Opposition Democratic Party MP calls for special national status for Albanian Film Archive
TIRANA, May 25 – Democratic Party of the opposition MP Ina Zhupa, chair of the Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, visited the National Film Archive of Albania. Zhupa called for stronger institutional attention and concrete government support for the archive. She described it as a key institution for preserving …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: May 25, 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
Protect Nature, EU interactive contest promotes Albania’s biodiversity
TIRANA May 25 – The Delegation of the European Union in Albania has launched the “Protect Nature” contest. The initiative promotes biodiversity and environmental protection through an interactive experience in several Albanian cities. The campaign covers Tirana, Shkodër, Durrës, and Vlora. It uses green stickers placed in public areas. Each …
Vatican honors Albanian ambassador Majlinda Frangaj for contribution to bilateral relations
TIRANA, May 25 – The Vatican has awarded Albanian ambassador to the Holy See Majlinda Frangaj the title “Dame Grand Cross of the Piano Order”, one of the highest civil decorations of the Holy See. The Piano Order was founded by Pope Pius IX. It is considered one of the …
Rama: Bënja Baths to become a modern tourism destination in nature
Renovation works at Bënja Baths are continuing. The site is located about 14 kilometers from the city of Përmet. It lies in the Petran administrative unit, near the meeting point of the Vjosa River and the Lengarica stream. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the transformation will be completed soon. He …
Tirana hosts elite padel tournament, free entry at Skanderbeg Square from 26–30 May
TIRANA, May 25 – Tirana will become an international centre for elite padel sport. The city will host a major tournament from 26 to 30 May at Skanderbeg Square, with free entry for the public. Top international players will compete in the event. They will play for key ranking points …
Gjirokastër Castle continues to attract visitors, Gonxhja says
Gjirokastër Castle remains one of Albania’s most visited cultural heritage sites, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today. He noted that the monument is enjoying another successful tourist season, with growing interest in cultural tourism in southern Albania. Gonxhja shared images from the site showing the castle …
Over 5,000 farmers apply for national support scheme, minister says
TIRANA, May 25 – Farmers across the country can apply from today for the National Support Scheme 2026. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development launched the programme with 12 support measures. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Andis Salla said farmers now have full access to apply and benefit from …
Ancient olive groves of Ndroq, Varosh Castle and warm hospitality near Tirana
Visitors travel to Ndroq and explore its ancient olive groves and rural trails. First, they follow walking paths through green hills and traditional village landscapes.Then, they pass through old orchards and stone terraces. As they move forward, they discover the olive groves of Ndroq. Locals cultivate these groves and maintain …
France awards soprano Ermonela Jaho with Knight of Arts and Letters title
TIRANA, May 25 – France has awarded Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho the title “Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres” (Knight of Arts and Letters). France grants the distinction to individuals with outstanding contributions to the arts. Jaho reacted online after receiving the award. She said the title represents a great …
More than 200 minors have been arrested or charged amid protests in Albania, while the Ombudsperson and rights organisations report allegations of police violence and breaches of safeguards designed to protect children. Original post Here
Adea Pirdeni took office as Albania’s Minister of Public Administration after swearing an oath before President Bajram Begaj today. On October 19, 2026, Begaj signed two decrees concerning Pirdeni’s appointment. Decree No. 521 ended her tenure as Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption. Decree No. 522 appointed her …
Albania’s Electricity Distribution Operator has signed a contract to build a new underground power substation in central Tirana. The facility will have an installed capacity of 200 megavolt-amperes and three underground floors. The project will be the first of its kind in Albania and the Balkan region. The operator’s administrator, …
The European People’s Party (EPP) has called for respect for peaceful protest in Albania. In a statement on X, the centre-right political group said authorities must uphold this right. It called for immediate, thorough and independent investigations into allegations of excessive, unlawful or disproportionate use of force. It also stressed …
Albania’s Abissnet Superiore will resume this weekend with five matches scheduled for October 24 and 25 as teams continue their battle for the season’s goals. Saturday’s action will begin at 13:30, with Partizani facing Skënderbeu at Vora Stadium and Laçi hosting Vora. Two more matches will kick off at 18:30, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has commented on last week’s protests. He said the right to protest was undeniable, but violence was an unjustifiable crime. In a message on social media, Rama said he wanted to explain one aspect of what he described as days of psychological terror against the capital …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu says the digitalization of enforcement services aims to improve access to court decisions and reduce waiting times at service counters. He stressed that winning a court case is only the first step; authorities must also enforce the ruling. Data published by the ministry show that 22 …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has claimed that violence at recent protests in Albania was planned months in advance. He said the State Police now holds information about the people and groups allegedly involved. In a statement shared on social media, Rama said he had recognised the protesters’ right to demand …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has expressed Albania’s full support for Lana Nusseibeh of the United Arab Emirates as a candidate for United Nations secretary-general. In a post on X, he described her candidacy as an opportunity for a fresh start for the international organization. Rama said he had met Nusseibeh …
Albania’s parliament has passed a new Copyright Law aimed at strengthening protections for Albanian creators and aligning the country with European standards. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the law introduces stricter rules for digital platforms, including YouTube, Facebook and TikTok. Platforms must obtain authorization to use copyrighted …