Rama: The EU integration process is historic; it transforms the Albanian state
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking during a conference with negotiators on Albania’s path toward the European Union, stated that the process carries significant weight. According to him, it is historic and transformative for the Albanian state. “This process substantially increases the institutional capacities of the state. It brings extraordinary benefits …
Presidential election, Kurti: We will begin meetings with the opposition
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, announced that he will invite leaders of opposition parties to meetings in an effort to secure the necessary votes for the election of the country’s new president. He stated that so far he has not had enough time to conduct internal consultations regarding …
Appointment of CEC members, Constitutional Court declares Osmani’s request inadmissible
The Constitutional Court has declared inadmissible the request of the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, regarding the appointment of members of the Central Election Commission (CEC). Osmani had requested an assessment of a “conflict between constitutional competencies under Article 113” of the Constitution—specifically between herself and “parliamentary groups as bodies …
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 …
Albania U-19 girls drew 2–2 with Montenegro. The teams played the second-round opener of the European Championship. The match took place at the “House of Football.” Coach Daniela Kodra started Helshani in goal. She lined up Hysa, Nika, Kadiolli, and Bajramaj. She added Vata, Bushati, and Ago. She also selected …
TIRANA, April 10 – Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said Albania plans to develop domestic production of naval vessels and military drones. He spoke after a government meeting where the cabinet approved several defence-related decisions. The announcement marks a shift toward expanding the country’s military industry with foreign cooperation. In this …
TIRANA, April 10 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the government is closely monitoring price movements and will step in to support vulnerable groups. She spoke after a cabinet meeting on Friday, where she presented recent decisions and assessed market developments. She said authorities are tracking prices in …
Albania is preparing its tax declaration and registration systems. The goal is to link them with European systems. Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj spoke to the media. He said the aim is for Albania to join the European tax registry. He explained, “Digital systems used by the General Tax Directorate …
TIRANA, April 10 – Chief of the General Staff of the Albanian Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji held talks in Tirana with his Italian counterpart General Luciano Portolano. The visit focused on defence cooperation and NATO-related priorities. Both sides also reviewed regional security developments. Kingji presented recent developments within …
Galeria FAB opened its doors last night for the exhibition “Between Form and Spirit”, honoring the work of the late artist Kristi Baba. Baba passed away in 2021 at the age of 30 due to COVID-19. He was known for his graphic cycles and mixed techniques, blending the human figure …
TIRANA, April 10 – The government approved a major infrastructure project for Shkodër County, Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said on Wednesday. He described the initiative, called “Gateway to the Alps”, as a key investment for regional development and tourism expansion. Karakaçi said the project carries a total value …
TIRANA, April 10 – The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports said cultural tourism recorded strong growth in the first three months of 2026. Minister Blendi Gonxhja published data showing increased visitor numbers across archaeological parks, museums, and heritage sites. The figures point to higher interest from both domestic and …
Local government reform should focus on service quality, not number of municipalities, minister says
TIRANA, April 10 – Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo said the territorial and administrative reform should prioritise service quality for citizens. He said the debate should not focus only on the number of municipalities. He spoke after a government meeting on Wednesday. Demo said the ministry works …
TIRANA, April 10 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said the government has introduced new measures to strengthen extracurricular programmes in pre-university education. She said the reforms aim to extend learning beyond mandatory classroom hours and focus more on student development. She explained that the Ministry of Education has expanded after-school …