EU Document Urges Albania to Address Political Pressure on Judiciary
A leaked internal document from the Council of the European Union voices disquiet over ‘undue pressure’ on justice system and warns that Albania will not be able to close any accession chapters until it makes clear progress. Original post Here
Communist-Era Inmates Fight to Preserve Remains of Albania’s Dark Past
A move to turn the site of the former Spac labour camp in northern Albania into a film set has revived calls for better protection of what’s left of Albania’s dark communist past. Original post Here
Balkan States Evacuate Citizens from Israel Amid Escalating Conflict
As Israel and Iran continued to exchange fire, sparking fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, several Balkan countries have transported their citizens home by plane. Original post Here
Albanian Cigarette Smuggling Case Exposes Customs Service Complicity
For years, a tobacco factory in eastern Albania churned out cigarettes that were then smuggled to other countries, all with the help of a network of corrupt customs officials, prosecutors allege. Original post Here
Albania’s Tourism Industry is Booming, But at What Cost?
Critics are questioning the impact of Albania’s tourism boom on the environment and the lives of ordinary Albanians. Original post Here
What’s driving Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans – and what should be done about it?
12 June 2025 Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans has increased substantially, but won’t catch up with EU FDI any time soon. Governments must ensure that China’s investments comply with environmental and labour standards. Attracting high-quality FDI should be the goal image credit: unsplash.com/vxhorse By Branimir Jovanović This article draws on …
The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals
William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising the idealistic sentiment behind foreign aid, and the harsh reality of its lacklustre execution. In his cutting and astute observations, Easterly points to the fact that …
With their Healthcare System in Decline, Some Albanians Look to Kosovo
Albanians in the north say they find cheaper treatment and a more pleasant experience if they go to hospital across the border in Kosovo. Original post Here
Detention of Tirana Mayor Without Charges Highlights Rule-of-Law Concerns in Albania
TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times — The prolonged pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj — still held without formal charges — is raising fresh questions about Albania’s judicial practices, as critics point to growing divergence from European legal standards. Veliaj, once a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party and …
Italy and Albania: Building a Shared Future Through Action and Partnership
By Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania The Italian anthem was written by Goffredo Mameli, a young man who sacrificed his life for Italy’s freedom— the same desire for freedom that has always characterized the Albanian people. This sense of freedom unites us. The very first word of our …
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama visited Tokyo today after his official trip to South Korea. Tokyo displayed the flags of Albania and Japan along major streets to honor relations between the two countries. Rama shared photos on social media showing the Albanian flag flying beside the Japanese flag in the …
A regional seminar on synthetic drugs and illegal diversion of medical cannabis opened today in Tushemisht. The two-day event focuses on growing drug trafficking threats in Southeast Europe. The seminar is organized by the OSCE Presence in Albania with support from the OSCE Transnational Threats Department and the US Department …
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari attended the international “Europa Wachau” forum in Krems today. Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner and European Commissioner Magnus Brunner invited Lamallari to the event. The forum focused on a new European approach to migration management and security challenges linked to illegal movements across the continent. Lamallari …
Albanian institutions and international partners met today to discuss strengthening the country’s firefighting service and emergency response system. The meeting took place at the Ministry of Interior and focused on funding opportunities through a potential World Bank project. Deputy Interior Minister Xhemal Qefalia welcomed participants, while Arben Cara led the …
Posta Shqiptare and Montenegro’s postal service signed a cooperation memorandum today to modernize postal and financial services between the two countries. Administrator Etjen Xhafaj and his Montenegrin counterpart Josip Djuraskoviç signed the agreement. Xhafaj described the deal as an important step toward modernization and stronger regional cooperation. He said the …
Albania has launched the implementation of the “Green Vjosa” project, a new initiative focused on sustainable development and environmental protection in the Vjosa river basin. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj held the first meeting of the project’s Steering Committee today. The project, titled “Green Vjosa – Green and Inclusive Regional Development …
Governor of the Bank of Albania Gent Sejko held an official meeting today with India’s first ambassador to Albania, Ravindra Prasad Jaiswal. The two sides discussed ways to strengthen economic and financial cooperation between Albania and India. Talks also focused on economic developments and the technological transformation of the banking …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi received a delegation from the National People’s Congress of China today in Tirana. The Chinese delegation was led by senior official Li Hongzhong. Both sides discussed traditional friendly relations between Albania and China. They focused on expanding cooperation in economic, trade, education, cultural and youth …
The 63rd conference of the EPRA is being held in Tirana, bringing together regulators from 42 European countries. The event is hosted by the Audiovisual Media Authority of Albania for the first time in Albania. EPRA Chair Stephanie Comey opened the conference. She stressed the forum’s neutral and non-political role. …
The Tirana Mosaic is becoming an increasingly popular cultural attraction for foreign visitors. Tirana Mosaic is now considered an important educational and cultural destination in the capital. Director of the Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage, Kostandin Budurushi, said the site has seen a significant rise in visitors after its restoration. …