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International student film festival in Tirana positions itself as new platform for young filmmakers

TIRANA, April 22 – The International Student Film Festival is being organized in Tirana as a new initiative supporting young filmmakers and strengthening links between film education and the industry. The project highlights student creativity while expanding professional opportunities in cinema. The festival brings together animation, feature film and documentary …

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Greece backs Albania’s EU membership bid after Athens meeting

TIRANA, April 22 – Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis reaffirmed support for Albania’s European Union accession after meeting Edi Rama in Athens. Speaking after the talks, Mitsotakis described the meeting as an opportunity to advance bilateral relations. He said both sides can address outstanding issues and build what he called …

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Kurti Warns: If No Agreement Is Reached on the President, There Will Be Consecutive Elections

Prime Minister Albin Kurti warned on Wednesday that Kosovo will be forced to hold “consecutive” parliamentary elections if political parties fail to reach agreement on electing the country’s president, with less than a week remaining before the constitutional deadline expires. Kurti, who is also the leader of the ruling party …

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“Albania–Greece Strategic Partnership Document” – Rama–Mitsotakis Meeting Revealed. Jokes About Attire

The Greek government has disclosed part of the conversation between Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during their meeting held on Wednesday in Athens. In his remarks, Mitsotakis reiterated Athens’ official support for Albania’s path toward the EU and described the meeting as an opportunity …

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First Two Cruise Ships of the Tourist Season Arrive in Durrës

Two cruise ships have arrived at the Port of Durrës, marking the opening of the tourist season, bringing visitors from different countries around the world who are expected to explore the city and its surrounding areas. A cruise ship flying the Belgian flag arrived around midday with 95 passengers and …

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Rising Costs Reduce Interurban Transport in Berat, Bus Drivers Head Toward Bankruptcy

The increase in fuel prices and social insurance contributions by 25–30% has led in recent days to a significant reduction in interurban transport services in Berat. At the city’s only terminal, in Kombinat, buses on routes such as Tirana, Durrës, Vlorë, Kuçovë, etc., wait for passengers, but many of them …

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LVV MP “Wishes Life Imprisonment for Hashim Thaçi” – Albin Kurti Reacts

The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, has reacted to a statement by a member of his party, Fatos Geci, who “wished life imprisonment for former president Hashim Thaçi.” The head of government stated that the head of the LVV parliamentary group, Albulena Haxhiu, had warned MP Geci (from the …

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‘Failure in Prevention’: Iran-Linked Hackers, Stolen Albanian Data and an FBI Sting

Revelations from the US about an alleged Iran-linked hacker group’s attempt to sell Albanians’ personal data have raised more questions about cyber defences in the Balkan country after a series of attacks on state systems. Original post Here

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“PranverArt” opens 16th edition at Tirana Art Gallery

Galeria e Artit Tiranë opens the 16th edition of the exhibition “PranverArt” in Tirana. Then, more than 60 artists present their works using different visual art techniques, including painting, sculpture, and ceramics. Organizers Lazar Taçi and Maksim Bushi lead the exhibition. Next, the gallery welcomes a large number of visitors …

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‘The Economic Times’: Albania’s Durrës among Europe’s top affordable coastal destinations

TIRANA, April 22 – An article in The Economic Times highlights Albania as part of Europe’s leading affordable coastal destinations. The report notes that summer holidays across the continent do not need to be expensive. It places Durrës among the key locations recommended for summer 2026. Durrës is presented as …

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Week in Review: Moves Towards Change, But in Which Direction?

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week tells a story of political change in key countries in the region, but associated uncertainty about future political directions. Original post Here

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DPA exhibits rare diaries and manuscripts in Tirana

The General Directorate of Archives (DPA) organized a special exhibition in Tirana to mark World Book and Copyright Day. The event showcased rare diaries and original manuscripts of prominent Albanian figures for the first time. The exhibition took place in the cultural space “Auditor” and brought together officials, writers, critics, …

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Albania pushes cash reduction as businesses face 30 May POS terminal deadline

TIRANA, April 24 – Businesses in Albania have 37 days left to meet legal requirements for cashless payments through POS terminals in selected sectors. The obligation applies to accommodation services, transport operators, and public institutions. The deadline for tourism and transport businesses is set for 30 May 2026. Separate provisions …

News
Albania advances green finance framework with European Investment Bank support

TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s Financial Supervisory Authority held talks with the European Investment Bank on developing a national green investment guide and strengthening sustainable finance standards. The meeting brought together experts from the European Investment Bank, led by Alessandro de Concini, the institution’s representative in Albania. Discussions focused on …

News
Dinamo City reach Albanian Cup final after narrow win over Vllaznia in Shkodër

TIRANA, April 24 – Dinamo City have qualified for the Albanian Cup final after defeating Vllaznia 1–0 at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodër. The result followed a tightly contested semi-final second leg, where both sides created early chances but failed to convert in the first half. The first leg …

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Government advances redevelopment of Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana

TIRANA, April 24 – The government approved legal changes to move forward with the redevelopment of the Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana. The revised decision expands the role of the Albanian Investment Corporation, which will act as project developer through partnership contracts. The model allows the corporation to work with …

News
Cruise ship “Monet” opens summer tourist season in Vlora

TIRANA, April 24 – The cruise ship “Monet” arrived at the port of Vlora on Friday, marking the start of the summer tourist season in the coastal city. Port authorities said the vessel, sailing under the Kingstown flag, carried 48 tourists from countries including Croatia, Portugal, Germany and the United …

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Nationwide coastal maintenance drive begins ahead of summer season

TIRANA, April 24 – Authorities have begun a nationwide coastal maintenance drive across municipalities and natural parks ahead of the summer tourist season. The Ministry of Environment is coordinating the effort with other institutions, local governments and volunteer groups. Teams are carrying out maintenance work along beaches and public areas, …

News
German-backed projects advance in energy, water and public transport sectors

TIRANA, April 24 – German-supported projects are expanding in Albania across energy, water supply and public transport sectors. A senior official from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development highlighted ongoing investments in energy infrastructure. She said a newly financed substation in Petrela will strengthen electricity supply for …

News
Dutch PM holds phone call with Albanian PM, highlights strategic role of Albania in Western Balkans

TIRANA, April 24 – The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, held a phone call with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Jetten posted details of the conversation on social media platform X, describing Albania as a key strategic partner in the Western Balkans for both the Netherlands and the …

News

Week in Review: Moves Towards Change, But in Which Direction?

Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week tells a story of political change in key countries in the region, but associated uncertainty about future political directions. Original post Here

News

DPA exhibits rare diaries and manuscripts in Tirana

The General Directorate of Archives (DPA) organized a special exhibition in Tirana to mark World Book and Copyright Day. The event showcased rare diaries and original manuscripts of prominent Albanian figures for the first time. The exhibition took place in the cultural space “Auditor” and brought together officials, writers, critics, …

News

Albania pushes cash reduction as businesses face 30 May POS terminal deadline

TIRANA, April 24 – Businesses in Albania have 37 days left to meet legal requirements for cashless payments through POS terminals in selected sectors. The obligation applies to accommodation services, transport operators, and public institutions. The deadline for tourism and transport businesses is set for 30 May 2026. Separate provisions …

News

Albania advances green finance framework with European Investment Bank support

TIRANA, April 24 – Albania’s Financial Supervisory Authority held talks with the European Investment Bank on developing a national green investment guide and strengthening sustainable finance standards. The meeting brought together experts from the European Investment Bank, led by Alessandro de Concini, the institution’s representative in Albania. Discussions focused on …

News

Dinamo City reach Albanian Cup final after narrow win over Vllaznia in Shkodër

TIRANA, April 24 – Dinamo City have qualified for the Albanian Cup final after defeating Vllaznia 1–0 at the “Loro Boriçi” stadium in Shkodër. The result followed a tightly contested semi-final second leg, where both sides created early chances but failed to convert in the first half. The first leg …

News

Government advances redevelopment of Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana

TIRANA, April 24 – The government approved legal changes to move forward with the redevelopment of the Selman Stërmasi stadium in Tirana. The revised decision expands the role of the Albanian Investment Corporation, which will act as project developer through partnership contracts. The model allows the corporation to work with …

News

Cruise ship “Monet” opens summer tourist season in Vlora

TIRANA, April 24 – The cruise ship “Monet” arrived at the port of Vlora on Friday, marking the start of the summer tourist season in the coastal city. Port authorities said the vessel, sailing under the Kingstown flag, carried 48 tourists from countries including Croatia, Portugal, Germany and the United …

News

Nationwide coastal maintenance drive begins ahead of summer season

TIRANA, April 24 – Authorities have begun a nationwide coastal maintenance drive across municipalities and natural parks ahead of the summer tourist season. The Ministry of Environment is coordinating the effort with other institutions, local governments and volunteer groups. Teams are carrying out maintenance work along beaches and public areas, …

News

German-backed projects advance in energy, water and public transport sectors

TIRANA, April 24 – German-supported projects are expanding in Albania across energy, water supply and public transport sectors. A senior official from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development highlighted ongoing investments in energy infrastructure. She said a newly financed substation in Petrela will strengthen electricity supply for …

News

Dutch PM holds phone call with Albanian PM, highlights strategic role of Albania in Western Balkans

TIRANA, April 24 – The Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Rob Jetten, held a phone call with Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. Jetten posted details of the conversation on social media platform X, describing Albania as a key strategic partner in the Western Balkans for both the Netherlands and the …