Editorial: A risky charade: Albanian PM’s deal with Italy to host EU’s irregular migrants is wrong and impractical
The controversial deal between the Albanian PM and Italian counterpart is wrong and risky for Albania as well as impractical for Italy. TIRANA TIMES EDITORIAL Eureka! At a stroke of a pen, the problem of irregular migration to the EU through Italy from Africa and the Middle East appears solved. …
Rama; Over 36,000 families benefited baby bonuses since January 1, 2023
Over 36,000 families have benefited from the bonus for newborns Since January 1, 2023 declared Tuesday Prime Minister Edi Rama through a post on social networks. In his statement, PM Rama emphasized that the government will continue to finance the Baby Bonus Program, with a fund of 2.2 billion ALL, …
Vlora man arrested for dealing cannabis
A 44-year-old man was put in handcuffs this Tuesday in Vlora in the framework of the police mega-operation coded “Temple”. This citizen was spotted selling cannabis near schools in the city. During the control of the 44-year-old, the Police found cannabis, divided into about 500 doses, ready for sale, which …
Accused for election fraud, the court hear evidence from witnesses on the Beleri’s case
This Tuesday, at 12:00, a hearing will be held in the Special Court against the elected mayor of Himara, Fredi Beleri, who is accused of election corruption. ABC News reporter Ermal Vija reports that 12 witnesses will be heard in this session. “This is the third session that takes place …
Session against elected Himara’s mayor held at Special Court
The Supreme Court has determined the Special Court as competent to examine the request for a special permit for Fredi Beleri. Journalist Ermal Vija reports that the decision was taken in the consultation room by judges Sander Simonaj, Sokol Binaj and Ilir Panda. Beleri requests permission to be sworn in …
Elbasan engulfed by smoke due to scrap metal point fire
Smoke has covered the city of Elbasan even this Tuesday, after a huge fire engulfed the point of the Kurum scrap metal center, in the area of the former Metalurgjik. According to the local media, it can be seen that there is still smoke at the scrapyard. Chief of Civil …
Albania will host Italy’s asylum seekers, Rama and Meloni announce
TIRANA, Nov. 6, 2023 – In a surprise move at a Monday press conference in Rome, Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni have announced a bilateral agreement under which non-European asylum seekers that aim to reach the EU through Italy will be shipped to processing …
Rama’s visit to Italy, hosted by Meloni
Prime Minister Edi Rama is on a visit to Italy. He, along with Minister Taulant Balla, Niko Peleshi and Igli Hasani, were hosted by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy, Giorgia Meloni at Chigi Palace in Rome. Meanwhile, it is expected that they will have a joint press …
Tirana youth arrested on drug charges
A 25-year-old man was arrested for selling narcotics in different areas of Tirana this Monday morning. During the “Qereka” operation, it was possible to seize 3.5 kg of cannabis, which is suspected to have been obtained by young F.B in Krujë. Court of First Instance of Tirana General Jurisdiction has …
Democrat MP summoned by SPAK after clash with socialist
MP of the Democratic Party (DP), Bledion Nallbati, appeared on Monday morning at the Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK). Nallbati will give clarifications regarding the clash with the Socialist MP, Vullnet Sinaj. A few days ago, the report of the head of the SP Parliamentary Group arrived at the Special Prosecutor’s …
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week brings some surprises – some good, some less so – while continuing to look back on 20 years of BIRN. Original post Here
The Albanian parliament has adopted a national strategy to combat foreign interference and disinformation – but the opposition claims it could be used against domestic media that expose government failings. Original post Here
Tirana Times, TIRANA July 9, 2025— Albania’s High Court on Tuesday upheld the pretrial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, marking a decisive moment in both the judicial handling of the high-profile case and in Veliaj’s political unraveling. The ruling, which confirms the March 13 decision of the Court of …
By Tirana Time staff KORÇA, Albania ,Tirana Times, July 9 , 2025 — Greece inaugurated a new building for its Consulate General in the southeastern Albanian city of Korça on Sunday, in a ceremony that highlighted the deepening diplomatic ties between the two neighboring countries and renewed Athens’ focus on …
Tirana Times. July 8, 2025. Albania is shrinking—demographically, economically, and institutionally. A once-youthful country on the edge of Europe is now in the grip of a mass exodus that analysts warn is no longer just a social or economic crisis, but a growing threat to national security. In a nation …
By Syle Ukshini For more than a century, the Serbian state and Church have mythologized the Battle of Kosovo of 1389 as a defining moment of Serbian identity—a narrative culminating each year in the celebration of Vidovdan, Serbia’s national and religious holiday observed on June 28. Originally linked to the …
by Vilson Blloshmi From the way it was announced to its substance, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s latest ultimatum to “clear public spaces within 2 weeks” is neither a law, nor a public policy, nor a government decision. It is a personal order, a voice over the phone that, in any …
Ὅπου κι ἂν ταξιδέψω, ἡ Ἑλλάδα μὲ πληγώνει. Jerina Zaloshnja This is what Giorgos Seferis wrote — and thus, before I even truly knew who Seferis was, I began to love Greece. That verse — simple, clear, ablaze with love and pain — was, for me, once a gateway to …
Across south-east Europe last month, BIRN’s digital rights monitors documented how AI is being used for protest surveillance, election manipulation, enabling digital sexual abuse and committing fraud, sparking calls for urgent action. Original post Here
Saudi Ambassador Faisal Ghazi Ismail Hifzi, Highlights Kingdom’s Commitment to Global Educational Ties through Balkan Alumni Gathering Tirana Times Sunday, July 6, 2025, The Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Albania Faisal Ghazi Ismail Hifzi, announced that on Monday, July 7, Tirana will …