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
Media Unions Criticise Albanian Police Operation Targeting TV Station
Media organisations say Albanian police action, surrounding the News 24 TV station building and seizing journalists’ computers amid a property dispute with a government ministry, is ‘heavy-handed’ and lacks a clear legal basis. Original post Here
News 24 Raid and Blackout: Press Freedom or Property Dispute?
Tirana Times, 11 August, 2025 The forcible shutdown of Albania’s leading all-news television channel, News 24, and the blockade of the Focus Media Group headquarters by police and later military forces on August 9 has ignited national and international debate about press freedom, political retaliation, and the limits of state …
Prime Minister Edi Rama concluded his official visit to Japan. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi welcomed Rama with a state ceremony in Tokyo. Rama shared moments from the visit on social media. He thanked Japan for the warm reception. He said the state ceremony showed respect for a transformed Albania …
Renowned Albanian actor Birçe Hasko has died at the age of 84. Hasko was born in Dukat, Vlora, on March 15, 1942. After finishing high school, he worked as a teacher in Memaliaj. He also joined the city’s amateur theater troupe. In 1965, he started acting studies at the Higher …
One of the latest developments attracting attention in Albanian business circles involves Atlas Corporation. Without major public attention, the ATLAS Group has finalized the acquisition of Edil Centro, a move that is being seen as another signal of the growing strength of Albanian companies to invest in and further develop …
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, …