Albanian Opposition Furious as AI ‘Minister’ Makes Parliament ‘Speech’
In a tense parliament session, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama gave the floor to the AI entity he has appointed as artificial intelligence minister, sparking an angry backlash from opposition MPs. Original post Here
‘Enemies of the State’: Concern in Albania, EU Over PM’s Criticism of Courts
In singling out judges and prosecutors for stinging personal criticism, Albania’s Edi Rama risks further eroding the democratic separation of powers, experts say. Original post Here
‘Enemies of the State’: Concern in Albania, EU Over PM’s Criticism of Courts
In singling out judges and prosecutors for stinging personal criticism, Albania’s Edi Rama risks further eroding the democratic separation of powers, experts say. Original post Here
Albania’s Headline-Grabbing AI ‘Minister’ is a Risky Innovation
Without legal frameworks and safeguards, the decision to appoint an AI entity as a ‘minister’ entrusted with sensitive tasks is ambitious – but fraught with danger. Original post Here
“Pashaliman Deal: Albania’s Transactional Politics and Western Patronage”
From D’Alema to Tony Blair, Rama’s reliance on influential Western figures fuels controversy. TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 15,2025) — The Albanian government’s decision to hand over part of the Pashaliman naval base to an Italian developer under criminal investigation has widened into a broader debate about Prime Minister Edi …
EU Countries Ban Albanian Farm Exports Amid Safety Scandal
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 10, 2025 ) — Albania is grappling with an escalating food safety crisis as European Union member states including Croatia, Slovenia, Italy and Germany repeatedly block or destroy shipments of its agricultural products, citing dangerous levels of pesticides and heavy metals. The latest scandal unfolded …
Saudi Literature in Albanian: Tirana Times Publishes Three New Titles Ahead of Saudi Cultural Week in Tirana
Tirana Times Staff Albania, September 15, 2025, Tirana Times .With the opening of the Saudi Cultural Week in Tirana tomorrow, Tirana Times Publishing House is marking the occasion with the release of three new translations of contemporary Saudi novels into Albanian. The titles—Critical Condition of Patient “K” by Aziz Muhamed, …
In Albania, Christians and Muslims Unite to Protect Religious Heritage
In the Diber region in Albania’s north-east, Byzantine-era churches which have survived the ordeals of history are being protected by Christians, with a helping hand from their Muslim neighbours. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: September 15, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Tirana’s Water Crisis Hits Diplomats
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 14, 2025) — In a city where cranes rise daily and glass towers dominate the skyline, the most basic element of urban life — running water — is vanishing. For more than three months, the residence of the European Union ambassador in Tirana has received …
Political polarisation and government pressure on the judiciary – sparked by investigations of top politicians – could hinder Albania’s rapid progress towards European Union membership. Original post Here
Dramatic situation reported in several towns, while some locals complain of being abandoned. Original post Here
TIRANA TIMES, December 6, 2025 – Albania is once again under water. Torrential rains over the past days have triggered massive flooding across almost the entire country, exposing not only the fragility of urban infrastructure but, more fundamentally, the long-term failure of governance. From the northern plains to the southern …
By Zef Preçi, Executive Director of ACER As Albania presents itself as closer than ever to the European Union, a troubling contradiction has emerged in its domestic legal and political debate. While the EU is moving decisively toward tougher and more harmonized criminal rules against corruption, Albania is simultaneously discussing …
Allegations of money laundering in construction and claims of informal power networks, including the case of Ergys Agasi, fuel concerns over a distorted housing market Tirana Times, TIRANA, 05 January 2026 – For many middle income families in Tirana, buying an apartment has shifted from a realistic life goal to …
Democracy and the rights of women are being undermined in Albania by the practice of filling electoral candidate lists with women, only to have them resign en masse once the results are in and cede their seats to men. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Albania and Kosovo applauded the Trump administration’s military operation against Venezuela’s regime and the ousting of Nicolas Maduro, while other states in the region initially remained silent or called for calm and restraint. Original post Here
By Genc Pollo Tirana, 02 January 2026 – Today’s decision by the European Union to grant “roaming like at home” to Ukraine and Moldova deserves praise. It is a practical citizen-centered step that immediately lowers costs improves connectivity and makes Europe tangible in everyday life. Yet the non inclusion of …
Tirana’s EU accession process is running in top gear – but worryingly, there’s no sign this is being matched with a democratic deepening at home. Original post Here