosa River attracts more tourists with summer rafting adventures

TIRANA, July 13 – The Vjosa River has become one of the most popular summer destinations for visitors seeking adventure and cooler temperatures. High summer temperatures have increased interest in the river’s wild landscapes, untouched nature and outdoor activities. Local and foreign tourists visit Vjosa not only to relax but …

News
PM Rama attends Paris summit on support for Ukraine

TIRANA, July 13 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is travelling to Paris today to attend the Coalition of the Willing summit on Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron invited Rama to the meeting, which will bring together heads of state and government. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark …

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Gulf News names Gjirokastër among the world’s most spectacular summer destinations

TIRANA, July 13 – Gjirokastër has been included among the world’s 10 most spectacular and unusual destinations to visit this summer, according to a selection published by Gulf News. The UAE-based media outlet highlighted the historic Albanian city as one of Europe’s hidden gems. It praised Gjirokastër for its cultural …

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Himara attracts more tourists as public beaches expand and services improve

Himara is seeing a significant increase in visitors this summer, strengthening its position as one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. The municipality has introduced new measures to improve services, expand public beach areas, increase accessibility and support sustainable tourism development. Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo said the city is managing …

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Over 1,000 apply for Grant 2026 as startup interest grows across Albania

TIRANA, July 13 – More than 1,000 entrepreneurs and innovators have applied for the Grant 2026 programme, showing growing interest in startups across Albania, according to the Agency for Media and Information. The agency said the applications reflect stronger engagement from young innovators and entrepreneurs who want to turn business …

News
Albania joins EUROGYM 2026 as leaders strengthen gymnastics cooperation

TIRANA, July 13 – Albania took part in EUROGYM 2026, Europe’s largest gymnastics festival for young people, held in Pistoia, Italy. More than 7,000 participants from across Europe attended the event. The President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee, Fidel Ylli, attended the festival at the invitation of Italian Gymnastics …

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Uçkave public beach in Pogradec attracts summer visitors

The Uçkave public beach, one of the most historic and popular areas along Lake Ohrid’s shoreline, is welcoming a growing number of local and international visitors this summer. Located between the Vila area and Tushemisht, the beach offers organized spaces, free umbrellas, clean waters and improved infrastructure for holidaymakers. Moreover, …

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Lezhë provides tourist contact numbers and beach prices to prevent abuses

Lezhë Municipality has introduced a new measure to support visitors during the summer season by providing direct contact numbers for reporting concerns related to services, prices and public beach areas. Meanwhile, Mayor Pjerin Ndreu encouraged tourists and residents to report any cases of unfair pricing, poor services or violations of …

News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 13, 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

Letter from Brussels: No EU ‘Super Tuesday’ for Accession Laggard Serbia

As Albania and Montenegro surge ahead, the EU is split on whether to move Serbia forward on the path to accession in the absence of tangible progress. Original post Here

News

Vjosa River attracts more tourists with summer rafting adventures

TIRANA, July 13 – The Vjosa River has become one of the most popular summer destinations for visitors seeking adventure and cooler temperatures. High summer temperatures have increased interest in the river’s wild landscapes, untouched nature and outdoor activities. Local and foreign tourists visit Vjosa not only to relax but …

News

PM Rama attends Paris summit on support for Ukraine

TIRANA, July 13 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is travelling to Paris today to attend the Coalition of the Willing summit on Ukraine. French President Emmanuel Macron invited Rama to the meeting, which will bring together heads of state and government. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and NATO Secretary General Mark …

News

Gulf News names Gjirokastër among the world’s most spectacular summer destinations

TIRANA, July 13 – Gjirokastër has been included among the world’s 10 most spectacular and unusual destinations to visit this summer, according to a selection published by Gulf News. The UAE-based media outlet highlighted the historic Albanian city as one of Europe’s hidden gems. It praised Gjirokastër for its cultural …

News

Himara attracts more tourists as public beaches expand and services improve

Himara is seeing a significant increase in visitors this summer, strengthening its position as one of Albania’s most popular tourist destinations. The municipality has introduced new measures to improve services, expand public beach areas, increase accessibility and support sustainable tourism development. Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo said the city is managing …

News

Over 1,000 apply for Grant 2026 as startup interest grows across Albania

TIRANA, July 13 – More than 1,000 entrepreneurs and innovators have applied for the Grant 2026 programme, showing growing interest in startups across Albania, according to the Agency for Media and Information. The agency said the applications reflect stronger engagement from young innovators and entrepreneurs who want to turn business …

News

Albania joins EUROGYM 2026 as leaders strengthen gymnastics cooperation

TIRANA, July 13 – Albania took part in EUROGYM 2026, Europe’s largest gymnastics festival for young people, held in Pistoia, Italy. More than 7,000 participants from across Europe attended the event. The President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee, Fidel Ylli, attended the festival at the invitation of Italian Gymnastics …

News

Uçkave public beach in Pogradec attracts summer visitors

The Uçkave public beach, one of the most historic and popular areas along Lake Ohrid’s shoreline, is welcoming a growing number of local and international visitors this summer. Located between the Vila area and Tushemisht, the beach offers organized spaces, free umbrellas, clean waters and improved infrastructure for holidaymakers. Moreover, …

News

Lezhë provides tourist contact numbers and beach prices to prevent abuses

Lezhë Municipality has introduced a new measure to support visitors during the summer season by providing direct contact numbers for reporting concerns related to services, prices and public beach areas. Meanwhile, Mayor Pjerin Ndreu encouraged tourists and residents to report any cases of unfair pricing, poor services or violations of …