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Customs chief stresses integrity and performance at Morina border crossing with Kosova

TIRANA, June 27 – Director General of Customs Besmir Beja visited the Morina customs branch at the border crossing point with Kosova. He inspected operational activity at the border. He also met customs staff during the visit. Meanwhile, Beja emphasized law enforcement, professionalism and integrity in duty performance. He praised …

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Facing Down Protests, Albania’s Rama Chooses to Discredit and Deflect

In confronting an unprecedented wave of anti-government protests, Albania’s prime minister is trying to discredit those taking part and deflect attention from their legitimate grievances. The strategy may yet backfire. Original post Here

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Ali Ahmeti says protests create economic uncertainty in Albania

TIRANA, June 25 – Ali Ahmeti, leader of the Democratic Union for Integration, an ethnic Albanian political party in North Macedonia, expressed concern over the political situation in Albania. He referred to ongoing protests in the capital that have lasted 25 days. In addition, he said the situation creates two …

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Light rainfall expected today as temperatures remain high

TIRANA, June 25 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will face relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Thursday. The weather will feature clear skies. It will also include alternating cloudiness. In addition, light rainfall will affect most of the territory from midday to the afternoon. Meanwhile, isolated thunderstorms with lightning …

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HOLR Magazine: Albania, Europe’s most exciting destination from the Albanian Alps to the Shala River and the Ionian Riviera

TIRANA, June 25 – Canadian media outlet “HOLR Magazine” describes Albania as one of Europe’s most exciting emerging destinations. The publication highlights a journey from the Albanian Alps to the Shala River and the Ionian Riviera. The article says Albania remained outside mainstream European tourism for years. It adds that …

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PM Rama: “No force can stop our mission toward Albania 2030 in the EU”

TIRANA, June 25 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared on social media a long message sent by a citizen from Vlora living in Italy. The citizen urged him to continue his political path. Rama said he receives hundreds of similar messages and cannot read them all, while he thanked all …

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PM Rama to attend Ukraine Recovery Conference in Poland

TIRANA, June 25 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will take part in the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC 2026), which takes place on 25–26 June in Gdańsk, Poland. The event brings together heads of state and government, international financial institutions, business representatives and civil society organisations from around the world. According …

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Balkan Film Food Festival, annual festival in Pogradec

The 16th edition of the Balkan Film and Culinary Festival is taking place in Pogradec. It brings days filled with film, culture, taste, and inspiring encounters. First, the festival runs from June 23 to June 27. It includes screenings, artist talks, and culinary activities. As a result, it offers a …

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Pirdeni: EU Anti-Corruption Directive Guides Reform Efforts

Albania is continuing its efforts to strengthen transparency and fight corruption in line with European standards. State Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni said that the European Union’s Anti-Corruption Directive provides an important roadmap for advancing reforms in the country. Speaking about discussions held under the EU4GG project, …

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Rama Discusses Zvërnec Project in Interview with France 24

Prime Minister Edi Rama has responded to questions from France 24 regarding protests against the development project in Zvërnec. During the interview, Rama said that several external actors are attempting to influence the debate surrounding the project. According to Rama, these interventions include cyber-related activities linked to Iran, as well …

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Week in Review: Flamingos, Deflections and Posturing

Like the weather, the political temperature across the region is rising, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here

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FM Hoxha in Cyprus: European Union support, Tirana-Nicosia flights discussed

TIRANA, June 26 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos during an official visit to Cyprus. The ministers discussed stronger bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of common interest. Meanwhile, Hoxha thanked Cyprus for its continued support for Albania’s European Union integration. …

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Acting Tirana Mayor outlines second phase of soft loan applications in Tirana

TIRANA, June 26 – Acting Tirana Mayor Anuela Ristani said the extension of the application deadline for subsidized housing loans has increased the number of beneficiary families. She presented the update during Thursday’s municipal council meeting. Meanwhile, Ristani said authorities received 4,409 applications in the first phase. She added that …

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Rama: Radhima Transforms as “Lungomare 4” Takes Shape

Edi Rama said that Vlora continues to transform through major investments in public spaces and tourism infrastructure. He stated that the coastal area of Radhimë is undergoing visible changes. As a result, the “Lungomare 4” project is now taking shape. Rama said the project is part of a broader vision …

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Draft property tax law opens for public consultation, Finance minister highlights low rates

TIRANA, June 26 – The Ministry of Finance has opened a draft law on immovable property tax for public consultation. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the reform protects Albanian families and preserves one of the region’s lowest property tax rates. Meanwhile, Malaj said the proposal would not increase the tax …

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Ksamil expands free public beach access for summer visitors

