Blog
News

Archaeologists Discover New Historically Significant Mosaics at Elbasan’s Early Christian Basilica

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Archaeological excavations at the Early Christian Basilica of Elbasan have uncovered new mosaics of significant historical, artistic, and religious value, further enriching evidence of the ancient role of Scampis along the Via Egnatia. According to archaeologists, the newly discovered mosaic …

Read More
News

Eurostat: 86% of Albanian Businesses Use Social Media for Promotion

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> At a time when marketing is increasingly shifting to the digital space, Albanian businesses are emerging among the most active in Europe in their use of social media. According to Eurostat data, the vast majority of companies in the country …

Read More
News

North Macedonia Recruits Former Police Officers and Military Personnel to Tackle Wildfires During the Summer Season

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> North Macedonia has begun preparations for the summer wildfire season by activating a special plan to engage former members of the Police, the Army, and firefighting units in order to strengthen operational capacities on the ground. The Directorate for Protection …

Read More
News

Day 13 of Protests: Activists and Citizens Gather Outside the Prime Minister’s Office

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Citizens continued their protests this Friday along the “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, marking the 13th consecutive day of demonstrations, with the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama remaining their main demand. At 6:00 p.m., as on previous days, protesters initially …

Read More
News

Taulant Balla Meets Nancy VanHorn: Albania–US Strategic Partnership at an Excellent Level

Chairman of the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, met today with the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States in Tirana, Nancy VanHorn. The meeting took place in the context of the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States and the 104th anniversary of the recognition and establishment …

Read More
News

NATO Plans Gradual Withdrawal of Troops from Kosovo

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has announced that it will “optimize” its presence and gradually reduce the number of troops serving in the KFOR mission in Kosovo. The decision to decrease troop numbers over the coming year follows the …

Read More
News

Rama at Socialist Party’s 35th Anniversary: Konica Used to Say, “Be Patient, Albanians Have a Habit of Opposing Without Understanding”

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama opened his speech at the 35th anniversary celebration of the Socialist Party by addressing recent events related to the civic protests in Tirana. Referring to the situation, Rama recalled a quote attributed to Faik Konica: “Be patient, because Albanians have a habit of opposing things …

Read More
News

Rama Highlights Fatos Nano: He Remains Someone I Hold in Special Esteem; I Do Not Claim I Have Never Wronged Anyone

Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke this Friday at Piazza Italia during the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary celebration, addressing recent developments in Albania, including the ongoing civic protests. Rama paid special tribute to former Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano, expressing his enduring respect for him. He also acknowledged …

Read More
News

Albania’s Cocaine Economy Comes Home

Towers, resorts and cocaine money put Albania’s criminal economy in plain sight. A SPAK investigation into alleged drug-money laundering has linked the Zvërnec resort controversy, Tirana’s tower boom and Albania’s strategic investment model, deepening public anger after nearly two weeks of anti-government protests. Tirana Times, June 12, 2026 – A …

Read More
News

Week in Review: Flamingos, Think Tankers and Returning Radicals

Our selection of Premium stories digs deep into a lively week, as Europe limps towards rebooting the enlargement system, votes in Kosovo are counted and Albanians throw off a reputation for apathy. Original post Here

Read More
News
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

News
FM Hoxha in Cyprus: European Union support, Tirana-Nicosia flights discussed

TIRANA, June 26 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos during an official visit to Cyprus. The ministers discussed stronger bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of common interest. Meanwhile, Hoxha thanked Cyprus for its continued support for Albania’s European Union integration. …

News
Acting Tirana Mayor outlines second phase of soft loan applications in Tirana

TIRANA, June 26 – Acting Tirana Mayor Anuela Ristani said the extension of the application deadline for subsidized housing loans has increased the number of beneficiary families. She presented the update during Thursday’s municipal council meeting. Meanwhile, Ristani said authorities received 4,409 applications in the first phase. She added that …

News
Rama: Radhima Transforms as “Lungomare 4” Takes Shape

Edi Rama said that Vlora continues to transform through major investments in public spaces and tourism infrastructure. He stated that the coastal area of Radhimë is undergoing visible changes. As a result, the “Lungomare 4” project is now taking shape. Rama said the project is part of a broader vision …

News
Draft property tax law opens for public consultation, Finance minister highlights low rates

TIRANA, June 26 – The Ministry of Finance has opened a draft law on immovable property tax for public consultation. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the reform protects Albanian families and preserves one of the region’s lowest property tax rates. Meanwhile, Malaj said the proposal would not increase the tax …

