Trump’s Tariffs Hit Albanian Exports Hard, Exposing Weakness in U.S.-Albania Economic Ties
Albanian exports to the United States have plummeted following the imposition of a 10% tariff on goods by President Donald Trump’s administration — part of a broader protectionist trade policy that has unsettled global markets and strained economic relations with several U.S. allies and partners. According to the Albanian Institute …
After Albania’s Election: Socialists’ Huge Majority Rings Alarm for Democracy
With 83 of parliament’s 140 seats, the ruling Socialists have never been stronger. In the first of a series on Albania’s post-election political landscape, BIRN examines how democratic standards and the struggle against corruption could be affected. Original post Here
From staunch enemy to strategic partner: Albanian-American relations in transition
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post From staunch enemy to strategic partner: Albanian-American relations in transition appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Behind the Façade: What’s Fueling Albania’s Real Estate Boom?
In recent years, Albania—particularly its capital, Tirana—has witnessed a real estate boom of unprecedented proportions. Tower cranes dominate the skyline, new developments sprout at every corner, and record-breaking building permits have become the norm. At first glance, this might seem like a sign of economic vitality. But beneath the surface …
A Taste of Friendship: Turkish Diplomat Bridges Two Nations Through the Language of Food
Edibe Sinem Atay’s new cookbook on Turkish and Albanian cuisine is more than a culinary collection — it is a heartfelt celebration of history, identity, and shared heritage. TIRANA, May 24, 2025.When diplomacy meets the warmth of the kitchen, something deeply human and enduring is born. Edibe Sinem Atay, a …
Tirana Pride Highlights Albania’s LGBT+ Progress Amid EU Hopes
TIRANA, May 25, 2025— Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Albania’s capital on Saturday during the annual Pride Parade, demanding equal rights, legal recognition, and dignity for the LGBT+ community under the motto “Side by Side.” The event, marked by colorful banners and strong calls for inclusion, received …
Albania’s Vanishing Electorate: Emigration, Not a Boycott, Powered the Socialist Victory
TIRANA, Albania — Albania’s ruling Socialist Party secured another sweeping victory in the May 11 parliamentary elections, but analysts say the most significant result wasn’t who won—but who wasn’t there to vote. Official data from the Central Election Commission indicate that at least 200,000 fewer people voted in 2025 compared …
Fight to Protect Albania’s ‘Wild River’ Isn’t Over, Say Environmental Prize-Winners
Activists Olsi Nika and Besjana Guri tell BIRN they see their prestigious international prize as fresh motivation to continue their campaign to save one of Europe’s last wild rivers from development. Original post Here
Crime Crackdown Exposes Albania’s Deep State-Organized Crime Links
Joint Italy-Albania Crime Crackdown Exposes Deep Ties Between Organized Crime and State Structures in Albania TIRANA, Albania ,Tirana Times May 21 — A sweeping anti-drug operation conducted jointly by Italian and Albanian authorities has laid bare what critics describe as the entrenched links between organized crime and political power in …
Narco-Politics and the Erosion of Democracy in Albania
In a country where democratic institutions are already fragile, a sprawling Italian anti-mafia investigation has thrown Albania’s political establishment into turmoil. At its heart lies the so-called Troplini Group, a narco-network accused of trafficking heroin and cocaine from Latin America through the Port of Durrës, laundering profits via the country’s …
TIRANA, May 15 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos visits Kosova today. She will meet Prime Minister Albin Kurti in Prishtina. Both sides hold a joint press conference at 10:45, according to the Office of the Prime Minister. Kosova hosts Kos during her first visit to the country …
TIRANA, May 15 – Acting Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy Kathryn Hammond highlighted the importance of cyber security during an event presenting American cyber security solutions. She linked cyber security to economic development and national defence. According to the U.S. Embassy, Hammond said cyber security has become …
TIRANA, May 15 – Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal described Albania as an important NATO ally during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama in Estonia. He also expressed Estonia’s support for Albania’s European Union integration. Michal highlighted cooperation between the two countries within the NATO alliance. He …
TIRANA, May 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama praised Estonia’s model of technological development and digital innovation during a joint press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal in Tallinn on Friday. Rama described Estonia as a “laboratory of the future” and said the Baltic country has built a modern …
TIRANA, May 15 – Albania’s Transparency Board set new fuel price ceilings on Friday and lowered the diesel price by 3 ALL per litre. According to the decision taken at the May 15 meeting, the retail price of SSH EN 590 diesel will not exceed 198 ALL per litre, while …
TIRANA, May 15 – European Union Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos arrived in Kosova on Friday. She will meet senior state leaders in Prishtina. Kos was received in the morning by acting President Albulena Haxhiu. She will later meet acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti. The agenda of the talks has …
TIRANA, May 15 – Organisers released the running order for the Eurovision Song Contest final. Albania will perform fifth, represented by Alis with the song “Nân.” Alis secured a place in the final after the second semi-final in Vienna. The artist delivered a strong performance at the Wiener Stadthalle and …
TIRANA, May 15 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said Albania remains a reliable NATO ally and continues efforts to modernise the Armed Forces and the country’s military industry. During a press conference, Nufi described the development of military and technological capacities as a key priority for the Armed Forces. He …
TIRANA, May 15 – Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal said direct flights between Tallinn and Tirana will create new opportunities for tourism, citizens and businesses between the two countries. He made the statement during a joint press conference in Estonia with Prime Minister Edi Rama. Michal said Albania and Estonia …
TIRANA, May 15 – Prime Minister Edi Rama thanked Estonia for its support to Albania’s EU accession process during a joint press conference with Estonian Prime Minister Kristen Michal. He said Albania expects to move quickly to the next phase of negotiations. Rama said Albania will continue work on closing …