After Major Wildfires, Albania Warned to Boost Preparedness Urgently
As Mediterranean fire seasons grow in intensity, Albania’s government faces calls to invest in firefighting and reforestation. Original post Here
“Challenges of Academic Integrity in Albanian Universities: An Interview with Migen Qiraxhi”
Interview with Migen Qiraxhi, Project Manager at Qëndresa Qytetare, July 17 In Albania, where higher education is often portrayed as a bridge to opportunity and European integration, the reality on the ground tells a darker story. Behind university gates, corruption, nepotism, and political interference have quietly hollowed out institutions that …
Week in Review: Influence, Repression and Revival
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week sheds light on police brutality, hidden influence, strained bilateral relations and a whole lot more. Original post Here
Digital Rights Review: Privacy and Freedom of Expression Threatened
From data leaks and criminal hacks to smear campaigns, BIRN’s digital rights monitoring team documented widespread privacy violations and assaults on freedom of speech across Southeast Europe in July. Original post Here
Money to Burn: Albania’s Nexus of Organised Crime and Rubbish Collection
As fires rage at overflowing and often illegal landfills in Albania, companies with criminal connections keep securing waste management contracts with the state. Original post Here
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
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 …