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Jaupaj: Regional Forestry Initiative with North Macedonia Brings $50 Million Investment

Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj met today with Dame Dimitrovski, adviser to the Prime Minister of North Macedonia, and Raimund Jehle during the regional conference United for Climate. During the meeting, Jaupaj discussed a regional forestry initiative supported by the Green Climate Fund and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Furthermore, …

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“Flagship” Band Performs in Tirana, VanHorn Honors 250 Years of American Independence

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Nancy VanHorn attended the “Battle of the Bands” concert in Tirana featuring the Flagship and the Orchestra of the Albanian Armed Forces. During her opening remarks, VanHorn said the event celebrated “Freedom 250,” a global initiative launched by Donald Trump to honor 250 years of American independence, …

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Ura e Kamarës: A Medieval Monument Near Mirakë

Ura e Kamarës is a historic medieval bridge located near the village of Mirakë, along the Elbasan–Librazhd national road. To reach it, visitors follow the old Egnatia Road and pass through a narrow village path. Then they arrive at the bridge site. The bridge measures about 40 meters in length …

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Opposition protest held in central Tirana

TIRANA, May 8 – An opposition protest took place in central Tirana on Friday evening, gathering supporters along “Dëshmorët e Kombit” boulevard in front of the Prime Minister’s Office. The demonstra ion started at around 19:30 and formed part of a series of opposition rallies against the government. Unlike previous …

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Week in Review: Turning Points and Endless Loops

While some events covered in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week suggest that possible changes are afoot, other parts of the region seem stuck in the same rut. Original post Here

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Himara Triathlon Links Sport and Tourism on the Albanian Riviera

Himara Triathlon will take place on May 10 in the coastal town of Himarë, bringing together professional and amateur athletes. The event combines three disciplines: swimming, cycling, and running. It promotes both competitive sport and active lifestyles. The race will start at Potam Beach with the swimming stage. It will …

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Mesi Bridge in Shkodër, a preferred destination for local and foreign tourists

TIRANA, May 8 – Mesi Bridge attracts daily visitors from Albania and abroad. Tourists admire its history, architecture, and cultural heritage value. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos from the site in Shkodër and described it as a restored pearl of cultural heritage. The bridge lies about 8 kilometres from …

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EU Ambassador Gonzato: Better services and infrastructure at core of “EU4Municipalities II”

TIRANA, May 8 – EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato attended today the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” project in Durrës. He described the initiative as a concrete programme that brings direct benefits at local level and places citizens at the centre of Albania’s EU integration process. Referring to …

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PM Rama: “EU4Municipalities II” a strategic EU investment in local governance modernisation

TIRANA, May 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended today in Durrës the official launch of the “EU4Municipalities II” programme. The initiative aims to strengthen local government and support Albania’s path toward the European Union. The programme will support municipalities through concrete investments. It also aims to strengthen institutional capacities …

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Kosova elections on 7 June; deadline closes at CEC, 22 parties in race and three coalitions registered

TIRANA, May 8 – The deadline for political parties in Kosova to notify the Central Election Commission (CEC) on participation or non-participation in elections and coalition formation closed at midnight. The obligation applied to 53 political parties registered in Kosova. The CEC said it received notifications from 22 parties for …

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Albania’s 2027 Fiscal Package Sparks Backlash Over Higher Taxes and Investment Risks

The American Chamber of Commerce warns of risks to foreign investment as the government’s 2027 fiscal package faces growing opposition from businesses, lawmakers and economists. by Sidonja Manushi TIRANA, Albania – Albania’s government has unveiled a controversial 2027 fiscal package, proposing significant changes to value-added tax, dividend taxation, personal income …

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Migjeni, the Albanian writer who challenged social injustice through literature

Migjeni remains one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Albanian literature. Through his poetry and prose, he challenged social injustice, exposed poverty and gave a voice to people living on the margins of society. Born Millosh Gjergj Nikolla in Shkodër on October 13, 1911, he adopted the pen name …

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Religious communities unite to address climate change and environmental protection

Religious leaders, local officials and civil society representatives met in Elbasan to discuss environmental protection and climate change. They called for stronger cooperation between faith communities, public institutions and schools. The meeting took place at the Elbasan Prefecture during Democracy Week. The Woman Center for Development and Culture Albania launched …

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International art colony celebrates Albanian painter Vangjush Mio

Korçë has welcomed Albanian and international artists for the 16th edition of the “Days of Mio” International Art Symposium, dedicated to renowned Albanian painter Vangjush Mio. The event opened on October 28 at the Vangjush Mio House Museum. It brings artists together to share ideas, exchange experiences and explore the …

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Albania inspects Kanina Castle as conservation work continues

Albania’s National Institute of Cultural Heritage has inspected Kanina Castle to assess the condition of its historic structures and review conservation work completed so far. During the inspection, specialists examined the fortress and focused on protecting its architectural features and historical authenticity. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja stressed …

