Women Journalists in Albania Unprotected in Face of Online Abuse
As Albanian online portals spread falsehoods to discredit women in the media, a culture of silence and weak legal protections leave women journalists increasingly vulnerable. Original post Here
Albania’s Public Broadcaster Paying Price of Former Head’s Firing Spree
The former head of Albania’s public broadcaster abruptly fired some 150 of its employees; they went to court, and many are winning, at a growing cost to RTSH. Original post Here
UAE President’s Surprise Visit to Albania Underscores Strategic Diplomacy Beyond Friendship
TIRANA, Albania — July 17, 2025 Tirana Times. In a rare and tightly scheduled diplomatic mission, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan made an unannounced visit to Albania on the evening of July 16, marking his second trip to the Balkan country in less than …
Week in Review: Surprises in Store
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
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
Albanian Prosecution Accuses Former Ruling Party MP of Organised Crime Ties
Special prosecutors conclude investigation into Jurgis Cyrbja, accusing the former Socialist MP of sharing state information with organised crime group members in exchange for their support in elections. Original post Here
Opposition: The Prime Minister Must Go!
In a meeting held yesterday with local officials, the leader of the opposition, Edi Rama, declared that the country is facing a series of serious problems that require deep and structural reforms. One of the first issues raised was that of drinking water. “Despite reported improvements, the situation calls for …
Skyscrapers and Shadows: Albania’s Construction Boom Masking a Web of Crime and Corruption
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) July 15,2025 — Just 300 meters from the office of Albania’s Prime Minister, a 40-story tower rises over Tirana’s skyline. It’s one of dozens of new high-rises reshaping the capital. But behind the glass and steel façade lies a darker truth that experts say reflects Albania’s …
From the Prime Minister’s Words to the State’s Bulldozers
After a campaign of promises for legalization, property titles, fine forgiveness, and tourism development, the government returns to Theth with the bulldozers of the National Inspectorate for the Protection of Territory (IKMT). Residents accuse the government of deception and corruption. By Lindita Çela – July 13, 2025 “Welcome! May God …
Albanian Village Erupts in Protest over Crackdown on ‘Illegal’ Tourist Cabins
In a remote valley in northern Albania, locals claim they were encouraged to build cabins to promote tourism. When the authorities sent in bulldozers to demolish what they said are illegal constructions, anger boiled over. Original post Here
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama visited Tokyo today after his official trip to South Korea. Tokyo displayed the flags of Albania and Japan along major streets to honor relations between the two countries. Rama shared photos on social media showing the Albanian flag flying beside the Japanese flag in the …
A regional seminar on synthetic drugs and illegal diversion of medical cannabis opened today in Tushemisht. The two-day event focuses on growing drug trafficking threats in Southeast Europe. The seminar is organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania with support from the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the US Department …
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari attended the international “Europa Wachau” forum in Krems today. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and European Commissioner Magnus Brunner invited Lamallari to the event. The forum focused on a new European approach to migration management and security challenges linked to illegal movements across the continent. Lamallari …
Albanian institutions and international partners met today to discuss strengthening the country’s firefighting service and emergency response system. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Interior and focused on funding opportunities through a potential World Bank project. Deputy Interior Minister Xhemal Qefalia welcomed participants, while Arben Cara led the …
Posta Shqiptare and Montenegro’s postal service signed a cooperation memorandum today to modernize postal and financial services between the two countries. Administrator Etjen Xhafaj and his Montenegrin counterpart Josip Djuraskoviç signed the agreement. Xhafaj described the deal as an important step toward modernization and stronger regional cooperation. He said the …
Albania has launched the implementation of the “Green Vjosa” project, a new initiative focused on sustainable development and environmental protection in the Vjosa river basin. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj held the first meeting of the project’s Steering Committee today. The project, titled “Green Vjosa – Green and Inclusive Regional Development …
Governor of the Bank of Albania Gent Sejko held an official meeting today with India’s first ambassador to Albania, Ravindra Prasad Jaiswal. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen economic and financial cooperation between Albania and India. Talks also focused on economic developments and the technological transformation of the banking …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi received a delegation from the National People’s Congress of China today in Tirana. The Chinese delegation was led by senior official Li Hongzhong. Both sides discussed traditional friendly relations between Albania and China. They focused on expanding cooperation in economic, trade, education, cultural and youth …
The 63rd conference of the EPRA is being held in Tirana, bringing together regulators from 42 European countries. The event is hosted by the Audiovisual Media Authority of Albania for the first time in Albania. EPRA Chair Stephanie Comey opened the conference. She stressed the forum’s neutral and non-political role. …
The Tirana Mosaic is becoming an increasingly popular cultural attraction for foreign visitors. Tirana Mosaic is now considered an important educational and cultural destination in the capital. Director of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Kostandin Budurushi, said the site has seen a significant rise in visitors after its restoration. …