International Museum Day marked, free entry to museums on May 18 and May 21 in Albania
TIRANA, May 18 – The global museum community marks International Museum Day today. In this context, Albania offers free entry to museums on May 18 and May 21 for related cultural events. Meanwhile, the International Council of Museums established the day in 1977. The initiative aims to raise public awareness …
Albania Cycling Tour 2026 starts, temporary road closures in Tirana
TIRANA, May 18 – Albania hosts the 83rd Albania Cycling Tour from today until 22 May. Twenty elite teams from Albania, the Balkans and Europe take part in the race. The first stage starts at 12:00. Cyclists begin in Tirana and finish in Lezha. The State Police announces temporary traffic …
“Egnatia Fest 2026” Opens Tourist Season in Librazhd
Librazhd opened the tourism season with “Egnatia Fest 2026” in the Cherry Park. Around 54 businesses joined the event and promoted the area’s nature, history, traditions, and tourism potential. Minister Andis Salla attended the festival and highlighted the importance of local tourism and private investment for economic growth. Salla said …
Dushaj, the Picturesque Village of Stone Towers Above Fushë-Bulqizë
Dushaj stands above Fushë-Bulqizë with stone towers, green valleys, waterfalls, and mountain landscapes. The village has become a growing destination for visitors seeking nature, history, and authentic Albanian hospitality. At the entrance of the village, the historic Kulla Hupi welcomes tourists preparing for the new tourism season. Workers continue restoration …
OSBE Ambassador: Steps taken to improve journalists’ conditions, further efforts needed on transparency and editorial independence
TIRANA, May 18 – OSCE Ambassador to Tirana, Michele Tarran spoke at a media freedom conference. He said journalism represents a public service, not only a profession or an industry. He pointed to declining trust in institutions, disinformation and manipulation. He also cited reduced media pluralism, information insecurity, hate speech …
Health and Social Welfare Minister at WHO Assembly: Albania strengthened commitment to child protection and well-being
TIRANA, May 18 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala took part in the 79th World Health Assembly session. The discussions opened with a focus on protecting children from online risks. They also addressed the impact of digital violence. At the opening stage of the event, the World Health …
PM Rama on official visit to South Korea
TIRANA, May 18 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is on an official visit to the Republic of Korea from 17–21 May. He is accompanied by his wife Linda Rama and the official delegation. According to the Media and Information Agency, the visit aims to deepen cooperation between the two countries. …
Swiss Ambassador Huber: Free media is foundation of democracy and fight against corruption
TIRANA, May 18 – Swiss Ambassador to Albania Ruth Huber spoke at a media freedom conference with local and international participants. She said free media represents a key pillar of democracy and institutional strengthening. In this context, she described the conference as an important regional forum for dialogue among journalists …
Elbasan Cultural Heritage Attracts French Tourists
The Ethnographic Museum in Elbasan continues to be one of the city’s most visited cultural sites, attracting both local and foreign tourists interested in tradition and cultural identity. Recently, the museum welcomed a group of French tourists who visited its historic building and explored its ethnographic collections. Visitors viewed traditional …
Deputy PM Koçiu attends World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan, focus on building safe cities
TIRANA, May 18 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu is in Baku, Azerbaijan, where she is taking part in the World Urban Forum 2026. The forum is one of the main international platforms on urban development, housing and city sustainability. The event is organised under the auspices of Azerbaijan President …
A wave of student protests have swept Albania over the last week and escalated into clashes with police. BIRN spoke with some of the protesters to hear what brought them into the streets. Original post Here
Albania is expanding its contribution to NATO operations. For the first time, a helicopter contingent will join the KFOR mission in Kosova. Thirteen members of the Albanian Armed Forces will serve at the US military base of Camp Bondsteel. A farewell ceremony at Farka Air Base marked their departure. Defence …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko has assured the public that deposits in the country’s banking system remain safe. He also pledged that the central bank would continue operating professionally and responsibly to meet the needs of citizens and the economy. Sejko spoke at a meeting in Tirana between Prime …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said that the ongoing protests in Albania should not be compared to the unrest of 1997, arguing that the country is facing an entirely different situation. Speaking at a meeting with banking sector executives on Wednesday, Rama said the current developments were linked to the radicalization …
Prime Minister Edi Rama described the acts of violence during the eight days of protests in Albania as being orchestrated by domestic and foreign elements seeking to destabilize Albania and other European countries. During a meeting with representatives of Albania’s banking sector, Rama announced that the government would soon introduce …
Bedri Hamza has resigned as leader of the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK). He has also informed the party’s leadership of his decision. During a press conference, Hamza said that people must know when it is their responsibility to take on a leadership role and when it is time to …
The United Nations Security Council discussed Kosova on Tuesday, focusing on political developments, security and dialogue with Serbia. Peter Due, head of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosova (UNMIK), presented the Secretary-General’s report covering March 16 to September 15, 2026. The report described overall security as stable but …
The Albanian Lek strengthened against foreign currencies on the domestic exchange market on Tuesday, according to the Bank of Albania’s official exchange rates. The euro fell by 0.33 ALL to 90.77 ALL, while the US dollar lost 0.38 ALL to trade at 80.90 ALL. The British pound and Swiss franc …
The Ministry of Education, in cooperation with the Order of Psychologists, has made a team of more than 20 psychologists available to support people emotionally affected by recent events. The service targets citizens, young people, minors and school students exposed to various forms of violent language and acts. Psychologists will …
Kosova’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Glauk Konjufca accused Serbia of continuing threats against Kosova at a United Nations Security Council meeting. He described a United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosova (UNMIK) report as selective and influenced by Serbian propaganda. Konjufca said Serbia had killed 12,000 unarmed Albanian …