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Italian travel website Turisti per Caso: Tirana offers memorable two-day city break

TIRANA, July 30 – Italian travel website Turisti per Caso highlights Tirana as an ideal destination for a two-day getaway. The article follows an Italian traveler who explores the Albanian capital and nearby attractions while praising the country’s affordability, hospitality and rich cultural heritage. The traveler visits Bunk’Art 1 and …

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No agreement yet on consulates, Albanian foreign minister says

TIRANA, July 30 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania and Serbia have not yet reached an agreement on opening new consulates, responding to recent remarks by Serbian Foreign Minister Marko Duric. Hoxha said Albania has requested to open a Consulate General in the Presheva Valley. Meanwhile, Serbia has requested …

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First Mountain Package permit approved, Prime Minister says

TIRANA, July 30 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said authorities approved the first permit under the Mountain Package during a meeting of the National Territorial Council. Rama announced on social media that the permit belongs to the Hasani family from Theth. He said the family decided to invest its savings …

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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 …

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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 …

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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 …

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“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 …

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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 …

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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. …

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“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 …

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Firefighters continue efforts to fully extinguish Vilz village blaze in Shkodër Municipality

TIRANA, August 3 – Emergency teams continue operations to extinguish a fire that broke out yesterday afternoon in Vilz village, in the Postriba administrative unit of Shkodër. The Shkodër Prefecture and the National Civil Protection Agency are coordinating the response. Local civil protection forces and the Shkodër Fire and Rescue …

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Italian media highlights Albanian Alps as a top budget summer escape

TIRANA, August 3 – Italian news outlet Fanpage.it has ranked the Albanian Alps among the best-value mountain destinations for summer 2026. The report recommends Theth and Valbona Valley as ideal retreats for travelers seeking cooler temperatures during Italy’s Ferragosto holiday. According to Fanpage.it, Italy has experienced repeated heatwaves this summer, …

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Gjirokastër celebrates August with “Iso mbi Kalldrëm” cultural evenings

TIRANA, August 3 – Gjirokastër has launched “Iso mbi Kalldrëm” (Iso on the Cobblestones), a month-long cultural event that fills the city’s historic bazaar with the sounds of Albanian iso-polyphony. Gjirokastër Mayor Flamur Golemi shared scenes from the lively streets, where performances will take place every evening from August 1 …

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Five medieval icons undergo restoration in Korça museum

TIRANA, August 3 – Five icons of outstanding historical and artistic value are undergoing restoration at the National Museum of Medieval Art in Korça. Conservation specialists are carrying out the work to preserve the artworks and extend their lifespan for future generations. The collection includes a 14th-century icon that experts …

News
PM Rama: Albanian-made military vehicles secure export deals with 30 countries

TIRANA, August 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage on social media today showing the first Albanian-made military vehicles undergoing road tests after their delivery to the Albanian Armed Forces. Rama described the vehicles as a source of national pride. He said the vehicles meet North Atlantic Treaty Organization …

News
Veteran bard Isa Elezi keeps the centuries-old lahuta tradition alive

TIRANA, August 3 – Isa Elezi, a lahuta player from Rugova in Kosova, says the traditional instrument has long inspired Albanian warriors and preserved the nation’s history. Elezi describes the lahuta as more than a musical instrument. He says it carries centuries of values and traditions. According to him, its …

News
Decisive week ahead as Kosova awaits new institutions

TIRANA, August 3 – This week could bring progress in talks on forming Kosova’s new institutions. The discussions involve the Self-Determination Movement (Vetëvendosje), which won the June 7 elections, and the opposition Democratic League of Kosova (LDK). Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti said he expects results from talks with …

News
Filip Shiroka remembered as a voice of Albania’s National Awakening

TIRANA, August 3 – Albania marks the anniversary of the birth of poet and patriot Filip Shiroka, one of the leading literary voices of the Albanian National Awakening whose work championed national identity and independence. Born in Shkodra on August 3, 1859, Shiroka devoted his poetry and journalism to patriotism. …

News
Defense Minister Nufi unveils Sports Academy Initiative for Armed Forces

TIRANA, August 3 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met elite athletes serving in Albania’s Armed Forces to present a new initiative that will introduce sports classes as an extracurricular program at the Armed Forces Academy. Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, also attended the meeting. Participants discussed …

News
Economic Sentiment Index weakens in July as Business Confidence falls

TIRANA, August 3 – Albania’s Economic Sentiment Index (ESI) weakened in July after business confidence declined across all sectors, especially construction and trade. Meanwhile, consumer confidence improved. According to the Bank of Albania, the index remained 5.4 points above its long-term average despite the monthly decline. Confidence in industry fell …

News

Firefighters continue efforts to fully extinguish Vilz village blaze in Shkodër Municipality

TIRANA, August 3 – Emergency teams continue operations to extinguish a fire that broke out yesterday afternoon in Vilz village, in the Postriba administrative unit of Shkodër. The Shkodër Prefecture and the National Civil Protection Agency are coordinating the response. Local civil protection forces and the Shkodër Fire and Rescue …

News

Italian media highlights Albanian Alps as a top budget summer escape

TIRANA, August 3 – Italian news outlet Fanpage.it has ranked the Albanian Alps among the best-value mountain destinations for summer 2026. The report recommends Theth and Valbona Valley as ideal retreats for travelers seeking cooler temperatures during Italy’s Ferragosto holiday. According to Fanpage.it, Italy has experienced repeated heatwaves this summer, …

News

Gjirokastër celebrates August with “Iso mbi Kalldrëm” cultural evenings

TIRANA, August 3 – Gjirokastër has launched “Iso mbi Kalldrëm” (Iso on the Cobblestones), a month-long cultural event that fills the city’s historic bazaar with the sounds of Albanian iso-polyphony. Gjirokastër Mayor Flamur Golemi shared scenes from the lively streets, where performances will take place every evening from August 1 …

News

Five medieval icons undergo restoration in Korça museum

TIRANA, August 3 – Five icons of outstanding historical and artistic value are undergoing restoration at the National Museum of Medieval Art in Korça. Conservation specialists are carrying out the work to preserve the artworks and extend their lifespan for future generations. The collection includes a 14th-century icon that experts …

News

PM Rama: Albanian-made military vehicles secure export deals with 30 countries

TIRANA, August 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage on social media today showing the first Albanian-made military vehicles undergoing road tests after their delivery to the Albanian Armed Forces. Rama described the vehicles as a source of national pride. He said the vehicles meet North Atlantic Treaty Organization …

News

Veteran bard Isa Elezi keeps the centuries-old lahuta tradition alive

TIRANA, August 3 – Isa Elezi, a lahuta player from Rugova in Kosova, says the traditional instrument has long inspired Albanian warriors and preserved the nation’s history. Elezi describes the lahuta as more than a musical instrument. He says it carries centuries of values and traditions. According to him, its …

News

Decisive week ahead as Kosova awaits new institutions

TIRANA, August 3 – This week could bring progress in talks on forming Kosova’s new institutions. The discussions involve the Self-Determination Movement (Vetëvendosje), which won the June 7 elections, and the opposition Democratic League of Kosova (LDK). Meanwhile, caretaker Prime Minister Albin Kurti said he expects results from talks with …

News

Filip Shiroka remembered as a voice of Albania’s National Awakening

TIRANA, August 3 – Albania marks the anniversary of the birth of poet and patriot Filip Shiroka, one of the leading literary voices of the Albanian National Awakening whose work championed national identity and independence. Born in Shkodra on August 3, 1859, Shiroka devoted his poetry and journalism to patriotism. …

News

Defense Minister Nufi unveils Sports Academy Initiative for Armed Forces

TIRANA, August 3 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi met elite athletes serving in Albania’s Armed Forces to present a new initiative that will introduce sports classes as an extracurricular program at the Armed Forces Academy. Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, also attended the meeting. Participants discussed …

News

Economic Sentiment Index weakens in July as Business Confidence falls

TIRANA, August 3 – Albania’s Economic Sentiment Index (ESI) weakened in July after business confidence declined across all sectors, especially construction and trade. Meanwhile, consumer confidence improved. According to the Bank of Albania, the index remained 5.4 points above its long-term average despite the monthly decline. Confidence in industry fell …