Albania and Colombia Arrest 17 for Trafficking Women for Sex Work
The EU police agency said 17 people suspected of trafficking women from South America to Europe for sexual exploitation have been arrested in Albania and Colombia. Original post Here
Rama’s Trump Joke Overshadows Copenhagen Summit
Tirana, Albania (Tirana Times). Prime Minister Edi Rama’s attempt at humor during a European summit turned into a viral spectacle on Thursday, overshadowing the European Political Community’s agenda in Copenhagen and sparking both international scrutiny and domestic criticism. The incident unfolded when Rama, known for injecting jokes into international meetings, …
Mayoral Election in Capital Stirs Albanian Opposition Hopes of Comeback
The byelection in Tirana, whose Socialist mayor is behind bars, is a precious opportunity for Albania’s opposition – but analysts warn that victory remains unlikely. Original post Here
Albania Govt Demands Elections in Capital Despite Jailed Mayor’s Court Appeal
Ruling Socialists push for new elections in Tirana as jailed mayor tries to block the move, claiming his dismissal is in breach of his constitutional rights. Original post Here
Kosovo Visitors Drive Summer Tourism Surge as Italian Arrivals Slip
Kosovo Visitors Drive Summer Tourism Surge as Italian Arrivals SlipTirana, September 26, 2025 — By Tirana Times Staff Albania’s summer tourism season ended on a stronger note in August, with a surge in visitors from neighboring Kosovo offsetting weak demand from other markets, particularly Italy. According to official data from …
Fourth estate’s useful idiots
(cases from Albania in which international media should had known better) The cashless dream This July, a Politico-Europe journalist texted me about comments regarding Albanian PM Edi Rama’s recent statement that he would abolish all cash payments by 2030. I replied that this would be a recurring attention-seeking stunt and …
Digital Rights Review: AI and Growing Uncertainty Over What’s Real Online
BIRN monitoring during August revealed widespread misuse of AI to impersonate citizens and politicians across Southeast Europe, while Albania appointed an AI as a government minister, and Turkey treated an AI chatbot as a criminal for insulting the President. Original post Here
Albanian Mayor’s Dismissal Seemingly Ends Rising Star’s Career
Erion Veliaj’s dismissal as Tirana mayor appears to have terminated the career of a man once seen as a possible successor to Edi Rama. Original post Here
Tirana Council Dismisses Mayor Erion Veliaj
Tirana, September 23, 2025 , Tirana Times– The extraordinary dismissal of Tirana’s mayor, Erion Veliaj, by the Municipal Council marks one of the most dramatic political upheavals in Albania’s recent history. Once celebrated as the rising star of the Socialist Party and widely perceived as a potential successor to Prime …
Building integrity and accountability in Albanian public universities: practical lessons from the United States
Aaron Savoy-Pasha | Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) Albanian higher education faces documented integrity risks, particularly in grading, favoritism, and political influence. A 2024 peer-reviewed study highlights how these pressures shape assessment and weaken trust in degrees (Shahini, Zhllima, and Imami, 2024). Transparency International’s most recent Corruption Perceptions Index …
Eid al-Adha is one of the two most important holidays for Muslim believers, together with Eid al-Fitr. It marks a special moment in the Islamic calendar. Moreover, it is a day of reflection, sacrifice, and solidarity. Religious Meaning and Origins According to Islamic tradition, Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of …
Muslim believers across Albania are celebrating Eid al-Adha today, the holiday that symbolizes the great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, the father of prophets. Muslims across the country began the celebration early in the morning by gathering in mosques for prayers. In Tirana, hundreds of worshippers performed prayers on “Dëshmorët e …
Muslims across Albania today celebrate Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s most important holidays. The holiday symbolizes sacrifice, devotion, and solidarity. Early in the morning, believers gathered in mosques across the country to perform Eid prayers. In Tirana, hundreds of worshippers prayed on “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard. After the prayer, the …
President Bajram Begaj today congratulated Muslim believers on Eid al-Adha. He wished Albanian families more prosperity, health, harmony, and kindness. He also highlighted the values that the holiday represents. Begaj said Eid al-Adha reminds people of sacrifice, devotion to God, solidarity, and care for those in need. Furthermore, he stressed …
Prime Minister Edi Rama tonight congratulated Muslim believers on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. Rama shared images from the celebration at the Grand Mosque of Tirana and wrote, “Blessed day, bright night. Happy Eid al-Adha.” Today, believers performed the Eid prayer on “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard in Tirana. The Albanian …
Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti visited the Mufti of Kosovo, Naim Tërnava, at the headquarters of the Islamic Community of Kosovo on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. He said the holiday obliges people to show solidarity and generosity for the common good. Kurti also recalled the sacrifice of …
President Bajram Begaj welcomed the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference on Monday. He called it a historic moment for Albania’s European path. The conference officially opens the closing phase of accession talks with the European Union. Begaj said Albania took another important step toward the European family. He described EU integration …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania remains the most pro-European country in Europe after the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference. Rama welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s focus on EU enlargement. He called the attention important and positive. He said enlargement was once a taboo topic, but that has changed. Rama called …
Cyprus Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna said EU enlargement remains a top priority after the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference in Tirana. Raouna spoke alongside Prime Minister Edi Rama and EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos. She commented on a letter from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about new ideas for …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has entered an advanced stage in its EU integration process after the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference. He called the conference another major milestone for the country. Rama said Albania opened all negotiation chapters in just 11 months. He described the pace as fast and …