‘Enemies of the State’: Concern in Albania, EU Over PM’s Criticism of Courts
In singling out judges and prosecutors for stinging personal criticism, Albania’s Edi Rama risks further eroding the democratic separation of powers, experts say. Original post Here
Albania’s Headline-Grabbing AI ‘Minister’ is a Risky Innovation
Without legal frameworks and safeguards, the decision to appoint an AI entity as a ‘minister’ entrusted with sensitive tasks is ambitious – but fraught with danger. Original post Here
“Pashaliman Deal: Albania’s Transactional Politics and Western Patronage”
From D’Alema to Tony Blair, Rama’s reliance on influential Western figures fuels controversy. TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 15,2025) — The Albanian government’s decision to hand over part of the Pashaliman naval base to an Italian developer under criminal investigation has widened into a broader debate about Prime Minister Edi …
EU Countries Ban Albanian Farm Exports Amid Safety Scandal
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 10, 2025 ) — Albania is grappling with an escalating food safety crisis as European Union member states including Croatia, Slovenia, Italy and Germany repeatedly block or destroy shipments of its agricultural products, citing dangerous levels of pesticides and heavy metals. The latest scandal unfolded …
Saudi Literature in Albanian: Tirana Times Publishes Three New Titles Ahead of Saudi Cultural Week in Tirana
Tirana Times Staff Albania, September 15, 2025, Tirana Times .With the opening of the Saudi Cultural Week in Tirana tomorrow, Tirana Times Publishing House is marking the occasion with the release of three new translations of contemporary Saudi novels into Albanian. The titles—Critical Condition of Patient “K” by Aziz Muhamed, …
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 …
The Emergency Intervention Fund has reached 8.2 billion lek (around 85 million euros) after annual contributions from commercial banks for 2026. The Bank of Albania said the fund was created in 2018. It aims to support the resolution of banks that face financial difficulties in the future. At the same …
Museum Week 2026 has transformed one of the capital’s top attractions. History, contemporary art, and music met at the Mosaic of Tirana. The site hosted the “Beautiful Minds of Albania” 2026 event. Blendi Gonxhja, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sport, shared details about the gathering. The organizers presented innovative …
Albania is entering a new phase in its European Union membership talks. The 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference will take place in Brussels on May 26, 2026. This meeting opens the path to the closing phase of EU accession negotiations. The Media and Information Agency announced the news today. The EU’s …
The Ombudsman, Endrit Shabani, hosted the non-resident Ambassador of Canada to Albania, Elissa Golberg, today. During the meeting, the pair discussed the importance of bilateral cooperation. They also focused on strengthening independent institutions in Albania. Shabani outlined the current priorities of the Ombudsman’s office. He emphasized protecting human rights, increasing …
Gabriele De Fabritiis won Stage 5 of the Tour of Albania 2026 on Thursday. The final stage started in Vlorë and ended in Fier after 121.3 kilometers. De Fabritiis crossed the finish line first after nearly three hours of racing. Georgios Bouglas finished second, while Alin Toader took third place. …
The fourth edition of “Automotive Fair Albania” opened in Tirana and brought together car enthusiasts, technology experts, and industry professionals. The fair will continue until May 24. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu attended the opening ceremony on Thursday evening. Koçiu said the event reflects a modern Albania that moves quickly …
Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Ambassador Michel Tarran, met today with representatives of civil society to discuss electoral reform. The meeting took place at the request of civil society groups. Representatives from the Albanian Helsinki Committee, BIRN Albania, the Institute of Political Studies, the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, …
Durana Tech Park has joined the network of pilot sites under the Eco-Industrial Parks Initiative in the Western Balkans. The park, owned by the Albanian Investment Corporation, stands near Tirana and focuses on technology, innovation, and advanced industries. As a result, the project will help Albania attract international investors and …
The chairman of the Republican Party, Fatmir Mediu, during his visit to Washington, attended a dinner organized in honor of the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau. During meetings and discussions with Deputy Secretary Landau, they talked about the importance of continued United States support for a democratic Albania …
Sources told Euronews Albania that the ambassadors of EU member states have approved the interim benchmarks report for Albania. The approval of this report paves the way for the intergovernmental conference between Albania and the EU, which will be held on Tuesday. The Council of the European Union also announced …