TIRANA, June 26 – Ksamil is welcoming visitors this summer with more public beach areas and improved services. Local authorities have introduced measures to provide functional public spaces, stronger safety and better conditions along the coastline. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of Ksamil’s public beaches. He said the …

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Marubi Museum workshop explores light photography inspired by Gjon Mili

TIRANA, June 26 – The “Drawing with Light” creative workshop at the Marubi Museum in Shkodër introduced young participants to experimental photography. The museum’s education team organized the activity. Meanwhile, the workshop drew inspiration from the work of photographer Gjon Mili. Participants created light drawings by using light sources and …

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Albania and Kosova sign two agriculture cooperation agreements

TIRANA, June 26 – Albania and Kosova signed two cooperation agreements on agriculture and rural development during Kosova Agriculture Minister Armend Muja’s visit to Tirana. Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla said the agreements reflected the strong relations between the two countries. He also stressed their shared …

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PM Rama awards François Hollande Gold Medal of Public Gratitude

TIRANA, June 26 – Prime Minister Edi Rama awarded former French President François Hollande the Gold Medal of Public Gratitude in Tirana on Thursday. The ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s Office. Rama praised Hollande’s contribution to strengthening relations between Albania and France. He also highlighted his support for …

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Ashura marked in Tirana, Baba Mondi calls for peace and compassion

TIRANA, June 26 – Bektashi believers marked the Day of Ashura on Thursday. The observance follows ten days of mourning in the Bektashi calendar. It commemorates Imam Hussein and 72 martyrs killed in the Battle of Karbala. Meanwhile, a ceremony took place at the World Bektashi Headquarters in Tirana. Haxhi …

News

Week in Review: Flamingos, Deflections and Posturing

Like the weather, the political temperature across the region is rising, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here

News

FM Hoxha in Cyprus: European Union support, Tirana-Nicosia flights discussed

TIRANA, June 26 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos during an official visit to Cyprus. The ministers discussed stronger bilateral relations and cooperation in areas of common interest. Meanwhile, Hoxha thanked Cyprus for its continued support for Albania’s European Union integration. …

News

Acting Tirana Mayor outlines second phase of soft loan applications in Tirana

TIRANA, June 26 – Acting Tirana Mayor Anuela Ristani said the extension of the application deadline for subsidized housing loans has increased the number of beneficiary families. She presented the update during Thursday’s municipal council meeting. Meanwhile, Ristani said authorities received 4,409 applications in the first phase. She added that …

News

Rama: Radhima Transforms as “Lungomare 4” Takes Shape

Edi Rama said that Vlora continues to transform through major investments in public spaces and tourism infrastructure. He stated that the coastal area of Radhimë is undergoing visible changes. As a result, the “Lungomare 4” project is now taking shape. Rama said the project is part of a broader vision …

News

Draft property tax law opens for public consultation, Finance minister highlights low rates

TIRANA, June 26 – The Ministry of Finance has opened a draft law on immovable property tax for public consultation. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said the reform protects Albanian families and preserves one of the region’s lowest property tax rates. Meanwhile, Malaj said the proposal would not increase the tax …

News

Ksamil expands free public beach access for summer visitors

TIRANA, June 26 – Ksamil is welcoming visitors this summer with more public beach areas and improved services. Local authorities have introduced measures to provide functional public spaces, stronger safety and better conditions along the coastline. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of Ksamil’s public beaches. He said the …

News

Marubi Museum workshop explores light photography inspired by Gjon Mili

TIRANA, June 26 – The “Drawing with Light” creative workshop at the Marubi Museum in Shkodër introduced young participants to experimental photography. The museum’s education team organized the activity. Meanwhile, the workshop drew inspiration from the work of photographer Gjon Mili. Participants created light drawings by using light sources and …

News

Albania and Kosova sign two agriculture cooperation agreements

TIRANA, June 26 – Albania and Kosova signed two cooperation agreements on agriculture and rural development during Kosova Agriculture Minister Armend Muja’s visit to Tirana. Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development Andis Salla said the agreements reflected the strong relations between the two countries. He also stressed their shared …

News

PM Rama awards François Hollande Gold Medal of Public Gratitude

TIRANA, June 26 – Prime Minister Edi Rama awarded former French President François Hollande the Gold Medal of Public Gratitude in Tirana on Thursday. The ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s Office. Rama praised Hollande’s contribution to strengthening relations between Albania and France. He also highlighted his support for …

News

Ashura marked in Tirana, Baba Mondi calls for peace and compassion

TIRANA, June 26 – Bektashi believers marked the Day of Ashura on Thursday. The observance follows ten days of mourning in the Bektashi calendar. It commemorates Imam Hussein and 72 martyrs killed in the Battle of Karbala. Meanwhile, a ceremony took place at the World Bektashi Headquarters in Tirana. Haxhi …