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Growing Pains: Albania’s Farmers Find Pathway to EU Markets Hard to Follow

Albania’s huge agricultural sector is seeking to expand into European markets to flourish – but issues over old-fashioned methods, low productivity, banned pesticides and corruption stand in the way. Original post Here

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 23, 2026

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Share Your Experience: Overtourism from Spain to Turkey and the Balkans

Are you living in a hotspot destination? Struggling with rising rent in a popular neighbourhood or frustrated by the disruption caused by tourists? Tell us your story. Original post Here

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Opposition protests mark renewed political tensions in Albania

Protest against the government on the anniversary of the fall of dictator Enver Hoxha’s statue Tirana Times, February 21, 2026 – The national opposition protest held in Tirana on 20 February 2026 marked a new and more volatile phase in Albania’s political confrontation, as long-standing institutional disputes spilled decisively into …

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Albania to Contribute Troops to Gaza

PM Rama urges Trump to act on The Hague court and Kosovo leaders. Tirana Times, February 20 2026 – Albania has confirmed it will contribute troops and police personnel to the international stabilization mission in Gaza under the newly created Peace Board, an initiative announced by U.S. President Donald Trump …

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Balkan Leaders Heap Praise on Trump’s Board of Peace at Ceremonial Launch

Balkan and Turkish leaders lauded the Board of Peace at its Washington launch on Thursday – while the participation of an EU Commissioner from Croatia drew criticism from some EU states about her presence. Original post Here

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Rama is Turning Deputy’s Suspension Into ‘Personal Battle’ Against Albanian Judiciary

Proposed legal amendments preventing courts from suspending senior officials would be a major blow to progress on tackling corruption – and to Albania’s EU accession process, writes legal expert Gentian Serjani. Original post Here

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Powerful Interests are Driving Digital Repression in Southeast Europe

Digital spaces are the new frontlines for challenging entrenched political and economic interests, but the backlash against civic groups trying to expose corruption and environmental destruction or demand official accountability can be fierce. Original post Here

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Government Moves to Shield Cabinet from Prosecution as Judiciary–Executive Clash Deepens

Proposed changes to the Criminal Procedure Code following the suspension of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku trigger opposition backlash, institutional tension, and renewed concerns over judicial independence and EU accession. Tirana Times, February 16 2026 – The Albanian government has launched an urgent legislative initiative to amend the Criminal Procedure …

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Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption?

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption? appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here

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Mediterranean Cinema Returns to Tirana with Four Nights at Agimi Art Center

The Tirana Mediterranean Film Festival (TMFF) returns for its second edition from 28 to 31 May 2026 in Tirana. The festival focuses on Mediterranean cinema and promotes cultural exchange and artistic dialogue. It hosts screenings, masterclasses, discussions, and meetings with film professionals. All events take place at the Agimi Art …

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Stradner: Congressional visit signals renewed United States commitment to stability in Western Balkans

TIRANA, May 29 – Two United States congress members visited the Western Balkans last week. The trip signaled renewed United States commitment to peace and stability in the region. Ivana Stradner from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington made this assessment. She referred to Republican congressman Keith Self …

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State Minister Demo meets Venice Commission delegation, focus on strengthening democratic standards

TIRANA, May 29 – Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo on Friday met a delegation from the Venice Commission during a visit to Tirana. Meanwhile, Demo said in a social media post that the meeting focused on strengthening democratic standards, transparency and institutional accountability, describing these principles as …

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German Ambassador Karl Bergner: Independent Justice Essential for Albania’s EU Progress

TIRANA, May 29 – Ambassador of Germany to Albania Karl Bergner said at an event that an independent, professional and efficient justice system remains a central and necessary condition for Albania’s progress toward European Union membership. He added that meeting the interim benchmarks for accession, recently confirmed, represents recognition of …

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Tirana to host Albanian Doctors Federation in Europe congress on health system challenges

TIRANA, May 29 – Tirana will host on Saturday the 27th Congress of the Federation of Albanian Doctors in Europe (AMFE). The event will gather dozens of Albanian doctors from Europe, the United States and the region. German public health authorities recognise the congress. It provides 11 professional credits. The …

News
Albania launches state digital company Albanian Digital Solution to expand e-government services and exports

TIRANA, May 29 – The government presented “Albanian Digital Solution Sh.A.” on Thursday. The new company aims to modernise public services and strengthen technological innovation in Albania. It marks a new phase in the development of e-government. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the initiative represents a major step in digital …

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El País: The Timeless Charm of Tourist Albania

The Spanish newspaper El País highlights Albania as a rising Mediterranean destination that still preserves authenticity despite rapid tourism growth. It describes Albania as no longer a secret, with the Albanian Riviera attracting more visitors each year and repeating mistakes seen in other Mediterranean hotspots. The article emphasizes the country’s …

