Monday Briefing from the Balkans: May 25, 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
Protect Nature, EU interactive contest promotes Albania’s biodiversity
TIRANA May 25 – The Delegation of the European Union in Albania has launched the “Protect Nature” contest. The initiative promotes biodiversity and environmental protection through an interactive experience in several Albanian cities. The campaign covers Tirana, Shkodër, Durrës, and Vlora. It uses green stickers placed in public areas. Each …
Vatican honors Albanian ambassador Majlinda Frangaj for contribution to bilateral relations
TIRANA, May 25 – The Vatican has awarded Albanian ambassador to the Holy See Majlinda Frangaj the title “Dame Grand Cross of the Piano Order”, one of the highest civil decorations of the Holy See. The Piano Order was founded by Pope Pius IX. It is considered one of the …
Rama: Bënja Baths to become a modern tourism destination in nature
Renovation works at Bënja Baths are continuing. The site is located about 14 kilometers from the city of Përmet. It lies in the Petran administrative unit, near the meeting point of the Vjosa River and the Lengarica stream. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the transformation will be completed soon. He …
Tirana hosts elite padel tournament, free entry at Skanderbeg Square from 26–30 May
TIRANA, May 25 – Tirana will become an international centre for elite padel sport. The city will host a major tournament from 26 to 30 May at Skanderbeg Square, with free entry for the public. Top international players will compete in the event. They will play for key ranking points …
Gjirokastër Castle continues to attract visitors, Gonxhja says
Gjirokastër Castle remains one of Albania’s most visited cultural heritage sites, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said today. He noted that the monument is enjoying another successful tourist season, with growing interest in cultural tourism in southern Albania. Gonxhja shared images from the site showing the castle …
Over 5,000 farmers apply for national support scheme, minister says
TIRANA, May 25 – Farmers across the country can apply from today for the National Support Scheme 2026. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development launched the programme with 12 support measures. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Andis Salla said farmers now have full access to apply and benefit from …
Ancient olive groves of Ndroq, Varosh Castle and warm hospitality near Tirana
Visitors travel to Ndroq and explore its ancient olive groves and rural trails. First, they follow walking paths through green hills and traditional village landscapes.Then, they pass through old orchards and stone terraces. As they move forward, they discover the olive groves of Ndroq. Locals cultivate these groves and maintain …
France awards soprano Ermonela Jaho with Knight of Arts and Letters title
TIRANA, May 25 – France has awarded Albanian soprano Ermonela Jaho the title “Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres” (Knight of Arts and Letters). France grants the distinction to individuals with outstanding contributions to the arts. Jaho reacted online after receiving the award. She said the title represents a great …
Shëngjin opens 2026 tourism season, Nufi says city is ready for more visitors
Shëngjin officially opened the summer tourism season last night with a series of activities. The event gathered residents of Lezhë and tourists from different countries. The opening ceremony, “Shëngjin 2026”, was attended by Minister of Defence Ermal Nufi, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla, and Lezhë Mayor Pjerin …
The jailed Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, accused Prime Minister Edi Rama had demanded his resignation as relation between two old political friends further deteriorate. Original post Here
Albania will see unsettled weather on Tuesday, with moderate to dense cloud cover and occasional clear spells. Temperatures will range from 4°C in Dibër to 19°C in Berat and Saranda, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Light, intermittent rain and brief thunderstorms are expected across most of the country from …
A new online platform called Save Youth aims to simplify reports of bullying, harassment and violence in schools. Students conceived the initiative. The Agency for Innovation developed the platform, with the Centre for the Prevention of Juvenile and Youth Crime acting as intermediary. The platform was presented at Sevasti Qiriazi …
American travel outlet Travelbinger, in an article by Marco Kopinke, outlines how visitors can explore Albania on a limited budget without sacrificing comfort. The guide examines whether travellers can manage a 10-day stay on approximately $28 per day. The article covers accommodation, food, transport and sightseeing costs. It recommends shared …
Albania recorded nearly 32 million cyberattack attempts against its digital infrastructure during the first nine months of 2026. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said the average reached 81 attempts per minute at the National Cybersecurity Conference. She stressed that cybersecurity protects public services, state operations and citizens’ trust. Koçiu also …
Dinamo and Vora shared the points after a 2-2 draw in the 10th round of Albania’s Abissnet Superiore championship. The decisive goal came in the final seconds of the match. Vora, playing at home under coach Arian Bellai, took the lead in the 13th minute through Brajan Gjyla. However, Dinamo …
Four NATO warships arrived at the port of Vlora on November 2 for joint activities with the Albanian Naval Force. The group includes two German ships, one Italian ship and one Spanish ship. The vessels will remain in the Bay of Vlora until November 6. Their programme includes port visits …
European Union Deputy Ambassador to Albania Andre Rico reaffirmed the bloc’s support for strengthening the country’s cybersecurity framework. Speaking at the 2026 National Cybersecurity Conference, he described cyber protection as essential to national security, economic security and stability. Rico warned that cyber threats against the European Union and its member …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama is due to meet NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte today at the alliance’s headquarters in Brussels. NATO confirmed the meeting in its official schedule. The two officials have met several times before to discuss Albania’s cooperation with NATO, security in the Western Balkans and the …
Albanian Assembly Speaker Niko Peleshi met Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis in Prague at the end of his official visit to the Czech Republic. Their talks focused on bilateral relations and Albania’s European Union accession process. Peleshi welcomed Czech support for Albania’s membership bid and for EU enlargement in the …