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Democrat MPs clashed at European Integration committee

Parliamentary commissions would take place online this Friday, excluding the one for European Integration, but this changed due to tensions in the Assembly’s headquarters. During the proceedings, there was a clash between two democratic MPs, Dashnor Sula from Sali Berisha’s group and Kreshnik Çollak from the official Democratic Party (DP). …

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Woman involved in ex-mayor’s sex scandal appears at SPAK

Woman who was involved in a video with Safet Gjici having sexual intercourse in the latter’s office, while holding the position of the mayor of Kukës, Alma Kaçi arrived this Friday at the premises of the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK). Special Prosecution will officially communicate the accusation of active corruption …

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270 tons of larvae-infested rice blocked in Durres port

A quantity of 270 tons of rice, which came from Vietnam, has been blocked in the Port of Durrës on Friday. After the analyzes carried out by the National Food Authority (NFA), it turned out that the rice had larvae. However, it is not yet known whether the amount of …

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Albanians continue to show overwhelming support for NATO as they worry about armed conflict in Kosovo and Russia’s meddling – AIIS survey

National survey by the Albanian Institute for International Studies also indicates most people in Albania want better military preparedness. Support for Ukraine following Russian aggression there also continues to be strong among Albanians.  TIRANA, Nov. 10, 2023 – Albanians maintain a strong commitment to their country’s NATO membership, with 81 …

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Op/Ed: 2.3 million Palestinians from Gaza to Albania!

Biting satire by LUTFI DERVISHI One of the world’s most complicated conflicts, the Arab-Israeli conflict, could be resolved by Albania. It’s not just about offering ideas, which we’ve never lacked, but it’s about a practical solution: Europeanizing the Palestinians. Albania can offer that 2.3 million Palestinians from Gaza come and …

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Op/Ed: Is the controversial Albania-Italy deal an anti-migration publicity stunt?

By ANDI BALLA  The recent Albania-Italy bilateral deal aimed at processing irregular migrants and refugees rescued in the Mediterranean in camps within Albanian territory under Italian extraterritorial jurisdiction has sparked intense debate in both countries and beyond.  However, a closer examination of the deal reveals some critical points that call …

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EC report on Albania based on EU’s political agenda, economic convergence

European Union Ambassador in Tirana, Luigi Soreca and Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku introduced this Thursday the European Commission Report for Albania 2023. During his speech, Soreca stated that this package of the European Commission Report is based on two very important political developments, such as the expansion of the …

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Deputy PM comments migration agreement signed by government

Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has commented on the agreement signed by the Albanian government with the Italian state for the establishment of two camps in Lezhë for housing immigrants. Balluku said that Albanian politicians deal with the skin colour of the immigrants who will be temporarily sheltered in Albania, …

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3-year-old hit by teacher, two police officers prosecuted

Two police officers have been criminally prosecuted, who are suspected of not having carried out full investigative actions to bring to justice the persons who violated the 3-year-old girl in the premises of the “Stinët” kindergarten. Deputy commissioner Ylli Cako, with the duty of Chief of the Crime Investigation Section, …

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Statement of Albanian’s sister that got shot dead in carpenter’s shop

Desara Myrtaj, sister of the 34-year-old Albanian Klaudio Myrtaj who was shot in the head a few days ago in Cuneo, Italy, has spoken about this serious event. In a statement to the Italian media, the 29-year-old confessed that she talked to her brother every day and that she had …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 20, 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

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Gjirokastër Castle draws record number of visitors

Gjirokastër Castle remains the most popular tourist attraction in southern Albania. More Albanian and international visitors have explored the landmark this summer, highlighting the growing appeal of the UNESCO-listed museum city and its rich cultural heritage. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage reports that about 130,000 people have visited the …

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Albania’s exports rise sharply in June

Albania recorded strong growth in foreign trade in June 2026. According to the latest report from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), merchandise exports reached 35.4 billion lek, up 13.6 percent from a year earlier. Exports also increased 8.3 percent from May. Imports climbed to 83.5 billion lek, marking a 9.1 …

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Albania’s inflation reaches 3.2 percent in June

Albania’s annual inflation rate reached 3.2 percent in June 2026, according to the latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices tracks retail prices and aligns with European Union standards. Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation, adding 1.02 percentage …

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Luxury Superyacht “Yas” Docks at Port of Durrës

The luxury superyacht Yas docked at the Port of Durrës this weekend. At about 141 metres long, Yas ranks among the world’s largest private superyachts. It stands out for its sleek design and futuristic appearance. Engineers transformed a former military vessel into the iconic luxury yacht. According to the Port …

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Permet to host National ‘NONA’ Festival in August

Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited the public to attend the National “NONA” Festival, which will take place in Përmet from August 7 to 9. In a social media post, Rama described the festival as a celebration of tradition, gastronomy, and the invaluable role of grandparents. He said the event …

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Travel off Path: Europe’s Top New Tourism Hotspot Faces Major Visitor Rule Changes Upon EU Entry

Europe’s newest tourism hotspot could see major changes for visitors after joining the European Union, writes Vinicius Costa in the American travel magazine Travel Off Path. For nearly a decade now, Albania has been a beacon of freedom for travelers, especially digital nomads looking for hassle-free ways to extend their time in …

News
Organized Beaches and Improved Services Make Pogradec a Summer Destination

Pogradec, one of Albania’s most popular destinations on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is attracting many domestic and international visitors this summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Pogradec’s beaches, showing organized public spaces and free umbrellas available for visitors. The lakeside city offers clean waters, open areas …

News
Gonxhja Highlights Nikaj-Mërturi’s Mountain Tourism Potential

Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja described Nikaj-Mërturi as one of the Albanian Alps’ greatest treasures and a destination with strong mountain tourism potential. He met guesthouse owners, hotel managers and tour guides to discuss challenges, opportunities and sustainable tourism development. Moreover, Gonxhja stressed that close cooperation with local communities and businesses …

News
General’s Beach, Crystal Waters Hidden Among Kavaja’s Rocky Coastline

General’s Beach, located along the Kavaja coastline, offers visitors crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes and a peaceful natural environment. The beach lies between Durrës and Kavaja and surprises visitors with its rocky coastline, blue sea and green hills, creating a landscape that resembles the southern Albanian Riviera on a smaller scale. …

News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 20, 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

News

Gjirokastër Castle draws record number of visitors

Gjirokastër Castle remains the most popular tourist attraction in southern Albania. More Albanian and international visitors have explored the landmark this summer, highlighting the growing appeal of the UNESCO-listed museum city and its rich cultural heritage. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage reports that about 130,000 people have visited the …

News

Albania’s exports rise sharply in June

Albania recorded strong growth in foreign trade in June 2026. According to the latest report from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), merchandise exports reached 35.4 billion lek, up 13.6 percent from a year earlier. Exports also increased 8.3 percent from May. Imports climbed to 83.5 billion lek, marking a 9.1 …

News

Albania’s inflation reaches 3.2 percent in June

Albania’s annual inflation rate reached 3.2 percent in June 2026, according to the latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices tracks retail prices and aligns with European Union standards. Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation, adding 1.02 percentage …

News

Luxury Superyacht “Yas” Docks at Port of Durrës

The luxury superyacht Yas docked at the Port of Durrës this weekend. At about 141 metres long, Yas ranks among the world’s largest private superyachts. It stands out for its sleek design and futuristic appearance. Engineers transformed a former military vessel into the iconic luxury yacht. According to the Port …

News

Permet to host National ‘NONA’ Festival in August

Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited the public to attend the National “NONA” Festival, which will take place in Përmet from August 7 to 9. In a social media post, Rama described the festival as a celebration of tradition, gastronomy, and the invaluable role of grandparents. He said the event …

News

Travel off Path: Europe’s Top New Tourism Hotspot Faces Major Visitor Rule Changes Upon EU Entry

Europe’s newest tourism hotspot could see major changes for visitors after joining the European Union, writes Vinicius Costa in the American travel magazine Travel Off Path. For nearly a decade now, Albania has been a beacon of freedom for travelers, especially digital nomads looking for hassle-free ways to extend their time in …

News

Organized Beaches and Improved Services Make Pogradec a Summer Destination

Pogradec, one of Albania’s most popular destinations on the shores of Lake Ohrid, is attracting many domestic and international visitors this summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from Pogradec’s beaches, showing organized public spaces and free umbrellas available for visitors. The lakeside city offers clean waters, open areas …

News

Gonxhja Highlights Nikaj-Mërturi’s Mountain Tourism Potential

Tourism Minister Blendi Gonxhja described Nikaj-Mërturi as one of the Albanian Alps’ greatest treasures and a destination with strong mountain tourism potential. He met guesthouse owners, hotel managers and tour guides to discuss challenges, opportunities and sustainable tourism development. Moreover, Gonxhja stressed that close cooperation with local communities and businesses …

News

General’s Beach, Crystal Waters Hidden Among Kavaja’s Rocky Coastline

General’s Beach, located along the Kavaja coastline, offers visitors crystal-clear waters, unique landscapes and a peaceful natural environment. The beach lies between Durrës and Kavaja and surprises visitors with its rocky coastline, blue sea and green hills, creating a landscape that resembles the southern Albanian Riviera on a smaller scale. …