Gjon Mili Jazz & Blues Festival celebrates its fifth edition in Tirana
The fifth edition of the Gjon Mili Jazz & Blues Festival brought international jazz performances to the “Mirush Kabashi” open-air theatre near Tirana’s Artificial Lake. The festival welcomed artists from Italy, Austria, Germany, Greece, Poland and Bosnia and Herzegovina, alongside some of Albania’s most renowned jazz musicians. The evening opened …
BIRN Report Warns Digital Repression is Worsening Across Western Balkans, Turkey
New digital rights monitoring report published by BIRN reveals an increasingly hostile digital landscape – especially for journalists and civil society – across the Western Balkans and Turkey. Original post Here
PM Rama meets Erdogan at Presidential Palace in Ankara
TIRANA, July 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met on Thursday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace, Cumhurbaskanlıgı Kulliyesi, in Ankara. Rama shared images from the meeting on social media. He described Erdogan as a valued friend and said the talks followed the NATO Summit and …
President Begaj in southern Serbia Presheva Valley: Protecting Albanian language and culture reflects European values
TIRANA, July 9 – President Bajram Begaj visited the Presheva Valley in southern Serbia on Thursday, where he met local representatives and residents in Presheva and Bujanoc. During his meetings with Presheva Mayor Ardita Sinani, Bujanoc Mayor Arbër Pajaziti, Albanian National Council Chairman Enkel Rexhepi and Albanian MP in Serbia’s …
Household survey of 4,558 families to guide future social policies
TIRANA, July 9 – The Institute of Statistics of Albania, in cooperation with line ministries and partners, reviewed the preliminary results of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey and discussed the preparation of the final report. The meeting marked an important stage in transforming collected data into analysis and recommendations for …
New direct flight connects Tirana and Zurich with Chair Airlines
TIRANA, July 9 – Tirana International Airport welcomed the inaugural flight of Chair Airlines, marking the launch of a new direct route between Tirana and Zurich. The new service expands the airport’s destination network and offers passengers more travel options between Albania and Switzerland. Chair Airlines will operate the route …
Kurti invites opposition leaders for talks on forming Kosovo’s new institutions
Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has launched political consultations following the certification of the election results. On Thursday morning, Kurti sent invitations for meetings to the leaders of the three parliamentary opposition parties — the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), and the Alliance …
Police Chief: Over 10,000 suspicious accounts under review over negative reviews targeting tourism businesses
Albanian State Police Director General Skënder Hita said police are investigating a suspected coordinated cyber campaign aimed at damaging the online reputation of tourism businesses across Albania. Speaking at a press conference, Hita said authorities have identified a surge of negative reviews and ratings targeting hotels, restaurants and other tourism-related …
Weather forecast: Mostly clear skies, local mountain showers expected
TIRANA, July 9 – Albania will experience mostly stable atmospheric conditions on Thursday, according to the weather forecast. Clear skies will dominate most of the day. However, clouds will develop around midday and in the afternoon, mainly over mountainous areas. In these regions, clouds may bring local light rain showers. …
“Diario ABC”: From a hidden gem to a famous destination — social media drives Albania’s tourism boom
Spanish newspaper “Diario ABC” highlights how social media platforms have helped drive Albania’s tourism boom by turning its landscapes and attractions into globally recognised destinations. Tourism institutions and businesses now use viral content on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to attract visitors. Videos, stunning photographs and influencer recommendations can …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 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 …
Pogradec commemorated the 114th anniversary of the Albanian flag raising at Guri i Kamjes, a historic event for the regions of Gorë, Mokër and Opar. On July 28, 1912, Kapedan Kajo Babeni led hundreds of fighters from Mokër and Opar in their fight against Ottoman rule. Shahin Matraku and other …