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100,000 Visitors to Shkodra Castle

Rozafa Castle has officially surpassed 100,000 visitors this year, confirming its position as one of Albania’s most visited cultural heritage sites and the top tourist attraction in the city of Shkodra. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Shkodra announced the milestone today. Consequently, these high visitor numbers demonstrate the …

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Albania joins international cybersecurity workforce coalition

TIRANA, July 23 – Albania has joined the International Coalition on Cyber Security Workforces (ICCSW), becoming the first country from the region to enter the international initiative focused on developing cybersecurity professionals. The National Authority for Cyber Security said the coalition brings together governments and organizations that work to build …

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Albania approves national fisheries and aquaculture data programme

TIRANA, July 23 – Albania’s Council of Ministers has approved a multiannual national programme for collecting, managing and using data in the fisheries and aquaculture sector. The decision also covers the content of multiannual marine scientific sampling programmes. The programme sets rules for collecting, managing and using biological, environmental, technical …

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Medieval Koman settlement preserves Albania’s cultural heritage

TIRANA, July 23 – The Medieval Settlement of Koman remains one of Albania’s most important cultural heritage sites. It lies in the Drin Valley at the foot of Mount Dalmaca. Albania declared the site a Cultural Monument in 1963. It also received Archaeological Zone A and B status in 2015. …

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Zucchero Brings the Magic of Blues, Rock, and Soul to Tirana

Italian music icon Zucchero electrified the Palace of Congresses last night, delivering a concert that transformed into a true celebration of blues, rock, and soul. Performing with his signature raspy voice and decades of stage energy, the artist kept the crowd cheering throughout every song. The auditorium sold out completely …

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Military education supports Albania’s Euro-Atlantic future

TIRANA, July 23 – Albania’s Ministry of Defence has described military education as an investment in the country’s Euro-Atlantic future. The statement followed the graduation of 67 new officers from the Armed Forces Academy. The class included 10 officers from Kosova. The graduation ceremony took place on Tuesday evening at …

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Egnatia draw with Celje, Champions League tie remains open

TIRANA, July 23 – Albanian champions Egnatia drew 3-3 with Slovenia’s Celje in the first leg of the second qualifying round of the Union of European Football Associations Champions League. The result leaves qualification open ahead of the return match. Egnatia took the lead in the 7th minute at the …

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Mountain Economy Development: Albania Approves Four Priority Zones in Shkodër

The Council of Ministers today approved sweeping amendments to expand Albania’s priority mountain economy zones across the Shkodër municipality. The decision designates four distinct territories for targeted economic growth and infrastructure support: Zone No. 6 (4,667 hectares): Encompasses the villages of Nderlysaj, Lekaj, Gimaj, Nënmavriq, Nicaj-Shale, Abat, Pecaj, Vuksanaj, and …

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Albanian government approves three expropriation decisions in southern Albania

TIRANA, July 23 – The Albanian government has approved three decisions on the expropriation of private properties for public interest. The projects will support infrastructure and urban development in Vlora and Saranda. The decisions, proposed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy, provide more than ALL 11.9 million in total …

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Albania Condemns Naval Blockade Threats Against Saudi Arabia

Albania strongly condemned the Houthi militia today over its threats against the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which include imposing a naval blockade. In a social media statement, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (MEPJ) warned that these provocative and escalatory actions further destabilize the region. According to the Ministry, …

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PM presents ‘Besa’ strategy and comments on recent protests

TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented “Besa”, a document he described as the political and governing strategy for the government’s fourth term, during a joint meeting of the government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group. Rama said recent protests should serve as a moment of reflection rather …

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Week in Review: A Fighting Spirit

From Albania’s ‘Flamingo Revolution’ to Turkey’s embattled opposition, BIRN’s premium selection of stories this week tell a fighting mood is visible across south-east Europe, despite the summer heat. Original post Here

News
Kosovo’s Trade Deficit Rises 16%, Exports Cover Only 15% of Imports

Kosovo’s trade deficit increased by 16.1% in June 2026 compared with the same period last year, reaching €578.3 million. The deficit reflects the gap between the value of imports and exports. According to data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS), exports covered only 15% of imports. Kosovo exported goods …

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Speaker Peleshi: Parliament approved 131 laws during current term

TIRANA, July 24 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi presented the work of the legislature during its first 2 sessions. He said the current parliamentary term has focused strongly on Albania’s European integration process. During an expanded meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, attended by Prime Minister and Socialist Party …