News
Government promotes cooperation model for grain farmers in Durrës

TIRANA, May 29 – Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla and Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako presented a new agricultural cooperation model for grain, corn and wheat farmers in Durrës. The initiative aims to strengthen farmer organisation and improve competitiveness in the agricultural sector. Salla said the model allows farmers …

News
Scientific Conference Focuses on Water Resources in Albanian-Speaking Regions

A two-day international scientific conference opened in Pristina on Thursday. The event focuses on “Water as a Source of Energy and Environmental Protection: Balance Towards a Sustainable Future.” The conference comes through cooperation between the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo and the Academy of Sciences of Albania. Moreover, …

News
e-Albania 2.0 improves digital independence and business efficiency

TIRANA, May 29 – Albania advanced its digital transformation with the presentation of Albanian Digital Solution Sh.A. on Thursday. The initiative supports e-government development and expands digital public services. Meanwhile, Agjencia Kombëtare e Shoqërisë së Informacionit Director Igli Tafa said technical teams drive the country’s digital ecosystem. Tafa said specialists …

News

Mediterranean Cinema Returns to Tirana with Four Nights at Agimi Art Center

The Tirana Mediterranean Film Festival (TMFF) returns for its second edition from 28 to 31 May 2026 in Tirana. The festival focuses on Mediterranean cinema and promotes cultural exchange and artistic dialogue. It hosts screenings, masterclasses, discussions, and meetings with film professionals. All events take place at the Agimi Art …

News

Stradner: Congressional visit signals renewed United States commitment to stability in Western Balkans

TIRANA, May 29 – Two United States congress members visited the Western Balkans last week. The trip signaled renewed United States commitment to peace and stability in the region. Ivana Stradner from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington made this assessment. She referred to Republican congressman Keith Self …

News

State Minister Demo meets Venice Commission delegation, focus on strengthening democratic standards

TIRANA, May 29 – Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo on Friday met a delegation from the Venice Commission during a visit to Tirana. Meanwhile, Demo said in a social media post that the meeting focused on strengthening democratic standards, transparency and institutional accountability, describing these principles as …

News

German Ambassador Karl Bergner: Independent Justice Essential for Albania’s EU Progress

TIRANA, May 29 – Ambassador of Germany to Albania Karl Bergner said at an event that an independent, professional and efficient justice system remains a central and necessary condition for Albania’s progress toward European Union membership. He added that meeting the interim benchmarks for accession, recently confirmed, represents recognition of …

News

Tirana to host Albanian Doctors Federation in Europe congress on health system challenges

TIRANA, May 29 – Tirana will host on Saturday the 27th Congress of the Federation of Albanian Doctors in Europe (AMFE). The event will gather dozens of Albanian doctors from Europe, the United States and the region. German public health authorities recognise the congress. It provides 11 professional credits. The …

News

Albania launches state digital company Albanian Digital Solution to expand e-government services and exports

TIRANA, May 29 – The government presented “Albanian Digital Solution Sh.A.” on Thursday. The new company aims to modernise public services and strengthen technological innovation in Albania. It marks a new phase in the development of e-government. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the initiative represents a major step in digital …

News

El País: The Timeless Charm of Tourist Albania

The Spanish newspaper El País highlights Albania as a rising Mediterranean destination that still preserves authenticity despite rapid tourism growth. It describes Albania as no longer a secret, with the Albanian Riviera attracting more visitors each year and repeating mistakes seen in other Mediterranean hotspots. The article emphasizes the country’s …

News

Government promotes cooperation model for grain farmers in Durrës

TIRANA, May 29 – Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla and Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako presented a new agricultural cooperation model for grain, corn and wheat farmers in Durrës. The initiative aims to strengthen farmer organisation and improve competitiveness in the agricultural sector. Salla said the model allows farmers …

News

Scientific Conference Focuses on Water Resources in Albanian-Speaking Regions

A two-day international scientific conference opened in Pristina on Thursday. The event focuses on “Water as a Source of Energy and Environmental Protection: Balance Towards a Sustainable Future.” The conference comes through cooperation between the Academy of Sciences and Arts of Kosovo and the Academy of Sciences of Albania. Moreover, …

News

e-Albania 2.0 improves digital independence and business efficiency

TIRANA, May 29 – Albania advanced its digital transformation with the presentation of Albanian Digital Solution Sh.A. on Thursday. The initiative supports e-government development and expands digital public services. Meanwhile, Agjencia Kombëtare e Shoqërisë së Informacionit Director Igli Tafa said technical teams drive the country’s digital ecosystem. Tafa said specialists …