Deputy PM Balluku Suspended as SPAK Probe Widens
By Tirana Times Staff Tirana 20, November 2025.The suspension of Albania’s Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku by the Special Court Against Corruption and Organized Crime marks one of the most consequential judicial interventions against a senior government official since the creation of SPAK. The court accepted the Special Prosecution’s request …
Saudi Crown Prince’s Washington Visit Signals a New Middle East Order
By Dr. Arben Ramkaj The recent visit of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to Washington may emerge as one of the defining diplomatic moments of this decade. Nothing about this trip was improvised. For weeks, senior Saudi officials travelled to the U.S. capital to prepare the ground, defense …
Digital Rights Review: Journalists and LGBTQ+ Groups Targeted Online
BIRN’s monitors registered a series of digital attacks on media content, online harassment of journalists and threats against LGBTQ+ groups across the Balkans and Southeast Europe in September and October. Original post Here
Albania Opens Last Negotiation Cluster With EU
As Albania begins its last cluster of topics in its EU accession talks in Brussels – only one year after starting negotiations – Prime Minister Edi Rama expresses pride in his country’s achievement. Original post Here
Week in Review: Stuck in the Status Quo
Whether it’s political crises, corruption or political monopolies, our Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlight the stalemates that so often hold the region back. Original post Here
Opposition Aghast at Albanian PM’s Public Backing for Indicted Deputy
Analysts and opposition MPs say Prime Minister Edi Rama’s public backing for his indicted deputy is a direct challenge to the fight against organised crime and corruption. Original post Here
Tirana Mayor Set to Run Albanian Capital from Prison Cell
Mayor Erion Veliaj looks on course to continue governing the city from his jail cell – after the Constitutional Court annulled his dismissal and PM Edi Rama said he will not call early elections in Tirana. Original post Here
Letter From Brussels: Judgment Day for the Balkan Hopefuls
In the first of her monthly dispatches from the heartland of the European Union, Gjeraqina Tuhina looks at which Balkan states have been getting gold stars – or black marks – from the enlargement commissioners. Original post Here
Multigenderism’s Curious Impact
1. The Last Cycle of Extremist Ideologies in the Old Continent – Council of Europe In 2011, the Council of Europe adopted the final version of the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention), which contained many useful provisions. However, Article 3(c), which …
Balluku Charges Test PM Rama’s Power
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) November 11, 2025. The criminal charges filed against Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Belinda Balluku over the Llogara Tunnel project have pushed Albania’s flagship justice reform into uncharted territory, bringing prosecutors closer than ever to the core of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. The Special …
Edi Rama said on Friday that the Socialist Party remains the only political force with a clear commitment to Albania’s national interest. He made the remarks during an event in Dibër marking the party’s 35th anniversary. Rama said the party made a clear break from the past when it was …
Ermal Nufi met on Friday with Radmila Šekerinska. They discussed security in the Western Balkans. They also reviewed Albania’s role in NATO and preparations for upcoming alliance summits. During the meeting, Nufi reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to remain a constructive force in Southeast Europe. He said Albania will continue to support …
Construction activity in Albania increased in the first quarter of 2026. A total of 322 building permits were approved. This marks a 24.8% rise compared to the same period in 2025. INSTAT reported that planned construction area also increased. It reached 377,000 square meters, up 12.5% year on year. The …
The town of Orikum is ready to welcome visitors this summer with a newly transformed main boulevard. Edi Rama shared images of the project on social media. He said the investment is changing both the urban landscape and daily life in the coastal town. The project adds more public spaces …
New archaeological findings have been uncovered at the Amantia Archaeological Park, located about 30 kilometres southeast of Vlorë. Archaeologists discovered traces of ancient life, including fortification walls and building structures. These remains still contain many unanswered historical questions. Blendi Gonxhja shared details from the latest excavations. He said the work …
INSTAT said on Friday that it transmits Government Finance Statistics (GFS) and Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) data to Eurostat in full compliance with European methodological standards. It stressed that this process does not represent “data concealment,” as some media have reported. In a statement to the media, INSTAT highlighted that …
Ermal Nufi visited the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) on Friday. There, he met Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus G. Grynkewich. Nufi said the visit reflects the strong and stable partnership between the Albanian Armed Forces and NATO allies. He also reaffirmed Albania’s firm commitment to NATO, collective …
The atmosphere in the heart of Tirana for the “FIP Platinum Albania” tournament has captivated both Albanian fans and top international padel players. The event has showcased the capital’s hospitality, energy, and growing role in global sports. From Skanderbeg Square, where organizers have installed spectacular courts, international champions have shared …
The choir of the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble of Albania will perform in Albanian in Savigliano, in the Piedmont region of Italy. The performance will take place during the 36th International Choral Singing Festival “Sergio Chiarlo,” scheduled for 5–7 June 2026. The choir represents Albania at …
Vllaznia won the 2025–2026 Albanian women’s football championship after defeating Apolonia 2–0 in the final at Selman Stërmasi Stadium. With this victory, Vllaznia secured their 13th consecutive league title. First, captain Megi Doçi broke the deadlock in the first half. She gave Vllaznia the lead after a tightly contested opening …