News
Former diplomat Bashkim Zeneli passes away

Former Albanian diplomat, politician and publicist Bashkim Zeneli has passed away. Assembly Speaker Niko Peleshi paid tribute to Zeneli, extending condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He described him as an early intellectual figure in the Socialist Party who devoted much of his life to public service. Peleshi also …

News
Spille wind farm set to begin construction, with operations planned for 2028

Albania has signed an agreement with Austrian energy company VERBUND to begin construction of the Spille wind farm. The 72.6-megawatt project is ready for construction, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said. Commercial operations are expected to start in the first quarter of 2028. The project marks a major step …

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Albania 17th at U-15 world football festival after beating Peru

Albania’s under-15 team finished 17th at the 2026 FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan. The team secured another win in its final match, beating Peru on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time. Coach Armand Dama’s side won the penalty shootout 6-5. Albania also beat Algeria …

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Documentary sheds light on communist-era internment camp at Korçë film festival

The documentary “The Other Side of Valias” has screened at the Korçë Film Fest, bringing the history of Albania’s communist-era internment and forced labour camp in Valias to a wider audience. Produced by the Authority for Information on Former State Security Files (AIDSSH), the film draws on archival documents and …

News
Albanian Academy of Sciences honours late academician Luan Omari

The Academy of Sciences of Albania has held a ceremony honouring academician Luan Omari, who passed away recently at the age of 101. Academics, researchers, colleagues and former associates attended the event to remember his contribution to Albanian law, education and culture. Omari was a founding member of the Academy …

News

Albania’s 2027 Fiscal Package Sparks Backlash Over Higher Taxes and Investment Risks

The American Chamber of Commerce warns of risks to foreign investment as the government’s 2027 fiscal package faces growing opposition from businesses, lawmakers and economists. by Sidonja Manushi TIRANA, Albania – Albania’s government has unveiled a controversial 2027 fiscal package, proposing significant changes to value-added tax, dividend taxation, personal income …

News

Migjeni, the Albanian writer who challenged social injustice through literature

Migjeni remains one of the most influential figures in 20th-century Albanian literature. Through his poetry and prose, he challenged social injustice, exposed poverty and gave a voice to people living on the margins of society. Born Millosh Gjergj Nikolla in Shkodër on October 13, 1911, he adopted the pen name …

News

Religious communities unite to address climate change and environmental protection

Religious leaders, local officials and civil society representatives met in Elbasan to discuss environmental protection and climate change. They called for stronger cooperation between faith communities, public institutions and schools. The meeting took place at the Elbasan Prefecture during Democracy Week. The Woman Center for Development and Culture Albania launched …

News

International art colony celebrates Albanian painter Vangjush Mio

Korçë has welcomed Albanian and international artists for the 16th edition of the “Days of Mio” International Art Symposium, dedicated to renowned Albanian painter Vangjush Mio. The event opened on October 28 at the Vangjush Mio House Museum. It brings artists together to share ideas, exchange experiences and explore the …

News

Albania inspects Kanina Castle as conservation work continues

Albania’s National Institute of Cultural Heritage has inspected Kanina Castle to assess the condition of its historic structures and review conservation work completed so far. During the inspection, specialists examined the fortress and focused on protecting its architectural features and historical authenticity. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja stressed …

News

Former diplomat Bashkim Zeneli passes away

Former Albanian diplomat, politician and publicist Bashkim Zeneli has passed away. Assembly Speaker Niko Peleshi paid tribute to Zeneli, extending condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. He described him as an early intellectual figure in the Socialist Party who devoted much of his life to public service. Peleshi also …

News

Spille wind farm set to begin construction, with operations planned for 2028

Albania has signed an agreement with Austrian energy company VERBUND to begin construction of the Spille wind farm. The 72.6-megawatt project is ready for construction, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said. Commercial operations are expected to start in the first quarter of 2028. The project marks a major step …

News

Albania 17th at U-15 world football festival after beating Peru

Albania’s under-15 team finished 17th at the 2026 FIFA Under-15 World Cup and Festival in Baku, Azerbaijan. The team secured another win in its final match, beating Peru on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time. Coach Armand Dama’s side won the penalty shootout 6-5. Albania also beat Algeria …

News

Documentary sheds light on communist-era internment camp at Korçë film festival

The documentary “The Other Side of Valias” has screened at the Korçë Film Fest, bringing the history of Albania’s communist-era internment and forced labour camp in Valias to a wider audience. Produced by the Authority for Information on Former State Security Files (AIDSSH), the film draws on archival documents and …

News

Albanian Academy of Sciences honours late academician Luan Omari

The Academy of Sciences of Albania has held a ceremony honouring academician Luan Omari, who passed away recently at the age of 101. Academics, researchers, colleagues and former associates attended the event to remember his contribution to Albanian law, education and culture. Omari was a founding member of the Academy …