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Baykar Bayraktar, successfully performed the night flight

For the first time, “Bayraktar” drones have conducted night flights. This type of training aims to train pilots in more difficult conditions, to give operators the opportunity to master the UAV system of these aircraft as well as possible. This training equips pilots with the skills and knowledge needed to …

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Gunshots in Shkoder

Gunshots were recorded in the early hours of the morning in Shkodër. According to police sources, around 03.00 am, a person shot in the air in the area of ​​Prek Cali in the Rus neighborhood. Fortunately, there were no injuries, while the police, after the notification and investigations, escorted the …

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Arms trafficking to Great Britain, three arrested

The Special Court has set the security measure “arrest in prison” for the 3 people arrested for arms trafficking to Great Britain. In Friday’s session, the court left Abdulla Hoxhaj, Bojken Turtulli and Rifat Avdiaj in prison until the end of the investigation. During the session, they did not give …

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Leonard Duka, accused for a murder in Albania extradites from Belgium

Leonard Duka, suspected as the perpetrator of the murder of Santiago Malko, was extradited this Friday by Belgium. The Special Court against Corruption (SPAK) required his extradition since last May when he was arrested un Belgium. Duka required asylum in Belgium, but he was arrested after the exchange of information …

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Rama: Tourists, increase by 150 percent

Prime Minister Edi Rama says that free coastline will be guaranteed for vacationers regardless of whether the beaches are private or not. Regarding the tourist season, the head of the government said that there was a 150 percent increase in new tourists compared to years. “About 150 percent is the …

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Two arrested in Fier for selling narcotics

Two wanted persons were arrested this Friday in Fier. It is about citizens Adis Caka, 22 years old, this citizen was sentenced by the Court of Appeal of Tirana General Jurisdiction, with 6 years of imprisonment (of which he has 1 year, 11 months and 23 days left to serve), …

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Inflow of arrivals in the Port of Durres / About 6 percent more than in July 2023

Inflow of tourists to the Port of Durres. As for the passenger sector, there are 230,000 registered passengers entering and exiting the country through the border point of Durrës, during January-June 2024, where an increase of 6% is reflected in the numbers of foreign citizens in our country. An upward …

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Accused of corruption/ GJKKO imposes the measure of ‘house arrest’ for the former judge of Elbasan

The Special Court has set the measure of house arrest for Pajtime Fetahun, arrested for corruption. The session was held separately from the others, while it is learned that the former judge has claimed that she is not aware of any of the accusations of the prosecution. /abcnews.al […] Read …

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After a Trial and Diplomatic Row, Albania’s Himara Again Elects a Mayor

After Fredi Beleri’s arrest last year sparked a row between Albania and Greece, and caretaker mayors became mired in scandal, the southern Albanian municipality is again voting for new mayor – and perhaps for a fresh start. Original post Here

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By Axing Ministers, Albania’s Edi Rama Re-Emphasises His Political Control

After Prime Minister Edi Rama abruptly sacked three key ministers and replaced them with novices, government critics argued that he is further intensifying his grip on his cabinet and the ruling Socialist Party ahead of elections next year. Original post Here

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 20, 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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Gjirokastër Castle draws record number of visitors

Gjirokastër Castle remains the most popular tourist attraction in southern Albania. More Albanian and international visitors have explored the landmark this summer, highlighting the growing appeal of the UNESCO-listed museum city and its rich cultural heritage. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage reports that about 130,000 people have visited the …

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Albania’s exports rise sharply in June

Albania recorded strong growth in foreign trade in June 2026. According to the latest report from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), merchandise exports reached 35.4 billion lek, up 13.6 percent from a year earlier. Exports also increased 8.3 percent from May. Imports climbed to 83.5 billion lek, marking a 9.1 …

News
Albania’s inflation reaches 3.2 percent in June

Albania’s annual inflation rate reached 3.2 percent in June 2026, according to the latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices tracks retail prices and aligns with European Union standards. Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation, adding 1.02 percentage …

News
Luxury Superyacht “Yas” Docks at Port of Durrës

The luxury superyacht Yas docked at the Port of Durrës this weekend. At about 141 metres long, Yas ranks among the world’s largest private superyachts. It stands out for its sleek design and futuristic appearance. Engineers transformed a former military vessel into the iconic luxury yacht. According to the Port …

News
Permet to host National ‘NONA’ Festival in August

Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited the public to attend the National “NONA” Festival, which will take place in Përmet from August 7 to 9. In a social media post, Rama described the festival as a celebration of tradition, gastronomy, and the invaluable role of grandparents. He said the event …

