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Albania’s AI Facade Cracks While Neighbors Win EU Funds

Tirana Times, February 10, 2026 – Serbia and North Macedonia have secured concrete European Union funding to integrate into Europe’s emerging artificial intelligence infrastructure, while Albania—despite high-profile political messaging around AI—has been left outside the first wave of financed projects. According to the latest map and project list published by …

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Behind Albania’s Collapsing Roads: Clientelism and Corruption

Tirana Times, February 12 2026 – The rapid deterioration of newly inaugurated roads and tunnels across Albania has exposed far more than technical shortcomings. What authorities have sought to explain as weather-related damage is increasingly understood as a symptom of deeper governance failures rooted in clientelism, weak oversight, and systemic …

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Solar Energy Revolution Comes at a Cost in Rural Albania

Photovoltaic parks are multiplying across Albania as the country aims for ‘energy sovereignty’ – but locals say losing agricultural land to solar panels is a blow to their livelihoods. Original post Here

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Albania’s TikTok Ban Expires, But Promised Protections Still Pending

As a one-year ban ends, Albanian authorities say they are still working with TikTok on ‘relevant filters’ to better protect young users of the video-sharing app. Original post Here

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Letter From Brussels: The Epstein Effect Hits Europe

In her latest monthly dispatch from Brussels, Gjeraqina Tuhina looks at the ripple-effects of the Jeffrey Epstein saga, while Serbia falls behind on the long march to EU accession. Original post Here

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Opposition Takes to the Streets as Corruption Scandal Reaches the Heart of Power

Tirana Times, February 10, 2026 – Thousands of Albanians filled the streets of Tirana on Tuesday evening in a national protest called by the opposition Democratic Party, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the dismissal of his government, and the establishment of a technical cabinet to lead the …

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Balkans Seeing ‘Serious Stagnation’ in Tackling Corruption: Transparency International

As Transparency International releases its latest corruption perception index, the watchdog’s Lidija Prokic tells BIRN that anti-graft drives have faltered across the Western Balkans – in Serbia especially. Original post Here

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BIRN Reality Check: With Its Mayor Behind Bars, Stasis Grips Albania’s Capital

Awaiting trial on graft charges, Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj has fought hard to maintain his position after the Albanian government tried to dismiss him – but how is the city being governed while he’s in a cell? Original post Here

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EU Presses Parliament Over Deputy PM Immunity

Albania’s choice now will signal whether it is converging with that standard or drifting toward a system where, as Orwell warned, all are equal, but some remain more equal than others. Tirana Times, 09 February 2026 – The European Union has publicly urged the Albanian Parliament to address without delay …

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Is A Storm Gathering Over Justice in Albania?

By Zef Preçi Tirana Times, 09 February 2026 – The campaign that Albania’s ruling Socialist Party appears to be preparing against the Special Anti Corruption Structure (SPAK) raises serious concerns not only about the future of the rule of law in the country but also about the credibility of Albania’s …

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Rama: Socialist Party Has Started Work for Upcoming Elections, Opposition “Hanging Out in Cafés”

Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting this Friday with Socialist Party members from Unit No. 3 in Tirana. During his speech, Rama emphasized that the ruling majority has already begun groundwork to secure an even deeper victory in the upcoming elections, while mocking the opposition, saying that despite their …

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Transparency Board Increases Fuel and By-Product Prices

The Transparency Board has decided on Friday to increase the price of fuel and its by-products. According to the decision, the retail price of diesel (gasoil) under the SSH EN 590 standard must not exceed 224 ALL per liter, while the wholesale price is set at 212 ALL per liter. …

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PDK MP Takes Microphone from Kurti: “Don’t Sell Us Fairy Tales”

During Friday’s parliamentary session in the Assembly of Kosovo, Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) MP Ganimete Musliu interrupted Prime Minister Albin Kurti, taking his microphone and demanding that he return to the topic. “Can you get back to the point, Prime Minister, because you’ve had four years in government and …

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Albania Produced 7.5 Million Megawatt-Hours of Energy in 2025 – How Much Was Lost in the Grid

Albania produced 7.5 million megawatt-hours of electricity during 2025, of which 1.3 million megawatt-hours were lost in the distribution network. This represents a loss level of around 17%, showing a downward trend compared to previous years. Electricity losses, caused by theft or network depreciation, were significantly reduced last year. Data …

News
Salvador Dalí Exhibition Comes to Tirana

The Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD) announced that it will soon open a premiere exhibition of one of the most extraordinary artists of global Surrealism, Salvador Dalí. The exhibition “Salvador Dalí” will open on April 9. It forms part of the “Argillet Collection,” curated by collector Christine Argillet. The …

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Rama: Municipalities Must Identify Historic Houses for Museum Conversion

Prime Minister Edi Rama called on mayors to draft plans to convert old houses into museums. He urged them to identify buildings with strong heritage value and save them from decay. Speaking at a meeting with mayors, Rama said the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports has launched a process …

