Albania’s Opposition Backs Actor-Activist for Tirana Mayor
The Democratic Party declared its support for an independent candidate, the actor Florjan Binaj – who is known for lampooning Prime Minister Edi Rama – in Tirana’s high-profile mayoral byelection next month. Original post Here
Judge Shot to Death in Albanian Courtroom
Judge Astrit Kalaja was shot and killed during a hearing at the Court of Appeal in Tirana, drawing shocked reactions from political leaders. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: October 6, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Week in Review: Between Hope and Despair
While political deadlock feeds despair in some corners of the region, glimmers of hope shine through in others, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here
Albania and Colombia Arrest 17 for Trafficking Women for Sex Work
The EU police agency said 17 people suspected of trafficking women from South America to Europe for sexual exploitation have been arrested in Albania and Colombia. Original post Here
Rama’s Trump Joke Overshadows Copenhagen Summit
Tirana, Albania (Tirana Times). Prime Minister Edi Rama’s attempt at humor during a European summit turned into a viral spectacle on Thursday, overshadowing the European Political Community’s agenda in Copenhagen and sparking both international scrutiny and domestic criticism. The incident unfolded when Rama, known for injecting jokes into international meetings, …
Mayoral Election in Capital Stirs Albanian Opposition Hopes of Comeback
The byelection in Tirana, whose Socialist mayor is behind bars, is a precious opportunity for Albania’s opposition – but analysts warn that victory remains unlikely. Original post Here
Albania Govt Demands Elections in Capital Despite Jailed Mayor’s Court Appeal
Ruling Socialists push for new elections in Tirana as jailed mayor tries to block the move, claiming his dismissal is in breach of his constitutional rights. Original post Here
Kosovo Visitors Drive Summer Tourism Surge as Italian Arrivals Slip
Kosovo Visitors Drive Summer Tourism Surge as Italian Arrivals SlipTirana, September 26, 2025 — By Tirana Times Staff Albania’s summer tourism season ended on a stronger note in August, with a surge in visitors from neighboring Kosovo offsetting weak demand from other markets, particularly Italy. According to official data from …
Fourth estate’s useful idiots
(cases from Albania in which international media should had known better) The cashless dream This July, a Politico-Europe journalist texted me about comments regarding Albanian PM Edi Rama’s recent statement that he would abolish all cash payments by 2030. I replied that this would be a recurring attention-seeking stunt and …
TIRANA, May 26 – Pope Leo XIV received President of the Republic of Albania Bajram Begaj in an audience at the Vatican. The meeting focused on bilateral relations and developments in the Western Balkans. Meanwhile, President Begaj also held talks with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Holy …
TIRANA, May 26 – Albania and the European Union will hold the eighth Intergovernmental Conference on accession negotiations in Brussels today. The meeting is expected to advance reforms under Cluster 1 “Fundamentals”. The conference will confirm Albania’s fulfilment of interim benchmarks. It will also define final benchmarks for the cluster, …
TIRANA, May 26 – The Meteorological Military Service said Albania will experience relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Tuesday. The weather will feature clear skies. It will also include occasional moderate cloud cover over eastern mountainous areas during midday and afternoon hours. Meanwhile, local rainfall is expected in eastern and southern …
TIRANA, May 26 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha held talks in Vilnius with Remigijus Motuzas, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Lithuanian Parliament. The meeting focused on inter-parliamentary cooperation and support for Albania’s EU integration process. Meanwhile, Hoxha highlighted the role of parliamentary diplomacy …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Durrës is moving toward a modern transformation of its coastline. Speaking at the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Durrës, Rama highlighted ongoing projects at Durrës Beach. He said the area has changed from a coastline once affected by sewage pollution into a growing urban …
TIRANA, May 26 – Albania and the European Union hold the eighth Intergovernmental Conference today in Brussels. The agenda focuses on accession negotiations and Cluster 1, “Fundamentals.” At this stage, the conference reviews Albania’s progress on interim benchmarks and sets final benchmarks covering rule of law, justice, and democratic institutions. …
TIRANA, May 26 – The Head of the Muslim Community of Albania, Bujar Spahiu, extended greetings to believers on Eid al-Adha. He highlighted peace, solidarity, and harmony as core values of the holiday message. The message defined Eid al-Adha as a major Islamic celebration. It also emphasized sacrifice, obedience to …
TIRANA, May 26 – A Travel Radar article says Albania is no longer a secret destination in Europe. Eve Powell writes the piece in Travel Radar. Tourist arrivals doubled over the past five years. More than 12 million visitors entered Albania in 2025, according to official data. INSTAT reports a …
TIRANA, May 26 – At a National Conference on the role of civil society in electoral processes, Cinzia Tarletti, Head of the Good Governance and Rule of Law Sector at the EU Delegation in Tirana, stressed the importance of free, fair and transparent elections for democracy and Albania’s EU integration. …
TIRANA, May 26 – President Bajram Begaj said Albania’s relations with the Holy See carry major historical value after meeting Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican. He made the remarks in a social media post following the meeting. He also published photos from the encounter. Begaj described the meeting with …