Week in Review: TikTokcracy, Labyrinths and an Anniversary
New leaders, old challenges, the threat of ‘TikTokracy’ and – not least – a look at the Dayton Peace Accords thirty years later, are all themes that preoccupy our selection of Premium stories this week. Original post Here
Albanian PM Condemns Deputy’s Suspension by Court as ‘Brutal Interference’
Edi Rama slated the court decision suspending Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku while she faces a graft probe – and threatened to take the matter to the Constitutional Court. Original post Here
Albanian Special Court Suspends Deputy Prime Minister: Source
The special anti-corruption court suspended Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, who is under investigation for violating tender procedures, and barred her from travelling abroad, a source told BIRN. Original post Here
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
U.S. Embassy warns of possible Iran-linked attacks against MEK and public locations. Tirana Times, April 01, 2026 – The U.S. Embassy in Tirana has warned that Iran or groups linked to Tehran could carry out potential attacks in Albania, targeting members of the Iranian opposition group People’s Mojahedin Organization of …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met with the Socialist Party assembly in Unit 4, Tirana. Rama said the government will act in the oil market through a public company. The goal is to protect consumers and increase transparency. He added that the legal framework for strategic fuel reserves is also in …
Ryanair officially opened its new base at Tirana’s “Mother Teresa” International Airport. The airline stations three planes in Tirana and adds 21 new destinations across Europe. The Civil Aviation Authority (AAC) says direct connections boost economic growth and increase GDP per capita. AAC adds the move supports government priorities: infrastructure, …
The US Embassy in Albania has warned that groups linked to Iran may target Americans or members of the Iranian opposition living in Albania. These groups could also strike public areas, including tourist sites, shopping centers, hotels, clubs, and restaurants, the embassy said in a social media statement. The embassy …
Albania inaugurated the Belgium–EU–Albania Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EUBACCI) at its embassy in Belgium, creating a new platform to strengthen economic ties and trade relations between Albania, Belgium, and the European Union. The event brought together business leaders, institutional representatives, and Belgian agencies, including HUB Brussels and AWEX, fostering …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met today with the Socialist Party assembly in Unit 4, Tirana. Rama highlighted Albania’s rapid progress in its EU accession negotiations, saying the country holds the record for opening all negotiation chapters faster than any other nation. “Compared to all countries that went through the negotiation …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met the Socialist Party assembly in Unit 4 today. He outlined plans for the next local elections. Rama said the party started a broad organization and communication drive. They engage members, supporters, and the community. “We involve everyone. We invite supporters and the community to talk …
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Sports announced a joint meeting of three permanent parliamentary committees: Natural Resources, Infrastructure, and Sustainable Development; Culture, Tourism, and Diaspora; and Citizen Initiatives, Cooperation, and Institutional Oversight. Officials from the central and local government discussed the implementation of the integrated waste management law and …
Artists Maéva Lessére and Simon Gabillet performed “Mamalia” last night at COD. The performance, guided by Edi Blloshmi, received warm applause. It blends contemporary ballet and theater, where the two characters interact across multiple dimensions. “Two curious souls explore each other’s existence through movements both primitive and modern. They highlight …
The Minister of Economy and Innovation, Delina Ibrahimaj, provided details on the decisions taken following the government meeting. Ibrahimaj stated that a board will review foreign investment requests in critical sectors. According to her, paper documents and correspondence will be eliminated. She also said that a support measure for enterprises …