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The elections in Himara, Vangjel Tavo is declared the winner

Central Election Commission has reacted after the completion of the counting of votes for the partial elections for Mayor of Himar Municipality.  CEC underlines that the vote counting process was smooth and that everything was monitored by the CEC technical staff. Preliminary results for the 36 voting centers: The candidate …

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Leonard Duka left in prison by GJKKO

GJKKO left in prison Leonard Duka. Known as one of the characters of the underworld, Leonard Duka was extradited from Belgium to Albania on Friday. It is learned that in the session held behind closed doors, the Duke refused to give any explanation. The head of the clan is accused …

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Begaj welcomes the new US chargé d’affaires in Tirana

Not even a week has passed since David Wisner’s departure from the mission in Tirana, the next US envoy arrives in the capital, who will be charged with work at the US embassy. She is Nancy Van Horn, a career diplomat who joined the US Foreign Service in 2007. This …

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Albanian Electoral ‘Reform’ Deal Reinforces Main Political Party Chiefs’ Dominance

A deal backed by the ruling party and its main opposition rival to change the electoral code will bolster the two main party leaders’ decades-long stranglehold over Albanian politics, experts warn. Original post Here

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Baykar Bayraktar, successfully performed the night flight

For the first time, “Bayraktar” drones have conducted night flights. This type of training aims to train pilots in more difficult conditions, to give operators the opportunity to master the UAV system of these aircraft as well as possible. This training equips pilots with the skills and knowledge needed to …

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Gunshots in Shkoder

Gunshots were recorded in the early hours of the morning in Shkodër. According to police sources, around 03.00 am, a person shot in the air in the area of ​​Prek Cali in the Rus neighborhood. Fortunately, there were no injuries, while the police, after the notification and investigations, escorted the …

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Arms trafficking to Great Britain, three arrested

The Special Court has set the security measure “arrest in prison” for the 3 people arrested for arms trafficking to Great Britain. In Friday’s session, the court left Abdulla Hoxhaj, Bojken Turtulli and Rifat Avdiaj in prison until the end of the investigation. During the session, they did not give …

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Leonard Duka, accused for a murder in Albania extradites from Belgium

Leonard Duka, suspected as the perpetrator of the murder of Santiago Malko, was extradited this Friday by Belgium. The Special Court against Corruption (SPAK) required his extradition since last May when he was arrested un Belgium. Duka required asylum in Belgium, but he was arrested after the exchange of information …

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Rama: Tourists, increase by 150 percent

Prime Minister Edi Rama says that free coastline will be guaranteed for vacationers regardless of whether the beaches are private or not. Regarding the tourist season, the head of the government said that there was a 150 percent increase in new tourists compared to years. “About 150 percent is the …

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Two arrested in Fier for selling narcotics

Two wanted persons were arrested this Friday in Fier. It is about citizens Adis Caka, 22 years old, this citizen was sentenced by the Court of Appeal of Tirana General Jurisdiction, with 6 years of imprisonment (of which he has 1 year, 11 months and 23 days left to serve), …

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Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games: Albania sends record 72-athlete delegation

TIRANA, August 21 – The Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games open today in Italy, with Albania represented by 72 athletes. The delegation is the largest in Albania’s history at the Mediterranean Games. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja congratulated the Albanian athletes as the competition began. The delegation includes …

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Medicinal and aromatic plants offer growing potential for Albanian agriculture

TIRANA, August 21 – The cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants is becoming an increasingly important sector for Albanian agriculture. It provides income for farmers and contributes to the country’s exports. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from fields in Devoll, where farmers have turned to medicinal plant cultivation in …

News
Return of emigrants increases border traffic, over 10,000 cross Kakavija border crossing with Greece in 24 hours

TIRANA, August 21 – Border traffic has increased at Kakavija border crossing with Greece as Albanian emigrants return, with more than 10,000 people and 3,000 vehicles processed over the past 24 hours. Border services processed 10,581 people at the Kakavija crossing. A total of 4,294 entered Albania, while 6,287 left …

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Over 824,000 visitors to cultural heritage sites, Gjirokastër Castle leads

TIRANA, August 21 – Albania’s cultural heritage institutions and sites recorded a significant rise in visitors during the first 7 months of 2026. A total of 824,340 domestic and foreign visitors visited the sites from January to July, marking an 80% increase from the same period in 2023. According to …

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10 active wildfires, 2 under monitoring as operations continue

TIRANA, August 21 – The Ministry of Defence reported 16 wildfires by 14:00. Ten remained active and two were under monitoring. The ministry said 240 military personnel, 3 firefighting vehicles, 4 helicopters and 2 Air Tractor aircraft supported the operations. In Gojan–Gjegjan, Puka, the situation remains calm and authorities report …

