Albania’s New Pyramid: Towers, Dirty Money, and an Emptying NationBy Tirana Times
In 1997, Albania collapsed under the weight of fraudulent pyramid schemes that wiped out people’s life savings and nearly brought the state to its knees. Today, a different kind of pyramid is rising — this time, quite literally. All across Tirana and spreading to other cities and coasts, the country …
Italy’s Tirana-Cairo Deportation Flight Sets ‘Dangerous Precedent’
With the direct deportation of five Egyptians from Tirana to Cairo, rights groups and legal experts say Italy’s offshore migration strategy has taken an ominous turn. Original post Here
Week in Review: Opportunities and Setbacks
This week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories reflect the region’s ongoing push-and-pull between hopes of peace and the bitter weight of history. Original post Here
Week in Review: Failures and Flops
From Kosovo’s parliamentary stalemate to Montenegro’s rocky tourism season, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week sees several countries across the region failing to meet up to public needs. Original post Here
Airport Ordeal Sheds Light on Plight of Migrant Workers in Albania
Long hours, low pay and confiscated passports. Albania’s treatment of migrant workers bears all the hallmarks of modern slavery, experts say. Original post Here
Tirana Mayor Indicted in Corruption Probe
TIRANA, Albania , Tirana Time, July 23, 2025— Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office (SPAK) has officially indicted Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana, on multiple corruption charges in a sweeping criminal case that also implicates his wife, a ruling party lawmaker, two businessmen, and a prison official. The announcement, made …
Bankers Petroleum Threatens Arbitration Amid Fraud Probe in Albania
By Tirana Times | July 23, 2025 Albania’s most lucrative oilfield has become the epicenter of what could be the country’s most consequential investor-state confrontation to date, after Bankers Petroleum — its largest oil producer — threatened to sue the Albanian government in international arbitration courts. The company claims its …
Women Journalists in Albania Unprotected in Face of Online Abuse
As Albanian online portals spread falsehoods to discredit women in the media, a culture of silence and weak legal protections leave women journalists increasingly vulnerable. Original post Here
Albania’s Public Broadcaster Paying Price of Former Head’s Firing Spree
The former head of Albania’s public broadcaster abruptly fired some 150 of its employees; they went to court, and many are winning, at a growing cost to RTSH. Original post Here
UAE President’s Surprise Visit to Albania Underscores Strategic Diplomacy Beyond Friendship
TIRANA, Albania — July 17, 2025 Tirana Times. In a rare and tightly scheduled diplomatic mission, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan made an unannounced visit to Albania on the evening of July 16, marking his second trip to the Balkan country in less than …
The Democratic Party has barred all rivals to Sali Berisha from its leadership contest this week – cementing his grip on the party but also, critics warn, undermining its credibility. Original post Here
The Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora conducted a monitoring visit to the National Film Archive of Albania. The committee reviewed the institution’s work and ongoing projects. It also assessed challenges and operational needs. Director Eljan Tanini presented the archive’s activities. He highlighted digitization efforts and cooperation with other …
The Albanian government approved new changes to the rules on the registration and use of plant protection products. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development proposed the amendments. The changes aim to improve the regulatory framework for phytosanitary products in agriculture. The new rules define the concept of “minor use.” …
TIRANA, May 21 – Students in Tirana have announced a protest on May 26 in Skanderbeg Square at 17:00. The Student Alliance said the march will continue from the square toward the Embassy of North Macedonia. They used the slogan “Albanianness is with Skopje” and called on all young people …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Military Meteorological Service said the country on Thursday will be under relatively unstable atmospheric conditions. The weather will bring clear skies and alternating moderate and locally dense cloudiness in mountainous areas. Rainfall will be weak and local. It will mainly affect the east and south. …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Council of Ministers has approved a new decision on the organisation and functioning of the market for fisheries and aquaculture products. It also defines the form and content of production and marketing plans for the sector. The decision was proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture …
TIRANA, May 21 – Apollonia, one of the largest archaeological parks in the country, receives a high number of visitors of different nationalities every year. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared on social media today images of numerous tourists and visitors who have chosen to visit this ancient city. In these …
TIRANA, May 21 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, together with the European Union delegation in the country, held discussions with ambassadors of EU member states. In a social media post, Hoxha said the meeting focused on the ongoing reform process. It also covered the full range …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, said the project “Courtyards that Speak”, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports and Himara municipality, aims to open the courtyards of five traditional stone houses in the coastal town of Himara. It presents them …
TIRANA, May 21 – Farmers in different regions of the country are expanding investments in agricultural production. They are increasing production capacities. They are directing products toward European markets. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Andis Salla, highlighted on social media the example of farmer Elton Biti in Divjaka …