Unprotected, Women in Albania, Kosovo Face ‘Toxic Coexistence’ with Digital Abuse
Weak laws and institutional indifference mean women in Albania and Kosovo are largely unprotected against often devastating levels of gender-based digital violence. Original post Here
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 …
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, …
Durana Tech Park has joined the network of pilot sites under the Eco-Industrial Parks Initiative in the Western Balkans. The park, owned by the Albanian Investment Corporation, stands near Tirana and focuses on technology, innovation, and advanced industries. As a result, the project will help Albania attract international investors and …
The chairman of the Republican Party, Fatmir Mediu, during his visit to Washington, attended a dinner organized in honor of the U.S. Deputy Secretary of State, Christopher Landau. During meetings and discussions with Deputy Secretary Landau, they talked about the importance of continued United States support for a democratic Albania …
Sources told Euronews Albania that the ambassadors of EU member states have approved the interim benchmarks report for Albania. The approval of this report paves the way for the intergovernmental conference between Albania and the EU, which will be held on Tuesday. The Council of the European Union also announced …