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 …
Shëngjin opens 2026 tourism season, Nufi says city is ready for more visitors
Shëngjin officially opened the summer tourism season last night with a series of activities. The event gathered residents of Lezhë and tourists from different countries. The opening ceremony, “Shëngjin 2026”, was attended by Minister of Defence Ermal Nufi, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla, and Lezhë Mayor Pjerin …
Albania reports 11.7 percent revenue increase in January–April 2026
TIRANA, May 25 – The Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj said economic indicators for January–April 2026 show positive growth. He presented data on revenues and public expenditure for the four-month period. Total revenues reached about 275.7 billion ALL in January–April 2026. The figure equals 105.2 percent of the planned target. …
Acrimony and Accusations Hold up Construction of Albanian Port
Albania wants to develop a new commercial port in Durres, but the public tender for its construction has fallen apart in acrimony and accusation. Original post Here
Western Balkans Stability Monitor: Elections in the Air
The new edition of BIRN’s Western Balkans Stability Monitor looks at election fever in the region. Some countries are heading towards elections; in others, parties are using possible polls as a PR tool. Original post Here
Rama shares views from Lurë–Mali i Dejës National Park: One of Albania’s most beautiful natural treasures
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared today new views from Lurë–Mali i Dejës National Park. He described the area as one of Albania’s most valuable natural treasures and a destination with strong potential for sustainable tourism. In a social media post, Rama published images from the park. He highlighted the rare …
“Dua” wins in Cannes, Basholli calls it a major prize for Kosovo cinema
Dua by Kosovar director Blerta Basholli has brought Kosovo a major international film award. After its emotional premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, the film won the prestigious SACD Award. The prize is awarded by France’s Society of Dramatic Authors and Composers during the “Semaine de la Critique” section. The …
Albania will host the Euro-Mediterranean Regional and Local Assembly (ARLEM) for the first time. The forum aims to strengthen cooperation between local and regional authorities in EU member states and countries across the southern Mediterranean. Over three days, more than 80 representatives of local and regional authorities will discuss shared …
Albania will protect the constitutional right to protest while taking firm, lawful measures to prevent violence and maintain public order, Interior Minister Ervin Demo said on Thursday. Speaking from San Patrignano, Italy, where he is attending an international high-level meeting on addiction prevention and rehabilitation, Demo discussed public safety with …
Albania has taken the first step towards building a new French Lyceum in Korçë, a public school of excellence that will focus on science, technology and multilingual education. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced that the government has approved the draft law for the project. The new school will be established …
Twenty hotels in Albania have been selected for the prestigious Michelin Guide’s hotel collection, giving the country greater visibility among international travellers. Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the selection, describing it as an important step in promoting Albanian hospitality worldwide. The selected hotels are located across several …
Albania has signed an official agreement to participate in the International Stabilization Force (ISF) in Gaza, reaffirming its commitment to international peace and security efforts. The signing ceremony took place on Thursday at the General Staff Headquarters of the Albanian Armed Forces in Tirana. Albanian Armed Forces Chief of General …
The maritime, air and amphibious capabilities of Allied forces took centre stage aboard the Turkish ship TCG ANADOLU and along the Albanian coast during Neptune Strike 26-4 on October 19, 2026, demonstrating the cooperation and readiness that underpin NATO’s collective defence. The event was attended by senior officials, including defence …
By Denis Jukni Artificial intelligence is rapidly moving from an experimental technology to a new infrastructure of the economy and public administration. Generative models, automation, robotics, cloud infrastructure, large-scale data processing and algorithmic systems are changing how companies produce, how institutions deliver services and how citizens receive information. This transformation …
A crucial election in Serbia, escalating protests in Albania, bilateral disputes in the region and the costs of political deadlock in Kosovo. As BIRN’s selection of Premium stories shows, the next days, weeks and months could be pivotal for many countries across the region. Original post Here
Albania marks the birth anniversary of Gjergj Fishta, a leading figure of the Albanian National Awakening whose literary work, educational efforts and public service helped strengthen national identity during a pivotal period in the country’s history. Born on October 23, 1871, in Fishtë, in the Zadrima region, Fishta became a …
European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders will meet in Brussels on November 25. The summit will focus on the strategic importance of relations between the bloc and the region. The European Union will be represented by European Council President António Costa and the President of the European Commission. Ahead …