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Russian Propaganda Campaign Targets European Summit in Albania

By Vladimir Karaj TIRANA, Albania— A Kremlin-aligned propaganda network unleashed a flurry of disinformation targeting last month’s European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana, seeking to mock Western leaders, amplify Russian narratives, and sow distrust — even as Albania, a staunch NATO ally, hosted the high-profile event. In the days …

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Village Schools Left Behind by Albania’s Digital Rollout

Schools in rural parts of Albania are being left behind when it comes to the use of digital tools in teaching and communication. Original post Here

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Albania-Serbia Match Highlights Political Fault Lines Amid Fragile Rapprochement

Tirana Times, June 8, 2025 ,The goalless draw between Albania and Serbia on Saturday in Tirana was more than just a World Cup qualifying fixture. Played under the shadow of history, unresolved political tensions, and previous violent episodes between fans, this match offered a revealing glimpse into the complex relationship …

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Albania’s Healthcare Plagued by High-Level Corruption and Broken Promises

Tirana Times, 5 June 2025 — More than a decade after promising “free healthcare” to all citizens, Albania’s Socialist government faces mounting public outrage and a credibility crisis, as a new report reveals that 8 in 10 Albanians believe the country’s healthcare system is deeply corrupt. The study, conducted by …

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Albania, Greece Signal Readiness to Restart Maritime Talks Amid Lingering Tensions

Albania (Tirana Times) — June 5, 2025, Albania and Greece may be poised to revive negotiations over their long-disputed maritime border, a development that could mark a turning point in relations marred by legal battles, ethnic tensions, and political provocations. The possible reopening of talks was hinted at during a …

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Kosovo-Serbia dialogue: Its implications for bilateral relations and domestic affairs of Albania

This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Kosovo-Serbia dialogue: Its implications for bilateral relations and domestic affairs of Albania appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here

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Albania Legalizes Cannabis Amid Crime and State Capture Fears

Albanian police during an anti-cannabis operation. Photo: State Police. TIRANA, 4 June 2025 , (TT) — The Albanian government has approved the cultivation of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes, issuing licenses covering 29,000 hectares of land stretching from the north to the south of the country — a move …

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Makeover of Communist-Era Albanian Jail as Film Set Angers Survivors

The decision to use the former Spac labour camp to shoot a film – and repaint some of the buildings – has enraged former inmates and activists who say the works threaten to alter history. Original post Here

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‘I’m Both’: Film Explores Experience of ‘Generation B’ Albanians in Greece

In Albgreko, a short documentary, the children and grandchildren of Albanians immigrants in Greece speak of feeling both Albanian and Greek in ways that those who came in the 1990s never could. Original post Here

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Spectacle Over Substance: How Albania’s “War on Money Laundering” Ignores the Towers That Tell the Truth

At first glance, the Albanian government’s latest initiative to combat money laundering appears bold: an investigation into 400 luxury vehicles purchased by individuals with no declared income. Authorities have stated that if the owners fail to justify the source of funds used to purchase these high-end cars, the vehicles will …

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Albanian FM expresses concern over Israeli minister’s video on detained activists, confirms consular assistance

TIRANA, May 21 – Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has expressed concern over a video published by Israel’s Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir showing detained activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, among them an Albanian national. Meanwhile, Hoxha reacted on the social media platform X, …

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Albania at international film industry market “Marché du Film”

TIRANA, May 21 – The Marché du Film concluded in Cannes, with Albania and Kosova represented through a joint stand by the National Cinematography Center of Albania and the Cinematography Center of Kosova. The Marché du Film, held within the Cannes Film Festival framework, functions as the festival’s business market …

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Ombudsman contacts Israeli counterpart over Albanian activist

TIRANA, May 21 – The Ombudsman of Albania, Endrit Shabani, contacted Matanyahu Englman, the Israeli State Comptroller and Ombudsman. He requested full guarantees for the rights, physical integrity, and treatment of Albanian citizen Baki Goxhaj. Israeli authorities detained Goxhaj during an operation against the humanitarian initiative “Global Sumud Flotilla”. Shabani …

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Gashani hosts leaders of the Mediterranean Games 2030, coordination for major project in focus

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”7bc4bf37-c90d-4560-a851-2eb1752bfc4d” data-turn-id-container=”7bc4bf37-c90d-4560-a851-2eb1752bfc4d” data-testid=”conversation-turn-27″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Preparations for the biggest sporting event in the country’s history, the “Prishtina 2030” Mediterranean Games, are entering an intensive phase of institutional coordination. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-13″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-13″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-28″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Acting Minister of Youth and Sports, Blerim …

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OSCE: Electoral reform in Albania is a slow but important process; decision-making belongs to Albanians

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”c95c2a13-72c0-43e1-9252-fe79f8d8e808″ data-turn-id-container=”c95c2a13-72c0-43e1-9252-fe79f8d8e808″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-33″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Presence in Albania has assessed that the work of the Special Commission on Electoral Reform has progressed slowly, but welcomed the resumption of its activity and its focus on important issues such …

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Celebrations and historical remembrance: Montenegro marks 20 years of independence

Montenegro this week is marking the 20th anniversary of its independence with concerts and festive activities taking place in the capital, Podgorica, and other cities across the country. On May 21, 2006, Montenegrin citizens voted in a historic referendum on the future of the state, with 55.5% choosing independence after …

