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 …
TIRANA, June 8 – Albania launched the EU4FoodSafety project in Tirana on World Food Safety Day. The initiative aims to strengthen the food safety system and align it further with European standards. The Albanian government supports the project. The European Union and the German government finance it. It focuses on …
TIRANA, June 8 – Consumer prices in Albania continued to rise in May, pushing annual inflation to 3%, up from 2.2% a year earlier, according to data published by INSTAT. Meanwhile, the statistical institute said the increase over the past two months mainly reflects higher fuel prices. It linked the …
TIRANA, June 8 – A traditional stone coffee preparation ritual has become an attraction for tourists visiting Gjirokastër, where visitors now experience a local hospitality practice in the city’s historic bazaar. Artisan Lubjana Baho has set up a hospitality corner in one of the cobbled streets. Meanwhile, she introduces visitors …
TIRANA, June 8 – The EU4FoodSafety project will strengthen and modernise Albania’s food control systems, Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday, describing the initiative as an important step toward aligning national standards with those of the European Union. The project, which the European Union and Germany support, will increase …
The Wom presents Gjipe Beach as one of the most spectacular natural sites in Albania. It highlights a dramatic canyon that opens directly onto a white-pebble beach and creates a strong contrast with the turquoise waters of the Ionian Sea. Furthermore, the beach sits between Dhërmi and Himarë in southern …
TIRANA, June 8 – Albania established the State Central Archive on June 8, 1949, creating a key institution for preserving national memory. The government issued the founding decree on that date, and the institution initially operated under the Institute of Sciences in Tirana. Meanwhile, officials prepared internal regulations, which helped …
TIRANA, June 8 – Albin Kurti, the candidate for prime minister of the Self-Determination Movement, said on June 7 that he was ready to cooperate with other political parties after claiming victory in Kosova’s elections. Speaking to supporters at Prishtina’s “Skanderbeg” Square, Kurti called for the swift formation of a …
The choir of the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Popular Ensemble (TKOBAP) represented Albanian culture in Italy. It performed at the 36th edition of the Savigliano Choral Festival, alongside well-known choirs from Rome, Milan, and Turin. Furthermore, the Albanian choir presented a selection of Albanian musical works. It showcased …
TIRANA, June 8 – The Central Election Commission of Kosova said it completed the count of all ballot boxes in the parliamentary elections. Meanwhile, it reported that the Self-Determination Movement won 42.91% of votes, or 299,152 ballots. The Democratic Party of Kosova followed with 21.12%, or 174,220 votes. The Democratic …
TIRANA, June 8 – Librazhd opened a multifunctional centre for persons with disabilities, offering integrated care and support services for people with special needs and their families. Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala and Librazhd Mayor Mariglen Disha inspected the facility. They met staff, children with disabilities and their …