Arrest Exposes Albania’s Crime-Politics Nexus
Was a Key National Security Institution Penetrated by Organized Crime? Tirana Times, August 28, 2026 – The arrest of businessman Ergys Agasi has put a new focus on allegations reaching beyond corruption in public procurement, raising broader questions about possible links between political power, business interests and organized crime — and …
Montenegro Points to Albania and Serbia in Hybrid Threat Claim
Tirana Times, August 28, 2026 – An extraordinary political and diplomatic controversy has emerged between Montenegro and Albania after Montenegrin media reported that Prime Minister Milojko Spajić was referring to Albania and Serbia when he warned of a coordinated hybrid operation aimed at destabilizing Montenegro and obstructing its progress toward …
Week in Review: Hopes and Dilemmas
From Turkey’s search for peace to Serbia’s creeping elections, our selection of Premium stories takes a look at the hopes and dilemmas bubbling away in the background of these developments. Original post Here
Albanian beekeeper marks 50 years in the profession with 68 hives
TIRANA, August 28 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu highlighted the story of Haxhire, a beekeeper who has worked in the field for around 50 years. She currently cares for 68 beehives. In a social media post, Kociu praised Albanian beekeepers and the support they receive through the National Agriculture …
Egnatia and Dinamo City exit European competitions
TIRANA, August 28 – Egnatia were eliminated by Norway’s Lillestrom in the final qualifying round for the Europa League despite taking the lead and controlling much of the match. The Albanian champions will continue their European campaign in the Conference League. Dinamo City also ended its European campaign after losing …
Taranto 2026: Kosova’s Donjeta Sadiku wins boxing gold
TIRANA, August 28 – Kosova’s Donjeta Sadiku won the gold medal in boxing at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games after defeating Serbia’s Kristina Kuluhova in the final of the women’s up to 60 kg category. Sadiku dominated the bout and forced her opponent to stop in the second round. The …
Ali Podrimja: A Defining Voice of Modern Albanian Poetry
Ali Podrimja (August 28, 1942–July 21, 2012) was one of the most influential Albanian poets from Kosovo. Critics regard him as a leading figure in modern Albanian poetry, while readers around the world have discovered his work through numerous translations. Born in Gjakova in 1942, Podrimja studied Albanian language and …
Ministry of Defence: 22 wildfires reported in 24 hours, 3 remain active
TIRANA, August 28 – Authorities reported 22 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Three remain active, while four others remain under monitoring. The Ministry of Defence said 288 operational personnel and 21 firefighting vehicles have joined the response. The Armed Forces also deployed two helicopters, which took part …
State to intervene to protect cultural heritage homes, starting with Gjirokastër
TIRANA, August 28 – The state will take concrete measures to save, restore and protect homes that hold cultural heritage monument status and face deterioration or loss. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the measures will address neglect, fragmented ownership, abandonment and deliberate inaction. Gonxhja said the state …
Health Minister Sala among top 10 women in global oncology list
TIRANA, August 28 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala ranks among the top 10 names on OncoDaily’s “100 Women of Impact in Oncology 2026” list. The international initiative recognizes women making significant contributions to cancer care and treatment worldwide. OncoDaily has run the initiative since 2023. The organization …
On June 8, Monika Silva-Koniuszek was murdered in Ecuador. After obtaining a drive containing files the Polish activist had compiled, BIRN uncovered a network of companies linked to Albanian gangs allegedly used to launder drug money. Original post Here
Following an attack on a gendarme guarding the Israeli embassy in Belgrade, Serbia’s caretaker Interior Minister Ivica Dacic raised the terror threat status to the highest level. Original post Here
New archaeological research is revealing more of Butrint’s ancient past. A century after Italian archaeologist Luigi Ugolini brought the site back to international attention, researchers have identified previously undocumented buildings, fortifications, water systems and burial sites. According to Italian art and heritage publication Finestre sull’Arte, these findings shed new light …
President Bajram Begaj has invited parliamentary parties to a consultation meeting on October 30 to discuss the date of the 2027 local elections. The vote is expected between April 15 and May 15. Begaj should announce the official date by November 9, following consultations with political representatives. The Democratic Party …
Albania will have stable weather on Wednesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Skies will remain mostly clear, with occasional moderate to dense clouds over mountainous areas in the east. Northeasterly to northwesterly winds will reach average speeds of 9 metres per second. Along the coast and in valleys, gusts …
The American business and finance outlet TheStreet has highlighted Tirana as a budget-friendly destination gaining international attention ahead of 2027. Citing travel booking platform Skyscanner’s annual travel trends report, the outlet says travellers increasingly choose destinations where favourable exchange rates stretch their budgets. A survey of 28,000 travellers found that …
Kosova President Justina Shiroka Pula attended a ceremony on Tuesday evening marking Austria’s National Day. She highlighted the longstanding friendship between the two countries and their shared commitment to freedom, democracy, human rights and peace. Shiroka Pula thanked Austria for its support during difficult periods in Kosova’s history. She stressed …
Albania’s Abissnet Superiore will resume on Wednesday and Thursday, October 28–29, with five matches scheduled across the ninth round. Wednesday’s fixtures begin at 13:30, when FK Vora host Vllaznia. Two more matches follow at 18:30, as Skënderbeu face Laçi and AF Elbasani take on Partizani at Elbasan Arena. Meanwhile, Thursday …
The Albanian government will review the draft 2027 budget today, with planned spending of €10 billion. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj will then present the document to the Assembly’s Conference of Chairpersons. Parliamentary committees will subsequently examine the proposal. Reporter Rugova Dunisha reported that the budget may include compensation for businesses …
The European Union has stressed that Serbia’s parliamentary election results do not change the framework of its facilitated dialogue with Kosova. All commitments made by both sides in the normalisation process remain in force, an EU spokesperson told Radio Television of Kosova. These include obligations under the 2023 Agreement on …