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 …
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 …
“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 …
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 …
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. …
“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 …
Special Forces complete advanced military training courses
TIRANA, July 30 – The Special Operations Regiment (ROS) in Zall Herr completed the “Commando” and “Reconnaissance Operator” courses with a graduation ceremony. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, senior military officials, service members and relatives attended the event. …
National Tourism Agency informs visitors at Albania’s entry points
TIRANA, July 30 – The National Tourism Agency is present at Albania’s entry points to provide foreign visitors with tourist information during their stay. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing agency staff welcoming tourists and distributing maps, guides and information materials. The initiative helps visitors discover …
Tax relief to support Albania’s defense industry
TIRANA, July 30 – The government approved measures to support companies operating in Albania’s defense industry, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said. Nufi said the latest Council of Ministers meeting approved 5 acts related to the Ministry of Defense. One of the main decisions changes the Value Added Tax law to …
Zoto Bridge in Vithkuq, a Valuable Testimony of Cultural Heritage
Specialists from the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (IKTK) inspected Zoto Bridge in Vithkuq, Korçë, as part of ongoing efforts to monitor and protect cultural monuments. The first-category cultural monument faces several conservation challenges, including the impact of natural factors. IKTK said it remains committed to preserving the bridge’s authenticity, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama continued public consultations on the territorial administrative reform in Berat today. He focused on how the proposed reorganization of local units could affect public services. Rama stressed that the merger would not reduce services in Poliçan, Dimal or other local units. Instead, he said the reform …
Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu said that 12 hours of discussions cannot solve all the challenges citizens expect the healthcare system to address. She stressed that healthcare leaders must continue working directly with citizens and communities. During a coordination meeting with managers of primary healthcare and hospital …
Kosovo’s Assembly approved the new government led by Albin Kurti of the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV) with 62 votes in favor, eight against and no abstentions, giving Kurti his fourth term as prime minister. LVV holds 53 seats, while nine lawmakers from non-majority communities also supported the government. Eight represent non-Serb …
The Academy of Sciences of Albania today marked the 119th anniversary of the birth of Dhimitër Pasko, known in literature as Mitrush Kuteli. Kuteli was born in Pogradec on September 13, 1907. He became one of Albania’s most distinguished writers, translators, economists and scholars. He made major contributions to literature, …
“What truly makes a difference is the dream,” Prime Minister Edi Rama said during a discussion with professors from the World Economic Forum, linking Albania’s transformation and that of the region to the aspiration for European Union membership. Responding to a Mongolian professor’s question about Albania’s democratic transformation and transition …
Dinamo City defeated Partizani 4-2 in the capital derby today at Vora Stadium, securing its third consecutive victory in the fourth round of the Abissnet Superiore. Ilir Daja’s side started strongly and opened the scoring in the 11th minute. Hekuran Berisha took advantage of a defensive mistake and put Dinamo …
The National Historical Museum today marked the 158th anniversary of the birth of Carl Patsch, the Austrian archaeologist and historian who made important contributions to the study of Albania and the Illyrians. Patsch was born on September 12, 1868. He directed the Provincial Museum of Bosnia and Herzegovina and later …
The Goddess of Butrint, Dea, has returned to the ancient city where archaeologists discovered her. The work stands among Albania’s best-known archaeological treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed Dea’s return and said it adds further value to Albania’s history and cultural heritage. “Good news about Dea of Butrint returning home …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has brought back his “Flasim” podcast, focusing on education and Albania’s results in the international PISA 2025 assessment. In the first episode of the new season, titled “News from School,” Rama spoke about the start of the new school year and the progress of the education …
Defence Minister Ermal Nufi describes the development of the defence industry as a strategic priority for Albania. In a video message, he said that the country has now entered a new phase in which the defence industry aims to strengthen national security, technological capabilities and economic development. “The development of …