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Week in Review: Momentous Moves and Dubious Intentions

Big changes are afoot amid the heat of the summer holiday season. Our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories takes a deep dive into the motives and agendas driving these changes. Original post Here

News
Inspectorate and Financial Intelligence Agency strengthen anti-money laundering cooperation

TIRANA, August 21 – The General Inspectorate and the Financial Intelligence Agency have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation against money laundering and terrorist financing. General Inspector Dashnor Sula and Financial Intelligence Agency Director Ervin Koci signed the agreement. It aims to improve the detection and reporting of suspected illegal …

News
Conference League: Dinamo City draw 1-1 with Pafos, qualification remains open

TIRANA, August 21 – Dinamo City drew 1-1 with Pafos at Elbasan Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off. The result leaves the tie open ahead of the return match. Neither side scored in the first half. Pafos missed a penalty in the 36th minute before …

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National Maritime Museum to highlight Shkodër’s historic link with the lake

TIRANA, August 21 – The National Maritime Museum is taking shape at the entrance to Shkodër. The museum will tell the story of the city’s historic links with the lake, rivers and navigation. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the construction work on social media as the project adds …

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NATO: Any decision on reopening Ibër bridge must address all communities

TIRANA, August 21 – NATO says any decision to reopen the main bridge over the Ibër River to vehicle traffic must address the needs of all local communities. A NATO official told Radio Free Europe that KFOR continues to provide security support for European Union diplomatic efforts. The official said …

News

Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games: Albania sends record 72-athlete delegation

TIRANA, August 21 – The Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games open today in Italy, with Albania represented by 72 athletes. The delegation is the largest in Albania’s history at the Mediterranean Games. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja congratulated the Albanian athletes as the competition began. The delegation includes …

News

Medicinal and aromatic plants offer growing potential for Albanian agriculture

TIRANA, August 21 – The cultivation of medicinal and aromatic plants is becoming an increasingly important sector for Albanian agriculture. It provides income for farmers and contributes to the country’s exports. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from fields in Devoll, where farmers have turned to medicinal plant cultivation in …

News

Return of emigrants increases border traffic, over 10,000 cross Kakavija border crossing with Greece in 24 hours

TIRANA, August 21 – Border traffic has increased at Kakavija border crossing with Greece as Albanian emigrants return, with more than 10,000 people and 3,000 vehicles processed over the past 24 hours. Border services processed 10,581 people at the Kakavija crossing. A total of 4,294 entered Albania, while 6,287 left …

News

Over 824,000 visitors to cultural heritage sites, Gjirokastër Castle leads

TIRANA, August 21 – Albania’s cultural heritage institutions and sites recorded a significant rise in visitors during the first 7 months of 2026. A total of 824,340 domestic and foreign visitors visited the sites from January to July, marking an 80% increase from the same period in 2023. According to …

News

10 active wildfires, 2 under monitoring as operations continue

TIRANA, August 21 – The Ministry of Defence reported 16 wildfires by 14:00. Ten remained active and two were under monitoring. The ministry said 240 military personnel, 3 firefighting vehicles, 4 helicopters and 2 Air Tractor aircraft supported the operations. In Gojan–Gjegjan, Puka, the situation remains calm and authorities report …

News

Week in Review: Momentous Moves and Dubious Intentions

Big changes are afoot amid the heat of the summer holiday season. Our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories takes a deep dive into the motives and agendas driving these changes. Original post Here

News

Inspectorate and Financial Intelligence Agency strengthen anti-money laundering cooperation

TIRANA, August 21 – The General Inspectorate and the Financial Intelligence Agency have signed an agreement to strengthen cooperation against money laundering and terrorist financing. General Inspector Dashnor Sula and Financial Intelligence Agency Director Ervin Koci signed the agreement. It aims to improve the detection and reporting of suspected illegal …

News

Conference League: Dinamo City draw 1-1 with Pafos, qualification remains open

TIRANA, August 21 – Dinamo City drew 1-1 with Pafos at Elbasan Arena in the first leg of the UEFA Conference League play-off. The result leaves the tie open ahead of the return match. Neither side scored in the first half. Pafos missed a penalty in the 36th minute before …

News

National Maritime Museum to highlight Shkodër’s historic link with the lake

TIRANA, August 21 – The National Maritime Museum is taking shape at the entrance to Shkodër. The museum will tell the story of the city’s historic links with the lake, rivers and navigation. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the construction work on social media as the project adds …

News

NATO: Any decision on reopening Ibër bridge must address all communities

TIRANA, August 21 – NATO says any decision to reopen the main bridge over the Ibër River to vehicle traffic must address the needs of all local communities. A NATO official told Radio Free Europe that KFOR continues to provide security support for European Union diplomatic efforts. The official said …