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Koçiu: Reconstruction of “Shefqet Doda” Cultural Palace in Mat Sets Albania 2030 Standard

The reconstruction of the “Shefqet Doda” Cultural Palace in Mat has brought new life to the city’s cultural and artistic scene. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, Minister Blendi Gonxhja, Mayor Altin Bojnini, and MP Agron Malaj visited the upgraded facilities. Koçiu said the project restores one of Mat’s key symbols. …

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Rama: Albania Has a Historic Moment to Join the EU0

Prime Minister Edi Rama, also leader of the Socialist Party of Albania, met the party assembly in Unit 3 in Tirana. Rama praised the results in the unit. He said the unit shows growth. He thanked party members for their work. He said 10 out of 12 regions show growth, …

News
CINEMA – Four Films to Make Your Easter Even More Special

Easter is approaching. If you want to enjoy the holiday with family or friends, here are four perfect films to watch together, reports hynerd.it. Who Framed Roger Rabbit In an alternate Hollywood where animated characters and humans coexist, detective Eddie Valiant investigates a case involving the cartoon star Roger Rabbit, …

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42 Americans Sworn in as New Peace Corps Volunteers in Albania

Today, 42 Americans took the oath to serve as Peace Corps volunteers in Albania for two years. The U.S. Embassy announced that Nancy VanHorn and Mirela Kumbaro attended the ceremony. VanHorn said the Peace Corps reflects the spirit of ordinary citizens stepping forward to serve. She called it “America at …

News

Rama: Socialist Party Has Started Work for Upcoming Elections, Opposition “Hanging Out in Cafés”

Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting this Friday with Socialist Party members from Unit No. 3 in Tirana. During his speech, Rama emphasized that the ruling majority has already begun groundwork to secure an even deeper victory in the upcoming elections, while mocking the opposition, saying that despite their …

News

Transparency Board Increases Fuel and By-Product Prices

The Transparency Board has decided on Friday to increase the price of fuel and its by-products. According to the decision, the retail price of diesel (gasoil) under the SSH EN 590 standard must not exceed 224 ALL per liter, while the wholesale price is set at 212 ALL per liter. …

News

PDK MP Takes Microphone from Kurti: “Don’t Sell Us Fairy Tales”

During Friday’s parliamentary session in the Assembly of Kosovo, Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) MP Ganimete Musliu interrupted Prime Minister Albin Kurti, taking his microphone and demanding that he return to the topic. “Can you get back to the point, Prime Minister, because you’ve had four years in government and …

News

Albania Produced 7.5 Million Megawatt-Hours of Energy in 2025 – How Much Was Lost in the Grid

Albania produced 7.5 million megawatt-hours of electricity during 2025, of which 1.3 million megawatt-hours were lost in the distribution network. This represents a loss level of around 17%, showing a downward trend compared to previous years. Electricity losses, caused by theft or network depreciation, were significantly reduced last year. Data …

News

Salvador Dalí Exhibition Comes to Tirana

The Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD) announced that it will soon open a premiere exhibition of one of the most extraordinary artists of global Surrealism, Salvador Dalí. The exhibition “Salvador Dalí” will open on April 9. It forms part of the “Argillet Collection,” curated by collector Christine Argillet. The …

News

Rama: Municipalities Must Identify Historic Houses for Museum Conversion

Prime Minister Edi Rama called on mayors to draft plans to convert old houses into museums. He urged them to identify buildings with strong heritage value and save them from decay. Speaking at a meeting with mayors, Rama said the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports has launched a process …

News

Koçiu: Reconstruction of “Shefqet Doda” Cultural Palace in Mat Sets Albania 2030 Standard

The reconstruction of the “Shefqet Doda” Cultural Palace in Mat has brought new life to the city’s cultural and artistic scene. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu, Minister Blendi Gonxhja, Mayor Altin Bojnini, and MP Agron Malaj visited the upgraded facilities. Koçiu said the project restores one of Mat’s key symbols. …

News

Rama: Albania Has a Historic Moment to Join the EU0

Prime Minister Edi Rama, also leader of the Socialist Party of Albania, met the party assembly in Unit 3 in Tirana. Rama praised the results in the unit. He said the unit shows growth. He thanked party members for their work. He said 10 out of 12 regions show growth, …

News

CINEMA – Four Films to Make Your Easter Even More Special

Easter is approaching. If you want to enjoy the holiday with family or friends, here are four perfect films to watch together, reports hynerd.it. Who Framed Roger Rabbit In an alternate Hollywood where animated characters and humans coexist, detective Eddie Valiant investigates a case involving the cartoon star Roger Rabbit, …

News

42 Americans Sworn in as New Peace Corps Volunteers in Albania

Today, 42 Americans took the oath to serve as Peace Corps volunteers in Albania for two years. The U.S. Embassy announced that Nancy VanHorn and Mirela Kumbaro attended the ceremony. VanHorn said the Peace Corps reflects the spirit of ordinary citizens stepping forward to serve. She called it “America at …