Albania emerges as one of the Mediterranean’s fastest-growing tourist destinations
Albania is strengthening its position as one of the Mediterranean’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, with Saranda attracting growing international attention. Vinicius Costa highlights the city in an article published by the U.S. media outlet “Travel Off Path.” Turquoise waters, stunning natural landscapes, close proximity to Greece, and relatively affordable prices are …
Mother Teresa, the Albanian-born saint who devoted her life to the poorest
TIRANA, August 26 – Mother Teresa, one of the world’s best-known humanitarian figures, was born 116 years ago today as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire and now the capital of North Macedonia. She came from an Albanian family. Her Albanian origins remained an important …
Major cruise ship AROYA to stop in Saranda in 2027
TIRANA, August 26 – AROYA, a major cruise ship operated by Saudi Arabia-based AROYA Cruises, is scheduled to make a stop in Saranda on July 20, 2027, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said. Gonxhja announced the planned stop after meeting Albanian cruise-industry executive Altin Alija in Taranto, Italy. …
Wikoff: KFOR has no mandate to decide on opening of Ibër Bridge in Mitrovica
TIRANA, August 26 – KFOR has no mandate to decide whether the Ibër Bridge in Mitrovica, Kosova should reopen to vehicle traffic, Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples, said. He said the decision rests with the European Union and the relevant institutions in Kosova. Wikoff …
Antonino Mullisi Wins European Youth Title and Sets Two Continental Records
Albanian weightlifter Antonino Mullisi has won the European Youth Championship title in 2026 and set two European records at the competition in Kosovo. Mullisi dominated the snatch with a 135-kilogram lift, setting a new European record. He then lifted 156 kilograms in the clean and jerk, finishing with 291 kilograms …
Albania Reports 24 Wildfires as Crews Battle Blazes Across the Country
Albania reported 24 wildfires across the country by Tuesday evening, with six fires still active and five under surveillance. A total of 126 emergency personnel and 18 firefighting vehicles took part in operations. The Armed Forces also deployed 20 personnel, one helicopter and two Air Tractor aircraft. Mount Dajti remains …
Rama: AI Will Put Government Services in Citizens’ Hands in Real Time
Prime Minister Edi Rama said artificial intelligence will help make government services more transparent and responsive, allowing citizens to track their requests in real time. Speaking after the government’s expanded meeting in Pogradec, Rama said a new digital system will allow citizens to submit requests, follow their progress and see …
Hoxha: EU Membership Remains Albania’s Top Foreign Policy Priority
Albania’s EU membership remains the country’s main foreign policy priority, Foreign Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said following the government’s seminar in Pogradec. Hoxha said Albania will accelerate its diplomatic efforts and maintain a clear focus on the EU accession process. He also highlighted stronger regional cooperation …
Bank loans drive life insurance growth, while fires and natural disasters raise property payouts by 20%
TIRANA, August 25 – Albania’s insurance market maintained steady growth from January to July 2026. Insurance premium income reached ALL 15.92 billion. Meanwhile, payouts to citizens rose by more than 12% to ALL 5.41 billion. Bank lending has strongly driven growth in life insurance, making it one of the market’s …
Albanian Football Federation seeks donors for 2 football fields for ethnic Albanians in southern Serbia’s Presheva Valley
TIRANA, August 25 – The Albanian Football Federation has launched a project to build 2 modern football fields in the Presheva Valley in southern Serbia, an area with a predominantly ethnic Albanian population. One field will be built in the Municipality of Presheva and the other in the Municipality of …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha reacted today to the death in prison of Ratko Mladić, who received a life sentence for genocide and war crimes. Hoxha described Mladić as a brutal killer who faced convictions for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Tribunal …
TIRANA, August 28 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the Thoma Turtulli Children’s Library in Korça on social media this morning. The library has been transformed into a modern space for children. In his Facebook post, Rama highlighted the renovated facilities and the spaces created for reading, learning …
TIRANA, August 28 – Albania will have mostly stable weather on Friday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Temperatures will remain high. The weather will alternate between clear skies and moderate cloud cover around midday and in the afternoon. Mountainous areas will mainly see these conditions. Meanwhile, isolated light rain …
TIRANA, August 28 – British newspaper Daily Mail has highlighted Tirana as Europe’s most affordable destination for short breaks. The report cited a new study by British travel agency Thomas Cook. The study ranked 51 popular European destinations. It found that 18 destinations could be visited for less than 100 …
“Sophie” Guesthouse in Libohovë, Gjirokastër, has received support through the IPARD Programme. The investment has helped develop rural tourism and promote local products. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the guesthouse, which Marika Karanxha runs. The property offers 11 rooms and combines local traditional elements with modern comfort. Moreover, …
TIRANA, August 28 – The former home of Albanian poet Migjeni still stands in Shkodër. The building now links the poet’s literary legacy with the religious mission of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Child Jesus. Migjeni remains one of Albania’s most important poets. His work focused on poverty, hardship …
Brazilian magazine “Estado de Minas” has highlighted one of Albania’s most remarkable natural wonders: Lake Neuron in the Vjosa Valley. The underground thermal lake lies near Përmet and the Bënjë thermal springs. It holds around 8.3 million liters of water. The magazine described Lake Neuron as a hidden treasure beneath …
World Lakes Day, marked on August 27, highlights the importance of scientific research and innovation in protecting and sustainably managing lakes. The National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (AKKSHI) said people should view lakes not only as natural treasures and beautiful landscapes, but also as natural laboratories for scientific …
The High Scardus Trail is emerging as a major mountain tourism destination in the Western Balkans. The cross-border route connects Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. The German Embassy in Albania says the trail offers more than spectacular mountain landscapes. It also creates economic opportunities for local communities and helps protect …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the “Pasqyra Albania” platform will allow citizens to compare product prices and find where they can buy them more cheaply. At the same time, the government will use the platform to analyze how prices form across the entire value chain. Ibrahimaj told ATSH …