BIRN Film Recounts Albanian Artist’s Repression by Communist Regime
BIRN’s documentary ‘Painting in Darkness’, telling the story of an artist who was imprisoned as a political dissident and whose works were confiscated by Albania’s repressive Communist regime, was premiered in Tirana. Original post Here
Defendants’ Portraits Shed Light on Political Trials in Communist Albania
An exhibition of 150 photographs of ‘enemies of the state’ who were prosecuted for political reasons at trials held in cinemas offers a fresh insight into the injustices of Communist-era Albania. Original post Here
MP Expulsions Deepen Political Polarisation in Albania
Dozens of opposition MPs have been temporarily expelled from Albania’s parliament under new rules pushed through by the ruling Socialist Party, deepening a political crisis just when parties should be coming together to reform the electoral law. Original post Here
Separate Kitchen, Private Gym – Life Behind Bars Comes with Perks for Albania’s VIP Prisoners
Former ruling party officials and convicted organised crime gangsters enjoy privileged treatment in Albania’s jails, a BIRN investigation has found. Original post Here
‘Even Bees Will Die’: River Diversion Threatens Albania’s Shushica Valley
Locals fear plan to divert water from a river in southern Albania to feed demand in nearby tourist resorts will dry out their valley and ruin their livelihoods. Original post Here
Ukraine’s Zelensky Calls for Defence ‘Co-Production’ With Balkan Countries
Volodymyr Zelensky in Tirana urged Balkan countries to ‘co-produce’ arms and proposed a joint defence industry forum to be held in Kyiv or a Balkan capital. Original post Here
Greek Police Closer to Cracking Gang Behind 2020 Mafia Murders
Greek police working in the context of an international police operation arrested an Albanian citizen allegedly involved in four murders of Montenegro mafia members in Greece in 2020 – increasing the number of suspects behind bars in several countries. Original post Here
Tensions Over ‘Gulenist’ Claims Mar Election of Albania’s Muslim Leader
The election of Bujar Spahiu as the new head of the Albanias an Muslim Community was marred by opponents’ allegations that he supports Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen, who is wanted for arrest by the Ankara government. Original post Here
Albania Convicts Ethnic Greek Politician Fredi Beleri of Vote-Buying
After a high-profile trial that caused a diplomatic rift between Albania and Greece, the ethnic Greek mayor-elect of the Albanian town of Himara, Fredi Beleri, was sentenced to two years in prison for vote-buying. Original post Here
Albanian Public Broadcaster Fires Programme Director for Social Media Post
A programme director at the Albanian public broadcaster RTSH was fired by the new head of the station, Alfred Peza, a former ruling party MP who has been criticised for other dismissals since he took the job. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 23 – Travel and Tour World has highlighted Albania as an emerging European travel destination for 2026, citing growing international interest in its coastal landscapes, mountain regions and cultural heritage sites. The publication described Albania as gaining increased visibility among international travellers. In Tirana, the capital features as …
The European Film Academy has included the Kinostudio “Shqipëria e Re” building in the list of Treasures of European Film Culture. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport announced the decision and highlighted its importance for Albania. It said the recognition places Albania among Europe’s key film heritage destinations. It …
TIRANA, April 23 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will face relatively unstable atmospheric conditions on Thursday. The day is expected to bring alternating clear skies and light to moderate cloud cover during midday and afternoon hours. Southern mountainous areas are expected to see localised light rainfall with low …
TIRANA, April 23 – The Council of Ministers approved zoning and a management plan for Orikum Archaeological Park. The site received designation last week as an immovable cultural asset. The decision sets rules for protection, preservation and administration. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the measure strengthens …
TIRANA, April 23 – Business activity in Albania increased significantly in March 2026, reflecting positive economic dynamics in the country. The National Business Centre reported 1,780 new business registrations during the month. Compared with March 2025, when 1,565 businesses were registered, the figure rose by 13.7 percent. Tirana accounted for …
Nufi met Zoran Milanović during an official visit to Zagreb. They discussed strengthening defence cooperation within NATO. Nufi said Albania and Croatia share a strong commitment to peace and stability in Southeast Europe. He described this as a key strategic priority for both countries. Moreover, both sides agreed to deepen …
TIRANA, April 23 – Albania’s public broadcaster, Radio Televizioni Shqiptar (RTSH), has formally launched an institutional reform process following unanimous approval by its Steering Council. The decision marks the start of implementing a transformation plan supported by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). RTSH Director General Eni Vasili said the reform …
Bank of Albania, in cooperation with the European Investment Bank, held a technical and inter-institutional workshop in Tirana on the development of Albania’s “Green Taxonomy”. This system classifies which economic activities can be considered environmentally sustainable. The Bank said the initiative is part of a broader technical assistance program to …
TIRANA, April 23 – The National Theatre of Opera and Ballet hosted the concert “Three Spanish tenors” in Tirana, bringing three internationally recognised opera voices to the Albanian capital. The event featured repertoire from classical and operatic music. Tenors Ignacio Encinas, Oscar Encinas and Albert Deprius performed under the direction …
Blendi Gonxhja announced that the Monastery of the Archangels in Derviçan has been declared a Category I “Monument of Culture”. He said authorities will soon begin work to restore it and make it livable again. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport said the decision was made in cooperation with …