Begaj Calls for Cooperation as New Parliamentary Session Begins: “Responsibility for Albania Is Shared”
President Bajram Begaj called for cooperation, commitment and dialogue as Albania opened its new parliamentary session today. Begaj urged political forces to work together even when they disagree. He said they should always focus on the country’s interests. “Political mandates and beliefs differ, but our responsibility toward Albania is shared. …
Ylli Meets US Special Envoy Paolo Zampolli as Sports Diplomacy Takes Center Stage
President of the Albanian National Olympic Committee (KOKSH) Fidel Ylli welcomed US Special Envoy for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli during a special visit focused on strengthening international cooperation through sport. According to KOKSH, the visit created a new opportunity to strengthen communication and international partnerships in sport. Albania is also …
Hoxha: Glorifying War Criminals Goes Against European Values
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha condemned tributes to Ratko Mladic in Serbia today. “Albania condemns the glorification of Ratko Mladic, a convicted war criminal who died while serving a life sentence for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes,” Hoxha wrote in a post on X. Hoxha …
Lorik Cana Disappointed by Support for Mladić: Serbia Is Not Learning from the Past
Former Albania national team captain Lorik Cana has strongly reacted in an Instagram post, commenting on a photograph of a young woman and expressing concern over how younger generations are confronting the past and relations between peoples. Cana said the photograph made him “deeply sad,” stressing that the younger generation …
Kurti Reacts to Mladić’s Funeral: Serbia Has Moved to State Worship of Genocide
Kosovo’s acting Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, has accused Serbia of “state worship of genocide” following the burial with state honors of convicted war criminal Ratko Mladić. Mladić, who was convicted of genocide for the Srebrenica massacre in Bosnia and Herzegovina, where 8,372 Bosniaks, mainly men and boys, were killed in …
Albanian Parliament Opens Third Session of 11th Legislature, Peleshi: EU Membership Is the Number One Priority
The Albanian Parliament opened the third session of its 11th Legislature today, resuming parliamentary activity following the recess. At the first plenary sitting of the new session, Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi delivered the opening remarks, emphasizing Parliament’s responsibility to continue working in the interests of citizens and the country. …
Hita Meets Police Officials in Four Regions, Focuses on Public and School Safety
Director General, Senior Director Skender Hita has continued his meetings with local and border police structures as part of intensified measures to strengthen the rule of law across the country. During meetings in Vlorë, Gjirokastër, Shkodër and Lezhë, Director Hita focused on the crime situation, particularly serious crimes, as well …
New EU Ambassador to Albania After Meeting Rama: Good Discussion on the Country’s European Future
The new EU Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, posted on X about her meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama earlier today. Alongside a photo from the meeting, the Ambassador wrote that the discussion focused on Albania’s European future, expressing optimism about it. Full statement: “Today I had my …
New Parliamentary Session Begins, Balla: EU Integration by 2030 Is a National Mission
The head of the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, stated at the opening of the new parliamentary session that Albania has entered a decisive phase in the process of negotiations for membership in the European Union. During his speech, Balla said that the Socialist parliamentary group would organize its …
Inflation at 3.2% in August, Transport and Food Drive Price Increases
Inflation in Albania rose to 3.2% in August 2026, marking a significant acceleration compared with the same month last year, when the rate stood at 2.3%. Compared with July, consumer prices increased by 0.1%. Data from INSTAT show that the annual increase in prices was driven primarily by food and …
Historical narratives, political systems, institutions and economies across the region are being put to the test as old problems collide with new pressures, our selection of Balkan Insight’s Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced a change at the helm of the Interior Ministry. Besfort Lamallari will leave the post and move to the Prime Minister’s Office, while Ervin Demo will take over the ministry. Rama announced the move while presenting changes to the government. He said Lamallari would …
The Ministry of Defense reported 40 wildfires across Albania in the past 24 hours. Six remain active, nine are under monitoring and 25 have been fully extinguished. A total of 492 local personnel and 36 firefighting vehicles are supporting operations. The Armed Forces have deployed 133 personnel, one helicopter, two …
Klodiana Spahiu has been sworn in as Minister of Health and Social Welfare at the Presidency. President Bajram Begaj appointed her following Prime Minister Edi Rama’s proposal, after Evis Sala resigned from the post. Spahiu is a cardiologist and holds a medical degree from the University of Tirana. She later …
An exhibition dedicated to one of Albania’s leading 20th-century artists, Ibrahim Kodra, will open in Tirana on September 23. “Ibrahim Kodra – The Sea and Music” will be held at the Bank of Albania and will remain open until November 23. The exhibition features 41 works created between 1947 and …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the launch of a national campaign to register artisans across Albania. The campaign aims to identify, assess and promote traditional crafts and the people who preserve them. Gonxhja said the campaign would give greater visibility to artisans and their work. It will …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj has announced a new National Housing Fund to support not only vulnerable groups, but also professionals, young people and newly formed families. Speaking after a government meeting, Ibrahimaj said the programme will make 7,000 apartments available. Around 2,000 will be offered through interest-free loans …
The Governor of the Bank of Albania, Gent Sejko, met with UNDP Resident Representative Randi Davis to discuss cooperation in green finance, financial and digital education, payment systems, and support for SMEs. The meeting focused on Albania’s latest economic and financial developments and the Bank’s ongoing initiatives. Davis praised the …
Albania is increasingly attracting visitors through its natural heritage, with protected areas becoming key destinations for tourists. Diverse landscapes, rich biodiversity and outdoor activities are drawing more visitors and adding a new dimension to the country’s tourism offer. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said more than 4.5 million visitors explored Albania’s …
General jurisdiction prosecutors from Tirana, Elbasan, Durrës, Gjirokastër, Sarandë, Kukës, Korçë, Berat, Fier, Vlora, Dibër, Lezhë and Shkodër took part in a training session on prosecutorial ethics and professional dilemmas. The Dutch Embassy in Albania said the training was led by Dutch prosecutor Disa Jironet. It focused on complex cases, …