Western Balkans’ Right to Democracy Depends on the EU Enlargement
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 …
Western Balkans’ Right to Democracy Depends on the EU Enlargement
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 …
Council of Europe urges stronger municipalities, rejects centralization
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” Offers an Authentic Experience of Nature and Tradition
“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 …
Clear weather expected across Albania, temperatures to reach 38 degrees Celsius
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 …
Agreement Signed to Train Young Tourism Professionals
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. …
“Daily Mail”: Albania tops British travellers’ choices as Europe’s cheaper holiday alternative
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 …
Special Forces complete advanced military training courses
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. …
National Tourism Agency informs visitors at Albania’s entry points
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 …
Tax relief to support Albania’s defense industry
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 …
*]: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:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-125″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-125″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-2″ data-turn=”assistant”> The Shëngjin coastline and Rana e Hedhun Beach remain top choices for Albanian holidaymakers and international visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage on social media showing hundreds of people enjoying the sandy beach, crystal-clear waters, and water sports at Rana …
*]: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:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-130″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-130″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> *]: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:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-132″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-132″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-16″ data-turn=”assistant”> Around 100,000 children facing social exclusion or complex vulnerabilities will benefit from Albania’s European Child Guarantee Action Plan 2026–2030. The plan covers social protection, healthcare, and education. As a result, it will …
*]: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:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-133″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:86d32a54-949e-44a4-bee3-6ecbb74e9904-133″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-18″ data-turn=”assistant”> Today marks the 167th birth anniversary of Filip Shiroka, one of Albania’s finest lyric poets and a leading voice of the Albanian National Awakening. Filip Shiroka was born in Shkodër on August 3, 1859. He attended the Franciscan school in his …
The Korça Beer Festival will take place from August 12 to 16, marking the 20th anniversary of one of Albania’s biggest summer events. This year, the festival moves to South Pole in Drenovë for the first time. The new venue offers much more space and will welcome thousands of visitors. …
Hot and stable air will keep temperatures high across Albania this Monday. Meanwhile, clear skies will dominate most of the country. A few passing clouds may develop over the mountains from midday through the afternoon. Minimum temperatures will drop to 14°C in mountainous areas. However, maximum temperatures will climb to …
The medicinal herb harvest has begun across the Korçë region. This season, farmers mainly collect cornflowers and mountain tea. Demand remains strong. Moreover, collectors say prices have increased compared with previous years. As a result, farmers expect higher profits. Collector and exporter Gjergji Çibuku said farmers across Pogradec, Korçë, Devoll, …
Authorities have discovered another mass grave containing the remains of victims of the Kosovo war. The site lies in the village of Jabukë, in Zubin Potok Municipality. Acting Interior Minister Xhelal Sveçla announced the discovery. He noted that authorities found the site just days after uncovering another mass grave in …
TIRANA, August 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama responded today to objections over the Socialist Party’s proposed administrative and territorial reform. He described recent protests in several municipalities as a normal part of the public consultation process. Rama said the draft remains under a 60-day legal consultation. He stressed that …
TIRANA, August 3 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said the opening of a Serbian consulate in Shkodër does not threaten Albania’s sovereignty. He also said Albania’s plan to open a consular office in Bujanoc serves the country’s national interest. In an interview with Top Channel TV, Hoxha said no country …
Albania continues to attract growing numbers of visitors through cruise tourism, with the Port of Saranda remaining one of the country’s main gateways for foreign tourists during the summer season. The Port of Saranda welcomed the cruise ship Seabourn Quest today, carrying 467 passengers who chose to explore the Albanian …