Saranda sees rising tourist arrivals as visitors embrace Albanian cuisine
TIRANA, July 2 – Saranda has entered the summer season with a higher number of visitors than during the same period last year, according to local tourism businesses. Operators said tourist arrivals have increased steadily from month to month, boosting activity across the hospitality and services sectors. Meanwhile, businesses said …
Administrative reform, essential step for EU integration, draft law aims to strengthen autonomy of agencies
TIRANA, July 2 – Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni presented a draft law on the organisation and functioning of the state administration, calling it a key milestone in public sector reform and Albania’s EU integration process. Pirdeni described the initiative as the result of two …
PM Rama: 50 Million Euro Sovereign Guarantee for Businesses, Double Funding for Youth Startups
TIRANA, July 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said the government has expanded the sovereign guarantee scheme to 50 million euros, aiming to support small and medium-sized enterprises that want to scale up their operations. Speaking during a discussion with pensioners, Rama stressed that the programme targets small and medium …
EU Growth Plan: Albania leads Western Balkans as reform reporting enters new phase
TIRANA, July 2 – Western Balkan countries have until July 15 to submit progress reports under the European Union’s Growth Plan after the fourth reporting period ended on June 30. The European Commission will review the reports before approving payments. Commission spokesperson Guillaume Mercier said the Reform and Growth Facility …
July tourist surge lifts Shkodër and Albanian Alps alongside coast
TIRANA, July 2 – July has opened with a strong influx of visitors across Shkodra County, where tourist activity now extends well beyond Velipoja’s beaches to the city and the Albanian Alps. Travellers from across Europe continue to choose Albania for their summer holidays, turning Shkodra into a key stop …
Deadly Addiction: Albania Needs Liberating From the Flow of Drug Money
The constant flow of laundered drug money into Albania through organised crime has enriched a tiny minority at the cost of distorting politics and impoverishing the rest of the population. Original post Here
PM Rama: EU membership process must stay on track, pensioners to receive oil revenue bonus
TIRANA, July 2 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said any political instability could halt Albania’s European Union accession process and warned that restarting it could take considerable time. Speaking during a meeting with pensioners, Rama said Albania has reached the final stage of its path toward EU membership. He stressed …
National Emergency adds 13 new ambulances, Health minister Sala: They function as “mini intensive care units”
TIRANA, July 2 – Albania’s National Emergency Service has added 13 new ambulances to its fleet, aiming to strengthen emergency response and lifesaving care across the country. During the inauguration ceremony, Health and Social Protection Minister Evis Sala said timely first aid remains the most important factor in saving patients’ …
XXI Chamber Fest Opens in Durrës with Artists from Eight Countries
The XXI edition of Chamber Fest Durrës 2026 has opened in the coastal city of Durrës. The international chamber music festival brings together artists from Albania, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Italy, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and the United States. The opening night took place at the National Archaeological Museum. The “Arola” quartet …
Chief Inspector: Environmental protection tops inspection priorities
TIRANA, July 2 – Chief Inspector Dashnor Sula described Berat County as one of Albania’s most important tourist destinations, highlighting its strategic role in both the summer season and year-round tourism. Speaking to reporters before a training session for inspectors in Berat, Sula said the General Inspectorate will focus on …
Accidents involving out-of-control jet skis in Albania are on the rise – and fines and police crackdowns don’t seem to be deterring reckless operators. Original post Here
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi praised Türkiye’s Military Attaché to Albania, Colonel Tolga Kip, for his contribution to strengthening relations between the Albanian and Turkish Armed Forces. At the end of his mandate in Albania, Colonel Kip received a Certificate of Appreciation for his efforts in expanding defence and security cooperation …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja welcomed the delegations and artistic groups taking part in the sixth International Folk Festival Tirana, “Days of Celebration in Tirana,” after three nights of music, dance and cultural performances. Gonxhja praised the artists for their contribution and highlighted folklore’s role in bringing cultures …
The International Air Beat Festival – Lulu Fest filled the city of Korça with music and performances for two consecutive nights, bringing together more than 200 musicians from Albania, Italy, Montenegro, Kosovo and North Macedonia. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the festival on social media. He said the …
Italian media outlet Quotidian Post.it has ranked Albania among Europe’s top 10 destinations for affordable summer holidays in 2026. Travel experts selected the destinations for their combination of natural beauty, quality experiences and reasonable prices. The report says travelers can still enjoy memorable holidays on a limited budget by choosing …
More than 34,000 domestic and international tourists visited the protected areas of Kukës during the first half of 2026, exploring alpine landscapes, mountain trails, biodiversity and natural attractions. The protected areas offer visitors a unique experience through forests, lakes, natural springs and cultural heritage sites, combining adventure with nature exploration. …
Agrotourism is becoming an important driver of economic and social development in Albania’s rural areas, creating jobs and strengthening local economies. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the “N’Kanu” agrotourism centre in Perlat, Mirditë, describing it as an example of returning migrants investing in their hometowns and promoting rural …
Seman Beach, located 18 kilometres from Fier, is attracting visitors with its wide coastline, fine therapeutic sand and warm waters. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the popular summer destination on social media, highlighting its appeal among holidaymakers. In recent years, Seman and Darzezë beaches have become increasingly popular …
President Begaj praised the forum as a valuable platform that strengthens interfaith dialogue and promotes peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation across Europe. He said Albania stands as a model of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and hospitality. He added that these values define the country’s identity and encouraged the delegates to …
*]: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:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today. In a video message, Rama said the global index places Albania 46th among 177 countries. He added that the country has achieved …