“Travel Off Path”: Albania emerges as an affordable and authentic European destination
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 …
Summer Evenings Light Up Velipoja
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 …
Wednesday brings clear skies and high temperatures
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 …
Artan Pogoni passes away at the age of 54
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 …
Kosova officials visit suspected mass grave site in Zubin Potok
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 …
Gonxhja: Territorial Reform Should Strengthen Municipalities
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 …
Vengu: US Loan Agreement Secures $302 Million for a Stronger Albanian Defence
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’s EUSAIR Presidency Focuses on Western Balkans’ EU Integration
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 …
114th Anniversary of the Raising of the Albanian Flag at Guri i Kamjes
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 …
US State Department: Albania Remains Target of Cyberattacks from Iran and Russia
Albania continues to face cyberattacks from state-backed actors, including Iran and Russia, according to the latest security report from the Overseas Security Advisory Council (OSAC) of the US Department of State. The report says Albania has also experienced ransomware attacks carried out by cybercriminal groups. In 2026, Iran launched attacks …
by Sokol Lleshi, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of New York Tirana Background The political systems in the Western Balkan region feature politicized public administrations, weak enforcement of rule of law norms, and inconsistent practices of political accountability. In general, the historical experience of the region is such that …
by Sokol Lleshi, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of New York Tirana Background The political systems in the Western Balkan region feature politicized public administrations, weak enforcement of rule of law norms, and inconsistent practices of political accountability. In general, the historical experience of the region is such that …
TIRANA, July 30 – The Council of Europe says Albania’s planned municipal mergers should follow a detailed review of the 2015 territorial reform and real consultations with affected communities. A preliminary report by rapporteurs Anders Knape and Soren Schumacher, prepared in March 2026, warns that weaknesses in local government should …
“Ardenica Restaurant & Wine,” located near the historic Ardenica Monastery in Lushnja’s Kolonjë area, is emerging as a destination that combines traditional hospitality, local cuisine and quality wines. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the business on social media. The Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (AZHBR) supported the project …
TIRANA, July 30 – Albania will experience mostly clear weather on Thursday as stable atmospheric conditions continue across the country. According to the Military Meteorological Service, light to moderate temporary cloud formations may appear around midday, mainly over mountainous areas in the south. Local light rain showers may occur in …
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports and the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the University of Tirana have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the development of human resources in Albania’s tourism sector. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja and Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Prof. …
TIRANA, July 30 – British newspaper “Daily Mail” has highlighted Albania as one of the most attractive lower-cost European alternatives for travellers who are reconsidering expensive long-haul holidays. In an article by Alessia Fidler, the British outlet writes that rising travel costs are pushing many Britons to replace dream destinations …
TIRANA, July 30 – The Special Operations Regiment (ROS) in Zall Herr completed the “Commando” and “Reconnaissance Operator” courses with a graduation ceremony. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, senior military officials, service members and relatives attended the event. …
TIRANA, July 30 – The National Tourism Agency is present at Albania’s entry points to provide foreign visitors with tourist information during their stay. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing agency staff welcoming tourists and distributing maps, guides and information materials. The initiative helps visitors discover …
TIRANA, July 30 – The government approved measures to support companies operating in Albania’s defense industry, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said. Nufi said the latest Council of Ministers meeting approved 5 acts related to the Ministry of Defense. One of the main decisions changes the Value Added Tax law to …