Italy Sends More Migrants to Albania After Change of Plan
A new shipload of migrants from Italy arrived in Albania on Friday after the Rome government changed the rules on the use of its detention centre in the Balkan country after previous legal setbacks to the offshoring project. Original post Here
Albania’s ‘Elite Tourism’ Pits David Against Goliath in Fight for Water
In southwestern Albania, a government plan to harness a village’s natural springs for the needs of a luxury tourism development has locals up in arms. Original post Here
Albanian TikTok Shutdown Tool Raises Privacy Concerns
Albania’s cyber security authority said it will use Deep Packet Inspection to enforce the government’s TikTok ban – but experts say the use of the technology has no legal basis in Albania and could be used for censorship. Original post Here
Albanian Institute for International Studies Invited as Institutional Partner at NATO Public Forum 2025
TIRANA TIMES Albania April 7,— The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has been invited to serve as an Institutional Partner at the 2025 NATO Public Forum, set to take place on June 24-25 in The Hague during the NATO Summit. The invitation, extended by NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division, recognizes …
Arrested Albanian Mayor Accused of Running ‘Disturbing’ PR Campaign From Jail
Published wiretaps appear to show that Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj, who is facing corruption charges, has been running a publicity campaign using cronies in the mass media to target his perceived enemies in the justice system. Original post Here
Albania Failing to Eradicate Banned Pesticides from Agricultural Products
When it comes to banning pesticides, Albania takes its cue from the EU, yet substances deemed dangerous to human health are still being used years later. Original post Here
Trump’s New Tariffs and Their Impact on Albania and the Western Balkans
By Tirana Times Editorial Board TIRANA, April 4, 2025 Tirana Times — President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on global trade partners have sparked concern and debate across Europe and the Western Balkans, with Albania finding itself in an uneasy position—politically aligned with the United States but economically vulnerable and …
Beware of Stone Slogans – Ylljet Alicka’s Cautionary Tale
Rafaela Prifti Alicka’s storytelling in Stone Slogans lays one episode after another with cynical awareness and mindful deliberation to reveal the anguish and despair that has taken hold of an existence controlled by fear in communist Albania. After reading the first story eponymous with the book’s title Slogans in Stone, …
From Declaration to Deterrence: A Turning Point for Southeast Europe’s Security?
By Albert Rakipi On March 18, 2025, the Defense Ministers of Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia signed a Joint Declaration on military cooperation. Though not a formal treaty or binding alliance, the Declaration marks a pivotal moment for regional security in Southeast Europe. It reflects a growing recognition among these countries …
Albania Turns to Filipino Workers as Emigration Crisis Drains Domestic Labor Force
News Analysis Albania Turns to Filipino Workers as Emigration Crisis Drains Domestic Labor Force TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times, March 5th — Confronted by a dramatic labor shortage and a shrinking population, Albania’s government is doubling down on foreign labor as a solution — most notably by negotiating to bring in …
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 …