Are Europe’s Star Architects Helping Launder Albania’s Criminal Economy?
The Albanian Files suggests that international architecture may have served not only as design, but as a prestigious façade for opaque money, captured institutions and one-man rule. Tirana Times, June 29, 2026 – A glossy architectural volume meant to celebrate Albania’s transformation has unexpectedly become one of the most revealing …
Architect to PM Rama: Cancel Elections, Become King
Reinier de Graaf’s open letter in The Albanian Files has become a symbol of the troubling relationship between global architecture, political patronage and one-man rule in Albania. The following open letter by Dutch architect Reinier de Graaf, partner at the Office for Metropolitan Architecture, has become one of the most controversial passages …
Lamallari: Border Agreement with North Macedonia Cuts Waiting Times
Albania and North Macedonia signed a new agreement to simplify border crossings. The deal introduces a one-stop border control system. It will make travel easier for citizens, businesses, and tourists. Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari announced the agreement after meeting his North Macedonian counterpart, Panče Toškovski, in Dibër. Meanwhile, Lamallari said …
Rama: International Architects Help Albania Grow and Inspire Young Professionals
Prime Minister Edi Rama welcomed three guests to the latest episode of the Flasim podcast. They discussed architecture, sports, education, and social initiatives. First, architect Setion Branko shared his experience working in Florence, New York, and Albania. He explained how his studio connects Albanian and international architects through joint projects. …
Rama: Underground Digital Infrastructure and “Urban Renaissance 2.0” to Launch in July
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced a new phase of digital infrastructure development in Albanian cities. The goal is to organize communication networks and gradually remove overhead cables. First, the initiative will shift internet and telecom systems underground. As a result, public spaces will become cleaner and more modern. Rama said …
Rama: Talks with Macron in Paris and Support for Ukraine in Gdańsk
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared details from his recent visits to France and Poland in his podcast Flasim. He highlighted meetings with French President Emmanuel Macron and participation in the Ukraine Reconstruction Conference in Gdańsk. First, in Paris, Rama met President Macron. They discussed Albania’s EU integration process and bilateral …
Hoxha: Albania Aims to Conclude EU Negotiations by 2027
Albania aims to complete its EU accession negotiations by the end of 2027. Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha confirmed this goal during the Dubrovnik Forum in Croatia. First, Hoxha took part in a panel on the European Union and the Western Balkans. He said EU enlargement remains the strongest driver of …
Rama Shows Live Footage of Benja Thermal Baths, Defends Ongoing Infrastructure Works
Prime Minister of Albania Edi Rama shares live images from the Benja thermal area in Përmet. He highlights the changes made after recent investments in the tourist destination. He shows the thermal pools and the surrounding infrastructure, including parking areas and rehabilitated roads. These improvements significantly increase access for visitors. …
Albania Marks 27 June as Day of Remembrance for Cham Albanians, Commemorates 82nd Anniversary
Albania marks 27 June as the Day of Genocide against the Cham Albanians. The country remembers the events of 27 June 1944, when violence began against the Cham population. Historical accounts state that forces under Greek general Napoleon Zerva led attacks against civilians in the region of Çamëria. The reports …
U.S. Donates Aviation Security Training Equipment to Albania
The United States has donated a special aviation security training kit to Albania’s Civil Aviation Authority. The donation came at the end of a five-day training program organized by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), according to the U.S. Embassy in Tirana. The equipment will help aviation security personnel simulate …
By Zef Preçi Tirana Times, September 14, 2026 – According to media reports in recent days, Albania and the U.S. company Argent LNG have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding to assess the possibility of building a major onshore liquefied natural gas storage and regasification terminal on the Albanian coast. …
The Union of Student Councils and the Embassy of Croatia in Albania, in cooperation with the “Support for EU Integration” (EUIS) project, held a discussion in Tirana today on the role of young people in building a common European future. Croatian Ambassador to Albania Zlatko Kramarić, President of the Union …
The Centralized Purchasing Operator (OBP) and the European Academy of Law (ERA) have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the professional skills of public procurement officials and align Albanian practices with European Union standards. OBP Director Jonaid Myzyri signed the agreement, which provides for ERA support in assessing the training …
Albania aims to attract new investments in the green economy, renewable energy, waste and water management, and sustainable tourism. Minister of Environment Sofjan Jaupaj met today with Prince Naif bin Abdullah bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a delegation of investors from Saudi Arabia and partner countries. The meeting …
President Bajram Begaj paid an official visit to the United Arab Emirates, marking the first visit by an Albanian president to the country. The visit reaffirmed Albania and the UAE’s commitment to strengthening their future-oriented partnership. UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received President Begaj during the visit. …
Socialist Party political leader for Tirana County Taulant Balla congratulated students, teachers and parents on the start of the new school year during a visit to a school in Kavajë. At the “Charles Telford Erickson” vocational high school in Golem, Kavajë, Balla described Albania’s PISA 2025 results as good news …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja met today with Prince Naif bin Abdullah bin Saud bin Abdulaziz Al Saud and a delegation of investors from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Syria. They discussed investment opportunities and strategic partnerships in Albania. The talks focused on development projects in tourism, culture …
Prime Minister Edi Rama traveled to Italy today to attend the inauguration of Albania’s Honorary Consulate in Naples. Honorary Consul Giuseppe Lettieri will lead the consulate, which will cover the Campania region. It will serve as a reference point for the Albanian community and support the delivery of consular services. …
State Police Director General Skender Hita on Monday wished all students well on the start of the new school year. Hita stressed that the State Police will work to ensure that students’ journey is safe. He emphasized that when it comes to children’s safety, there will be no compromise and …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has further intensified his rhetoric in the debate over judges’ salaries and the way their requested pay increase should be implemented. In another reaction on the X platform, Rama rejected the claim that judges could directly obtain from the State Treasury the funds related to their …