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 …
Iranian Opposition Group’s Stay in Albania Turns Sour
Albania’s hosting of an exiled Iranian opposition group was never likely to be easy. Now it’s under criminal investigation. Original post Here
Week in Review: Tricks and Surprises
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week sheds light on police brutality, hidden influence, strained bilateral relations and other turbulent issues across the region. Original post Here
Years After Discovery, Albania’s Roman-Era Mosaics Remain Hidden to Public View
The city of Durres on Albania’s Adriatic coast boasts a fine selection of Roman-era mosaics. But due to a lack of initiative by the local authorities, progress has been slow to preserve them and make them available for the public to view. Original post Here
After Major Wildfires, Albania Warned to Boost Preparedness Urgently
As Mediterranean fire seasons grow in intensity, Albania’s government faces calls to invest in firefighting and reforestation. Original post Here
TIRANA, May 20 – Students from the University of Tirana took part in the international sports competition “2nd Lion Explorer in Venice 2026” in Venice. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja described the participation of Albanian students in the event as an important step for university sports. He said …
TIRANA, May 20 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said Albania continues to support Italy in challenges linked to illegal migration and regional security. During a press conference, Lamallari answered questions about contacts with Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi and the latter’s visit to Tirana. He confirmed that Albanian and Italian …
TIRANA, May 20 – Slovak cyclist Samuel Fedor has won the second stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania, held from Lezha to Elbasan over 149.9 kilometres. Fedor of Dukla Banska Bystrica secured victory after a strong sprint finish and recorded a time of 3 hours, 6 minutes and 26 …
TIRANA, May 20 – Prime Minister Edi Rama has said the European Union must take a more direct role in diplomacy with Russia. The bloc, he said, made a strategic mistake by relying heavily on the United States for dialogue with Moscow. Rama made the remarks in an interview with …
A new film will be restored under the “Adopt a Film for Restoration” initiative by the Albanian National Film Archive. The director of AQSHF, Eljan Tanini, announced that the next project is the film “Shoku ynë Tili”. He thanked a supporter from Kosovo, Baki Wahsh, for helping make the restoration …
TIRANA, May 20 – Minister of Finance Petrit Malaj took part in the 5th international ministerial conference “No Money for Terror” in Paris, France. French Minister for Economy, Finance and Industrial, Energy and Digital Sovereignty Roland Lescure hosted the event under France’s G7 presidency for 2026. French President Emmanuel Macron …
The National Center of Cinematography of Albania has announced the winners in the “Various Cinematographic Projects” category. A total of 14 projects will receive financial support from the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport of Albania. The aim is to strengthen Albania’s audiovisual industry. It also seeks to support new …
TIRANA, May 20 – On May 20, 1903, Ernest Koliqi was born in the city of Shkodër. He became one of the most influential Albanian writers, scholars, translators, and educators of the 20th century. Koliqi studied at the Saverian College and later graduated in literature from the University of Padua. …
TIRANA, May 20 – Miss Summer World held its 10th edition in Himara, bringing together contestants from 45 countries for the international final at Potam beach. Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo said the contestants added visibility and appeal to the coastal city, while the municipality supported the organisation of the event. …
TIRANA, May 20 – Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi held a meeting with Swiss Ambassador to Albania Ruth Huber. The two sides signed the Agreement on the Building Damage Assessment Project. The Institute of Construction implements the project with support from the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation …