Former President Meta Faces Corruption Charges in Politically Sensitive Case
TIRANA, Albania — Former Albanian President Ilir Meta and his former wife, current MP Monika Kryemadhi, have been formally indicted by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) on charges of corruption, money laundering, and concealment of assets—marking one of the most politically explosive cases since the country’s post-communist transition. Meta, a …
Western Powers Push to Turn Balkans into Migrant Buffer Zone, Stirring Rights Alarm
TIRANA TIMES, May 27, Albania — A growing wave of Western efforts to outsource the handling of rejected asylum seekers is turning the Western Balkans into what rights groups now describe as Europe’s “human warehouse.” At the center of the plan are proposals to build migrant detention centers in countries …
Italy Sends Second Migrant Ship to Albania Following Legal Changes
After encountering legal obstacles to its plans to offshore migrant processing to Albania, Itay has sent a second ship with some 27 migrants on board to the Gjader centre following changes to the rules. Original post Here
Mystery of ‘Ghost Analyst’ Intrigues Albanian Media
Following Albania’s elections this month, an incendiary opinion piece by a political analyst called Helen Bratt went viral. But then people started to raise questions about the author’s identity. Original post Here
After Albania’s Election: Defeated Democratic Party Badly in Need of ‘New People’
In the second of a two-part series on Albania’s post-election political landscape, BIRN looks at why, after another devastating loss, the Democratic Party risks irrelevance without root-and-branch reform. Original post Here
Shadow Networks – How Politics and Organized Crime Appear Intertwined in Albania
TIRANA, Albania May 26,2025– Recent revelations from an Italian anti-mafia investigation have cast a harsh spotlight on the murky relationship between organized crime and the Albanian political elite, deepening concerns over state complicity in shielding and enabling criminal actors. At the center of the storm is Elvis Doçi, alias “Visi …
Trump’s Tariffs Hit Albanian Exports Hard, Exposing Weakness in U.S.-Albania Economic Ties
Albanian exports to the United States have plummeted following the imposition of a 10% tariff on goods by President Donald Trump’s administration — part of a broader protectionist trade policy that has unsettled global markets and strained economic relations with several U.S. allies and partners. According to the Albanian Institute …
After Albania’s Election: Socialists’ Huge Majority Rings Alarm for Democracy
With 83 of parliament’s 140 seats, the ruling Socialists have never been stronger. In the first of a series on Albania’s post-election political landscape, BIRN examines how democratic standards and the struggle against corruption could be affected. Original post Here
From staunch enemy to strategic partner: Albanian-American relations in transition
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post From staunch enemy to strategic partner: Albanian-American relations in transition appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Behind the Façade: What’s Fueling Albania’s Real Estate Boom?
In recent years, Albania—particularly its capital, Tirana—has witnessed a real estate boom of unprecedented proportions. Tower cranes dominate the skyline, new developments sprout at every corner, and record-breaking building permits have become the norm. At first glance, this might seem like a sign of economic vitality. But beneath the surface …
The Democratic Party has barred all rivals to Sali Berisha from its leadership contest this week – cementing his grip on the party but also, critics warn, undermining its credibility. Original post Here
The Parliamentary Committee on Culture, Tourism and Diaspora conducted a monitoring visit to the National Film Archive of Albania. The committee reviewed the institution’s work and ongoing projects. It also assessed challenges and operational needs. Director Eljan Tanini presented the archive’s activities. He highlighted digitization efforts and cooperation with other …
The Albanian government approved new changes to the rules on the registration and use of plant protection products. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development proposed the amendments. The changes aim to improve the regulatory framework for phytosanitary products in agriculture. The new rules define the concept of “minor use.” …
TIRANA, May 21 – Students in Tirana have announced a protest on May 26 in Skanderbeg Square at 17:00. The Student Alliance said the march will continue from the square toward the Embassy of North Macedonia. They used the slogan “Albanianness is with Skopje” and called on all young people …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Military Meteorological Service said the country on Thursday will be under relatively unstable atmospheric conditions. The weather will bring clear skies and alternating moderate and locally dense cloudiness in mountainous areas. Rainfall will be weak and local. It will mainly affect the east and south. …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Council of Ministers has approved a new decision on the organisation and functioning of the market for fisheries and aquaculture products. It also defines the form and content of production and marketing plans for the sector. The decision was proposed by the Ministry of Agriculture …
TIRANA, May 21 – Apollonia, one of the largest archaeological parks in the country, receives a high number of visitors of different nationalities every year. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared on social media today images of numerous tourists and visitors who have chosen to visit this ancient city. In these …
TIRANA, May 21 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, together with the European Union delegation in the country, held discussions with ambassadors of EU member states. In a social media post, Hoxha said the meeting focused on the ongoing reform process. It also covered the full range …
TIRANA, May 21 – The Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, said the project “Courtyards that Speak”, supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports and Himara municipality, aims to open the courtyards of five traditional stone houses in the coastal town of Himara. It presents them …
TIRANA, May 21 – Farmers in different regions of the country are expanding investments in agricultural production. They are increasing production capacities. They are directing products toward European markets. The Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Andis Salla, highlighted on social media the example of farmer Elton Biti in Divjaka …