Week in Review: A Fighting Spirit
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 Rises 16%, Exports Cover Only 15% of Imports
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 …
Speaker Peleshi: Parliament approved 131 laws during current term
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 …
Albania presents ‘eArkiva’ digital document management platform
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 …
PM Rama: Protesters reflect new expectations for government standards
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 …
Opera “Rozafa” Makes World Premiere at Albania’s National Opera and Ballet Theatre
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 …
Finance Ministry says debt risk indicators improved in first half of 2026
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 …
Enkelana Marathon Returns to Pogradec
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, …
PM Rama discusses reforms, public expectations and protected areas law
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 …
Constitutive session of Kosova parliament set for August 6
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 …
Papers highlight Albania’s transformation since 1990s – with population growth limited to a few urban centres and most municipalities housing shrinking, elderly communities. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania has digitized its visa application process through the e-Visa system. The system allows foreign nationals who need a visa to apply and track their applications online. Besmir Meta, an IT specialist at the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, said the National Agency of Information …
TIRANA, August 14 – Banks lowered interest rates on several major lending segments during the second quarter of the year. However, consumer loans and euro-denominated mortgages for individuals followed a different trend. Bank of Albania data show that the average rate on new ALL loans fell to 6.3%, from 6.5% …
TIRANA, August 14 – Startups supported through Albania’s grant scheme in 2024-2025 have increased their activity, employment, revenue and number of clients. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj shared data on the performance of the businesses after receiving grant funding. She said Startup Albania supports Albanian startups through the grant …
TIRANA, August 14 – Major foreign currencies recorded slight movements against the ALL, according to the Bank of Albania’s official exchange rate. The euro fell by 0.09 ALL from the previous day and trades at €1 = 92.92 ALL. Meanwhile, the British pound declined by 0.22 ALL and trades at …
TIRANA, August 14 – Albania has welcomed the signing of the Social Security Agreement between the two countries by Polish President Karol Nawrocki. The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs said the agreement marks an important step for Albanian citizens. It allows them to have their employment periods recognized and …
TIRANA, August 14 – Butrint hosted the first information session on the Community Grants Scheme, an initiative of the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF) and the Butrint Management Foundation (BMF). The scheme supports new initiatives and existing projects that aim to create a positive impact in the local community. Individuals, local …
TIRANA, August 14 – Mother Teresa made her first visit to Albania on August 14-17, 1989. The country still lived under communist rule, while her religious and humanitarian work made her a sensitive figure for the Albanian authorities. Officials classified the visit as private. Marie Goreti, an Albanian-born nun from …
TIRANA, August 14 – The road to Vlora offers more than access to the coast. It also gives visitors the chance to enjoy panoramic views along the journey. At the heights of Kanina, tourists can stop and admire Vlora and its bay. The viewpoint offers a wide panorama stretching from …
TIRANA, August 14 – Saranda has emerged as a positive example of public beach management during the current tourist season. The city has increased public access and introduced approved, balanced fees. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the number of public beach plots and stations has increased …