In Albania, Christians and Muslims Unite to Protect Religious Heritage
In the Diber region in Albania’s north-east, Byzantine-era churches which have survived the ordeals of history are being protected by Christians, with a helping hand from their Muslim neighbours. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: September 15, 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
Tirana’s Water Crisis Hits Diplomats
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 14, 2025) — In a city where cranes rise daily and glass towers dominate the skyline, the most basic element of urban life — running water — is vanishing. For more than three months, the residence of the European Union ambassador in Tirana has received …
Albania’s Demographic Collapse: A Silent National Emergency
By Tirana Times Albania is facing a demographic collapse of historic proportions. What was once described as a temporary “wave of migration” in the 1990s has hardened into a permanent, structural crisis that now threatens the very future of the nation. The data is stark, the trend undeniable, and the …
Albania Turns to Artificial Intelligence Amid Deep Corruption Crisis
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 11, 2025 ) – Albania’s government has unveiled what it calls a bold step in its fight against endemic corruption: the appointment of the country’s first artificial intelligence “minister.” The AI system, named Diella, meaning “sun” in Albanian, has been presented by Prime Minister Edi …
Week in Review: Crackdowns, Bans and Enforced Silences
From attempts to neuter popular opposition to efforts to stifle the truth about mass protests, this week’s selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories explores the turbulent political landscape across the region. Original post Here
Albanian PM Unveils New Govt, Initiates Tirana Mayor’s Dismissal
Rama announces new cabinet and calls fresh elections for the Tirana mayoralty – seven months after Mayor Erion Veliaj was arrested on charges of corruption and money-laundering. Original post Here
Albania’s Public Broadcaster Struggling With ‘Catastrophic’ Debts, Head Says
The new head of RTSH, Eni Vasili, admits to BIRN that the company is facing a dire financial situation – after several contributors revealed they had not been paid for months. Original post Here
Pay Delays Deepen Concern over Albanian Public Broadcaster’s Finances
Outside programme contributors to Albania’s indebted public broadcaster say they haven’t paid for months and are in the dark as to when they will receive the money they are owed. Original post Here
China Index: Beijing’s Influence Waning in Balkans – Except Bosnia
The latest China Index analysis, published by a civil society network that includes BIRN, suggests that Beijing’s influence declined in most of the Balkans in 2024, with only Bosnia and Herzegovina bucking that trend. Original post Here
A country adrift, critics supressed and an investment project with an explosive side are just some of the highlights of our selection of Premium stories this week. Original post Here
Organisers of LGBTQ+ Pride parades in Tirana and Sarajevo are calling on people to stand together in a time of growing far-right extremism and prejudice. Original post Here
The “Albania International Guitar Festival” is celebrating its 10th edition as one of the country’s leading artistic events. The festival will open on May 22 at the “Tonin Harapi” hall in Tirana. German guitarist Goran Krivokapić will perform the opening concert. He is a winner of several major international guitar …
Albania participated in the “Marché du Film”, one of the most important global events for the film industry. The event took place in Cannes and brought together more than 14,000 professionals from over 140 countries. The Albanian National Cinematography Center joined forces with the Kosovo Cinematography Center to present a …
Work has started in Kashar on the site where a temporary stadium will host the super show of Kanye West in Albania. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja shared images from the construction site of the temporary stadium. The venue will host a production of global scale and standards …
Albania continues to expand its renewable energy sector. The country is increasing solar and wind production while reducing dependence on hydropower. According to the latest electricity report, photovoltaic producers generated 254 GWh of energy in the first quarter of 2026. In the same period of 2025, they produced 176 GWh. …
The fourth stage of the 83rd edition of the Tour of Albania concluded today with a strong performance from Dutch cyclist Niels Reemeijer. The 148.8 km stage started in Vlorë and passed through the Llogara Tunnel, Himarë, Qeparo and Kuç before returning to Vlorë. Reemeijer won after a highly competitive …
The fourth edition of “Automotive Fair Albania” opened in Tirana with a strong focus on technology, innovation and road safety. Mother Teresa Square turned into a center of motorsport and automotive innovation. The event gathered car companies, motorsport fans, institutions and many visitors. Iva Beharaj attended the opening ceremony. She …
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj presented a draft law in parliament to transfer the Water Resources Management Agency (AMBU) under the authority of the Ministry of Environment. The agency currently operates under the Prime Minister’s office. Jaupaj said the changes follow recommendations from the 2025 SIGMA report on strengthening governance in …
The “Gateway of the Alps” project will bring €100 million in investments to northern Albania, focusing on tourism and infrastructure development in Shkodër. Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi presented the project today in parliament. He said the initiative includes new connecting roads, improved public transport and stronger links between …