Women Journalists in Albania Unprotected in Face of Online Abuse
As Albanian online portals spread falsehoods to discredit women in the media, a culture of silence and weak legal protections leave women journalists increasingly vulnerable. Original post Here
Albania’s Public Broadcaster Paying Price of Former Head’s Firing Spree
The former head of Albania’s public broadcaster abruptly fired some 150 of its employees; they went to court, and many are winning, at a growing cost to RTSH. Original post Here
UAE President’s Surprise Visit to Albania Underscores Strategic Diplomacy Beyond Friendship
TIRANA, Albania — July 17, 2025 Tirana Times. In a rare and tightly scheduled diplomatic mission, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan made an unannounced visit to Albania on the evening of July 16, marking his second trip to the Balkan country in less than …
Week in Review: Surprises in Store
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week brings some surprises – some good, some less so – while continuing to look back on 20 years of BIRN. Original post Here
Week in Review: Opportunities and Setbacks
This week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories reflect the region’s ongoing push-and-pull between hopes of peace and the bitter weight of history. Original post Here
Albanian Prosecution Accuses Former Ruling Party MP of Organised Crime Ties
Special prosecutors conclude investigation into Jurgis Cyrbja, accusing the former Socialist MP of sharing state information with organised crime group members in exchange for their support in elections. Original post Here
Opposition: The Prime Minister Must Go!
In a meeting held yesterday with local officials, the leader of the opposition, Edi Rama, declared that the country is facing a series of serious problems that require deep and structural reforms. One of the first issues raised was that of drinking water. “Despite reported improvements, the situation calls for …
Skyscrapers and Shadows: Albania’s Construction Boom Masking a Web of Crime and Corruption
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) July 15,2025 — Just 300 meters from the office of Albania’s Prime Minister, a 40-story tower rises over Tirana’s skyline. It’s one of dozens of new high-rises reshaping the capital. But behind the glass and steel façade lies a darker truth that experts say reflects Albania’s …
From the Prime Minister’s Words to the State’s Bulldozers
After a campaign of promises for legalization, property titles, fine forgiveness, and tourism development, the government returns to Theth with the bulldozers of the National Inspectorate for the Protection of Territory (IKMT). Residents accuse the government of deception and corruption. By Lindita Çela – July 13, 2025 “Welcome! May God …
Albanian Village Erupts in Protest over Crackdown on ‘Illegal’ Tourist Cabins
In a remote valley in northern Albania, locals claim they were encouraged to build cabins to promote tourism. When the authorities sent in bulldozers to demolish what they said are illegal constructions, anger boiled over. Original post Here
The Albanian Prime Minister’s suggestions have largely and consistently proven not to be in Kosovo’s best interest October 29, 2025 By Veton Suroi Last week, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama offered a new recommendation for Kosovo in the process of normalizing relations with Serbia: “In my view, Kosovo should completely …
Intimidation of journalists working for independent media in Albania is getting worse, as state-level and local officials attempt to silence critical voices, both online and face-to-face. Original post Here
Tough European Commission report takes Serbian democratic backsliding to task – while saying Montenegro will probably be the first among the current candidate countries to join the EU. Original post Here
By Zef Preçi The recent decision of Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption (SPAK) to formally indict Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Belinda Balluku on charges related to abuse of office and corruption has sent shockwaves through the political establishment. Balluku widely regarded as the government’s second-in-command and …
Delays and drug shortages in the public healthcare system force hundreds of Albanian women every year to seek expensive, private treatment for breast cancer. Original post Here
MTV is shutting down its European music video channels, which were once symbols of freedom for many young people in the Balkans and the former Eastern Bloc. Lida Hujic had a front-row seat when the channel was at its peak. Original post Here
Tirana, October 31, 2025 Former Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano, the reformist leader who transformed the country’s Communist Party into a modern European-style Socialist Party and who steered Albania through several of its most turbulent post-communist years, has died at the age of 73. Nano a figure at once admired, …
Tirana November 3,2025 The Constitutional Court has ruled in favor of Erion Veliaj, annulling the government’s decision to dismiss him from office and invalidating President Bajram Begaj’s decree for early elections in Tirana. With a 5–3 vote, the Court decided that Veliaj who has been in pre-trial detention for nine …
Country’s top court rules in favour of ousted Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj regarding his dismissal – also cancelling fresh elections for a replacement for Veliaj, who is facing corruption charges. Original post Here
— Article by the Chinese Ambassador to Albania, Pang Chunxue On 25 October 1971, at the 26th Session of the UN General Assembly, Resolution 2758 was adopted by an overwhelming majority, restoring all the lawful rights of the People’s Republic of China in the United Nations and recognizing the representatives …