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Archaeologists Discover New Historically Significant Mosaics at Elbasan’s Early Christian Basilica

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-2″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-2″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-6″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Archaeological excavations at the Early Christian Basilica of Elbasan have uncovered new mosaics of significant historical, artistic, and religious value, further enriching evidence of the ancient role of Scampis along the Via Egnatia. According to archaeologists, the newly discovered mosaic …

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Eurostat: 86% of Albanian Businesses Use Social Media for Promotion

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-3″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-3″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-8″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> At a time when marketing is increasingly shifting to the digital space, Albanian businesses are emerging among the most active in Europe in their use of social media. According to Eurostat data, the vast majority of companies in the country …

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North Macedonia Recruits Former Police Officers and Military Personnel to Tackle Wildfires During the Summer Season

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-8″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-8″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> North Macedonia has begun preparations for the summer wildfire season by activating a special plan to engage former members of the Police, the Army, and firefighting units in order to strengthen operational capacities on the ground. The Directorate for Protection …

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Day 13 of Protests: Activists and Citizens Gather Outside the Prime Minister’s Office

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-7″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-7″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Citizens continued their protests this Friday along the “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard, marking the 13th consecutive day of demonstrations, with the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama remaining their main demand. At 6:00 p.m., as on previous days, protesters initially …

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Taulant Balla Meets Nancy VanHorn: Albania–US Strategic Partnership at an Excellent Level

Chairman of the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, met today with the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States in Tirana, Nancy VanHorn. The meeting took place in the context of the 250th anniversary of the Independence of the United States and the 104th anniversary of the recognition and establishment …

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NATO Plans Gradual Withdrawal of Troops from Kosovo

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has announced that it will “optimize” its presence and gradually reduce the number of troops serving in the KFOR mission in Kosovo. The decision to decrease troop numbers over the coming year follows the …

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Rama at Socialist Party’s 35th Anniversary: Konica Used to Say, “Be Patient, Albanians Have a Habit of Opposing Without Understanding”

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama opened his speech at the 35th anniversary celebration of the Socialist Party by addressing recent events related to the civic protests in Tirana. Referring to the situation, Rama recalled a quote attributed to Faik Konica: “Be patient, because Albanians have a habit of opposing things …

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Rama Highlights Fatos Nano: He Remains Someone I Hold in Special Esteem; I Do Not Claim I Have Never Wronged Anyone

Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke this Friday at Piazza Italia during the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary celebration, addressing recent developments in Albania, including the ongoing civic protests. Rama paid special tribute to former Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano, expressing his enduring respect for him. He also acknowledged …

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Albania’s Cocaine Economy Comes Home

Towers, resorts and cocaine money put Albania’s criminal economy in plain sight. A SPAK investigation into alleged drug-money laundering has linked the Zvërnec resort controversy, Tirana’s tower boom and Albania’s strategic investment model, deepening public anger after nearly two weeks of anti-government protests. Tirana Times, June 12, 2026 – A …

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Week in Review: Flamingos, Think Tankers and Returning Radicals

Our selection of Premium stories digs deep into a lively week, as Europe limps towards rebooting the enlargement system, votes in Kosovo are counted and Albanians throw off a reputation for apathy. Original post Here

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Albania’s Civic Revolt Demands the Government’s Resignation

What began as a protest over Zvernec and Sazan has become a nationwide civic movement demanding the resignation of the government and challenging corruption, oligarchic power and a political system many Albanians say has exhausted the country. Tirana Times, June  15, 2026 –  A protest movement that began with anger over …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 15, 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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Italian Tourists Dance to Albanian Rhythms in Karaburun

Italian tourists were seen dancing aboard a tourist boat along the stunning coast of Karaburun, according to a video shared on social media by Socialist Party parliamentary leader Taulant Balla. The footage captures visitors enjoying the crystal-clear waters and vibrant summer atmosphere in one of southern Albania’s most popular coastal …

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French magazine Quartz: Albanian Riviera and Alps among world’s rising destinations

TIRANA, June 15 – French magazine Quartz has listed Albania among the world’s most promising travel destinations and recommends visiting the country before mass tourism expands further. According to Quartz, Albania has attracted growing international attention thanks to its Adriatic and Ionian coastline, mountain landscapes and lower travel costs compared with …

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Clear weather across Albania on Monday

TIRANA, June 15 – The Military Meteorological Service forecasts stable weather conditions across Albania on Monday. The service expects clear skies throughout the country. However, a few temporary clouds may appear over high mountainous areas from midday into the afternoon. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the west at an average …

