French Blog Highlights Albania as an Affordable Coastal Holiday Destination
Albania is attracting growing attention as a more affordable holiday destination at a time when many popular international destinations, particularly island and luxury-focused locations, come with higher costs. According to an article published by the French blog “Horticulture-Abadie-Pyrénées,” Albania ranks among the destinations that can offer an attractive holiday experience …
Kosova Assembly approves first reading of Specialist Chambers law changes
The Assembly of Kosova has approved in the first reading a bill amending the Law on Specialist Chambers. All 91 lawmakers who took part in the vote supported the bill. The legislation now requires a second reading for final approval. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said Kosova needs functioning institutions to …
Kercisht i Sipërm: Byzantine Churches and Dramatic Mountain Views in Dibër
Albania’s northeastern border with North Macedonia runs along the mountain slopes of the Deshat massif, part of the Korab-Koritnik National Park. Below these slopes, Kercisht i Sipërm offers one of the most impressive viewpoints in the Maqellarë area. Locals call the village the “Balcony of Maqellarë.” From here, visitors can …
“Neighbours / from Motherland” receives 10-minute standing ovation at Tirana Dance Festival
The world premiere of “Neighbours / from Motherland” opened the fifth International Dance Festival in Tirana. The performance received a 10-minute standing ovation from the audience. Brigel Gjoka and Rauf “Rubberlegz” Yasi created the contemporary dance work. It brought the Albanian and Kosova Ballet companies together on the same stage …
Albania’s Socialist majority backs plan to cut municipalities from 61 to 46
Socialist Party Parliamentary Group leader Taulant Balla said the majority will vote for its draft plan to change Albania’s administrative-territorial map. The proposal would reduce the number of municipalities from 61 to 46. Speaking to the media at the Assembly of Albania, Balla said the country needs major reforms to …
Albania Justice Minister Gogu: Penal Procedure Code changes will not weaken fight against corruption
Justice Minister Toni Gogu said proposed changes to Albania’s Penal Procedure Code will not weaken the fight against corruption and organised crime. He said tackling serious criminal offences remains a non-negotiable priority. The review aims to strengthen citizens’ guarantees while preserving mechanisms to investigate and punish serious crime. Meanwhile, Theo …
Eagle Symbol Becomes Lasting Memory for Foreign Tourists Leaving Albania
Albania continues to attract foreign tourists with its coastline, natural landscapes and rich historical and cultural heritage. Tourism remains one of the country’s most important economic sectors. At the same time, a longer tourism season creates new opportunities for local businesses and supports employment growth. Prime Minister Edi Rama today …
Xhubleta Featured on New Postage Stamp Celebrating Albania’s Cultural Heritage
The xhubleta, one of the most distinctive elements of Albania’s cultural heritage, now features on a new postage stamp. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today that the new philatelic issue by Albanian Post aims to promote the history, values and symbolism of the traditional garment. “The xhubleta, this precious part …
Flamingo Mirror Records Over 127,000 Searches in First 24 Hours
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that the “Flamingo Mirror” platform recorded more than 127,000 searches within its first 24 hours online. He described the platform as marking a new era of transparency. In a social media post, Rama said that “Flamingo Mirror” recorded 3,397 page searches during its first …
Gonxhja: Now Is the Time to Invest in Albania and Build Sustainable Tourism
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today that growing interest from international brands in Albania highlights the country’s tourism potential and investor confidence in the sector’s continued development. Gonxhja referred to the “Future Hospitality Forum,” which took place in Tirana several days ago. He said Albania has …
After the capital endured a third night of violent clashes between student-led protesters and police, Edi Rama vowed not to bow to the demands for him to quit. Original post Here
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week takes a look at salacious tales making unpleasant headlines, political deals being mooted and insiders spilling secrets. Original post Here
Albania’s construction sector expanded rapidly between 2020 and 2024, ranking among Europe’s fastest-growing markets. The latest Eurostat data show that real construction activity rose by 36% over the four-year period. Eurostat measures construction’s gross value added in real terms, using comparable prices and 2020 as the base year. Albania’s index …
Albania’s national futsal team secured a 4-2 victory over Turkey in their second friendly match in Tirana, bouncing back after losing the opening encounter. Shqipron Brahimi opened the scoring for Albania, giving the home side an early boost. Ermir Kryeziu then delivered an impressive performance, scoring twice, while Qendrim Bakia …
The General Directorate of Archives (GDA), in cooperation with the Historical and Diplomatic Archives of Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, will donate reproductions of rare documents related to the 1908 Congress of Manastir to the Museum of the Albanian Alphabet in Bitola, North Macedonia. The initiative will support …
Albania joined the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 68 years ago, becoming part of an international effort to protect cultural and natural heritage around the world. UNESCO safeguards invaluable heritage sites that bear witness to human life and activity across the centuries. The organization has 194 member …
The Interfaith Council of Albania has issued a public statement calling for peace, justice, responsibility and national dialogue. The appeal comes as the country faces protests and rising tensions. Representatives of Albania’s official religious communities urged authorities to take citizens’ and students’ concerns seriously. They called for concrete and transparent …
Albania’s hotels and other accommodation facilities recorded a sharp slowdown in tourism growth during the peak summer season. Both visitor numbers and overnight stays increased at much slower rates than a year earlier, according to the country’s statistics agency, INSTAT. The number of visitors staying in Albanian accommodation rose by …
A traditional Japanese tea ceremony brought an authentic taste of Japanese culture to Tirana as part of Japanese Cultural Week, which began on October 14 and runs through October 18. Japanese masters led demonstrations that introduced participants to this centuries-old tradition. The ceremony combined aesthetics, philosophy, mindfulness and harmony. Participants …
The United Nations in Albania has expressed concern over acts of violence and rising tensions during protests in Tirana. The organization has called on all parties to avoid violence and engage in constructive dialogue. In its statement, the UN reaffirmed the importance of protecting fundamental rights. These include peaceful assembly, …