News
Travel off Path: Europe’s Top New Tourism Hotspot Faces Major Visitor Rule Changes Upon EU Entry

Europe’s newest tourism hotspot could see major changes for visitors after joining the European Union, writes Vinicius Costa in the American travel magazine Travel Off Path. For nearly a decade now, Albania has been a beacon of freedom for travelers, especially digital nomads looking for hassle-free ways to extend their time in …

News
Organized Beaches and Improved Services Make Pogradec a Summer Destination

Pogradec, one of Albania’s most popular destinations on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is attracting many domestic and international visitors this summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Pogradec’s beaches, showing organized public spaces and free umbrellas available for visitors. The lakeside city offers clean waters, open areas …

News
Gonxhja Highlights Nikaj-Mërturi’s Mountain Tourism Potential

Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja described Nikaj-Mërturi as one of the Albanian Alps’ greatest treasures and a destination with strong mountain tourism potential. He met guesthouse owners, hotel managers and tour guides to discuss challenges, opportunities and sustainable tourism development. Moreover, Gonxhja stressed that close cooperation with local communities and businesses …

News
General’s Beach, Crystal Waters Hidden Among Kavaja’s Rocky Coastline

General’s Beach, located along the Kavaja coastline, offers visitors crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes and a peaceful natural environment. The beach lies between Durrës and Kavaja and surprises visitors with its rocky coastline, blue sea and green hills, creating a landscape that resembles the southern Albanian Riviera on a smaller scale. …

News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 20, 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

Gjirokastër Castle draws record number of visitors

Gjirokastër Castle remains the most popular tourist attraction in southern Albania. More Albanian and international visitors have explored the landmark this summer, highlighting the growing appeal of the UNESCO-listed museum city and its rich cultural heritage. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage reports that about 130,000 people have visited the …

News

Albania’s exports rise sharply in June

Albania recorded strong growth in foreign trade in June 2026. According to the latest report from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), merchandise exports reached 35.4 billion lek, up 13.6 percent from a year earlier. Exports also increased 8.3 percent from May. Imports climbed to 83.5 billion lek, marking a 9.1 …

News

Albania’s inflation reaches 3.2 percent in June

Albania’s annual inflation rate reached 3.2 percent in June 2026, according to the latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices tracks retail prices and aligns with European Union standards. Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation, adding 1.02 percentage …

News

Luxury Superyacht “Yas” Docks at Port of Durrës

The luxury superyacht Yas docked at the Port of Durrës this weekend. At about 141 metres long, Yas ranks among the world’s largest private superyachts. It stands out for its sleek design and futuristic appearance. Engineers transformed a former military vessel into the iconic luxury yacht. According to the Port …

News

Permet to host National ‘NONA’ Festival in August

Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited the public to attend the National “NONA” Festival, which will take place in Përmet from August 7 to 9. In a social media post, Rama described the festival as a celebration of tradition, gastronomy, and the invaluable role of grandparents. He said the event …

News

Travel off Path: Europe’s Top New Tourism Hotspot Faces Major Visitor Rule Changes Upon EU Entry

Europe’s newest tourism hotspot could see major changes for visitors after joining the European Union, writes Vinicius Costa in the American travel magazine Travel Off Path. For nearly a decade now, Albania has been a beacon of freedom for travelers, especially digital nomads looking for hassle-free ways to extend their time in …

News

Organized Beaches and Improved Services Make Pogradec a Summer Destination

Pogradec, one of Albania’s most popular destinations on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is attracting many domestic and international visitors this summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Pogradec’s beaches, showing organized public spaces and free umbrellas available for visitors. The lakeside city offers clean waters, open areas …

News

Gonxhja Highlights Nikaj-Mërturi’s Mountain Tourism Potential

Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja described Nikaj-Mërturi as one of the Albanian Alps’ greatest treasures and a destination with strong mountain tourism potential. He met guesthouse owners, hotel managers and tour guides to discuss challenges, opportunities and sustainable tourism development. Moreover, Gonxhja stressed that close cooperation with local communities and businesses …

News

General’s Beach, Crystal Waters Hidden Among Kavaja’s Rocky Coastline

General’s Beach, located along the Kavaja coastline, offers visitors crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes and a peaceful natural environment. The beach lies between Durrës and Kavaja and surprises visitors with its rocky coastline, blue sea and green hills, creating a landscape that resembles the southern Albanian Riviera on a smaller scale. …