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Agriculture, Interior ministers announce new investments for food safety and border trade

TIRANA, June 15 – Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla and Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari visited the Qafë-Thana border point to North Macedonia. Representatives from the State Police, Customs and the National Food Authority joined the visit. The officials discussed stronger food safety controls and closer institutional coordination at …

News
Albania’s Medieval Icons Go on Display in France

The exhibition “Icons of Albania – Treasures of the National Museum of Medieval Art of Korçë” has opened in the French city of Chambéry, marking one of the most significant events of Albanian cultural diplomacy on the international stage. Announcing the event, Culture Minister Blendi Gonxhja said that French audiences …

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PM Rama: Sazan not for sale, no approved construction project in Zvërnec

TIRANA, June 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Sazan Island remains state property and is not for sale. He made the statement in a social media post addressing public debate over planned investments in Sazan and Zvërnec. Rama said the state plans to participate in the Sazan tourism project …

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Travelers must declare amounts exceeding 10,000 euros at border crossing points

TIRANA, June 15 – Travelers entering or leaving Albania must declare cash, negotiable instruments, precious metals, precious stones, valuables or antiques worth more than 10,000 euros or the equivalent in other currencies. The measure aims to ensure transparency and prevent money laundering and the illegal transport of high-value items. Travelers …

News
June Brings High Tourist Influx to Shkodër

The city of Shkodër experiences a strong influx of foreign tourists during June, becoming one of the most popular destinations in northern Albania. Tourists walk through the city’s historic center and fill its characteristic streets. They visit the pedestrian area, museums, the castle, and the lakeside promenade as the city …

News

Albania’s Civic Revolt Demands the Government’s Resignation

What began as a protest over Zvernec and Sazan has become a nationwide civic movement demanding the resignation of the government and challenging corruption, oligarchic power and a political system many Albanians say has exhausted the country. Tirana Times, June  15, 2026 –  A protest movement that began with anger over …

News

Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 15, 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

Italian Tourists Dance to Albanian Rhythms in Karaburun

Italian tourists were seen dancing aboard a tourist boat along the stunning coast of Karaburun, according to a video shared on social media by Socialist Party parliamentary leader Taulant Balla. The footage captures visitors enjoying the crystal-clear waters and vibrant summer atmosphere in one of southern Albania’s most popular coastal …

News

French magazine Quartz: Albanian Riviera and Alps among world’s rising destinations

TIRANA, June 15 – French magazine Quartz has listed Albania among the world’s most promising travel destinations and recommends visiting the country before mass tourism expands further. According to Quartz, Albania has attracted growing international attention thanks to its Adriatic and Ionian coastline, mountain landscapes and lower travel costs compared with …

News

Clear weather across Albania on Monday

TIRANA, June 15 – The Military Meteorological Service forecasts stable weather conditions across Albania on Monday. The service expects clear skies throughout the country. However, a few temporary clouds may appear over high mountainous areas from midday into the afternoon. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the west at an average …

News

Agriculture, Interior ministers announce new investments for food safety and border trade

TIRANA, June 15 – Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla and Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari visited the Qafë-Thana border point to North Macedonia. Representatives from the State Police, Customs and the National Food Authority joined the visit. The officials discussed stronger food safety controls and closer institutional coordination at …

News

Albania’s Medieval Icons Go on Display in France

The exhibition “Icons of Albania – Treasures of the National Museum of Medieval Art of Korçë” has opened in the French city of Chambéry, marking one of the most significant events of Albanian cultural diplomacy on the international stage. Announcing the event, Culture Minister Blendi Gonxhja said that French audiences …

News

PM Rama: Sazan not for sale, no approved construction project in Zvërnec

TIRANA, June 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Sazan Island remains state property and is not for sale. He made the statement in a social media post addressing public debate over planned investments in Sazan and Zvërnec. Rama said the state plans to participate in the Sazan tourism project …

News

Travelers must declare amounts exceeding 10,000 euros at border crossing points

TIRANA, June 15 – Travelers entering or leaving Albania must declare cash, negotiable instruments, precious metals, precious stones, valuables or antiques worth more than 10,000 euros or the equivalent in other currencies. The measure aims to ensure transparency and prevent money laundering and the illegal transport of high-value items. Travelers …

News

June Brings High Tourist Influx to Shkodër

The city of Shkodër experiences a strong influx of foreign tourists during June, becoming one of the most popular destinations in northern Albania. Tourists walk through the city’s historic center and fill its characteristic streets. They visit the pedestrian area, museums, the castle, and the lakeside promenade as the city …