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 …
EU justice agency says seven more suspects were arrested and 100 servers were shut down in ongoing international operation against investment fraud involving Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. Original post Here
Albania’s Tax Administration reported net tax revenue of ALL 40.1 billion in October 2026, exceeding the monthly target by ALL 200 million, or 0.6%. Revenue increased by ALL 4 billion, or 11.2%, compared with October 2025. The administration reported this growth despite a decline in trade volumes caused by protests. …
Albanian Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja announced the completion of restoration work at Borsh Castle, overlooking the Ionian coast on the Albanian Riviera. The project focused on consolidating the fortifications, preserving the monument’s authenticity and highlighting its historical and architectural features, including the Haxhi Bendo Mosque. The …
Greek authorities have reduced winter operating hours at Qafëbota, Albania’s southernmost border crossing with Greece. From November 1 to March 31, the crossing operates from 07:00 to 21:00 Greek time, cutting daily service by 4 hours. Greece’s Independent Authority for Public Revenue announced the schedule. During summer, Qafëbota operates from …
Central Election Commission head Celibashi calls for electoral code changes ahead of local elections
Albania’s Central Election Commission head, Ilirjan Celibashi, has called for the implementation of recommendations from the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe’s election observers ahead of the May 9 local elections. He said lawmakers must align the Electoral Code with the new territorial division. The changes should address municipal …
Albanian Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro has presented the ministry’s proposed 2027 budget to the Assembly’s Committee on Education, Science and Sport. The ministry is set to receive ALL 67.95 billion, a 4.8% increase on the previous year. Kumbaro said all five budget programmes would receive more funding. Priorities include support …
Albanian footballers continued to make an impact in foreign leagues, with Ernest Muçi leading the weekend’s performances through a goal and an assist. Cristian Shpendi and Indrit Tuci also found the net for their clubs. Muçi helped Trabzonspor beat Gaziantep 2-0 in the Turkish league. He provided an assist late …
Partizani beat Teuta 1-0 in Durrës on Monday to close the 10th round of Albania’s Abissnet Superiore. The away win ended a run of six consecutive defeats and earned Partizani three important points. Egnatia strengthened their lead with a 2-1 victory over Tirana at Vora’s stadium. Teuta’s defeat also helped …
The jailed Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, accused Prime Minister Edi Rama had demanded his resignation as relation between two old political friends further deteriorate. Original post Here
Albania will see unsettled weather on Tuesday, with moderate to dense cloud cover and occasional clear spells. Temperatures will range from 4°C in Dibër to 19°C in Berat and Saranda, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Light, intermittent rain and brief thunderstorms are expected across most of the country from …