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Public beach with symbolic prices in Shkodër offers improved conditions for all visitors

TIRANA, June 15 – The public beach managed by the municipality of Shkodër will offer symbolic prices and improved conditions for all visitors during this tourist season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the coastal area of Shkodër, where the municipality is introducing a new management model this year. …

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Shkodër promising for a successful tourist season, Rozafa Castle and Historical Museum among top attractions, over 65,000 visitors in five months

TIRANA, June 15 – Shkodër is experiencing a promising start to the tourist season. The city reaffirms its position as one of the most popular destinations in northern Albania. Streets and squares host daily groups of foreign tourists. Weekends bring an even higher flow of visitors from different countries. They …

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Euro U-19 2027 draw sets Albania in Group B6 with Armenia and Cyprus

TIRANA, June 15 – Albania’s Under-19 men’s national team learned its opponents on Monday for the second round of the UEFA European Under-19 Championship 2027 qualifiers. UEFA held the draw in Nyon, Switzerland. The process placed Albania U-19 in Group B6 alongside Armenia and Cyprus. The team will compete in …

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Traffic organization changes in Himara aim to ease summer mobility

TIRANA, June 15 – Himara municipality has started implementing changes to road circulation from today. The measures aim to manage vehicle flow more efficiently during the tourist season. Mayor Vangjel Tavo told Albanian news agency (ATSH) that the changes entered into force following a decision by the municipal council. He …

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Foreign investment screening mechanism to strengthen economic security

TIRANA, June 15 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj attended the “Albania’s Foreign Direct Investment Screening Framework” event, organized by AmCham Albania in cooperation with the Center for International Private Enterprise. The event brought together representatives of state institutions, the business community, domestic and foreign investors, international organizations, diplomats …

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Albanian Tax-Economic Center: Albania records higher living standards over past decade

TIRANA, June 15 – Albania has improved living standards significantly over the past 10 years, according to a new analysis by the Albanian Tax-Economic Center. The analysis, which the Media and Information Agency shared, reviews the 2025–2026 Living Standards Index. It shows that Albania recorded notable progress in well-being, human …

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Albania’s Civic Revolt Demands the Government’s Resignation

What began as a protest over Zvernec and Sazan has become a nationwide civic movement demanding the resignation of the government and challenging corruption, oligarchic power and a political system many Albanians say has exhausted the country. Tirana Times, June  15, 2026 –  A protest movement that began with anger over …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 15, 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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Italian Tourists Dance to Albanian Rhythms in Karaburun

Italian tourists were seen dancing aboard a tourist boat along the stunning coast of Karaburun, according to a video shared on social media by Socialist Party parliamentary leader Taulant Balla. The footage captures visitors enjoying the crystal-clear waters and vibrant summer atmosphere in one of southern Albania’s most popular coastal …

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French magazine Quartz: Albanian Riviera and Alps among world’s rising destinations

TIRANA, June 15 – French magazine Quartz has listed Albania among the world’s most promising travel destinations and recommends visiting the country before mass tourism expands further. According to Quartz, Albania has attracted growing international attention thanks to its Adriatic and Ionian coastline, mountain landscapes and lower travel costs compared with …

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High Bank Fees Hamper Albania’s Crackdown on Cash

Albanian businesses are required by law to facilitate payments by card but complain of exorbitant bank fees. Original post Here

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Changes to sponsorship law: Gonxhja says businesses can deduct up to 30% of corporate income tax

The proposed amendments to Albania’s sponsorship law aim to encourage businesses to fund sports, arts and cultural activities through tax incentives, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today. Under the proposed scheme, businesses could deduct up to 30% of their corporate income tax through sponsorships of activities …

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EU integration: Albania amends agreement with German agency GIZ

The Albanian government today approved amendments to its agreement with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), which supports the country’s EU accession negotiations. The Council of Ministers approved Amendment No. 1 to the implementation agreement between the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and GIZ. The agreement forms part of …

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Helicopter crash in Turkey: Nufi offers condolences to victims’ families

Defence Minister Ermal Nufi today expressed his condolences following the deaths of four members of the Turkish Armed Forces in an S-70 helicopter crash in Malatya, Turkey. In a message posted on social media, Nufi expressed his sorrow over the tragic accident and extended his deepest sympathies to the victims’ …

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European Political Community Summit: Rama shares photo alongside European leaders

Prime Minister Edi Rama today shared a photo on social media from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing a group of European leaders and senior representatives walking down an escalator together. At the centre of the photo, Rama appears alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The European Political Community …

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Hoxha: Diplomacy must turn political relations into economic opportunities

