Elite tourism can boost revenue and support wider economy, says prime minister
TIRANA, June 1 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania should aim for a higher level of tourism development as the country considers major investment projects such as the one planned in Zvërnec. Speaking on Monday, Rama said authorities have not yet received the project and have not completed the …
Fun Fair Albania ends with Children’s Day celebrations in Tirana
TIRANA, June 1 – Fun Fair Albania concluded on Monday after four days of activities that began on May 29. The event offered entertainment and recreational activities from morning until evening. Children’s Day brought additional crowds to the fair. As a result, dozens of activities, games, creative workshops and surprises …
Four Scenarios for Democracy in the Western Balkans: From Hope to Disenchantment
By the year 2040, will countries in the region choose to consolidate democracy, settle for ‘stabilitocracy’, or descend into full-blown authoritarianism? Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 1, 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
Swedish media Dagens highlights Albania as emerging European tourist destination
TIRANA, June 1 – Albania is emerging as a new European tourism destination. Swedish media outlet “Dagens” reports growing interest from European travelers and describes Albania as more affordable than Spain and Greece, while also comparing it with Italy. Meanwhile, “Dagens” highlights Albania’s beaches, natural landscapes and competitive prices. It …
Cherry Festival in Godolesh Highlights Local Tradition and Rural Tourism
The village of Godolesh welcomed hundreds of visitors this weekend for the annual Cherry Festival, an event dedicated to promoting the area’s agricultural traditions, cultural heritage and tourism potential. Residents and visitors from Elbasan, other Albanian cities and foreign tourists gathered in the village center to take part in the …
Blendi Gonxhja: FIP Platinum Albania Puts Albania on Global Padel Map
Blendi Gonxhja described the FIP Platinum Albania tournament as a major sporting and organizational success, saying it placed Albania on the map of top international padel events. He made the remarks after the tournament concluded in Tirana, where the finals took place at Skanderbeg Square. First, Gonxhja highlighted the strong …
Fun Fair Albania marks International Children’s Day in Tirana
TIRANA, June 1 – International Children’s Day on June 1 highlights the promotion of children’s rights and well-being. The day builds on international efforts strengthened by the 1959 Declaration of the Rights of the Child and the 1989 UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Meanwhile, Tirana hosts the …
FM Hoxha in Prishtina: Kosova–Serbia dialogue central to normalisation, Albania reaffirms strong support
TIRANA, June 1 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha held meetings in Prishtina focused on Kosova’s political and institutional developments. He met the new leader of the Alliance for the Future of Kosova, Ardian Gjini, and congratulated him on taking office at a key political moment. He …
Book Fair in Shkodër Honors Ridvan Dibra with Best Novel Award
For three days, the courtyard of the parish in Shkodër welcomed writers, researchers, publishers and readers. They gathered for the second edition of the “Libri të ban të lirë” book fair. The event once again highlighted Shkodra’s role as a center of Albanian culture and literature. First, the opening ceremony …
Albania will present its tourism potential at World Travel Market London 2026, one of the world’s leading international tourism events. The fair will take place from November 3 to 5 at ExCeL London in the United Kingdom. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja said the event offers an …
Albania plans to establish around 5,000 collection points for portable batteries as part of a new national waste management system. The proposal also introduces digital battery passports and QR codes to improve tracking and recycling. The Ministry of Environment has launched the draft decision for public consultation. It aims to …
Kosovo and Albania are looking to deepen scientific cooperation and strengthen ties between their academic institutions. Kosovo President Justina Shiroka Pula held a meeting with academics Anastas Angjeli from the Academy of Sciences of Albania, Besnik Krasniqi from the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo, and academician Lulzim Tafa, …
Albania plans to introduce a unified national examination for recruitment into the public administration, based on the Cambridge testing model. The initiative is part of a broader reform aimed at strengthening merit-based recruitment, professional performance and the quality of public services. Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the new plan alongside …
Albania ranks among the most advanced countries in digital government, according to the World Bank’s GovTech assessment. However, Prime Minister Edi Rama says the country must now ensure that public institutions respond to citizens on time and take responsibility for their requests. Speaking alongside Minister of State for Public Administration …
Albania is seeking stronger parliamentary ties with the Czech Republic as it advances towards European Union membership. During an official visit to Prague, Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Niko Peleshi met with Tomio Okamura, Speaker of the Czech Chamber of Deputies, and Miloš Vystrčil, President of the Czech Senate. The …
Albania has started evaluating the performance of public institution leaders as part of a broader reform aimed at strengthening meritocracy and accountability in public administration. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the process during the presentation of the new “Merit Scale” initiative, alongside Minister of Public Administration Adea Pirdeni. Rama stressed …
Kosovo’s government has approved a €4.27 billion draft budget for 2027. The plan includes higher public sector wages, increased child benefits, a 13th salary and major infrastructure investments. Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the new budget exceeds the revised 2026 budget by €200 million. The government will now submit it …
Kosovo President Justina Shiroka Pula met on Monday with academics Anastas Angjeli from the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Albania, Besnik Krasniqi from the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo (ASHAK), and academician Lulzim Tafa, an external member of ASHASH. The President shared details and photos from the …
The Kosovo government approved a €4.27 billion budget for 2027 on Monday. According to the announcement, next year’s budget is €300 million higher than this year’s baseline budget. Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti announced during the government’s ninth meeting that the draft budget for 2027 provides for an increase in …