High prices reduce consumption, citizens say: Pensions go towards medicines and food
High prices for basic goods are reducing consumer spending. Although these are essential food items, citizens say they are buying less and are even avoiding fruits or vegetables that are too expensive. “They are very expensive. We can’t afford them. There is high unemployment, and we are barely managing. How …
It’s not just the verdict that is unjust
By Daniel Serwer Tirana Times, September 17, 2026 – The Kosovo Specialist Chambers’ has convicted former President Hashim Thaci and three other Kosovo Liberation Army leaders of war crimes but acquitted them of crimes against humanity. The sentence for Thaci is 25 years. This is happening while Aleksandar Vucic is resigning from …
How a Sanctioned Russian Oligarch’s Business Interests Reached Albanian Public Contracts
Millions of euros flowed to companies linked to Strabag while Oleg Deripaska remained a major shareholder, exposing gaps in Albania’s ability to identify who ultimately benefits from public money Tirana Times, September 17, 2026 – For years, Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska’s economic interests in Albania were largely invisible. They did …
Taulant Xhaka Backs Former KLA Leaders: Always With You
The Hague verdict against former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders has drawn reactions from the sports world. Former Albania national team footballer Taulant Xhaka has publicly expressed his support for Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. Xhaka posted a poster on Instagram featuring the four former KLA …
Endrit Thaçi Backs OVL-KLA Protest
Endrit Thaçi, son of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi, has voiced support for a protest organized by the War Veterans’ Organization of the Kosovo Liberation Army (OVL-KLA). He shared the organization’s call for a “Protest in Defense of the KLA.” Meanwhile, the protest will take place on Friday at 12:00 …
Albanian public broadcaster begins transformation process with European Broadcasting Union support
RTSH has officially begun implementing its 2026–2030 transformation and restructuring process. The Task Force established to lead and coordinate the process held its first meeting today. The European Broadcasting Union organized the meeting as a workshop focused on RTSH’s Transformation Strategy and its implementation. Radka Betcheva, the European Broadcasting Union’s …
Judge Smith Launches Procedures for Victim Reparations Following KLA Leaders’ Convictions
Charles L. Smith, the presiding judge of the Trial Panel, has issued a decision launching procedures for reparations to victims in the case against Hashim Thaçi, Jakup Krasniqi, Rexhep Selimi and Kadri Veseli. The Trial Panel issued the decision on September 16 and published it today. It decided to initiate …
Gogu: Albania to Continue Digitalization While Protecting Citizens’ Rights
Justice Minister Toni Gogu said today that Albania will continue its digitalization process and use of artificial intelligence. He stressed that the country will protect human rights, democracy and the rule of law. Gogu spoke in Parliament during the review of the draft law on the ratification of the Council …
Adriatic Charter: Kingji Meets US General Grynkewich
Defense cooperation and regional security issues were at the center of meetings held during the 2026 US-Adriatic Charter Conference of Chiefs of Defense in Zadar, Croatia. The US Embassy in Tirana said that US General Alexus Grynkewich, commander of the US European Command (USEUCOM) and Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR), …
Kurti Meets Hamza to Discuss Ways to Challenge Hague Verdict
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti met today with Democratic Party of Kosovo (PDK) leader Bedri Hamza. The meeting came one day after the Kosovo Specialist Chambers issued verdicts against Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Rexhep Selimi and Jakup Krasniqi. The four former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders received combined sentences of …
Albania opened their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Belarus at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana on Saturday. Kristjan Asllani put Albania ahead from the penalty spot in the 34th minute, before Ernest Muçi doubled the lead shortly before half-time after an assist from Elseid Hysaj. …
The European Union has sent a clear message from Brussels regarding Albania’s justice system, expressing confidence in and support for SPAK in the investigation and prosecution of organized crime. The statement came in response to questions concerning the case of former SHISH director Vlora Hyseni, who has been placed under …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj welcomed the new U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, at the Presidency this Saturday, where the ambassador officially presented his Letters of Credence, marking the start of his diplomatic mandate in the country. During the ceremony, the Head of State wished Ambassador Wendt success …
“The General” Officially Takes Up Role as U.S. Ambassador to Albania — Who Were His 10 Predecessors?
Eric Wendt has officially taken office as the United States Ambassador to Albania, bringing a confirmed ambassador back to the helm of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Tirana after nearly three years. This Saturday, Wendt presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj, officially beginning his mandate in Albania. He succeeds …
The new United States Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, officially presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj this Saturday. In an official statement, the US Embassy in Tirana welcomed the new ambassador, noting that during his meeting with President Begaj, the strong strategic partnership between the two countries was reaffirmed. …
Florin Hoxha, Florida Hoxha and Eris Cani are the three Albanians reported missing beneath the rubble of a building that collapsed following a powerful explosion in the Plaka area of Athens. Florin Hoxha and Florida Hoxha are brother and sister, while Eris Cani is Florida Hoxha’s husband. They are among …
Citizens and activists took to the streets this Saturday for another protest, which has now entered its 119th day. As they have done every afternoon, after 6:30 p.m., protesters initially gathered in Skanderbeg Square, chanting slogans such as: “Your time is up,” “A New Albania,” and “Rama, resign.” After gathering …
Japan has supported 80 projects across Albania through grants under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects programme, Ambassador Kikuko Kato told the Albanian Telegraphic Agency. The projects address basic needs and directly support local communities, including through public hospitals, schools, local authorities and non-governmental organisations. Kato said Japan …
Albania will host Belarus at Air Albania Stadium on Saturday in its opening match of the Nations League. Kick-off is at 20:45. The game also marks Italian coach Rolando Maran’s first official match in charge of the national team. Maran said he had seen commitment and motivation from the players …
New US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt formally began his diplomatic mission on Saturday. He presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj at the Palace of Brigades. The two also held a private meeting. Wendt has more than 34 years of service in the US military, much of it with …