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has called for a stronger focus on economic diplomacy, highlighting its role in the country’s development and European Union integration. Hoxha made the remarks during a discussion at Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest, where he presented Albania’s vision for …

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Demo meets Italian counterpart Piantedosi: Less bureaucracy for Albanians in Italy

Albania’s Interior Minister Ervin Demo met his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi, in Rome. They discussed stronger security cooperation and easier access to public services for Albanians living in Italy. The talks focused on three main issues. First, the two ministers discussed developing Albania’s Security Academy with support from Italian expertise. …

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Government reshuffles EU negotiating team, appoints new chapter representatives

Albania’s government has approved changes to the composition and responsibilities of the country’s negotiating team for European Union membership. The Council of Ministers adopted the decision today. It amends the previous decision of May 6, 2020, by redistributing responsibilities across several negotiation chapters and appointing new members to the team. …

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Albania beat Finland 2-0 to top Nations League group

Albania beat Finland 2-0 at Air Albania Stadium in Tirana in the fifth round of UEFA Nations League Group C1. The victory lifted Albania to 12 points and first place in the group. Ernest Muçi opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a fine long-range strike. Rey Manaj doubled …

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Albania is actively strengthening NATO cooperation, Defence Minister Nufi tells Oslo forum

Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attended the 2026 Future of the North Atlantic Forum in Oslo, Norway. The forum is organised by the British and Norwegian governments and brings together senior political and military officials and defence industry representatives from allied countries. Speaking aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince …

News

High Bank Fees Hamper Albania’s Crackdown on Cash

Albanian businesses are required by law to facilitate payments by card but complain of exorbitant bank fees. Original post Here

News

Changes to sponsorship law: Gonxhja says businesses can deduct up to 30% of corporate income tax

The proposed amendments to Albania’s sponsorship law aim to encourage businesses to fund sports, arts and cultural activities through tax incentives, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today. Under the proposed scheme, businesses could deduct up to 30% of their corporate income tax through sponsorships of activities …

News

EU integration: Albania amends agreement with German agency GIZ

The Albanian government today approved amendments to its agreement with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), which supports the country’s EU accession negotiations. The Council of Ministers approved Amendment No. 1 to the implementation agreement between the Ministry of Economy and Innovation and GIZ. The agreement forms part of …

News

Helicopter crash in Turkey: Nufi offers condolences to victims’ families

Defence Minister Ermal Nufi today expressed his condolences following the deaths of four members of the Turkish Armed Forces in an S-70 helicopter crash in Malatya, Turkey. In a message posted on social media, Nufi expressed his sorrow over the tragic accident and extended his deepest sympathies to the victims’ …

News

European Political Community Summit: Rama shares photo alongside European leaders

Prime Minister Edi Rama today shared a photo on social media from the 9th European Political Community (EPC) Summit, showing a group of European leaders and senior representatives walking down an escalator together. At the centre of the photo, Rama appears alongside French President Emmanuel Macron. The European Political Community …

News

Hoxha: Diplomacy must turn political relations into economic opportunities

Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has called for a stronger focus on economic diplomacy, highlighting its role in the country’s development and European Union integration. Hoxha made the remarks during a discussion at Ludovika University of Public Service in Budapest, where he presented Albania’s vision for …

News

Demo meets Italian counterpart Piantedosi: Less bureaucracy for Albanians in Italy

Albania’s Interior Minister Ervin Demo met his Italian counterpart, Matteo Piantedosi, in Rome. They discussed stronger security cooperation and easier access to public services for Albanians living in Italy. The talks focused on three main issues. First, the two ministers discussed developing Albania’s Security Academy with support from Italian expertise. …

News

Government reshuffles EU negotiating team, appoints new chapter representatives

Albania’s government has approved changes to the composition and responsibilities of the country’s negotiating team for European Union membership. The Council of Ministers adopted the decision today. It amends the previous decision of May 6, 2020, by redistributing responsibilities across several negotiation chapters and appointing new members to the team. …

News

Albania beat Finland 2-0 to top Nations League group

Albania beat Finland 2-0 at Air Albania Stadium in Tirana in the fifth round of UEFA Nations League Group C1. The victory lifted Albania to 12 points and first place in the group. Ernest Muçi opened the scoring in the 35th minute with a fine long-range strike. Rey Manaj doubled …

News

Albania is actively strengthening NATO cooperation, Defence Minister Nufi tells Oslo forum

Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi attended the 2026 Future of the North Atlantic Forum in Oslo, Norway. The forum is organised by the British and Norwegian governments and brings together senior political and military officials and defence industry representatives from allied countries. Speaking aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince …