Forbes: Albania presented as a hidden Balkan treasure of history, nature and hospitality
TIRANA, August 20 – “Forbes” has highlighted Albania as a destination rich in history, culture, nature and hospitality. Travel journalist Jeanine Barone describes the country as a once-forgotten “jewelry box” that now attracts international visitors. The article highlights Albania’s UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic towns and diverse landscapes. Visitors can …
Deputy Prime Minister Koçiu: Support for farmers and businesses to expand processing capacity
TIRANA, August 20 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu highlighted the growth of Albanian agricultural businesses in international markets. She cited Zdrava Group, an Albanian agro-processing company, as an example of a business that has grown alongside farmers and invested in technology. The company has operated in agro-processing for more …
5 active fires and 3 under control, 382 personnel on the ground
TIRANA, August 20 – Albania’s Ministry of Defence reported 35 fires across the country over the past 24 hours. Five remain active, while authorities have placed 3 under control. A total of 382 operational personnel and 40 fire engines are working across the affected areas. The Armed Forces are supporting …
United States renews call for Kosova institutions amid political deadlock
TIRANA, August 20 – The United States has renewed its call for Kosova’s political leaders to cooperate on forming institutions in line with the Constitution and Constitutional Court decisions. A US State Department spokesperson told Radio Free Europe that political leaders should work together to overcome the institutional deadlock. The …
Wildfires across albania, five blazes remain active
The wildfire situation across the country remains problematic, although improvements have been reported in several affected areas over the past 24 hours. Of the 35 fires reported, five remain active, while three others are being kept under control. A total of 382 operational personnel and 40 fire engines have been …
Referendum on Protected Areas Law: CEC Provides Form for Collecting Signatures
The Central Election Commission (CEC) has decided to provide the standard form to the initiative group seeking to collect 50,000 signatures for a referendum on repealing Law No. 21/2024 on protected areas. The initiative follows continued opposition from environmental organizations and activists to the law, which they say could facilitate …
Debate at Maliq Municipal Council Meeting Over Draft Law on Merger with Korça
The Maliq Municipal Council meeting was marked by tensions and heated debate on Thursday, as councillors were expected to make a decision on a proposal to dissolve the Municipality of Maliq and merge it with the Municipality of Korça. Opposition councillors called for a unanimous vote against the dissolution of …
Prrenjas residents protest againagainst new Administrative Reform
Residents of Prrenjas have once again taken to the streets to protest against the new administrative-territorial reform, which proposes the dissolution of 15 municipalities, including the Municipality of Prrenjas. They are demanding that Prrenjas retain its status as a municipality, arguing that the merger would affect citizens’ representation, the provision …
Inflation reaches 3.4% according to Eurostat, Albania above EU average
Inflation in Albania reached 3.4% in July, standing 0.4 percentage points above the European Union average. Rising prices were mainly driven by food, transport and tourism-related services. Inflation in Albania, measured according to the harmonised methodology used to compare European countries, reached 3.4% in July 2026, placing the country above …
4.5 billion traded on domestic FX market in three months
Foreign exchange trading in Albania reached a historic high, with around €4.5 billion exchanged in the second quarter alone. Despite the increased supply of foreign currency, the lek continues to strengthen against the euro, which has fallen to record-low levels. Foreign exchange trading volumes in the domestic market reached a …
*]: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-6a4566e0-dfe0-83ed-9172-289bd00edb99-12″ data-turn-id-container=”request-6a4566e0-dfe0-83ed-9172-289bd00edb99-12″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-36″ data-turn=”assistant”> As previously announced, Prime Minister Edi Rama will gather members of his cabinet this Monday for a government “retreat”, focusing on a review of the work carried out during the first part of his fourth term and on setting priorities for …
Prime Minister Edi Rama outlined plans to improve communication between citizens and public institutions following a meeting with Socialist Party political leaders in Pogradec. Rama said the meeting focused on “Besa”, government presence on the ground and a new communication system designed to strengthen direct contact with citizens. He also …
A strong earthquake struck Japan early Sunday, with its epicenter in Ibaraki Prefecture. The tremor also reached the Tokyo area. So far, the Albanian Embassy has reported no deaths or major damage. However, the earthquake injured several people, and the Embassy wished them a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, the Albanian Embassy …
Albania U-21 opened its “Taranto 2026” campaign with a 1-1 draw against Italy in Group B. The match took place in Lecce. The Red and Blacks made a strong start and took the lead just before halftime. Rajmond Marinaj scored in the 45th minute to put Albania ahead. However, Italy …
President Bajram Begaj met with the Arbëresh community in San Marzano di San Giuseppe, in the province of Taranto, highlighting its historic role in strengthening ties between Albania and Italy. During his visit, President Begaj was welcomed by local authorities and residents. First, he laid a wreath at the bust …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja met Italian Sports and Youth Minister Andrea Abodi during the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. The ministers discussed stronger cooperation between Albania and Italy in sports and youth policies. They focused on sports infrastructure, staff training and sports medicine. They also stressed the need …
The “Freedom Has a Name” platform has presented the civic initiative “Kosovo Is Waiting,” as part of which a “March for Freedom” will be held in Pristina on September 12, ahead of the verdict by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague concerning former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army …
Euronews journalist Eni Ferati has obtained the testimony given before the Saranda Court by Sokrat Vata, the suspect in the killing of a 21-year-old Portuguese tourist, Luis Miguel Varela Mendes in Ksamil. Vata admitted responsibility for the killing but gave his account of the circumstances, claiming that amid the mass …
The excavation and exhumation of human remains at three locations in Mala Kaludra and Jabuka, in Zubin Potok, where three mass graves have been confirmed, have been completed, Kosovo’s Government Commission on Missing Persons announced. The excavations began in late July in villages in northern Kosovo, and authorities have confirmed …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has visited Italy, where he attended the opening ceremony of the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games in support of the Albanian team of athletes. During the visit, President Begaj was welcomed by his Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, as well as by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia …