Queen Geraldine maternity hospital reopens after full transformation
TIRANA, June 29 – The Queen Geraldine maternity hospital has reopened after a full renovation that modernised one of Albania’s leading healthcare institutions for women and newborns. The investment introduced modern facilities, advanced technology and improved working conditions for medical staff. The hospital treats more than 20,000 patients each year …
Letter from Washington: US and EU Square Off Over Balkan Assets
Once a field of cooperation, the Balkans is turning into a battleground for competing US and European visions and interests, says Jovana Djurovic in her latest despatch from DC. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: June 29, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Rama: Eni Agreement Will Strengthen Energy Security and Create a New Market Operator
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Albania has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Italian energy company Eni S.p.A. The agreement aims to strengthen the country’s energy security. The partnership will help create a national strategic reserve for oil and gas supply and storage. It comes as global energy …
Beja: We Strengthen Regional Cooperation for Postal Security
Customs officials and postal operators from across the region met in Tirana to improve the security of postal and express deliveries. The meeting took place under the Hermes Project, led by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). During the meeting, participants discussed current challenges. They also shared …
Cruise Ship Nautica Brings 665 Tourists to Durrës
Durrës continues to attract visitors throughout the year. During the summer, many tourists also arrive by sea. This week, the cruise ship Nautica brought 665 tourists from around the world to the Port of Durrës. The ship returned as part of its Mediterranean itinerary. Most of the visitors come from …
Temperatures to reach 39°C
TIRANA, June 29 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Monday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Forecasters expect clear skies across the country. Meanwhile, a few passing clouds may develop around midday over eastern mountainous areas. In addition, northeasterly to northwesterly winds will blow at up to 7 …
Australian tourist recovers after viper bite in Valbona
TIRANA, June 29 – Australian tourist Amy Lecons is in good health after a viper bit her in a remote area of the Albanian Alps, the Ministry of Health and Social Protection said. Medical teams from the Valbona Summer Health Centre responded immediately after receiving the emergency alert. They provided …
Shkodër entrance park advances
TIRANA, June 29 – Construction crews continue work on a new park at the entrance to Shkodër. The project will create a multifunctional space for all age groups. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the construction site on social media. Meanwhile, he said the project has transformed an area …
President Begaj praises Poland’s support for EU integration
TIRANA, June 29 – President Bajram Begaj attended the ceremony marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Poznan Uprising in Poznan at the invitation of Polish President Karol Nawrocki. During the ceremony, the participating heads of state adopted a joint declaration. They reaffirmed their commitment to preserving historical memory, defending …
Pristina and Tirana push back against Kyiv’s stance, insisting that Kosovo’s sovereignty cannot be diminished or equated with Russia’s aggression against Ukraine. Tirana Times , August 09, 2026 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s confirmation in Belgrade that Kyiv has not changed its position on Kosovo has triggered criticism in Albania and …
The agreement with Turkey and nuclear-armed Pakistan strengthens Riyadh’s position as a central architect of regional security, while reflecting a broader shift toward a more multipolar international system. Tirana Times, August 08, 2026 – The signing of the Mecca Joint Defense Agreement between Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan represents more …
Activist Julide Yazici, who is wanted by Turkey, was remanded in custody in Tirana pending extradition proceedings, despite having political asylum status in France. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 7 – The “Fustanella” (Albanian kilt) exhibition has opened at the Ethnographic Museum in Berat, presenting one of the most recognizable symbols of Albanian cultural identity through a blend of art and tradition. The exhibition presents the fustanella, the traditional pleated kilt worn by Albanian men, as both …
TIRANA, August 7 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi visited the Naval Vessels Division of Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Muggiano as part of cooperation on the Fincantieri Albania project in Vlora. The Muggiano facility is one of Europe’s leading centers for the construction of naval vessels and maritime defense systems. During …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Electricity Distribution System Operator (OSHEE) has strengthened technical and operational measures to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply in Lezha and Shëngjin during the summer tourist season through investments in the distribution network. Speaking from the reconstructed Lezha substation, OSSH engineer Marjo Lajthia said the investments have …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania’s Civil Protection Agency reported eight active wildfires across the country on Thursday, while firefighters brought several blazes under control in Elbasan County. Firefighting operations continue on Mount Dajti near Tirana. The response includes 30 firefighters, 10 staff from the Protected Areas Administration and an Albanian …
TIRANA, August 7 – Albania attracted 1,955,099 foreign visitors in July 2026, extending the country’s tourism growth, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said on Thursday. Gonxhja said the figure compares with 1,825,490 foreign visitors in July 2025. The increase of 129,609 visitors represents year-on-year growth of about 7.1%. …
Tirana Times, August 07, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has brought new allegations against former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, widening one of the most politically sensitive investigations since the country launched its justice reform. Balluku appeared before the special prosecution office, known as SPAK, …
TIRANA, August 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that another section of Pan-European Transport Corridor VIII has opened for traffic as works continue on the Elbasan–Qafë Thana road axis. The new section stretches from the exit of Labinot-Fushë village to beyond Miraka village. It includes two lanes for both …