Luiza Gega wins Balkan half-marathon title in Serbia
Albanian distance runner Luiza Gega returned to international athletics competition with a victory on Sunday, October 18, winning the 21km race at the Balkan Championships in Apatin, Serbia. Her two-year absence from international athletics competitions did not affect her form. The athlete, who represents K.S. Tirana, claimed first place in …
Gonxhja: Intangible Cultural Heritage Is a Living Legacy Passed Down Through Generations
On International Intangible Cultural Heritage Day, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja paid tribute to the bearers of Albanian traditions who preserve and pass the country’s cultural heritage from one generation to the next. Gonxhja highlighted the importance of protecting this living heritage, including iso-polyphony, songs accompanied by …
Albania’s exports surge 52.1% in September as trade deficit narrows
Albania’s exports rose sharply in September 2026, reaching 31.2 billion lek, up 14.8% from the same month last year. Meanwhile, the trade deficit narrowed by 13.9% compared with August, signalling an improvement in the country’s trade balance. According to foreign trade data, exports also increased by 52.1% month on month. …
European Commission Condemns Violence at Protests in Albania
The European Commission has condemned violent incidents in Tirana and other Albanian cities, stressing that freedom of assembly and expression are fundamental rights that must be exercised peacefully. In a statement on Sunday, the Commission denounced arson, attacks on state institutions and damage to public and private property. It also …
Muslim Community Calls for Peace and Dialogue Amid Protests in Albania
The Muslim Community of Albania has called on all sides to preserve peace, show restraint and resolve differences through dialogue amid ongoing protests across the country. In a statement on Sunday, the community warned that tensions could threaten public safety and social cohesion. At the same time, it reaffirmed citizens’ …
Skënderbeu Stun Elbasan with Comeback Win as Gvozdenović Reportedly Quits
Skënderbeu claimed their first win of the Albanian Superliga season on Sunday, beating Elbasan 2-1 in the seventh round. Meanwhile, media reports say Elbasan coach Ivan Gvozdenović has resigned following the defeat. Under coach Julian Ahmataj, the Korçë side overturned an early deficit thanks to Bismark, who scored twice to …
Nufi Condemns Attack on Socialist Party Headquarters as Protesters Set Fire to Tirana Police Station
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi has condemned the attack on the Socialist Party headquarters, calling it a threat to political pluralism and democracy. Meanwhile, protesters set fire to Police Station No. 3 on Mine Peza Street in Tirana, injuring several police officers, according to reports. In a social media post, Nufi …
EU Rapporteur Schieder Urges Calm as Protests Turn Violent in Tirana
European Parliament rapporteur for Albania Andreas Schieder has expressed concern over clashes between protesters and police in Tirana, urging all sides to stop the escalation immediately. In a social media statement, Schieder noted that young people across Europe, from Paris and Berlin to Tirana, are demanding better education and equal …
Vora Thrash Partizani 4-1 as Karrica Scores Hat-Trick
Vora secured a commanding 4-1 win over Partizani in the seventh round of the Albanian Superliga on Sunday, with Bernard Karrica scoring a hat-trick. Arian Bellaj’s side controlled the match and made their chances count. Karrica opened the scoring in the 17th minute before converting a penalty in the 50th …
Archbishop Joan Urges Wise Decisions in the Service of Albania
Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania Joan has called on decision-makers to make wise and mature choices in the interests of the country and all its citizens. Speaking at the end of the Divine Liturgy, Joan stressed that Albania belongs to all its citizens and that everyone has the …
Albanian skier Lara Colturi is preparing for her next challenge as the new Ski World Cup season gets underway in Sölden, Austria. Tourism, Culture and Sport Minister Blendi Gonxhja shared footage of Colturi during training and wished her success in the upcoming competition. “Lara Colturi is ready for her next …
Albanian Defence Minister Ermal Nufi met with Major General Roberto Vergori, the new commander of NATO’s Kosovo Force (KFOR), in Tirana on October 20. They discussed KFOR’s role in ensuring security and stability in Kosovo and maintaining peace across the region. During the meeting, Nufi highlighted the importance of KFOR …
Albanian Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu has reaffirmed the government’s readiness to hold talks with students and citizens, while ruling out dialogue with those who damage public and private property. In an interview with Klan News on October 20, Koçiu condemned the violence during recent protests in Tirana. She said …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited protesting students and university lecturers to talks, saying he and his government are ready to meet anyone willing to engage in dialogue. In a video posted on social media on October 20, Rama said he remained available for discussions. To underline his offer, …
Albania will be represented by 12-year-old singer Eslin Kurti at the 2026 Junior Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place in Ta’ Qali, Malta, on October 24. Kurti will perform “Kërce me mua” (“Dance with Me”), a song that aims to bring energy, rhythm and a message of unity through …
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has responded to protests in Albania, Belgium, France, Italy and Portugal. Türk condemned all acts of violence during the demonstrations and called on all parties involved to immediately ease tensions and prevent further escalation. According to the senior UN official, the best …
Albanian and Turkish naval forces held a joint exercise in the Bay of Vlora and the naval base in it. The activity took place under NATO’s Neptune Strike 26-4 programme. The exercise involved Turkish warships TCG Anadolu and TCG Gaziantep, aircraft and the Albanian Boarding Team. According to the Ministry …
Kosova remains at Tier 2 in the US State Department’s 2025 report on human trafficking. The report notes more funding for victim assistance and more convictions, but highlights gaps in law enforcement, identifying children forced to beg and providing long-term support. Police investigated four trafficking cases in 2025, down from …
Ahmet Prençi, commissioner of the Ombudsman’s National Mechanism for the Prevention of Torture, presented preliminary findings from monitoring police stations, the Security Block and the University Trauma Hospital on October 19. He said the investigation continued. Police escorted 50 people to stations, including 18 minors. The Security Block held 109 …
Demand for loans from businesses and individuals increased in the third quarter of 2026. Banks expect this trend to continue in the final quarter, according to the Bank of Albania’s lending survey. Businesses increased borrowing across all size categories for investment and liquidity needs. Higher investment needs, inventory financing and …