File Not Found: Drive for Open Data Stalls in Western Balkans
Governments in the Western Balkans committed years ago to make official data open and transparent – but a BIRN survey suggests they sometimes supply only incomplete or out-of-date information. Original post Here
USA and Albania toast the 248th Anniversary of US Independence Day
Courtesy of New York Magazine Erjola Braha, recently celebrated by Forbes Italia, presents Robert Mondavi’s wines at the official ceremony organized in Tirana on the occasion of US Independence Day. The United States Embassy in Tirana celebrated the 248th Anniversary of US Independence with a prestigious event, which saw the …
Exhibition of Prisoners’ Letters Sheds Light on Albania’s Communist-Era Jails
‘Letters From Hell’, an exhibition in Tirana, explores the grim conditions in two of Communist Albania’s most infamous prisons, Spac and Burrel, showcasing correspondence from some of the prisoners. Original post Here
Open Data Deficit Hinders Green Transition in Kosovo and Albania
Experts say a lack of open data when it comes to the environment is hindering the green transition in Albania and Kosovo. Original post Here
Albanian Opposition Protesters Block Roads in Six Towns
Albania’s opposition continued what it called its campaign of “civil disobedience” against Edi Rama’s government by blocking roads in six towns across the country. Original post Here
Albania Prosecution Orders Seizure of Suspected Hazardous Waste on Ship
After a ship refused entry to Thailand arrived back in Albania, prosecutors ordered the seizure of the cargo for examination. Original post Here
Using AI in Albanian Public Procurements ‘No Easy Solution’ for Corruption
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama has proposed using artificial intelligence in public procurement processes to tackle corruption – but experts argue that the root causes should be dealt with first. Original post Here
Minister of Hajj and Umrah Begins Balkan Tour to Enhance Services for “Guests of God”
Tirana, October 26, 2024 Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Hajj and Umrah, has begun a four-day official visit to several Western Balkan countries, including Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Montenegro. This visit is part of Saudi Arabia’s strategic efforts to strengthen cooperation with the Western Balkans and improve …
Albania Socialist Party MP Charged With Violating Procurement Rules
Ruling party MP Plarent Ndreca was charged with procurement-related offences allegedly committed four years ago during his time as general secretary at the Interior Ministry. Original post Here
Opposition Leaders’ Arrests May Signal Demise of Albania’s Old Political Class
The arrests of two important opposition leaders hopefully mark the end of one era – and the birth of a new one in which justice no longer cowers before corrupt politicians in a captured state. Original post Here
Dinamo City and Egnatia will face each other in the Albanian Cup final 2025/2026 on Wednesday night. The match will take place at Air Albania Stadium in Tirana, starting at 19:00. In addition, this will be the second consecutive final between the two teams, increasing the rivalry and excitement. Historically, …
TIRANA, May 13 – A new government–bank agreement aims to strengthen business financing in Albania. The programme “Double Your Entrepreneurship” supports small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It also targets wider economic growth. At the event in Tirana, Prime Minister Edi Rama met banking sector representatives. Minister of Economy and Innovation …
TIRANA, May 13 – The Albanian Mixed Martial Arts Federation took part in the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Balkan Championship held from May 7 to 10 in Belgrade, Serbia. The federation said the team completed its participation successfully and delivered a strong performance at international level. Turning to competition …
TIRANA, May 13 – The exhibition “A Journey Through the History of News”, opened by the Albanian news agency (ATSH) on May 9 at Tirana Castle, is attracting strong interest from local and foreign visitors. Visitors described the exhibition as an important contribution to understanding the history and development of …
TIRANA, May 13 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu visited the new “Hospitality Centre” in Sarandë, a multifunctional facility expected to open soon for the tourist season. Officials said the project combines modern infrastructure and European standards with Albanian hospitality traditions. Sarandë Mayor Oltion Çaçi accompanied Koçiu during the visit. …
TIRANA, May 13 – NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte warned that some actors are attempting to destabilise the Western Balkans and pull the region backwards. During a visit to Montenegro, he said the alliance remains committed to ensuring past conflicts remain in history. Turning to security concerns, Rutte said NATO …
TIRANA, May 13 – The parliamentary Committee for Culture, Tourism and Diaspora of Albania and the Committee for Natural Resources, Infrastructure and Sustainable Development of Albania held a joint meeting in Struga, North Macedonia, on May 12–13. The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe supported the event. Lawmakers from …
TIRANA, May 13 – The Albanian government approved a new subsidy scheme for public transport operators following higher fuel prices. The measure provides 50 lek per litre of fuel for transport companies. After the government meeting, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said the subsidy covers urban, intercity and …
As part of its strategy to make personal and family care more affordable for every consumer, Rossmann & Lala is further expanding its price reductions to some of the most frequently used everyday categories: oral care, household cleaning products, and international chocolate brands. This step follows the successful price repositioning …
Tirana Times, May 13, 2026 — The Albania–Italy migration agreement remains in force, despite a brief but politically sensitive controversy triggered by comments from Albanian Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha on whether the protocol could continue beyond its initial five-year term. The debate began after Hoxha, in an interview with Euractiv, was asked …