AIIS Honors Ilir Ikonomi with “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize
Tirana Times, March 26 , 2026 – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has awarded its prestigious annual “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize for 2025 to historian and translator Ilir Ikonomi, recognizing his outstanding contribution to bringing major works of international scholarship to the Albanian audience. Ilir Ikonomi received the award …
Week in Review: Alignment, Collision and Scandal
From a political spying scandal to MAGA alignment and a brewing collision with the law, selection of BIRN Premium stories this week makes for an exciting read. Original post Here
Iran-Linked Hackers Target Albanian Post in Latest Attack
The now-notorious hacker group Homeland Justice claimed that it had breached the computer defences of Albania’s postal service following its attack on parliament’s systems earlier this month. Original post Here
In Albania, Leveraging Celebrity Exposure to Stay out of Jail
Charged with corruption, money laundering and concealment of wealth, ex-politician Monika Kryemadhi is rebranding herself as a showbiz celebrity on the Big Brother reality show, but can it keep her out of prison? Original post Here
Albanian Ex-Mayor Convicted in Second Abuse of Office Case
An appeals court upheld the verdict jailing the former Socialist Party mayor of Himara, Jorgo Goro, who was at the centre of a political storm during a controversial election in 2023. Original post Here
Rama’s Collision With Justice Shatters Illusions About Albania’s Democracy
The prime minister’s moves to shield his deputy from arrest feel like the beginning of the end of an era for Albanians’ hopes that the powerful would finally be held accountable. Original post Here
Albania Slips Into Electoral Autocracy
V Dem places Albania in a category dominated by African states, with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina the only Western Balkan countries in the same group. Tirana Times, March 23, 2026 – Albania has been placed in the category of electoral autocracy in the latest Democracy Report 2026 by the …
Middle East Crisis: Balkan Countries Act to Ease Spike in Oil Prices
As oil and gas prices surge amid the Iran war, Balkan countries are pondering ways to reduce the impact on households and businesses. Original post Here
Timeline: Albania’s High-Level Corruption Cases Raise Political Temperature
The controversy over Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has put the spotlight on prosecution efforts to target high-level corruption – but she is only the latest senior politician to face charges. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 23, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
The sixth National Forum “Boys and Men Who Inspire” took place today in Tirana. The Ministry of Health and Social Protection described the forum as a strong platform. It promotes dialogue, reflection, and action. It supports gender equality. It also helps prevent gender-based violence. Deputy Minister Denada Seferi attended the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Durrës. He rejected opposition claims. He called them a complete joke. The opposition said nine countries blocked Albania’s EU integration. Rama said the opposition made similar claims before. He mentioned the Peace Board. Albania later received an invitation. Albania …
The National Center of Cinematography and the National Youth Agency held the event “Turn Passion into Profession” today. Tourism, Culture, and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja attended the event. He said the initiative answers doubts about creative industries in Albania. Gonxhja said the sector contributes about 3% of GDP. It employs …
EU Ambassador to Albania Silvio Gonzato spoke to Euronews Albania. He said Albania’s EU integration continues normally. He rejected claims of a block. He called them speculation. Gonzato said member states hold regular discussions. They follow standard EU procedures. They conduct them confidentially. He addressed reports about countries with reservations. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke at the Socialist Party Assembly in Durrës today. He stressed the need for strong support. He said it is crucial to advance Albania’s EU integration. Rama said Albanians are lucky. He said key partners now support Albania. He called it a chance to realize a …
Lef Nosi, a signatory of Albania’s Independence, was also a philatelist, polyglot, archivist, ethnographer, and politician. He was born in Elbasan on April 9, 1877. He completed primary school in his hometown. Then, he studied pharmacy in Athens but returned early to focus on national history and culture. In 1908, …
The Albanian Parliament held a plenary session today. Lawmakers debated governance and EU integration issues. First, opposition leader Gazment Bardhi criticized the strategic investment law. He said it does not serve public interest. Instead, he said it benefits a limited group. Next, MP Jorida Tabaku opposed changes to Parliament’s Rules …
This Thursday, the EU Ambassador to Albania, Silvio Gonzato, spoke to Euronews Albania in an interview with moderator Mirela Milori. Gonzato discussed Albania’s integration process and stated that there is no blockage in the process. On the other hand, he emphasized that these are confidential discussions in accordance with the …
by David J. Kostelancik Tirana Times, April 09, 2026 – Hungary’s parliamentary elections, scheduled for April 12, 2026, are unfolding in an environment shaped not only by domestic political competition but also by broader geopolitical tensions and debates about external influence. Charges of election interference have involved disinformation from state-controlled media, allegations …
Over 100 athletes compete in Albania’s national tournament for people with intellectual disabilities
TIRANA, April 9 – Over 100 athletes from across Albania joined the National Athletics and Table Tennis Tournament for people with intellectual disabilities. The event promotes inclusive sports and social equality. Athletes competed with energy and respect. They showed how sports can overcome social and physical barriers. The Albanian National …