News
Albania presents ‘eArkiva’ digital document management platform

TIRANA, July 24 – The General Directorate of Archives and the National Agency of Information Society presented ‘eArkiva’, a platform for managing and digitising official documents. The National Agency of Information Society developed the system under the supervision of the General Directorate of Archives. Initially, ministries and other state institutions …

News
PM Rama: Protesters reflect new expectations for government standards

TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented his reflections on the June protests during a joint meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group and the government cabinet. Rama referred to the demonstrations as the “Boulevard of Flamingos”. He said he had prepared 2 documents that would guide the …

News
Opera “Rozafa” Makes World Premiere at Albania’s National Opera and Ballet Theatre

The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble (TKOBAP) hosted the world premiere of the opera “Rozafa” last night, bringing one of Albania’s most powerful cultural legends to the stage. The opera features music by Ndoc Pistulli, a libretto by Zef Zorba, and orchestration by Gridi Kraja. The production …

News
Finance Ministry says debt risk indicators improved in first half of 2026

TIRANA, July 24 – Albania improved several public debt risk indicators during the first half of 2026 through active debt management and prudent fiscal policy, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said. Malaj said the share of short-term debt declined during the period, reducing refinancing needs. He added that the average maturity …

News
Enkelana Marathon Returns to Pogradec

The Enkelana Marathon returns to Pogradec this weekend, combining sports competition with tourism promotion and the celebration of the region’s natural beauty. The half-marathon will take place along the shores of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Participants will run through a scenic route featuring crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes, …

News
PM Rama discusses reforms, public expectations and protected areas law

TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said citizens’ expectations have increased as Albania has undergone major changes. He made the remarks during a joint meeting of the government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group at the Palace of Brigades. Rama discussed the June protests, which he referred to …

News

PM presents ‘Besa’ strategy and comments on recent protests

TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented “Besa”, a document he described as the political and governing strategy for the government’s fourth term, during a joint meeting of the government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group. Rama said recent protests should serve as a moment of reflection rather …

News

Week in Review: A Fighting Spirit

From Albania’s ‘Flamingo Revolution’ to Turkey’s embattled opposition, BIRN’s premium selection of stories this week tell a fighting mood is visible across south-east Europe, despite the summer heat. Original post Here

News

Kosovo’s Trade Deficit Rises 16%, Exports Cover Only 15% of Imports

Kosovo’s trade deficit increased by 16.1% in June 2026 compared with the same period last year, reaching €578.3 million. The deficit reflects the gap between the value of imports and exports. According to data from the Kosovo Agency of Statistics (KAS), exports covered only 15% of imports. Kosovo exported goods …

News

Speaker Peleshi: Parliament approved 131 laws during current term

TIRANA, July 24 – Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi presented the work of the legislature during its first 2 sessions. He said the current parliamentary term has focused strongly on Albania’s European integration process. During an expanded meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group, attended by Prime Minister and Socialist Party …

News

Albania presents ‘eArkiva’ digital document management platform

TIRANA, July 24 – The General Directorate of Archives and the National Agency of Information Society presented ‘eArkiva’, a platform for managing and digitising official documents. The National Agency of Information Society developed the system under the supervision of the General Directorate of Archives. Initially, ministries and other state institutions …

News

PM Rama: Protesters reflect new expectations for government standards

TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented his reflections on the June protests during a joint meeting of the Socialist Party parliamentary group and the government cabinet. Rama referred to the demonstrations as the “Boulevard of Flamingos”. He said he had prepared 2 documents that would guide the …

News

Opera “Rozafa” Makes World Premiere at Albania’s National Opera and Ballet Theatre

The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble (TKOBAP) hosted the world premiere of the opera “Rozafa” last night, bringing one of Albania’s most powerful cultural legends to the stage. The opera features music by Ndoc Pistulli, a libretto by Zef Zorba, and orchestration by Gridi Kraja. The production …

News

Finance Ministry says debt risk indicators improved in first half of 2026

TIRANA, July 24 – Albania improved several public debt risk indicators during the first half of 2026 through active debt management and prudent fiscal policy, Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said. Malaj said the share of short-term debt declined during the period, reducing refinancing needs. He added that the average maturity …

News

Enkelana Marathon Returns to Pogradec

The Enkelana Marathon returns to Pogradec this weekend, combining sports competition with tourism promotion and the celebration of the region’s natural beauty. The half-marathon will take place along the shores of Lake Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Participants will run through a scenic route featuring crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes, …

News

PM Rama discusses reforms, public expectations and protected areas law

TIRANA, July 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said citizens’ expectations have increased as Albania has undergone major changes. He made the remarks during a joint meeting of the government and the Socialist Party parliamentary group at the Palace of Brigades. Rama discussed the June protests, which he referred to …