News
Ksamil expands free public beach access for summer visitors

TIRANA, June 26 – Ksamil is welcoming visitors this summer with more public beach areas and improved services. Local authorities have introduced measures to provide functional public spaces, stronger safety and better conditions along the coastline. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of Ksamil’s public beaches. He said the …

News
Marubi Museum workshop explores light photography inspired by Gjon Mili

TIRANA, June 26 – The “Drawing with Light” creative workshop at the Marubi Museum in Shkodër introduced young participants to experimental photography. The museum’s education team organized the activity. Meanwhile, the workshop drew inspiration from the work of photographer Gjon Mili. Participants created light drawings by using light sources and …

News
Albania and Kosova sign two agriculture cooperation agreements

TIRANA, June 26 – Albania and Kosova signed two cooperation agreements on agriculture and rural development during Kosova Agriculture Minister Armend Muja’s visit to Tirana. Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla said the agreements reflected the strong relations between the two countries. He also stressed their shared …

News
PM Rama awards François Hollande Gold Medal of Public Gratitude

TIRANA, June 26 – Prime Minister Edi Rama awarded former French President François Hollande the Gold Medal of Public Gratitude in Tirana on Thursday. The ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s Office. Rama praised Hollande’s contribution to strengthening relations between Albania and France. He also highlighted his support for …

News
Ashura marked in Tirana, Baba Mondi calls for peace and compassion

TIRANA, June 26 – Bektashi believers marked the Day of Ashura on Thursday. The observance follows ten days of mourning in the Bektashi calendar. It commemorates Imam Hussein and 72 martyrs killed in the Battle of Karbala. Meanwhile, a ceremony took place at the World Bektashi Headquarters in Tirana. Haxhi …

News

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

News

FM Hoxha in Cyprus: European Union support, Tirana-Nicosia flights discussed

TIRANA, June 26 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos during an official visit to Cyprus. The ministers discussed stronger bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of common interest. Meanwhile, Hoxha thanked Cyprus for its continued support for Albania’s European Union integration. …

News

Acting Tirana Mayor outlines second phase of soft loan applications in Tirana

TIRANA, June 26 – Acting Tirana Mayor Anuela Ristani said the extension of the application deadline for subsidized housing loans has increased the number of beneficiary families. She presented the update during Thursday’s municipal council meeting. Meanwhile, Ristani said authorities received 4,409 applications in the first phase. She added that …

News

Rama: Radhima Transforms as “Lungomare 4” Takes Shape

Edi Rama said that Vlora continues to transform through major investments in public spaces and tourism infrastructure. He stated that the coastal area of Radhimë is undergoing visible changes. As a result, the “Lungomare 4” project is now taking shape. Rama said the project is part of a broader vision …

News

Draft property tax law opens for public consultation, Finance minister highlights low rates

TIRANA, June 26 – The Ministry of Finance has opened a draft law on immovable property tax for public consultation. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the reform protects Albanian families and preserves one of the region’s lowest property tax rates. Meanwhile, Malaj said the proposal would not increase the tax …

News

Ksamil expands free public beach access for summer visitors

TIRANA, June 26 – Ksamil is welcoming visitors this summer with more public beach areas and improved services. Local authorities have introduced measures to provide functional public spaces, stronger safety and better conditions along the coastline. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of Ksamil’s public beaches. He said the …

News

Marubi Museum workshop explores light photography inspired by Gjon Mili

TIRANA, June 26 – The “Drawing with Light” creative workshop at the Marubi Museum in Shkodër introduced young participants to experimental photography. The museum’s education team organized the activity. Meanwhile, the workshop drew inspiration from the work of photographer Gjon Mili. Participants created light drawings by using light sources and …

News

Albania and Kosova sign two agriculture cooperation agreements

TIRANA, June 26 – Albania and Kosova signed two cooperation agreements on agriculture and rural development during Kosova Agriculture Minister Armend Muja’s visit to Tirana. Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla said the agreements reflected the strong relations between the two countries. He also stressed their shared …

News

PM Rama awards François Hollande Gold Medal of Public Gratitude

TIRANA, June 26 – Prime Minister Edi Rama awarded former French President François Hollande the Gold Medal of Public Gratitude in Tirana on Thursday. The ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s Office. Rama praised Hollande’s contribution to strengthening relations between Albania and France. He also highlighted his support for …

News

Ashura marked in Tirana, Baba Mondi calls for peace and compassion

TIRANA, June 26 – Bektashi believers marked the Day of Ashura on Thursday. The observance follows ten days of mourning in the Bektashi calendar. It commemorates Imam Hussein and 72 martyrs killed in the Battle of Karbala. Meanwhile, a ceremony took place at the World Bektashi Headquarters in Tirana. Haxhi …