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Albanian activist leaves Israel on a flight to Turkey

Albanian citizen Baki Goxhaj has departed for Turkey on one of the aircraft provided by the Turkish government for the transport of activists detained by Israel. According to sources from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, he is currently on his way to Istanbul, where he will be received …

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SPAK, corruption, elections: IBAR document revealed, what was decided on Albania’s criteria

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”32a4dda1-cf36-4cd4-b698-7534afe718a0″ data-turn-id-container=”32a4dda1-cf36-4cd4-b698-7534afe718a0″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-35″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> This Thursday, Albania passed the draft of the European Union’s common interim position in the COELA working group in Brussels. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-17″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-17″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-36″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Meanwhile, tomorrow the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report, otherwise known as …

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Pushing Against Inertia: How Harnex Is Testing the Balkans’ Appetite for Innovation

Tirana loves a good spectacle. Walk through the capital today and you are greeted by sleek new glass towers, vibrant urban spaces, and a relentless political chorus proclaiming Albania as the next big digital hub of the Western Balkans. But scratch beneath the surface of this calculated showmanship, and a …

News
Transparency Board lowers fuel prices, diesel drops to 197 ALL per litre

TIRANA, May 21 – The Transparency Board set new ceiling prices for fuel trading during its latest meeting. The new prices enter into force today at 13:00. According to the decision, the retail price of SSH EN 590 diesel will not exceed 197 ALL per litre. Meanwhile, the wholesale price …

News

Albanian FM expresses concern over Israeli minister’s video on detained activists, confirms consular assistance

TIRANA, May 21 – Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha has expressed concern over a video published by Israel’s Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir showing detained activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, among them an Albanian national. Meanwhile, Hoxha reacted on the social media platform X, …

News

Albania at international film industry market “Marché du Film”

TIRANA, May 21 – The Marché du Film concluded in Cannes, with Albania and Kosova represented through a joint stand by the National Cinematography Center of Albania and the Cinematography Center of Kosova. The Marché du Film, held within the Cannes Film Festival framework, functions as the festival’s business market …

News

Ombudsman contacts Israeli counterpart over Albanian activist

TIRANA, May 21 – The Ombudsman of Albania, Endrit Shabani, contacted Matanyahu Englman, the Israeli State Comptroller and Ombudsman. He requested full guarantees for the rights, physical integrity, and treatment of Albanian citizen Baki Goxhaj. Israeli authorities detained Goxhaj during an operation against the humanitarian initiative “Global Sumud Flotilla”. Shabani …

News

Gashani hosts leaders of the Mediterranean Games 2030, coordination for major project in focus

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”7bc4bf37-c90d-4560-a851-2eb1752bfc4d” data-turn-id-container=”7bc4bf37-c90d-4560-a851-2eb1752bfc4d” data-testid=”conversation-turn-27″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> Preparations for the biggest sporting event in the country’s history, the “Prishtina 2030” Mediterranean Games, are entering an intensive phase of institutional coordination. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-13″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-13″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-28″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Acting Minister of Youth and Sports, Blerim …

News

OSCE: Electoral reform in Albania is a slow but important process; decision-making belongs to Albanians

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”c95c2a13-72c0-43e1-9252-fe79f8d8e808″ data-turn-id-container=”c95c2a13-72c0-43e1-9252-fe79f8d8e808″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-33″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe Presence in Albania has assessed that the work of the Special Commission on Electoral Reform has progressed slowly, but welcomed the resumption of its activity and its focus on important issues such …

News

Celebrations and historical remembrance: Montenegro marks 20 years of independence

Montenegro this week is marking the 20th anniversary of its independence with concerts and festive activities taking place in the capital, Podgorica, and other cities across the country. On May 21, 2006, Montenegrin citizens voted in a historic referendum on the future of the state, with 55.5% choosing independence after …

News

Albanian activist leaves Israel on a flight to Turkey

Albanian citizen Baki Goxhaj has departed for Turkey on one of the aircraft provided by the Turkish government for the transport of activists detained by Israel. According to sources from the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, he is currently on his way to Istanbul, where he will be received …

News

SPAK, corruption, elections: IBAR document revealed, what was decided on Albania’s criteria

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(–header-height)” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”32a4dda1-cf36-4cd4-b698-7534afe718a0″ data-turn-id-container=”32a4dda1-cf36-4cd4-b698-7534afe718a0″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-35″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”user”> This Thursday, Albania passed the draft of the European Union’s common interim position in the COELA working group in Brussels. *]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-17″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:2fe339d6-cc2f-4730-974c-1c32e33c2c15-17″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-36″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> Meanwhile, tomorrow the Interim Benchmark Assessment Report, otherwise known as …

News

Pushing Against Inertia: How Harnex Is Testing the Balkans’ Appetite for Innovation

Tirana loves a good spectacle. Walk through the capital today and you are greeted by sleek new glass towers, vibrant urban spaces, and a relentless political chorus proclaiming Albania as the next big digital hub of the Western Balkans. But scratch beneath the surface of this calculated showmanship, and a …

News

Transparency Board lowers fuel prices, diesel drops to 197 ALL per litre

TIRANA, May 21 – The Transparency Board set new ceiling prices for fuel trading during its latest meeting. The new prices enter into force today at 13:00. According to the decision, the retail price of SSH EN 590 diesel will not exceed 197 ALL per litre. Meanwhile, the wholesale price …