BIRN Report Warns Digital Repression is Worsening Across Western Balkans, Turkey
New digital rights monitoring report published by BIRN reveals an increasingly hostile digital landscape – especially for journalists and civil society – across the Western Balkans and Turkey. Original post Here
PM Rama meets Erdogan at Presidential Palace in Ankara
TIRANA, July 9 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met on Thursday with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan at the Presidential Palace, Cumhurbaskanlıgı Kulliyesi, in Ankara. Rama shared images from the meeting on social media. He described Erdogan as a valued friend and said the talks followed the NATO Summit and …
President Begaj in southern Serbia Presheva Valley: Protecting Albanian language and culture reflects European values
TIRANA, July 9 – President Bajram Begaj visited the Presheva Valley in southern Serbia on Thursday, where he met local representatives and residents in Presheva and Bujanoc. During his meetings with Presheva Mayor Ardita Sinani, Bujanoc Mayor Arbër Pajaziti, Albanian National Council Chairman Enkel Rexhepi and Albanian MP in Serbia’s …
Household survey of 4,558 families to guide future social policies
TIRANA, July 9 – The Institute of Statistics of Albania, in cooperation with line ministries and partners, reviewed the preliminary results of the Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey and discussed the preparation of the final report. The meeting marked an important stage in transforming collected data into analysis and recommendations for …
New direct flight connects Tirana and Zurich with Chair Airlines
TIRANA, July 9 – Tirana International Airport welcomed the inaugural flight of Chair Airlines, marking the launch of a new direct route between Tirana and Zurich. The new service expands the airport’s destination network and offers passengers more travel options between Albania and Switzerland. Chair Airlines will operate the route …
Kurti invites opposition leaders for talks on forming Kosovo’s new institutions
Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has launched political consultations following the certification of the election results. On Thursday morning, Kurti sent invitations for meetings to the leaders of the three parliamentary opposition parties — the Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK), the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK), and the Alliance …
Police Chief: Over 10,000 suspicious accounts under review over negative reviews targeting tourism businesses
Albanian State Police Director General Skënder Hita said police are investigating a suspected coordinated cyber campaign aimed at damaging the online reputation of tourism businesses across Albania. Speaking at a press conference, Hita said authorities have identified a surge of negative reviews and ratings targeting hotels, restaurants and other tourism-related …
Weather forecast: Mostly clear skies, local mountain showers expected
TIRANA, July 9 – Albania will experience mostly stable atmospheric conditions on Thursday, according to the weather forecast. Clear skies will dominate most of the day. However, clouds will develop around midday and in the afternoon, mainly over mountainous areas. In these regions, clouds may bring local light rain showers. …
“Diario ABC”: From a hidden gem to a famous destination — social media drives Albania’s tourism boom
Spanish newspaper “Diario ABC” highlights how social media platforms have helped drive Albania’s tourism boom by turning its landscapes and attractions into globally recognised destinations. Tourism institutions and businesses now use viral content on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to attract visitors. Videos, stunning photographs and influencer recommendations can …
Butrint national archeological park attracts visitors worldwide with its history and natural beauty
TIRANA, July 9 – Butrint National Park is welcoming a large number of local and foreign visitors during the summer season. The Albanian cultural and natural heritage site continues to attract tourists who include it in their travel itineraries. Visitors highlight its unique combination of history, archaeology and surrounding landscapes. …
Tirana, July 10 – The ninth edition of the MIK Festival has opened in Korça. The four-day event brings concerts and cultural performances to historic venues across the city. Organisers will present a wide range of musical genres throughout the festival. Festival founder and internationally acclaimed soprano Inva Mula said …
TIRANA, July 10 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the Friends of the Western Balkans meeting in Rome, hosted by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Participants discussed the region’s European future and the European Union’s enlargement process. In a post …
Albania and Italy are expanding customs cooperation by focusing on digital systems, electronic data exchange and the use of artificial intelligence in customs operations. Director General of the Albanian Customs Administration Besmir Beja met with Roberto Alesse, Director General of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, during an official visit …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro welcomed the approval by COREPER to close the first three chapters of Albania’s EU accession negotiations, calling it a major achievement for the country and its negotiating team. Kumbaro highlighted that two of the three chapters are directly related to the Ministry of Education: Chapter 25 …
COREPER approved the provisional closure of three chapters in Albania’s European Union accession negotiations, pushing the country another step forward on its path toward membership. The Agency for Media and Information (MIA) announced that the Committee of Permanent Representatives of EU member states endorsed the EU’s Common Position on closing …
EtnoArtGallery – “The House of Memory” in the heart of Korçë’s Old Bazaar invites visitors on a journey through Albanian history, traditions and cultural heritage. The gallery displays authentic traditional costumes, rare objects and handmade elements that reflect everyday life in Albanian cities and villages of the past. Prime Minister …
Albanian households and businesses hold approximately ALL 1.8 trillion (around €18 billion) in bank deposits, while the country’s ten largest depositors account for about 7.5% of the total savings in the banking system. According to the Bank of Albania’s Supervision Report, total deposits reached ALL 1.8 trillion at the end …
The 31-kilometre Qafë Qelë–Koman road has been reconstructed, significantly improving access to one of northern Albania’s most promising tourist destinations. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi, together with the Director of the Albanian Road Authority, Ami Kozeli, inspected the completed works during a site visit. The investment is considered …
Albania will initially contribute staff officers to the international stabilization mission in Gaza, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi announced in an interview with Euronews Albania. Nufi said that following the completion of a reconnaissance and assessment mission, and after reviewing the report prepared by Albanian officers, the General Staff of the …
TIRANA, July 10 – The mountain village of Theth, located 70 kilometres from Shkodër, continues to rank among Albania’s most popular summer destinations. Large numbers of Albanian and foreign visitors are exploring the area during the peak tourist season. They come to experience Theth’s natural beauty as well as its …