AF Elbasani begins European campaign against BATE Borisov in UEFA Conference League
AF Elbasani starts Albania’s journey in the 2026–2027 European football competitions as the club faces BATE Borisov in the first qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League. The team will host the first leg today at “Elbasan Arena” at 20:00, marking an important moment for the club and its supporters. …
Shkodër protected areas activate fire monitoring network
TIRANA, July 7 – No fires have been reported so far in the protected areas of Shkodër region, despite high temperatures and a significant increase in visitors during the summer season. The Administration of Protected Areas (AdZM) Shkodër said cooperation with municipalities and fire services has strengthened prevention measures. The …
European excellence hospital in Tirana to treat complex diseases
TIRANA, July 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama presented a project for a new European-standard excellence hospital in Tirana. The San Donato Group will build the facility as part of efforts to transform healthcare services in Albania and the Western Balkans. Rama said the hospital will create new opportunities for …
Air Albania Stadium upgrades progress ahead of UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027
The Albanian Football Federation continues major improvements at the “Air Albania” Stadium as the country prepares to host matches of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship 2027. Workers have completed the removal of the old grass surface and carried out upgrades to the field’s foundation. They have now started installing the …
German magazine “CHIP” names Albania an ideal 2026 destination away from mass tourism
German magazine “CHIP” lists Albania among the top recommended destinations for 2026, highlighting the country as an ideal choice for travelers seeking authentic experiences away from mass tourism. Travel bloggers from “Reisekröten” include Albania among five peaceful holiday destinations and describe it as a “hidden gem” for visitors who want …
Albania women’s national team begins historic World Cup 2027 play-off against Wales
The Albanian women’s national football team starts a historic journey in the play-off stage of the FIFA Women’s World Cup Brazil 2027 after UEFA’s draw placed Wales as its first-round opponent. The red-and-black team will open the campaign in front of Albanian supporters on October 9, when it hosts Wales …
Faces of Protest: Meet the Albanians Taking to Tirana’s Streets
Prime Minister Edi Rama claims the daily protests shaking Tirana are misguided or manipulated from outside. BIRN spoke with some of the most dedicated protesters to find out more about their hopes for environmental and democratic changes. Original post Here
Saudi Ambassador Meets Head of Albania–Saudi Parliamentary Friendship Group
Tirana Times, July 6,2026 – Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Albania, H.E. Turki bin Ibrahim Al-Madi, received Albanian MP Baldi Çomo, Chairman of the Albania–Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group, and Eriol Mile for talks focused on strengthening bilateral cooperation. According to the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Tirana, the …
Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and OSCE Strengthen Cooperation to Promote Equality
The Commissioner for Protection from Discrimination and the OSCE Presence in Albania agreed to strengthen their institutional cooperation during a meeting between Commissioner Genta Tafa (Bungo) and OSCE Ambassador Michel Tarran. The two sides discussed joint initiatives to prevent and address hate speech while promoting equality, respect, and non-discrimination. They …
Albania Launches New Public Administration Reforms to Advance EU Integration
Albania has unveiled a new package of initiatives aimed at modernizing its public administration and strengthening its preparedness for European Union membership. During Public Administration Week, Minister of State for Public Administration Adea Pirdeni emphasized that the government will prioritize investment in human capital, improve institutional performance, and align Albania’s …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
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 …
TIRANA, July 24 – Acting President of Kosova Albulena Haxhiu has decided that the constitutive session of the new parliament elected after the June elections will take place on August 6 at 10:00. Haxhiu said parliamentary parties have a political and institutional obligation to continue dialogue until then. She said …