Albania’s Cocaine Economy Comes Home
Towers, resorts and cocaine money put Albania’s criminal economy in plain sight. A SPAK investigation into alleged drug-money laundering has linked the Zvërnec resort controversy, Tirana’s tower boom and Albania’s strategic investment model, deepening public anger after nearly two weeks of anti-government protests. Tirana Times, June 12, 2026 – A …
Week in Review: Flamingos, Think Tankers and Returning Radicals
Our selection of Premium stories digs deep into a lively week, as Europe limps towards rebooting the enlargement system, votes in Kosovo are counted and Albanians throw off a reputation for apathy. Original post Here
State Minister for Local Government: Strong local communities build Europe
TIRANA, June 12 – State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo highlighted the importance of territorial cooperation and strong local government during an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Adriatic-Ionian Euroregion. During his remarks, Demo praised the Euroregion’s role in bringing together countries, institutions and citizens over the past …
Beach agency monitors public beach access in Lezha
TIRANA, June 12 – The National Coastline Agency continues field inspections along the Lezha coastline. Authorities are focusing on protecting public beach areas and ensuring free access for visitors. Officials are carrying out the inspections under the beach station map. Municipal authorities proposed the map, while the Tourism Season Management …
Director General of Customs, Beja: Customs cooperation as key mechanism for economic integration
TIRANA, June 12 – Director General of Customs Besmir Beja participated in the Third Conference of Directors General of Customs of the Western Balkans and European Union member states in Athens. The conference focused on “Connecting Markets, Harmonising Standards: Green Lanes as a pillar of enhanced integration in the EU …
PM Rama denies provocation over Zvërnec investment protest timing
TIRANA, June 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said there is no provocation or confrontation linked to the timing of the Socialist Party anniversary event and a planned protest against the Zvërnec investment. He made the remarks in an interview on “Shqipëria Live” on Top Channel. He also commented on …
US Lifts Albanian Opposition Leader Berisha’s ‘Persona Non Grata’ Status
State Department says removing Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha’s designation, imposed in 2021 over alleged corruption, serves US ‘national interest’. Original post Here
Health Minister Evis Sala discusses Children’s Rights Agenda 2027–2030 with students
TIRANA, June 12 – The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Evis Sala, initiated school-based sessions of the National Council for Child Rights and Protection. The initiative brings students from primary and secondary education directly into policy discussions across several cities. The first out-of-institution meeting took place at the “Petro …
Archaeologists uncover colorful mosaics near Early Christian Basilica in Elbasan
TIRANA, June 12 – Archaeologists have uncovered previously unknown mosaics in Elbasan. The discovery came during excavations under the project “The Roman-Byzantine Quarter outside the Walls of Castrum Scampis – The Early Christian Basilica Extra Muros.” The findings reveal an earlier phase of the Early Christian basilica outside the walls …
Lëpusha emerges as northern Albania’s tourism gem blending nature and agrotourism
Lëpusha, located in the heart of the Albanian Alps in Malësi e Madhe, is emerging as one of Albania’s most attractive mountain tourism destinations. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos of the area and highlighted its growing tourism potential and agrotourism development. He described Lëpusha as one of the “tourism …
Kosova, Acting PM Kurti: Presidential agreement stands despite six Democratic League MPs’ opposition
TIRANA, September 2 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti said the agreement between the Self-Determination Movement and the Democratic League of Kosova on the presidential nomination remains in place despite six Democratic League lawmakers opposing Bekim Sejdiu’s candidacy. After a meeting of the Self-Determination parliamentary group, Kurti said all 53 …
18-year-old weightlifter Enkileda Carja won another medal for Albania at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Carja secured bronze in the 69 kg snatch event after lifting 100 kg. She succeeded in two of her three attempts. First, Carja lifted 98 kg. Then, she successfully raised 100 kg after adding two …
TIRANA, September 2 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi visited Albania’s Civil Emergency Support Base as the structure marked the 39th anniversary of its establishment. Nufi praised the base’s role during the difficult wildfire season. From April through August 2026, the base carried out 54 firefighting operations, deploying more than 1,500 …
The picturesque village of Lin will host the fourth edition of the Lin Festival from September 4 to 6, 2026. The National Center for Traditional Activities (QKVT) organizes the event to promote and preserve Albania’s intangible cultural heritage. Set along the shores of the lake, the festival will offer a …
Albania has significantly expanded its public beaches during the 2026 tourist season. The move gives local and international visitors more space, access, and affordable options. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said today that municipalities increased the number of public beach station plots by 67% this season. Meanwhile, authorities …
TIRANA, September 2 – Border Police and the Marine Police Unit in Ksamil rescued four German tourists after the boat they were travelling on caught fire. Police said officers responded after receiving a report that a boat had caught fire inside near the Pema e Thatë area in Ksamil. Border …
TIRANA, September 2 – Sofia Moreira de Sousa is taking over as the new European Union ambassador to Albania after the end of Silvio Gonzato’s mandate. Moreira de Sousa will first present her credentials to President Bajram Begaj. The ceremony will formally mark the start of her mandate in Albania. …
TIRANA, September 2 – Tourism has the greatest potential for creating new jobs in Albania, according to the World Bank. A more diverse tourism offer could also spread employment opportunities beyond the summer season. The assessment comes from the World Bank’s FY 2026 Albania Country Opinion Survey Report, based on …
TIRANA, September 2 – Albania produced around 183,000 tonnes of grapes in 2025, according to the Agricultural Development and Rural Development Agency. Grape production continues to grow alongside vineyard expansion and new investment in technology and processing capacity. Fier, Elbasan, Berat and Vlora have some of the country’s largest vineyard …
TIRANA, September 2 – The International Monetary Fund has launched a mission in Albania focused on improving how the country plans, finances and implements public investments. The IMF instrument examines the full project cycle, from planning and selection to implementation and monitoring. IMF experts will be meeting senior officials at …