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Albanian Opposition Rallies for Premier’s Resignation Over Indicted Deputy PM

Supporters of the opposition Democratic Party demonstrated in Tirana against Edi Rama’s government after anti-corruption prosecutors indicted his deputy prime minister and raided officials at the National Information Agency. Original post Here

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Security Beyond Soldiers: NATO’s Role in Strengthening Western Balkans Stability

Security in the Western Balkans is no longer defined only by borders and armies, but by the strength of institutions, public trust and the ability to withstand modern pressure. In an interview with the Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS), Arjan Starova, former Albanian foreign minister and President of the …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: December 22, 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

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A Structured Criminal Group Inside a National Security Institution: The AKSHI Case

Tirana, Tirana Times, 20 December 2025 – The investigation launched by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution has revealed the existence of a structured criminal group operating within the leadership of the National Agency for Information Society, AKSHI. At the center of the case stand the agency’s director and deputy director, accused …

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Tirana Marks International Arabic Language Day with a Festive Ceremony

Tirana, Tirana Times, 19 December 2025 – International Arabic Language Day was commemorated in Tirana through a festive ceremony organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Republic of Albania, bringing together a broad representation of Albanian state institutions, the diplomatic corps, universities, the academic community, cultural …

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Albanian MPs Clash in Parliament Amid Tensions Over Corruption Cases

Opposition MPs hurled bottles and clashed with guards as the new ruling party-backed Ombudsman took his oath amid heightened tensions sparked by high-level graft cases. Original post Here

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Visiting Thaci in Hague Jail, Albania PM Slates ’Shameful’ War Court

Albania’s Edi Rama lashed out at the Hague-based Specialist Chambers war crimes court following a visit to Kosovo’s ex-President Hashim Thaci in detention, calling it a ‘theatre of shame’. Original post Here

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Stability Has a Schedule: What NATO’s Hague Pledge Means for the Western Balkans

In late August 2022, Montenegro’s government digital infrastructure was hit by what officials called an “unprecedented” cyberattack. The disruption was serious enough that parts of the public sector had to fall back on manual workarounds while authorities tried to isolate affected systems. In a region where state capacity is often …

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Albania in 2025: Socialists Win Big, Graft Probes Continue

Prime Minister Edi Rama secured a historic fourth term in office and consolidated his rule against a background of ongoing corruption investigations into several politicians from the governing Socialist Party. Original post Here

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Kremlin Echoes in Balkan Clickbait: How Fake Baba Vanga Prophecies Spread Across Albanian Media

TIRANA, Tirana Times, December 16, 2025. Each December, apocalyptic headlines resurface across Albanian media warning of global collapse, Europe’s disappearance or the rise of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a world ruler, all attributed to the supposed prophecies of Baba Vanga, a blind Bulgarian mystic who died nearly three decades ago. …

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Edi Rama: Socialist Party Has Always Put Albania’s National Interest First

Edi Rama said on Friday that the Socialist Party remains the only political force with a clear commitment to Albania’s national interest. He made the remarks during an event in Dibër marking the party’s 35th anniversary. Rama said the party made a clear break from the past when it was …

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Ermal Nufi Meets NATO Deputy Secretary General, Reaffirms Albania’s Role in Regional Stability

Ermal Nufi met on Friday with Radmila Šekerinska. They discussed security in the Western Balkans. They also reviewed Albania’s role in NATO and preparations for upcoming alliance summits. During the meeting, Nufi reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to remain a constructive force in Southeast Europe. He said Albania will continue to support …

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Building Permits Rise in Albania, Over 20 Billion Lekë Worth of Approved Projects

Construction activity in Albania increased in the first quarter of 2026. A total of 322 building permits were approved. This marks a 24.8% rise compared to the same period in 2025. INSTAT reported that planned construction area also increased. It reached 377,000 square meters, up 12.5% year on year. The …

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Orikum Main Boulevard Transformed with New Green Spaces and Public Areas

The town of Orikum is ready to welcome visitors this summer with a newly transformed main boulevard. Edi Rama shared images of the project on social media. He said the investment is changing both the urban landscape and daily life in the coastal town. The project adds more public spaces …

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New Archaeological Discoveries in Amantia Reveal Ancient Urban Life, Restoration Works to Continue

New archaeological findings have been uncovered at the Amantia Archaeological Park, located about 30 kilometres southeast of Vlorë. Archaeologists discovered traces of ancient life, including fortification walls and building structures. These remains still contain many unanswered historical questions. Blendi Gonxhja shared details from the latest excavations. He said the work …

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INSTAT: Financial Statistics Reporting to Eurostat Aligns with EU Standards

INSTAT said on Friday that it transmits Government Finance Statistics (GFS) and Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) data to Eurostat in full compliance with European methodological standards. It stressed that this process does not represent “data concealment,” as some media have reported. In a statement to the media, INSTAT highlighted that …

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Ermal Nufi: Porto Romano and Corridor VIII to Boost NATO Mobility

