Hoxha: Everything that happens in Albania draws EU attention, protests are part of freedom of expression
The European Union follows developments in Albania closely, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. Speaking at a press conference with journalists from EU member states, Hoxha addressed concerns over the proposed project in Zvërnec. He also commented on the European Commission’s reaction and recent protests …
Hoxha: Greece remains a strong supporter of Albania’s EU membership
Greece remains a strong supporter of Albania’s European Union membership, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha described relations between Albania and Greece as stronger than ever. He said both countries are working to address long-standing bilateral issues …
Hoxha: No approved project in Zvërnec yet, full environmental impact assessment will be done
No approved project exists yet for the Zvërnec investment, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. He added that authorities will carry out a full environmental impact assessment before any decision. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha said institutions continue preparatory work. He also …
Hoxha: EU enlargement will be key priority of Irish Presidency in 2026
EU enlargement will be a key priority of the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the second half of 2026, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said on Thursday. Speaking to journalists from EU member states, Hoxha said his recent visit to Ireland focused on Albania’s EU …
TKOB prepares tribute evening for Albanian bass-baritone Lukë Kaçaj
The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB) is preparing a special evening dedicated to the great Albanian bass-baritone Lukë Kaçaj. The event will pay tribute to one of the most powerful voices in Albanian opera. It will also honor his life, marked by artistic achievement and personal hardship. Lukë …
Golem Becomes a Tourism Hotspot, Short-Term Rental Market Records Strong Growth
Golem is emerging as one of Albania’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, recording significant increases in both demand and supply in the short-term rental market. According to data from AirDNA, a platform specializing in short-term rental market analytics for platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo, the area recorded the strongest growth in …
Non-Performing Loan Ratio Fell to 3.75% in April
The ratio of non-performing loans (NPLs) returned to a downward trend in April. According to statistics from the Bank of Albania, the NPL ratio declined to 3.75%, down from 3.85% recorded in March. The indicator also continued to decrease on an annual basis, compared to 4.03% in April 2025. The …
Albanian Medicinal Plants Attract Tourists in Gjirokastër, Demand for Traditional Products Rises
Medicinal plants and traditional Albanian products are attracting growing interest from tourists in Gjirokastër, particularly foreign visitors seeking natural and authentic products from the region. Mountain tea, lavender, spices, and endemic plants are among the most sought-after products in the city’s historic bazaar, becoming an important part of its tourism …
Activists and Citizens Begin March Toward the Prime Minister’s Office
Although in smaller numbers than on previous days, activists and citizens once again gathered this Thursday, marking the 12th day of protests. After assembling in Skanderbeg Square at around 6:00 p.m., demonstrators began marching toward the Prime Minister’s Office, chanting slogans such as “Rama to prison, Berisha to prison” and …
Hoxha: We Aim to Close All EU Negotiation Chapters Within the Next Year
During a discussion with foreign journalists, Minister Ferit Hoxha stated that Albania has set an ambitious but achievable objective of concluding all European Union negotiation chapters within the next year. Hoxha emphasized that the achievements made so far in the European integration process were also considered ambitious, recalling that only …
Like the weather, the political temperature across the region is rising, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here
TIRANA, June 26 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos during an official visit to Cyprus. The ministers discussed stronger bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of common interest. Meanwhile, Hoxha thanked Cyprus for its continued support for Albania’s European Union integration. …
TIRANA, June 26 – Acting Tirana Mayor Anuela Ristani said the extension of the application deadline for subsidized housing loans has increased the number of beneficiary families. She presented the update during Thursday’s municipal council meeting. Meanwhile, Ristani said authorities received 4,409 applications in the first phase. She added that …
Edi Rama said that Vlora continues to transform through major investments in public spaces and tourism infrastructure. He stated that the coastal area of Radhimë is undergoing visible changes. As a result, the “Lungomare 4” project is now taking shape. Rama said the project is part of a broader vision …
TIRANA, June 26 – The Ministry of Finance has opened a draft law on immovable property tax for public consultation. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the reform protects Albanian families and preserves one of the region’s lowest property tax rates. Meanwhile, Malaj said the proposal would not increase the tax …
TIRANA, June 26 – Ksamil is welcoming visitors this summer with more public beach areas and improved services. Local authorities have introduced measures to provide functional public spaces, stronger safety and better conditions along the coastline. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of Ksamil’s public beaches. He said the …
TIRANA, June 26 – The “Drawing with Light” creative workshop at the Marubi Museum in Shkodër introduced young participants to experimental photography. The museum’s education team organized the activity. Meanwhile, the workshop drew inspiration from the work of photographer Gjon Mili. Participants created light drawings by using light sources and …
TIRANA, June 26 – Albania and Kosova signed two cooperation agreements on agriculture and rural development during Kosova Agriculture Minister Armend Muja’s visit to Tirana. Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla said the agreements reflected the strong relations between the two countries. He also stressed their shared …
TIRANA, June 26 – Prime Minister Edi Rama awarded former French President François Hollande the Gold Medal of Public Gratitude in Tirana on Thursday. The ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s Office. Rama praised Hollande’s contribution to strengthening relations between Albania and France. He also highlighted his support for …
TIRANA, June 26 – Bektashi believers marked the Day of Ashura on Thursday. The observance follows ten days of mourning in the Bektashi calendar. It commemorates Imam Hussein and 72 martyrs killed in the Battle of Karbala. Meanwhile, a ceremony took place at the World Bektashi Headquarters in Tirana. Haxhi …