Bekim Fehmiu, the Albanian “Ulysses”
TIRANA, June 1 – Actor of Albanian origin Bekim Fehmiu was born on June 1, 1936 in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. He studied film at the University of Belgrade between 1956 and 1960. He later built an international career through films such as “Odyssey” and “The Feather Collectors”. These works …
Virtual farming assistant launched at digital agriculture conference
TIRANA, June 1 – Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said Albania’s agricultural sector will rely increasingly on technology and real-time data, as officials presented “YLLI”, the first virtual assistant for Albanian farmers, at the “Digital Agriculture for Albania 2030” conference in Tirana. The new tool forms part of …
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 …
Police have started implementing new legislation aimed at curbing street protests against the government of Edi Rama, issuing scores of fines – a move that demonstrators describe as an “intimidation tactic”. Original post Here
Investor confidence, legal certainty and stronger institutions remain essential to attracting sustainable foreign investment. Experts discussed these challenges at the “Investing in Albania and the Western Balkans” panel on November 4, during the 32nd Tirana International Fair. Sara Zotaj of the Albanian Investment Development Agency highlighted the country’s geographic position, …
President Bajram Begaj received the European Commission’s 2026 progress report on Albania from European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa on Thursday. Begaj described the report as evidence of Albania’s progress towards European Union membership. He thanked the European Commission for its continued support and commitment to enlargement in the …
Albania is showcasing its culture, traditions and digital innovation at the World Travel Market London 2026, held from November 3 to 5 at ExCeL London in the United Kingdom. Prime Minister Edi Rama has shared images of the Albanian stand, which brings together tourism, handicrafts, gastronomy and digital experiences. The …
Kosova’s Prime Minister Albin Kurti has urged the European Union to grant the country candidate status and launch membership negotiations as soon as possible. Speaking after the European Commission presented its 2026 report on Kosova, Kurti said EU integration remained a long-term strategic priority. He stressed that the process enjoyed …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met European Union Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa on Thursday. The ambassador handed him the European Commission’s progress report on Albania. Following the meeting, Rama and Ambassador De Sousa are expected to hold a press conference on the report’s achievements and milestones on Albania’s path towards …
Democratic Party MP Jorida Tabaku says the European Commission’s latest progress report on Albania confirms opposition concerns over EU integration, the rule of law and democracy. Speaking at a press conference in parliament, Tabaku said citizens had protested peacefully for more than 150 days against a system that had impoverished …
Prime Minister Edi Rama and EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa presented the European Commission’s 2026 progress report on Albania at a joint press conference on Thursday. Rama said Albania had entered the final stretch of accession negotiations. He cited significant progress in at least 20 negotiating chapters and described …
A vibrant new mural dedicated to the women who have worked over the decades at the Central State Film Archive (AQSHF) now graces the Art Park in Tirana. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports completed the artistic project in collaboration with the Central State Film Archive. Consequently, the artwork …
Albania will play their final Group C1 match in League C of the UEFA Nations League against Belarus on November 15 at the Illovszky Rudolf Stadium in Budapest, Hungary. The match will take place without spectators due to UEFA sanctions against Belarus. Under a decision adopted by the UEFA Executive …