A Taste of Friendship: Turkish Diplomat Bridges Two Nations Through the Language of Food
Edibe Sinem Atay’s new cookbook on Turkish and Albanian cuisine is more than a culinary collection — it is a heartfelt celebration of history, identity, and shared heritage. TIRANA, May 24, 2025.When diplomacy meets the warmth of the kitchen, something deeply human and enduring is born. Edibe Sinem Atay, a …
Tirana Pride Highlights Albania’s LGBT+ Progress Amid EU Hopes
TIRANA, May 25, 2025— Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Albania’s capital on Saturday during the annual Pride Parade, demanding equal rights, legal recognition, and dignity for the LGBT+ community under the motto “Side by Side.” The event, marked by colorful banners and strong calls for inclusion, received …
Albania’s Vanishing Electorate: Emigration, Not a Boycott, Powered the Socialist Victory
TIRANA, Albania — Albania’s ruling Socialist Party secured another sweeping victory in the May 11 parliamentary elections, but analysts say the most significant result wasn’t who won—but who wasn’t there to vote. Official data from the Central Election Commission indicate that at least 200,000 fewer people voted in 2025 compared …
Fight to Protect Albania’s ‘Wild River’ Isn’t Over, Say Environmental Prize-Winners
Activists Olsi Nika and Besjana Guri tell BIRN they see their prestigious international prize as fresh motivation to continue their campaign to save one of Europe’s last wild rivers from development. Original post Here
Crime Crackdown Exposes Albania’s Deep State-Organized Crime Links
Joint Italy-Albania Crime Crackdown Exposes Deep Ties Between Organized Crime and State Structures in Albania TIRANA, Albania ,Tirana Times May 21 — A sweeping anti-drug operation conducted jointly by Italian and Albanian authorities has laid bare what critics describe as the entrenched links between organized crime and political power in …
Narco-Politics and the Erosion of Democracy in Albania
In a country where democratic institutions are already fragile, a sprawling Italian anti-mafia investigation has thrown Albania’s political establishment into turmoil. At its heart lies the so-called Troplini Group, a narco-network accused of trafficking heroin and cocaine from Latin America through the Port of Durrës, laundering profits via the country’s …
Italy-Albania Police Operation Nets 40 Suspected Drug Traffickers
Joint police investigation results in arrest of 40 members of three gangs allegedly involved in cocaine and heroin trafficking and money laundering, including one gang based in Durres, Albania. Original post Here
Thwarting Opposition Hopes, Albania’s Socialists Win Big Abroad
Albania’s well-organised ruling party worked hard to mobilise voters abroad for an election that for the first time featured postal ballots. It paid off. Original post Here
Tirana Emerges as Strategic Hub at FII PRIORITY Europe Summit
TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times , May 20, — For the first time, Albania hosted the prestigious Future Investment Initiative (FII) Europe Summit, drawing a constellation of global leaders, tech innovators, and major investors to its capital. Coinciding with the 6th European Political Community (EPC) meeting, the summit positioned Tirana as …
European Political Community Summit in Tirana – Substance, Symbolism, and Domestic Contradictions
Tirana, 17 May 2025 The Sixth Summit of the European Political Community (EPC), held in Tirana on 16 May 2025, convened 47 European leaders in a highly symbolic gathering that showcased continental unity in the face of geopolitical volatility. Under the banner “New Europe in a New World: Unity – …
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 …