Albania’s Public Broadcaster Struggling With ‘Catastrophic’ Debts, Head Says
The new head of RTSH, Eni Vasili, admits to BIRN that the company is facing a dire financial situation – after several contributors revealed they had not been paid for months. Original post Here
Pay Delays Deepen Concern over Albanian Public Broadcaster’s Finances
Outside programme contributors to Albania’s indebted public broadcaster say they haven’t paid for months and are in the dark as to when they will receive the money they are owed. Original post Here
China Index: Beijing’s Influence Waning in Balkans – Except Bosnia
The latest China Index analysis, published by a civil society network that includes BIRN, suggests that Beijing’s influence declined in most of the Balkans in 2024, with only Bosnia and Herzegovina bucking that trend. Original post Here
Clan Capitalism: Albania’s Privileged Investors and Their Seaside Villas
Instead of stimulating investment in agriculture or energy, critics say a 2015 ‘special law’ on strategic investment in Albania has simply made it easier and more profitable for certain privileged businesspeople to build luxury villas on the coast. Original post Here
Albania’s TikTok Ban Widely Flouted, Even by Allies of PM
Halfway into a 12-month ban on TikTok in Albania, anecdotal evidence suggests the prohibition is being widely flouted while the government remains silent on promised filters to weed out ‘undesirable’ content. Original post Here
Week in Review: Deadlocks, Unexpected Twists and New Approaches
Our selection of Premium stories this week looks at the challenges facing the region as the summer season winds down and business-as-usual resumes. Original post Here
Kosovo Court Imposes New Ban on Parliament Over Deputy Speaker Logjam
Court again bans MPs from forming institutions deriving from the February elections while it considers a complaint about the failure to elect a deputy speaker from the Serb community, as guaranteed in the constitution. Original post Here
Ambassador Faisal bin Ghazi Hafzi: Saudi Arabia Cultural Week, a Bridge of Communication Between the Two Countries
On the eve of Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Week, which will take place in Tirana from September 16–20 at the Palace of Congresses, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Albania, Mr. Faisal bin Ghazi Hafzi, through a press statement, praised this event as …
Dirty Water: Albania’s Polluted Rivers Need Cleaning Now, Activist Says
When Denisa Kasa returned from abroad and saw the state of Albania’s filthy waterways, she was shocked. Now she has formed an independent collective of young people dedicated to the ‘dream of clean rivers’. Original post Here
Saudi Cultural Week to Bring a Taste of Arabia to Tirana
Tirana will soon open its doors to the sights, sounds, and flavors of Arabia. From 16 to 20 September 2025, the Palace of Congresses will transform into a vibrant stage for Saudi Cultural Week, a five-day celebration of art, heritage, and creativity hosted by the Saudi Ministry of Culture. The festival promises to be more …
Albania aims to reduce development gaps between municipalities through a new territorial reform. Administrative-Territorial Reform Co-Chair Arbjan Mazniku spoke during a public hearing in Durrës. He said balanced territorial development remains a major challenge for local government. Mazniku said the 2014 reform brought positive results. He noted better services and …
Albania’s tax administration met experts from the International Monetary Fund to discuss the implementation of the “Fiscal Peace” package. General Tax Director Ilir Binaj led the meeting in Tirana. The sides reviewed progress on tax reforms. They also discussed the EU Growth Plan, TADAT standards and debt management measures. Officials …
Albania will officially launch the Socca European Championship tomorrow at the House of Football. Organizers built a modern mini stadium for the event. The venue will host matches from 28 national teams over five days. The tournament will begin at 09:00 with the match between Bulgaria and Ireland. Group stage …
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said security and territorial control along Albania’s coastline remain key priorities for the tourist season. Lamallari spoke during a meeting in Sarandë with State Police officials, territorial inspectors and local institutions. He referred to recent events in the coastal city, where authorities detained four police officers …
Socialist Party parliamentary group leader Taulant Balla said Albania aims to conclude European Union accession negotiations by 2027. Balla made the statement during an official visit to the Bundestag in Berlin. During the visit, he met Anton Hofreiter and members of the Bundestag Committee on European Union Affairs. At the …
Chief prosecutors from the Western Balkans met today in Sarajevo to strengthen regional cooperation against organized crime and corruption. The meeting took place during the Third Regional Consultative Forum. It focused on improving coordination with European partners in cross-border investigations. The forum was organized by the Western Balkans Criminal Justice …
Former Milo Đukanović has stated that powerful political and security circles from Belgrade were behind the so-called “S.Ç. affair,” with the aim of destabilizing Montenegro and compromising Kosovo ahead of important political processes in the region. In an interview with E Television, Đukanović emphasized that behind these operations were Serbian …
TIRANA, May 19 – Vlora has welcomed the tourist season with visitors from around the world. Tourists explore the Ionian coastline and visit natural and cultural attractions. They also experience local cuisine and hospitality. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing tourists taking part in physical …
TIRANA, May 19 – Justice reform entered a phase of concrete results for citizens. Minister of Justice Toni Gogu made the statement during the 10th anniversary of the reform. He said institutions now focus on stronger procedural guarantees, higher efficiency in the justice system, and better access to justice for …
TIRANA, May 19 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu participated in the World Urban Forum 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Leaders, international institutions, experts and policymakers discussed urbanisation, sustainable development and the future of cities. Meanwhile, Koçiu said on social media that the forum served as a meeting point for visions …