Ermal Nufi visited the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) on Friday. There, he met Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus G. Grynkewich. Nufi said the visit reflects the strong and stable partnership between the Albanian Armed Forces and NATO allies. He also reaffirmed Albania’s firm commitment to NATO, collective …

News
Padel Stars Praise Tirana Atmosphere: “Albania Makes Us Feel at Home”

The atmosphere in the heart of Tirana for the “FIP Platinum Albania” tournament has captivated both Albanian fans and top international padel players. The event has showcased the capital’s hospitality, energy, and growing role in global sports. From Skanderbeg Square, where organizers have installed spectacular courts, international champions have shared …

News
Albanian Opera Choir to Perform in Albanian at International Festival in Italy

The choir of the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble of Albania will perform in Albanian in Savigliano, in the Piedmont region of Italy. The performance will take place during the 36th International Choral Singing Festival “Sergio Chiarlo,” scheduled for 5–7 June 2026. The choir represents Albania at …

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Vllaznia Women Crowned Albanian Champions After 2–0 Win Over Apolonia

Vllaznia won the 2025–2026 Albanian women’s football championship after defeating Apolonia 2–0 in the final at Selman Stërmasi Stadium. With this victory, Vllaznia secured their 13th consecutive league title. First, captain Megi Doçi broke the deadlock in the first half. She gave Vllaznia the lead after a tightly contested opening …

News

Edi Rama: Socialist Party Has Always Put Albania’s National Interest First

Edi Rama said on Friday that the Socialist Party remains the only political force with a clear commitment to Albania’s national interest. He made the remarks during an event in Dibër marking the party’s 35th anniversary. Rama said the party made a clear break from the past when it was …

News

Ermal Nufi Meets NATO Deputy Secretary General, Reaffirms Albania’s Role in Regional Stability

Ermal Nufi met on Friday with Radmila Šekerinska. They discussed security in the Western Balkans. They also reviewed Albania’s role in NATO and preparations for upcoming alliance summits. During the meeting, Nufi reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to remain a constructive force in Southeast Europe. He said Albania will continue to support …

News

Building Permits Rise in Albania, Over 20 Billion Lekë Worth of Approved Projects

Construction activity in Albania increased in the first quarter of 2026. A total of 322 building permits were approved. This marks a 24.8% rise compared to the same period in 2025. INSTAT reported that planned construction area also increased. It reached 377,000 square meters, up 12.5% year on year. The …

News

Orikum Main Boulevard Transformed with New Green Spaces and Public Areas

The town of Orikum is ready to welcome visitors this summer with a newly transformed main boulevard. Edi Rama shared images of the project on social media. He said the investment is changing both the urban landscape and daily life in the coastal town. The project adds more public spaces …

News

New Archaeological Discoveries in Amantia Reveal Ancient Urban Life, Restoration Works to Continue

New archaeological findings have been uncovered at the Amantia Archaeological Park, located about 30 kilometres southeast of Vlorë. Archaeologists discovered traces of ancient life, including fortification walls and building structures. These remains still contain many unanswered historical questions. Blendi Gonxhja shared details from the latest excavations. He said the work …

News

INSTAT: Financial Statistics Reporting to Eurostat Aligns with EU Standards

INSTAT said on Friday that it transmits Government Finance Statistics (GFS) and Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) data to Eurostat in full compliance with European methodological standards. It stressed that this process does not represent “data concealment,” as some media have reported. In a statement to the media, INSTAT highlighted that …

News

Ermal Nufi: Porto Romano and Corridor VIII to Boost NATO Mobility

Ermal Nufi visited the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) on Friday. There, he met Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus G. Grynkewich. Nufi said the visit reflects the strong and stable partnership between the Albanian Armed Forces and NATO allies. He also reaffirmed Albania’s firm commitment to NATO, collective …

News

Padel Stars Praise Tirana Atmosphere: “Albania Makes Us Feel at Home”

The atmosphere in the heart of Tirana for the “FIP Platinum Albania” tournament has captivated both Albanian fans and top international padel players. The event has showcased the capital’s hospitality, energy, and growing role in global sports. From Skanderbeg Square, where organizers have installed spectacular courts, international champions have shared …

News

Albanian Opera Choir to Perform in Albanian at International Festival in Italy

The choir of the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble of Albania will perform in Albanian in Savigliano, in the Piedmont region of Italy. The performance will take place during the 36th International Choral Singing Festival “Sergio Chiarlo,” scheduled for 5–7 June 2026. The choir represents Albania at …

News

Vllaznia Women Crowned Albanian Champions After 2–0 Win Over Apolonia

Vllaznia won the 2025–2026 Albanian women’s football championship after defeating Apolonia 2–0 in the final at Selman Stërmasi Stadium. With this victory, Vllaznia secured their 13th consecutive league title. First, captain Megi Doçi broke the deadlock in the first half. She gave Vllaznia the lead after a tightly contested opening …