With Investment Favours, Albania’s Government Chips Away at Media Freedom
The owners of the biggest broadcasters in Albania have all benefitted from ‘strategic investor’ status granted by the government for other projects, raising doubts about editorial independence. Original post Here
Albania Battles Deadly Wildfires Amid Heatwave
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) , August 13,2025— Fierce wildfires swept across Albania this week, killing one person, injuring at least 10 and forcing mass evacuations from southern towns to central mountain villages, as much of the Mediterranean battles deadly blazes fueled by extreme summer heat. Authorities said more than 10,000 …
News24 TV’s Shutdown in Albania Sends a Worrying Signal
The Albanian police’s action – forcing the country’s largest news broadcaster off air without a court order – sets an alarming precedent. Original post Here
Alarm in Albania at Proposed Criminal Code Changes; Govt Denies Involvement
Albania wants to align its Criminal Code with EU law, but critics, including media associations, say a proposed draft falls far short – and could limit press freedom. Original post Here
Media Unions Criticise Albanian Police Operation Targeting TV Station
Media organisations say Albanian police action, surrounding the News 24 TV station building and seizing journalists’ computers amid a property dispute with a government ministry, is ‘heavy-handed’ and lacks a clear legal basis. Original post Here
News 24 Raid and Blackout: Press Freedom or Property Dispute?
Tirana Times, 11 August, 2025 The forcible shutdown of Albania’s leading all-news television channel, News 24, and the blockade of the Focus Media Group headquarters by police and later military forces on August 9 has ignited national and international debate about press freedom, political retaliation, and the limits of state …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: August 11, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
European Raids Hit Albanian Cartel, Millions Laundered in Resorts
Tirana Times,August 08,2025 — A massive Albanian-run cocaine trafficking syndicate, accused of moving 28 tons of the drug from Latin America to European ports and laundering its profits in luxury resorts and real estate in Albania, has been dismantled in a multinational operation. The breakthrough, announced Friday by Albania’s Special …
Anti-Mafia Law Is Only on Paper?
The dismantling of a 28-ton cocaine trafficking network, led by Albanian nationals and operating on a global scale, should have been a triumph for Albania’s justice system. Yet the uncomfortable truth is that this success was imported. It was European law enforcement — from Belgium to Italy — armed with …
Week in Review: Trials, Tricksters and Controversial Legacies
Amid the summer heat, political developments in the region are also simmering, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here
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 …