Albania Opposition Protest Turns Violent
Democratic Party leader and former President Sali Berisha injured during clashes. Tirana Times, March 22, 2026 — Albania’s latest national opposition protest in Tirana, which ended in violent clashes between protesters and police, exposed not only rising anger against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government but also a broader crisis of …
US Targets Iran Linked Cyber Network as Albania Emerges as Key Victim
Tirana Times, March 17, 2026 – The United States has moved to dismantle a cyber network linked to Iran’s intelligence apparatus, seizing four domains used for hacking operations, disinformation campaigns and threats, in a case that places Albania at the center of a broader geopolitical confrontation. The U.S. Department of …
Albania Draws a Red Line on Iran
Parliament’s decision to label Tehran a state sponsor of terrorism formalizes a break years in the making and reflects a broad Albanian consensus that Iran has become a direct security threat Tirana Times, March 18, 2026 – Albania has taken one of its toughest political steps yet against Iran, with …
Europe’s Next Enlargement: Why Berlin, Paris and The Hague Could Decide the Fate of the Western Balkans
TIRANA TIMES, March 19, 2026 – The European Union’s enlargement debate has entered a new and unusually sensitive phase. What initially appeared to be a Brussels-driven discussion about how to accelerate Ukraine’s accession has quickly evolved into a broader political reckoning inside key member states over the future shape, pace, …
Albanian MPs Adopt Resolution Declaring Iran ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’
Ruling Socialist Party MPs aiming to support the US on the Iran war push through resolution – but opposition MPs boycott the vote they claim was staged ‘for the personal agenda of the Prime Minister’. Original post Here
Building a Trusted Health Tourism Ecosystem: Albania’s Next Competitive Advantage
by Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, March 17, 2026 – There are countries you visit, and there are countries you remember. Albania is rapidly becoming the latter. I began writing this article before travelling to Albania, drawing on the country’s remarkable tourism growth and the strategic opportunities it presents. Yet …
‘Cruel, Sadistic’: Albanian Communist State’s Killings of Escapees Still Mostly Unpunished
In the final years of Albania’s communist dictatorship, the authorities shot dozens of citizens trying to flee the country – and most of the attempts to bring the killers to justice have met obstruction and incompetence. Original post Here
Major Cocaine Heist Reveals Albanian Links to Swedish Drug Trade
The theft of a shipment of cocaine that was smuggled from Costa Rica to Sweden exposed the role of Albanian criminal groups in the international logistics of the drug trade, as well as the challenges in holding them accountable. Original post Here
Iran-Linked Hackers’ Fresh Strike on Albania Highlights Continued Negligence
A new cyberattack by Iran-linked Homeland Justice group targeting Albania’s parliament revealed the continued vulnerability of state digital systems and failures to implement basic security measures. Original post Here
Week in Review: The Wheel of Fortune
Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at the changing fortunes, power dynamics and neighbourly relations of countries and actors in South-east Europe. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 2 – After more than two decades, the legendary Spring Festival (Festivali i Pranverës) returns to the stage of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet on 6 and 7 June. The festival, organized with the support of the Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH), offers a platform for …
Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has marked the 17th anniversary of Albania’s NATO membership, describing it as “the greatest miracle of freedom” after the country’s independence. In a public reaction on social media, Berisha praised NATO’s role in defending Western civilization and highlighted the contribution of former U.S. President George …
During a meeting with the Socialist Party Assembly in Unit 14 in Tirana, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that for the first time Albanians are facing a real opportunity to integrate into the European Union. He emphasized that the door for the country is open and that the support of …
TIRANA, April 2 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said the European Commission is the strongest advocate Albania has had. He stressed that the country’s European Union integration process continues without delays. At the same time, he described the current phase as a decisive moment for Albania’s …
TIRANA, April 2 – State Minister and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka said Albania is advancing steadily towards European Union membership. She spoke during a discussion with students on the integration process. She stressed that accession is not only a technical exercise. Instead, it represents a deep European transformation for the …
TIRANA, April 2 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said there is no reason for concern over a possible attack by Iran in Albania. He made the statement after debates in parliament and public reactions to a recent warning. He said authorities have no information indicating a real threat. Lamallari explained …
TIRANA, April 2 – At the discussion held today at schools and libraries, children marked International Children’s Book Day. The date honours the birthday of Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. His famous stories include The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Match Girl, and Thumbelina. …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj visited the Hani i Hotit border checkpoint. He reviewed customs processes and measures to speed up procedures, increase security, and ensure transparency. Malaj spoke with staff about high traffic, waiting times, and coordination with Montenegrin authorities. He stressed that modernizing customs helps businesses and supports Albania’s …
The cruise ship Sapphire Princess arrived at Saranda Port early today with 2,776 passengers from around the world. Port Director Admir Malaj said this is the second cruise visit this month, following the March 17 stop with 2,600 tourists. Most visitors come from the U.S., UK, Canada, and Spain, with …
TIRANA, April 2 – The Albanian government will double monthly payments for around 11,000 children with disabilities. It will also recognise social and health insurance for about 14,000 caregivers and assistants. Officials announced the measures on World Autism Day during an event in Berat. Health and Social Protection Minister Evis …