North Macedonia Recruits Former Police Officers and Military Personnel to Tackle Wildfires During the Summer Season
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> North Macedonia has begun preparations for the summer wildfire season by activating a special plan to engage former members of the Police, the Army, and firefighting units in order to strengthen operational capacities on the ground. The Directorate for Protection …
Day 13 of Protests: Activists and Citizens Gather Outside the Prime Minister’s Office
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Citizens continued their protests this Friday along the “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, marking the 13th consecutive day of demonstrations, with the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama remaining their main demand. At 6:00 p.m., as on previous days, protesters initially …
Taulant Balla Meets Nancy VanHorn: Albania–US Strategic Partnership at an Excellent Level
Chairman of the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, met today with the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States in Tirana, Nancy VanHorn. The meeting took place in the context of the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States and the 104th anniversary of the recognition and establishment …
NATO Plans Gradual Withdrawal of Troops from Kosovo
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has announced that it will “optimize” its presence and gradually reduce the number of troops serving in the KFOR mission in Kosovo. The decision to decrease troop numbers over the coming year follows the …
Rama at Socialist Party’s 35th Anniversary: Konica Used to Say, “Be Patient, Albanians Have a Habit of Opposing Without Understanding”
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama opened his speech at the 35th anniversary celebration of the Socialist Party by addressing recent events related to the civic protests in Tirana. Referring to the situation, Rama recalled a quote attributed to Faik Konica: “Be patient, because Albanians have a habit of opposing things …
Rama Highlights Fatos Nano: He Remains Someone I Hold in Special Esteem; I Do Not Claim I Have Never Wronged Anyone
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke this Friday at Piazza Italia during the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary celebration, addressing recent developments in Albania, including the ongoing civic protests. Rama paid special tribute to former Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano, expressing his enduring respect for him. He also acknowledged …
Albania’s Cocaine Economy Comes Home
Towers, resorts and cocaine money put Albania’s criminal economy in plain sight. A SPAK investigation into alleged drug-money laundering has linked the Zvërnec resort controversy, Tirana’s tower boom and Albania’s strategic investment model, deepening public anger after nearly two weeks of anti-government protests. Tirana Times, June 12, 2026 – A …
Week in Review: Flamingos, Think Tankers and Returning Radicals
Our selection of Premium stories digs deep into a lively week, as Europe limps towards rebooting the enlargement system, votes in Kosovo are counted and Albanians throw off a reputation for apathy. Original post Here
State Minister for Local Government: Strong local communities build Europe
TIRANA, June 12 – State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo highlighted the importance of territorial cooperation and strong local government during an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Adriatic-Ionian Euroregion. During his remarks, Demo praised the Euroregion’s role in bringing together countries, institutions and citizens over the past …
Beach agency monitors public beach access in Lezha
TIRANA, June 12 – The National Coastline Agency continues field inspections along the Lezha coastline. Authorities are focusing on protecting public beach areas and ensuring free access for visitors. Officials are carrying out the inspections under the beach station map. Municipal authorities proposed the map, while the Tourism Season Management …
Once a field of cooperation, the Balkans is turning into a battleground for competing US and European visions and interests, says Jovana Djurovic in her latest despatch from DC. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Albania has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Italian energy company Eni S.p.A. The agreement aims to strengthen the country’s energy security. The partnership will help create a national strategic reserve for oil and gas supply and storage. It comes as global energy …
Customs officials and postal operators from across the region met in Tirana to improve the security of postal and express deliveries. The meeting took place under the Hermes Project, led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). During the meeting, participants discussed current challenges. They also shared …
Durrës continues to attract visitors throughout the year. During the summer, many tourists also arrive by sea. This week, the cruise ship Nautica brought 665 tourists from around the world to the Port of Durrës. The ship returned as part of its Mediterranean itinerary. Most of the visitors come from …
TIRANA, June 29 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Monday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Forecasters expect clear skies across the country. Meanwhile, a few passing clouds may develop around midday over eastern mountainous areas. In addition, northeasterly to northwesterly winds will blow at up to 7 …
TIRANA, June 29 – Australian tourist Amy Lecons is in good health after a viper bit her in a remote area of the Albanian Alps, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection said. Medical teams from the Valbona Summer Health Centre responded immediately after receiving the emergency alert. They provided …
TIRANA, June 29 – Construction crews continue work on a new park at the entrance to Shkodër. The project will create a multifunctional space for all age groups. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the construction site on social media. Meanwhile, he said the project has transformed an area …
TIRANA, June 29 – President Bajram Begaj attended the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Poznan Uprising in Poznan at the invitation of Polish President Karol Nawrocki. During the ceremony, the participating heads of state adopted a joint declaration. They reaffirmed their commitment to preserving historical memory, defending …
The expedition ship National Geographic Orion visits the Port of Durrës with 108 passengers on board. The ship includes Durrës as part of its Mediterranean itinerary. It continues its journey after a day stop in Durrës and sails toward Saranda. The Port Authority of Durrës highlights that the ship specializes …