US Praises Albania for Repatriating Citizens from Syria
The United States has praised Albania for its efforts to repatriate Albanian citizens from Syria. In a social media post, the US Embassy in Tirana announced that two women and three children were recently returned to Albania, giving them the opportunity for a new future with support for rehabilitation and …
Minister Hoxha Meets Senior US Official, Defense and Security in Focus
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker on the sidelines of the Bled Strategic Forum. In a post on the social media platform X, Hoxha said the meeting reaffirmed the importance of the strategic partnership between Albania …
Albania Loses Top Spot in Europe for Growth in Tourist Overnight Stays
Albania has lost its top position in Europe for growth in tourist overnight stays, ranking third this year behind Ireland and Malta. Kosovo ranks fourth, continuing to record significant growth in tourism activity. After three years of double-digit growth and record results at the European level, Albania has recorded a …
Security Academy Applications: Lamallari Signs Order Revising Age Limit for Police Recruitment
Minister of Internal Affairs Besfort Lamallari has signed an order revising the age limit for admission to the State Police, expanding opportunities for young people, experienced professionals, and employees coming from other security institutions. The decision comes in response to numerous requests addressed to the minister through social media and …
Bank of Albania: Economic confidence rises 1.8 points in August, led by construction
TIRANA, September 1 – Economic confidence in Albania improved in August, led by construction, while trade and services also recorded gains, according to the Bank of Albania. The Economic Sentiment Indicator rose by 1.8 points and stood 7.4 points above its historical average. Construction recorded the strongest increase, with confidence …
Public beach areas increase by 67% this season
TIRANA, September 1 – The number of public beach areas increased by 67% across Albania this tourist season. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the increase in a social media post. The total area of public beach stations also grew by more than 10%. Gonxhja said the expansion …
Metro: Albania offers a rare European mountain escape beyond the Dolomites
TIRANA, September 1 – British newspaper Metro highlights the Albanian Alps as a rare mountain destination with dramatic landscapes, quiet trails and low costs. Reporter Sadie Whitelocks describes the region as an alternative to the crowded Dolomites. The article follows a 7-day hiking challenge across the mountains of Albania, Kosova …
FM Hoxha at European Forum Alpbach: Albania contributes to Europe’s security
TIRANA, September 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha took part in the European Forum Alpbach in Austria at the invitation of Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. He joined a panel focused on Europe’s ability to act in a rapidly changing world. Hoxha said Albania’s present and future are closely linked …
Kukës lake boat tours set to expand with planned Kukës-Fierza route
TIRANA, September 1 – Tourist boat trips on Kukës Lake have drawn strong interest during the summer season, the first year of the service. Visitors have used the tours to explore the lake and the area’s natural attractions. According to boat operator Edmond Bytyçi, requests came from visitors from several …
FM Hoxha at Bled Strategic Forum: EU enlargement makes the bloc stronger and more united
TIRANA, September 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha took part in a panel on “Enlargement as Europe’s Future Geopolitical Tool” at the Bled Strategic Forum, alongside European Commissioner Marta Kos. Hoxha said enlargement should remain a merit-based process and stressed the importance of credibility and maintaining the pace of negotiations. …
Kosova, Acting PM Kurti: Presidential agreement stands despite six Democratic League MPs’ opposition
TIRANA, September 2 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the agreement between the Self-Determination Movement and the Democratic League of Kosova on the presidential nomination remains in place despite six Democratic League lawmakers opposing Bekim Sejdiu’s candidacy. After a meeting of the Self-Determination parliamentary group, Kurti said all 53 …
18-year-old weightlifter Enkileda Carja won another medal for Albania at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Carja secured bronze in the 69 kg snatch event after lifting 100 kg. She succeeded in two of her three attempts. First, Carja lifted 98 kg. Then, she successfully raised 100 kg after adding two …
TIRANA, September 2 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited Albania’s Civil Emergency Support Base as the structure marked the 39th anniversary of its establishment. Nufi praised the base’s role during the difficult wildfire season. From April through August 2026, the base carried out 54 firefighting operations, deploying more than 1,500 …
The picturesque village of Lin will host the fourth edition of the Lin Festival from September 4 to 6, 2026. The National Center for Traditional Activities (QKVT) organizes the event to promote and preserve Albania’s intangible cultural heritage. Set along the shores of the lake, the festival will offer a …
Albania has significantly expanded its public beaches during the 2026 tourist season. The move gives local and international visitors more space, access, and affordable options. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said today that municipalities increased the number of public beach station plots by 67% this season. Meanwhile, authorities …
TIRANA, September 2 – Border Police and the Marine Police Unit in Ksamil rescued four German tourists after the boat they were travelling on caught fire. Police said officers responded after receiving a report that a boat had caught fire inside near the Pema e Thatë area in Ksamil. Border …
TIRANA, September 2 – Sofia Moreira de Sousa is taking over as the new European Union ambassador to Albania after the end of Silvio Gonzato’s mandate. Moreira de Sousa will first present her credentials to President Bajram Begaj. The ceremony will formally mark the start of her mandate in Albania. …
TIRANA, September 2 – Tourism has the greatest potential for creating new jobs in Albania, according to the World Bank. A more diverse tourism offer could also spread employment opportunities beyond the summer season. The assessment comes from the World Bank’s FY 2026 Albania Country Opinion Survey Report, based on …
TIRANA, September 2 – Albania produced around 183,000 tonnes of grapes in 2025, according to the Agricultural Development and Rural Development Agency. Grape production continues to grow alongside vineyard expansion and new investment in technology and processing capacity. Fier, Elbasan, Berat and Vlora have some of the country’s largest vineyard …
TIRANA, September 2 – The International Monetary Fund has launched a mission in Albania focused on improving how the country plans, finances and implements public investments. The IMF instrument examines the full project cycle, from planning and selection to implementation and monitoring. IMF experts will be meeting senior officials at …