Channel 4 interview: PM Rama says Zvërnec investment will focus on regeneration and environmental review
TIRANA, July 29 – British broadcaster Channel 4 interviewed Prime Minister Edi Rama about the proposed investment in Zvërnec, focusing on environmental concerns and the project’s current status. Rama told Channel 4 that authorities have not approved a final project for Zvërnec. He also said Sazan Island is not part …
Gonxhja: June Tourism Growth Slowed Sharply After Strong Start to the Year
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania recorded strong tourism growth during the first months of 2026, but growth slowed significantly in June. In a television interview, Gonxhja said tourist arrivals increased by 16% in May compared with the same month last year. The first five months of …
“Travel Off Path”: Albania emerges as an affordable and authentic European destination
TIRANA, July 29 – The travel magazine “Travel Off Path” highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for visitors seeking spectacular nature, safety and authentic experiences at affordable prices. In an article by Tyler Fox, the magazine presents Albania as an alternative to more expensive and crowded European …
Summer Evenings Light Up Velipoja
Velipoja continues to welcome visitors throughout the summer season, offering long sandy beaches, a lively atmosphere, and relaxing seaside holidays. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Velipoja on social media, showcasing the vibrant evening atmosphere as lights, restaurants, and seaside promenades fill with holidaymakers. Stretching for more than 14 …
Wednesday brings clear skies and high temperatures
TIRANA, July 29 – The Military Meteorological Service reported that Albania will experience relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. Cloud cover will continue to decrease compared with the previous weekend. The weather will remain mostly clear, with limited and temporary clouds during midday hours. The clouds will mainly appear over …
Artan Pogoni passes away at the age of 54
TIRANA, July 29 – Artan Pogoni passed away on Wednesday at the age of 54 after suffering cardiac arrest while on holiday in the city of Vlora. Pogoni was one of Albania’s most recognised volleyball figures. He won national titles both as a player and as a coach. He also …
Kosova officials visit suspected mass grave site in Zubin Potok
TIRANA, July 29 – Kosova Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla, Kosova Intelligence Agency (KIA) Director Petrit Ajeti and Minister of Local Government Administration Elbert Krasniqi visited Kalludër e Vogël village in Zubin Potok on Tuesday. The officials inspected the site where authorities continue excavations after locating a suspected mass grave. Investigators …
Gonxhja: Territorial Reform Should Strengthen Municipalities
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja called for stronger municipalities and improved local governance, stressing that effective local administration is essential for tourism development. In a television interview, Gonxhja said tourism depends heavily on how well municipalities manage public services and local infrastructure. “Tourism is directly affected by the …
Vengu: US Loan Agreement Secures $302 Million for a Stronger Albanian Defence
Former Defence Minister and Socialist Party MP Pirro Vengu said the loan agreement with the United States marks the largest defence financing package in Albania’s history. The agreement will finance the purchase of US-made military systems, equipment and weapons. Speaking in a television interview, Vengu said the agreement provides $302 …
Italy’s EUSAIR Presidency Focuses on Western Balkans’ EU Integration
Italy launched its 2026–2027 Presidency of the European Union Strategy for the Adriatic and Ionian Region (EUSAIR) with a focus on strengthening regional cooperation and advancing the European integration of the Western Balkans. During the opening meeting in Rome, participants highlighted the strategic importance of the Adriatic-Ionian region in addressing …
Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti met today with Antero Lopes, the new head of the European Union Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX). Kurti congratulated Lopes on his new position and wished him success during his mandate. The two officials discussed EULEX’s continued monitoring of Kosovo’s justice institutions and …
TIRANA, August 19 – British media outlet Wales Online reports that Albania is experiencing a surge in tourist demand as travelers seek more affordable alternatives to expensive Mediterranean destinations. Holiday bookings for Albania have risen by 293% compared with last year, according to Thomas Cook. Nicholas Smith, director of dynamic …
TIRANA, August 19 – Albania has 6 wildfire hotspots, with 4 still active and 2 under monitoring, the Ministry of Defence said in an update at 14:00. Authorities have deployed 126 local operational personnel. The Armed Forces are supporting the response with 90 personnel and 2 Air Force helicopters. On …
Albania is among 10 European countries that are not required to apply the new Entry/Exit System (EES) during the 2026 holiday season, British newspaper The Independent reports. Travel across Europe may become more complicated this year as the new biometric border system expands. The EES requires travelers to provide biometric …
Berat police have introduced measures to protect public safety during the Mount Tomorr pilgrimage, which runs from August 18 to 25, 2026. The measures aim to prevent road accidents, ease traffic and maintain public order. Police have deployed additional officers along roads leading to Mount Tomorr and around the Kulmak …
Five people suffered injuries today after two boats collided on Lake Koman, Shkodra Police reported. Police said the accident happened at around 3:15 p.m. The two boats reportedly collided accidentally. The five injured people remain out of danger. Other passengers on the boats escaped injury. Other boats helped bring the …
Acting President of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu met today with British Ambassador to Kosovo Jonathan Hargreaves at her office. According to the Presidency, Haxhiu and Hargreaves discussed recent political developments and the country’s institutional situation. They also discussed the need for political dialogue and efforts to overcome the current institutional deadlock, …
British DJ and producer duo CamelPhat will perform in Albania for the first time on August 21 in Dhërmi. Dave Whelan and Mike Di Scala rank among the biggest names in international electronic music. Prime Minister Edi Rama also announced their arrival on social media. The duo gained international recognition …
TIRANA, August 19 – Albania’s Under-21 national football team will compete at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, which RTSH will broadcast. Albania Under-21 head coach Alban Bushi has announced the squad for the tournament. He said the team wants to show the character, personality and mentality of Albanian football. Albania …
TIRANA, August 19 – Cultural and religious heritage sites have attracted strong interest from domestic and foreign tourists in Gjirokastër County this year. Churches, mosques, cultural monuments and historical sites have featured prominently in tourist itineraries. As a result, cultural and religious tourism has become one of the area’s main …