Mladić’s Death Exposes the Balkans’ Unfinished Reckoning With War Crimes
Thousands honor the convicted Bosnian Serb commander as reactions from Belgrade to Podgorica and Skopje reveal how deeply the wars of the 1990s still shape the region’s European future. Tirana Times, August 31, 2026 – PALE, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Candles burned and flares lit the Olympic Park as several thousand …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: August 31, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Jaupaj: Nature tourism is growing in Albania, bringing greater responsibility to protect protected areas
Nature tourism continues to grow in Albania as more visitors choose national parks and protected areas to explore the country’s natural heritage. In a video message shared on social media, Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj highlighted several natural destinations that visitors can explore at the weekend, including Divjakë-Karavasta National Park, Llogara …
Albania draws growing attention from international travel media
International media continue to highlight Albania as an emerging tourism destination. Recent articles focus on the country’s natural landscapes, coastline, cultural heritage, and lesser-known travel experiences. The Agency for Media and Information has shared several international articles published this week. Indonesian outlet “IDN Times” highlights the traditional streets and houses …
Ura e Vashës in Klos emerges as a top tourist destination
Ura e Vashës has become one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the Klos area. The historic bridge is attracting a growing number of Albanian and international visitors this summer. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the bridge on social media. He highlighted it as a popular destination …
Shkopet fires worsen as flames surround livestock farm
TIRANA, August 31 – The wildfire situation has worsened in the Shkopet area as flames spread rapidly through the villages of Trodhen and Lundra e Madhe in Mat and moved toward the Kurbin area. The fire is advancing toward the Skanderbeg mountain range, increasing the risk to homes, farmland and …
Shkodër’s Migjeni Theatre archive calls for digitization
TIRANA, August 31 – The archive of the Migjeni Theatre in Shkodër preserves an important part of the institution’s history. Photographs, documents, posters and other materials record its activities over the years and the artists who have performed on its stage. Archivist Astrit Fani said the archive needs better conditions …
Quartz: Durrës tops Europe’s list of most affordable coastal destinations
Durrës has topped a list of Europe’s best-value beach destinations, according to the US media outlet “Quartz”. The list brings together eight coastal destinations that offer travelers a combination of beaches, history, culture, gastronomy, and affordable prices. “Quartz” highlights destinations stretching from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean and from …
Hoxha: Albanian Alps offer a natural treasure that attracts more visitors
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha shared images of Tamara, Lepushë, and Vermosh on X. He highlighted the beauty of the Albanian Alps and their growing potential for mountain tourism. “Here, nature knows no limits, beauty becomes wealth, hospitality becomes law, and tradition becomes identity,” Hoxha wrote. He …
Chickpea bread in Korça, a centuries-old tradition
TIRANA, August 31 – Bakeries have been part of life in Korça for hundreds of years. Around 1850, the city had several bakeries in Varosh, Kasaba and the former Çarshia. They prepared bread as well as meat dishes, beans, tripe and other traditional foods. Historical documents show that Korça bakers …
Albania plans to deploy up to 40 Armed Forces personnel to the International Stabilization Force mission in Gaza, subject to approval of a draft law. Deputy Defence Minister Enkelejd Joti presented the draft legislation to the Committee on Economy, Employment and Finance. Joti said the mission aims to support security …
The National Business Center hosted an InfoCamere delegation in Tirana as the two institutions continued cooperation on digital systems and services for businesses. InfoCamere provides information technology services for the Italian Chambers of Commerce. The meeting followed an April visit by the National Business Center team to Padua. The team …
The Kosova Specialist Chambers in The Hague is expected to deliver its first-instance verdict on September 16 in the trial of former Kosova Liberation Army leaders Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. The four defendants face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, which they have …
Prime Minister Edi Rama is in Naples, Italy, following the inauguration of Albania’s Honorary Consulate there on September 14. On September 15, he visited the Albanian Language Department at the University of Naples L’Orientale. The university is one of the historic centers of Albanian studies. Its Albanian language chair, established …
Albania marks 60 years since the founding of the Institute of Arts in Tirana. The institution opened on September 15, 1966, bringing together three major arts schools of the time. The new institution merged the State Conservatory of Tirana, the School of Fine Arts and the Aleksandër Moisiu Higher School …
Bledi Çomo, chairman of the Albania-Saudi Arabia Parliamentary Friendship Group, expressed Albania’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia over attacks and threats affecting the country’s security, population and civilian facilities. Çomo said the threats extend beyond the security of a single state. They also affect regional stability, freedom of navigation and the …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the “Albania Dashboard” digital platform will introduce a new way of working across Albania’s public administration. She said the system will put citizens at the center and provide better services without delays or bureaucracy. Koçiu said every citizen request will have an assigned official …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said economic growth has increased financial support for citizens. He referred to state budget figures for the first 7 months of the year. During this period, the government spent ALL 841 million more than a year earlier on economic assistance, people with disabilities and their caregivers. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the transformed Koman road, on social media today. The road connects the Vau i Dejës and Koman hydroelectric power plants. Rama highlights its setting in the spectacular landscape of northern Albania. The reconstruction began in February last year. The project received around ALL …
A small but valuable photo collection has joined the Albanian Telegraphic Agency’s (ATA) archives. The collection brings back images of Tirana in February 1991, during one of the most turbulent periods of Albania’s transition from communist rule. Photographer Petrit Kozeli took the images while working in Tirana. The original photographs …