Weather forecaster warns of weekend heatwave across Albania
TIRANA, June 3 – Weather forecaster Lajda Porja has warned that Albania will face very high temperatures during the weekend and next week. Speaking on the RTSH’s “Mirëmëngjes Shqipëri” [Good Morning Albania] show, she said a heatwave will affect much of Europe and bring significantly warmer conditions across the country. …
Gonxhja Invites Italian Fans to Attend Ye Concert in Tirana After Event Cancellation in Italy
Blendi Gonxhja invited Italian fans to attend rapper Ye’s concert in Tirana on July 11. Italian media reported that organizers canceled the Reggio Emilia concert due to security concerns. The event also involved Travis Scott. Furthermore, Gonxhja said the Albanian government guarantees all tickets. He encouraged fans to choose Tirana …
Albania prepares systems for integration with European employment and social security networks
TIRANA, June 3 – Deputy Economy and Innovation Minister Olta Manjani said Albania is continuing preparations under Chapter 2, “Freedom of Movement for Workers.” The chapter forms part of the country’s European Union accession negotiations. Speaking before the Parliamentary Committee on European Affairs and Foreign Affairs, she outlined progress in …
Albania’s Coastline Highlighted as One of Europe’s Hidden Summer Gems
The Wom presents Albania as one of Europe’s last hidden summer destinations, praising its coastline for crystal-clear waters, natural beauty, and affordable travel options. The magazine describes Albania as an emerging Mediterranean hotspot. It compares its beaches to the “Caribbean of Europe” because of their turquoise waters and untouched landscapes. …
GB News: Himara among most sought-after destinations for British tourists in summer 2026
TIRANA, June 3 – British media outlet GB News reports that Himara is strengthening its position as one of the Mediterranean’s emerging tourism gems. Interest from UK travellers in the Albanian Riviera is rising significantly. Journalist Sarra Gray cites Airbnb data showing a shift among British holidaymakers toward less crowded …
More than 29,000 visitors tour Rozafa Castle in May
TIRANA, June 3 – More than 29,000 domestic and foreign visitors toured Rozafa Castle during May, according to the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Shkodër. Meanwhile, the institution reported that 62,748 people visited the historic site between January 1 and May 31. The castle remains one of northern Albania’s …
From Closeness to Strategic Partnership: Fincantieri’s Shipyard Project and a New Vision for the Future of Italy-Albania Relations
by Albert Rakipi, PhD In April 2026, Fincantieri, one of Italy’s industrial and defence champions, signed an agreement with the Albanian company KAYO to produce vessels at the Pashaliman shipyard. Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the project as part of a strategic partnership, noting that the new company would produce ships not only …
Rama’s Arguments with RSF Draw Attention From Albanian Media’s Problems
Edi Rama’s public exchanges with Reporters Without Borders, RSF, over its latest Freedom Index are part of a familiar pattern of redirecting attention away from real problems in society, experts say. Original post Here
Letter from London: Close to Boiling Point
The thermometer’s risen sharply, both literally and politically, this spring – but even with so much else to preoccupy Britons, the Balkans hasn’t quite slipped off the radar. Original post Here
Mario Biondi Delivers Emotional Jazz Performance in Tirana Concert
The concert of Italian soul and jazz artist Mario Biondi took place on Monday evening at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet of Albania in Tirana, bringing strong emotions and high energy to the audience. Organizers held the event as part of the 20th anniversary of his hit “This …
United States Ambassador Eric Wendt has outlined his priorities in a video message posted on X. He identified defence, economic prosperity and security as the main areas for cooperation. He also thanked President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio for their trust, along with the Albanian people for …
Personnel from Albania’s Civil Emergencies Support Base and the Kosova Security Force held a joint mountain search and rescue exercise in Prevalla, near Prizren. According to Defence Minister Ermal Nufi, the exercise took place from 2 to 5 November. Participants exchanged experience, tested new equipment and practised rescue techniques in …
Albania will allocate 2.08 billion lek to the Cultural Heritage and Museums programme in 2027, marking an 80% increase compared with 2026, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced on Thursday. Presenting the draft budget to the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora, Gonxhja said the increased …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Romania’s new Foreign Minister, Dan Neculaescu, in Bucharest to discuss bilateral ties and regional security. Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to closer cooperation, with a particular focus on expanding economic and trade relations and making full use of their potential. Hoxha …
Albania and India are exploring ways to strengthen tourism ties following a meeting at the World Travel Market London 2026. Jola Hysaj, director general of the National Tourism Agency, met India’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, during the international travel fair. The two officials discussed exchanging experience …
Albania’s Arts and Culture programme will receive a budget of 3.37 billion lek in 2027, with around 1.5 billion lek, or 45% of the total, earmarked for public investment, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced. The draft budget also allocates 495.9 million lek to artistic projects, marking …
The European Commission’s 2026 report highlights Albania’s new law on the Bank of Albania and progress in central bank independence, payment systems and banking stability. The report notes that the new legislation aligns with European Union rules on central bank independence and the prohibition of monetary financing for the public …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has stressed the need for an inspection system that supports businesses and promotes economic growth without creating unnecessary barriers. Speaking at a conference organised by the General Inspectorate on investment and compliance with legal requirements, he said inspections should serve a practical purpose rather than burden …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu has pledged to align Albania’s anti-corruption legislation with European Union standards. He also proposed three priorities for stronger regional cooperation at the EU–Western Balkans Ministerial Forum on Justice and Home Affairs in Budva, Montenegro, on 5–6 November. Speaking at a session on the judicial dimension of …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi presented the 2027 draft budget to the Assembly’s Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence. The plan allocates ALL 76.284 billion, a 10% increase on 2026, equivalent to 2.6% of gross domestic product. Capital spending accounts for ALL 43.6 billion, while current expenditure totals ALL 32.6 billion. …