President Haxhiu Signs Decree to Open Kosovo Consulate in Texas
The President of Kosovo, Albulena Haxhiu, signed on Monday a decree for the opening of the Consular Mission of the Republic of Kosovo in Texas. According to a statement from the Presidency, Haxhiu emphasized that this is an important step. She noted that with this mission, Kosovo becomes closer to …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: May 4, 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
PM Rama joins leaders’ meetings in Yerevan, appears in family photo and holds talks on security and economic connectivity summit
TIRANA, May 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is attending the 8th European Political Community Summit in Yerevan, Armenia. He shared a family photo with the participating leaders. Earlier, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed Rama and the Albanian delegation. This reception marked the start of the summit activities. The …
FM Hoxha meets new Turkish ambassador to Albania
TIRANA, May 4 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha met the newly appointed Turkish ambassador to Albania, Barıs Erciyes, in Tirana. He said later on social media that the meeting reaffirmed the strategic partnership between the two countries. He also highlighted excellent relations developed over the years. …
Albanian weightlifter Samoel Rrasa wins silver at World Youth Championships in Egypt
TIRANA, May 4 – Albanian weightlifting continues to achieve strong international results. Young athlete Samoel Rrasa won the silver medal at the World Youth Championships held in Egypt. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) said the 18-year-old competed in the 65 kg category. He secured second place in the snatch …
Tirana Launches First Chocolate and Sweets Festival
Tirana hosts the first Chocolate and Sweets Festival and brings together producers, artisans, and visitors in a celebration of flavor and creativity. The event takes place at “Tirana Moons” and receives support from the Municipality of Tirana, with organizers aiming to turn it into an annual tradition. Tourism director Ketrina …
20-year government bond auction opens today in Albania
TIRANA, May 4 – The Ministry of Finance published the calendar of government securities auctions for May. It invited citizens and investors to take part in the process. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said participation in government securities auctions offers an attractive investment opportunity. He highlighted competitive interest rates and a …
Albania wins gold and silver at 2026 European Fitness and Bodybuilding Championships
TIRANA, May 4 – The Albanian national fitness and bodybuilding team won one gold and one silver medal at the 2026 European Championships. The competition took place in Santa Susana, Spain, from April 29 to May 3. The Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) confirmed that the team included five athletes. …
Rama Highlights Kelmendi as Top Tourism Destination in Northern Albania
Prime Minister Edi Rama shares images from a meadow in Kelmendi and highlights the area as a major tourism destination in northern Albania. Kelmendi, especially Tamara, stands out as one of the most beautiful regions in the Albanian Alps. The area attracts tourists due to its mountain landscapes and natural …
Vespa Fans from 17 Countries Gather in Durrës for Anniversary Event
Vespa enthusiasts from 17 countries gather in Durrës to celebrate the 20th anniversary of “Vespa Albania” club. Prime Minister Edi Rama shares images from the event on social media and highlights the international gathering. Around 400 Vespa fans join the celebration, arriving from Albania, Europe, and other parts of the …
Albania will continue to support NATO’s KFOR mission in Kosovo to help maintain security and regional stability, Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces Arben Kingji said on Sunday. Kingji met KFOR Commander Major General Özkan Ulutaş as he prepared to end his term leading the NATO …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Malësia e Madhe and Përmet have transformed over the past decade, emerging as tourist destinations with growing economic potential. Speaking in the fifth episode of the seventh season of his “FLASIM” podcast, Rama recalled that both areas once seemed to offer few opportunities for development. …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, has criticized Serbian Interior Minister Ivica Dačić for pledging during an election campaign to “raise the Serbian flag again in Kosovo.” Hoxha described the remarks as provocative and threatening, warning that inflammatory rhetoric could encourage dangerous actions. He cited the 2023 …
Albania is taking steps to align its tax legislation with European Union standards by implementing DAC8, which requires the collection and exchange of information on crypto-asset transactions. The General Directorate of Taxes said the rapid growth of the digital economy makes greater tax transparency and stronger international cooperation increasingly important. …
Italian President Sergio Mattarella and Croatian President Zoran Milanović have congratulated Justina Shiroka-Pula on taking office as Kosovo’s president, expressing support for stronger bilateral ties and Kosovo’s European integration. Mattarella called for deeper cooperation between Italy and Kosovo, reaffirming Italy’s support, including through its participation in NATO’s KFOR mission. He …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, French Ambassador Catherine Suard and EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa attended Rodeo, a performance by the French Grenade dance company, at the “Let’s Stay Together” Community Center in Kombinat, Tirana. Koçiu said the event brought art closer to the community while promoting …
President Bajram Begaj visited Dibër this weekend and attended the closing ceremony of the 32nd edition of the “Oda Dibrane” festival. During his visit, he also met Dibër Mayor Rahim Spahiu to discuss local development projects, challenges, cultural heritage and tourism potential. Begaj described the festival as a symbol of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia on Sunday, including a deadly strike on King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Rama expressed Albania’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its people. He also offered condolences to the victims’ families and wished the injured a speedy recovery. He stressed …
Albania’s Abissnet Superiore resumed this weekend after the international break for Nations League matches, with Teuta extending their winning streak and Elbasani sharing the points with Vora. Teuta beat Skënderbeu 2-0 at the Niko Dovana Stadium to secure their fifth consecutive victory and maintain top spot in the standings. Kallaku …
Albania and Italy are strengthening cultural cooperation to preserve and digitize their shared film heritage. Albanian Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli visited the Central State Film Archive, where they viewed rare footage documenting the history of relations between the two countries. …