Albanian Drug Cartel Dismantled in EU Crackdown
Seizure of six tons of cocaine reveals how criminal profits are laundered into Albania’s booming construction sector. TIRANA, July 27, 2025 (Tirana Times) — Albania’s political crisis deepened this week asopposition leader Sali Berisha launched a sweeping series of accusations against PrimeMinister Edi Rama, claiming the May 11 local elections …
Dirty Money Fuels Albania’s Construction Boom
Tirana, Albania – July 28, 2025 A sweeping European-led crackdown on a transnational Albanian drug cartel, culminating in the seizure of six tons of cocaine valued at over €400 million, has reignited concerns that Tirana’s high-rise construction boom is being bankrolled by illicit wealth from organized crime and corruption. The …
Opposition Alleges Vote Rigging via Building Permits
TIRANA, July 27, 2025 (Tirana Times) — Albania’s political crisis deepened this week as opposition leader Sali Berisha launched a sweeping series of accusations against Prime Minister Edi Rama, claiming the May 11 local elections were rigged through an elaborate vote-buying scheme involving 450 illegal construction permits awarded to criminal …
Albania’s New Pyramid: Towers, Dirty Money, and an Emptying NationBy Tirana Times
In 1997, Albania collapsed under the weight of fraudulent pyramid schemes that wiped out people’s life savings and nearly brought the state to its knees. Today, a different kind of pyramid is rising — this time, quite literally. All across Tirana and spreading to other cities and coasts, the country …
Italy’s Tirana-Cairo Deportation Flight Sets ‘Dangerous Precedent’
With the direct deportation of five Egyptians from Tirana to Cairo, rights groups and legal experts say Italy’s offshore migration strategy has taken an ominous turn. Original post Here
Week in Review: Opportunities and Setbacks
This week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories reflect the region’s ongoing push-and-pull between hopes of peace and the bitter weight of history. Original post Here
Week in Review: Failures and Flops
From Kosovo’s parliamentary stalemate to Montenegro’s rocky tourism season, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week sees several countries across the region failing to meet up to public needs. Original post Here
Airport Ordeal Sheds Light on Plight of Migrant Workers in Albania
Long hours, low pay and confiscated passports. Albania’s treatment of migrant workers bears all the hallmarks of modern slavery, experts say. Original post Here
Tirana Mayor Indicted in Corruption Probe
TIRANA, Albania , Tirana Time, July 23, 2025— Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office (SPAK) has officially indicted Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana, on multiple corruption charges in a sweeping criminal case that also implicates his wife, a ruling party lawmaker, two businessmen, and a prison official. The announcement, made …
Bankers Petroleum Threatens Arbitration Amid Fraud Probe in Albania
By Tirana Times | July 23, 2025 Albania’s most lucrative oilfield has become the epicenter of what could be the country’s most consequential investor-state confrontation to date, after Bankers Petroleum — its largest oil producer — threatened to sue the Albanian government in international arbitration courts. The company claims its …
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 …
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari met with Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner during the “Europa Forum Wachau”. The two ministers discussed stronger cooperation between Albania and Austria in security, border management, and the fight against organized crime. They also focused on coordination against common European challenges. In a social media post, …
On May 22, 1984, the Qafë Bari Prison became the scene of one of the most important acts of anti-communist resistance in Albania. The notorious prison, isolated in the mountains of Puka, held around 500 political prisoners. They served harsh sentences in inhumane conditions, facing systematic violence, hunger, isolation, and …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted this morning to the completion of the technical phase of the IBAR report, responding to opposition claims that Albania’s EU negotiations had stalled. Rama said the Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference in Brussels on May 26 will successfully conclude the opening phase and launch the final phase …
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said today that Albanian citizen Baki Goxhaj is now on his way home. In a social media post, Hoxha said Albanian diplomatic structures acted immediately after receiving the first alert. They coordinated with other Albanian institutions and maintained continuous communication with Israeli authorities. At the same …
Socialist Party parliamentary group chairman Taulant Balla met with Austrian personalities who have served over the years as ministers, MPs, and members of the European Parliament. They are considered long-time supporters of Albania. During the meeting, participants also held a video call with Andreas Schieder. In his remarks, Balla praised …
A commemorative ceremony marked the presentation of “Shqipni e harrume,” the book by the late Albanian public figure Artan Lame, on the first anniversary of his death. Family members, friends and colleagues gathered to honor his life and work in Tirana. The book reflects Lame’s strong passion for Albanian history, …