Week in Review: Alarm Bells and Struggles
Across the region, our selection of this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories suggests that alarm bells are going off in many countries – and not only because of the wildfires. Original post Here
With Investment Favours, Albania’s Government Chips Away at Media Freedom
The owners of the biggest broadcasters in Albania have all benefitted from ‘strategic investor’ status granted by the government for other projects, raising doubts about editorial independence. Original post Here
Albania Battles Deadly Wildfires Amid Heatwave
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) , August 13,2025— Fierce wildfires swept across Albania this week, killing one person, injuring at least 10 and forcing mass evacuations from southern towns to central mountain villages, as much of the Mediterranean battles deadly blazes fueled by extreme summer heat. Authorities said more than 10,000 …
News24 TV’s Shutdown in Albania Sends a Worrying Signal
The Albanian police’s action – forcing the country’s largest news broadcaster off air without a court order – sets an alarming precedent. Original post Here
Alarm in Albania at Proposed Criminal Code Changes; Govt Denies Involvement
Albania wants to align its Criminal Code with EU law, but critics, including media associations, say a proposed draft falls far short – and could limit press freedom. Original post Here
Media Unions Criticise Albanian Police Operation Targeting TV Station
Media organisations say Albanian police action, surrounding the News 24 TV station building and seizing journalists’ computers amid a property dispute with a government ministry, is ‘heavy-handed’ and lacks a clear legal basis. Original post Here
News 24 Raid and Blackout: Press Freedom or Property Dispute?
Tirana Times, 11 August, 2025 The forcible shutdown of Albania’s leading all-news television channel, News 24, and the blockade of the Focus Media Group headquarters by police and later military forces on August 9 has ignited national and international debate about press freedom, political retaliation, and the limits of state …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: August 11, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
European Raids Hit Albanian Cartel, Millions Laundered in Resorts
Tirana Times,August 08,2025 — A massive Albanian-run cocaine trafficking syndicate, accused of moving 28 tons of the drug from Latin America to European ports and laundering its profits in luxury resorts and real estate in Albania, has been dismantled in a multinational operation. The breakthrough, announced Friday by Albania’s Special …
Anti-Mafia Law Is Only on Paper?
The dismantling of a 28-ton cocaine trafficking network, led by Albanian nationals and operating on a global scale, should have been a triumph for Albania’s justice system. Yet the uncomfortable truth is that this success was imported. It was European law enforcement — from Belgium to Italy — armed with …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Transparency Board set new ceiling prices for fuel trading during its latest meeting. The new prices enter into force today at 13:00. According to the decision, the retail price of SSH EN 590 diesel will not exceed 197 ALL per litre. Meanwhile, the wholesale price …
TIRANA, May 21 – Health and Social Protection Minister Evis Sala said the Lushnja municipal hospital forms part of the national investment programme for hospital infrastructure. She said services for citizens continue during reconstruction works. Sala said the investment started in 2026. Works officially began on March 4 with the …
TIRANA, Thursday, May 21 – Albania has received positive evaluations on European Union accession chapters 23 and 24, ruling Socialist Party parliamentary group chairman Taulant Balla said on Thursday. Germany views Albania as a model among candidate countries, citing justice reform, vetting, and efforts against corruption and organised crime. Meanwhile, …
The planned Arbëresh Museum in Vuno aims to preserve historical memory and cultural heritage. The museum will focus on the history of the Arbëresh community and their migration to Italy. The project was presented by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports in cooperation with the Municipality of Himara and …
TIRANA, May 21 – The third stage of the 83rd Tour of Albania concluded on Wednesday. The stage ran on the Elbasan–Vlora route over 149 kilometres. The average speed reached 48.3 km/h. The stage proved highly competitive. A leading group of five riders reached the finish together. Swiss rider Guillaume …
Spring temperatures have not removed the snow cover from Mount Korab. Snow still covers parts of the mountain. Wild crocus flowers form a golden carpet across the melted areas. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the mountain and called them magical. The Korab mountain range offers wide landscapes and …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Kosova Central Election Commission (CEC) has prepared individual ballot packages for voters registered abroad ahead of postal voting for early parliamentary elections. The CEC said its voter service has prepared 75,000 packages so far. In addition, around 30,000 more packages will be completed during Wednesday, …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Socca European Championship officially kicked off in Albania on Wednesday in a festive atmosphere at the “House of Football”, which hosts the European minifootball tournament. Meanwhile, group-stage matches took place throughout the day. In addition, the opening ceremony brought music, artistic performances, and a strong …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Municipality of Shkodër worked with the Albanian Development Fund and international and local experts. It prepared a package of transformative projects. These projects target mobility, daily life, economic development, and tourism in the region. Meanwhile, Mayor Benet Beci presented the programme as “Gateway to the …
TIRANA, May 21 – The EU Enlargement Working Group (COELA) has approved the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report (IBAR) on Albania’s progress in the European Union integration process. Meanwhile, the 27 EU member states have agreed on a common draft. Media reports say EU ambassadors will consider the text on Thursday …