Albanian MPs Adopt Resolution Declaring Iran ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’
Ruling Socialist Party MPs aiming to support the US on the Iran war push through resolution – but opposition MPs boycott the vote they claim was staged ‘for the personal agenda of the Prime Minister’. Original post Here
Building a Trusted Health Tourism Ecosystem: Albania’s Next Competitive Advantage
by Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, March 17, 2026 – There are countries you visit, and there are countries you remember. Albania is rapidly becoming the latter. I began writing this article before travelling to Albania, drawing on the country’s remarkable tourism growth and the strategic opportunities it presents. Yet …
‘Cruel, Sadistic’: Albanian Communist State’s Killings of Escapees Still Mostly Unpunished
In the final years of Albania’s communist dictatorship, the authorities shot dozens of citizens trying to flee the country – and most of the attempts to bring the killers to justice have met obstruction and incompetence. Original post Here
Major Cocaine Heist Reveals Albanian Links to Swedish Drug Trade
The theft of a shipment of cocaine that was smuggled from Costa Rica to Sweden exposed the role of Albanian criminal groups in the international logistics of the drug trade, as well as the challenges in holding them accountable. Original post Here
Iran-Linked Hackers’ Fresh Strike on Albania Highlights Continued Negligence
A new cyberattack by Iran-linked Homeland Justice group targeting Albania’s parliament revealed the continued vulnerability of state digital systems and failures to implement basic security measures. Original post Here
Week in Review: The Wheel of Fortune
Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at the changing fortunes, power dynamics and neighbourly relations of countries and actors in South-east Europe. Original post Here
Parliament Blocks Balluku Arrest and Puts Justice on Trial
TIRANA, March 12, 2026 – Albania’s Parliament, dominated by Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party, has refused to authorize the arrest of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, blocking a request by the Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime, SPAK, and triggering one of the gravest confrontations yet between …
UN Report Spotlights Mistreatment During Childbirth in Western Balkans
Survey of women who gave birth recently reveals a “pervasive yet often hidden crisis of obstetric violence” and a widespread dissatisfaction with medical care. Original post Here
Albanian Parliament Votes Against Lifting Former Deputy PM’s Immunity
Ruling Socialist Party uses its majority in parliament to vote down a prosecution request to lift former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku’s immunity, allowing for her arrest. Original post Here
Letter from Brussels: Is a Hopeful Breeze Blowing Through the EU’s ‘Waiting Room’?
Brussels has already gone cold on a scheme to allow some aspirant countries like Albania and Serbia second-tier membership – but that doesn’t mean that other creative approaches to European enlargement are off the table. Original post Here
State Police Director Skënder Hita met with Swedish Ambassador Niklas Ström to discuss ongoing cooperation in law enforcement and police modernization. During the meeting, Hita praised the strong partnership with Swedish law enforcement agencies. He highlighted the Community Policing Strengthening Programme, which will continue until 2029, as well as support …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi held meetings in Latvia with Inara Murniece and Edmunds Cepurītis. During the discussions, the participants focused on Albania’s accession process to the European Union. They also examined parliamentary and public support within EU member states, as well as the role of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry says large foreign investments are essential for strengthening high-quality tourism in Albania. According to the Chamber, Albania has seen steady growth in visitor numbers in recent years. However, the main challenge remains increasing tourist spending and the overall value generated by each visitor. …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the government is working to simplify procedures for citizens and businesses through deeper digital integration between public institutions and the banking sector. Speaking at the workshop on digitalization, public services and commercial banks, Ibrahimaj highlighted efforts to expand digital services, reduce paperwork and …
The Albanian government has approved the Hospitality Albania program, which will be managed by the Albanian Investment Corporation. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the initiative will focus on the management of government villas in Vlorë and Velipojë. According to Ibrahimaj, the program aims to renovate and use state …
Marta Kos attended a ceremony at Albania’s mission to the European Union in Brussels, where she praised Albania’s progress in the EU accession process. The event was hosted by Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha following the eighth Intergovernmental Conference and the approval of the IBAR report. Furthermore, Kos said Albania’s achievements …
Albulena Haxhiu stated that Kosovo’s path toward the European Union is a strategic state interest and a democratic choice of its citizens. She made the remarks during a meeting in Prishtina with European Council President António Costa, where they discussed Kosovo’s EU integration process, the EU Growth Plan for the …
On June 3, 1917, the pan-Albanian organization Vatra launched the “Save Albania” campaign (“Të shpëtojmë Shqipërinë”) to raise funds in support of the national cause. The initiative was led by delegates Mehmet Bej Konica and Mihal Turtulli. Furthermore, they stressed that Albania’s future depended on the support of Albanians living …
Niko Peleshi held a meeting with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs to discuss bilateral relations and shared European and Euro-Atlantic priorities. The discussions focused on strong relations between the two countries. Furthermore, both sides highlighted trust, solidarity, and a common vision for Europe’s future. In addition, Peleshi expressed gratitude for Latvia’s …
Ermal Nufi expressed deep sorrow following the tragic incident in Shëngjin, where two young visitors from Kosovo lost their lives. He said his thoughts and prayers are with the injured individuals and their families. Furthermore, he wished them a quick recovery from the difficult situation. In addition, Nufi praised volunteers, …