Heavy Rains Cause Evacuations and Discontent in Albania
Dramatic situation reported in several towns, while some locals complain of being abandoned. Original post Here
Albania Under Water: A Return to a Hobbesian State of Nature
TIRANA TIMES, December 6, 2025 – Albania is once again under water. Torrential rains over the past days have triggered massive flooding across almost the entire country, exposing not only the fragility of urban infrastructure but, more fundamentally, the long-term failure of governance. From the northern plains to the southern …
Europe Tightens the Fight Against Corruption, Albania at a Crossroad
By Zef Preçi, Executive Director of ACER As Albania presents itself as closer than ever to the European Union, a troubling contradiction has emerged in its domestic legal and political debate. While the EU is moving decisively toward tougher and more harmonized criminal rules against corruption, Albania is simultaneously discussing …
Housing Boom Prices Out Albanians
Allegations of money laundering in construction and claims of informal power networks, including the case of Ergys Agasi, fuel concerns over a distorted housing market Tirana Times, TIRANA, 05 January 2026 – For many middle income families in Tirana, buying an apartment has shifted from a realistic life goal to …
In Albania, Women Often Quit Local Councils to Make Way for Men
Democracy and the rights of women are being undermined in Albania by the practice of filling electoral candidate lists with women, only to have them resign en masse once the results are in and cede their seats to men. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 5, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Balkan States Give Divided Reactions to US Strike on Venezuela
Albania and Kosovo applauded the Trump administration’s military operation against Venezuela’s regime and the ousting of Nicolas Maduro, while other states in the region initially remained silent or called for calm and restraint. Original post Here
Roaming Like at Home and the Western Balkans
By Genc Pollo Tirana, 02 January 2026 – Today’s decision by the European Union to grant “roaming like at home” to Ukraine and Moldova deserves praise. It is a practical citizen-centered step that immediately lowers costs improves connectivity and makes Europe tangible in everyday life. Yet the non inclusion of …
Albania in the EU Fast Lane – Accelerating Without Democratising?
Tirana’s EU accession process is running in top gear – but worryingly, there’s no sign this is being matched with a democratic deepening at home. Original post Here
Albania 2026: Power Under Investigation
As Albania enters 2026, the country stands at a political and institutional crossroads shaped decisively by the shocks of 2025. What initially appeared to be a year of electoral routine and managed stability evolved instead into the most serious confrontation between executive power and the justice system since the launch …
TIRANA, May 29 – “The End of the Golemis”, the Albanian opera by composer Nikolla Zoraqi, premiered on Thursday evening at the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble. The monumental Albanian work returned to the stage more than six decades after its creation. The opera brings themes of …
TIRANA, May 29 – Albania on Thursday commemorated the anniversary of the death of Dom Nikollë Kaçorri, the patriot, cleric and signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence, who died on May 29, 1917. Kaçorri was born in Krej-Lura in 1862 and received his education in European institutions. He graduated …
TIRANA, May 29 – The Spring Festival entered its final preparation phase ahead of the June 6-7 shows on Albanian Public Radio and Television. Meanwhile, organisers published the 20 competing songs on the broadcaster’s official YouTube channel on May 28. The songs drew hundreds of views and reactions within hours …
TIRANA, May 29 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented Albanian Digital Solutions on Friday as a new public structure for digital innovation and public services. Prime Minister Edi Rama also attended the event. Meanwhile, Ibrahimaj said Albania has built one of the region’s most advanced electronic governance systems. …
TIRANA, May 29 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha held an official visit to Rome, where Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani received him at Palazzo della Farnesina. Meanwhile, Hoxha described the meeting as highly important in a post on X. He said Albania and Italy share a …
The Tirana Mediterranean Film Festival (TMFF) returns for its second edition from 28 to 31 May 2026 in Tirana. The festival focuses on Mediterranean cinema and promotes cultural exchange and artistic dialogue. It hosts screenings, masterclasses, discussions, and meetings with film professionals. All events take place at the Agimi Art …
TIRANA, May 29 – Two United States congress members visited the Western Balkans last week. The trip signaled renewed United States commitment to peace and stability in the region. Ivana Stradner from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington made this assessment. She referred to Republican congressman Keith Self …
TIRANA, May 29 – Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo on Friday met a delegation from the Venice Commission during a visit to Tirana. Meanwhile, Demo said in a social media post that the meeting focused on strengthening democratic standards, transparency and institutional accountability, describing these principles as …
TIRANA, May 29 – Ambassador of Germany to Albania Karl Bergner said at an event that an independent, professional and efficient justice system remains a central and necessary condition for Albania’s progress toward European Union membership. He added that meeting the interim benchmarks for accession, recently confirmed, represents recognition of …
TIRANA, May 29 – Tirana will host on Saturday the 27th Congress of the Federation of Albanian Doctors in Europe (AMFE). The event will gather dozens of Albanian doctors from Europe, the United States and the region. German public health authorities recognise the congress. It provides 11 professional credits. The …