Narco-Politics and the Erosion of Democracy in Albania
In a country where democratic institutions are already fragile, a sprawling Italian anti-mafia investigation has thrown Albania’s political establishment into turmoil. At its heart lies the so-called Troplini Group, a narco-network accused of trafficking heroin and cocaine from Latin America through the Port of Durrës, laundering profits via the country’s …
Italy-Albania Police Operation Nets 40 Suspected Drug Traffickers
Joint police investigation results in arrest of 40 members of three gangs allegedly involved in cocaine and heroin trafficking and money laundering, including one gang based in Durres, Albania. Original post Here
Thwarting Opposition Hopes, Albania’s Socialists Win Big Abroad
Albania’s well-organised ruling party worked hard to mobilise voters abroad for an election that for the first time featured postal ballots. It paid off. Original post Here
Tirana Emerges as Strategic Hub at FII PRIORITY Europe Summit
TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times , May 20, — For the first time, Albania hosted the prestigious Future Investment Initiative (FII) Europe Summit, drawing a constellation of global leaders, tech innovators, and major investors to its capital. Coinciding with the 6th European Political Community (EPC) meeting, the summit positioned Tirana as …
European Political Community Summit in Tirana – Substance, Symbolism, and Domestic Contradictions
Tirana, 17 May 2025 The Sixth Summit of the European Political Community (EPC), held in Tirana on 16 May 2025, convened 47 European leaders in a highly symbolic gathering that showcased continental unity in the face of geopolitical volatility. Under the banner “New Europe in a New World: Unity – …
Albania’s 2025 Elections: Triumph of the Socialists or the Fall of Democracy?
The May 11 parliamentary elections delivered a further consolidationof the Socialist government under Edi Rama’s leadership, while simultaneously revealing adeterioration in democratic standards across the country: unequal representation, abuse ofstate resources, media capture, and pressure on the opposition. The near-absolute majoritythat the Socialist Party has effectively secured in these elections …
Lawyers and Journalists Need Protection, Urges Council of Europe Chief
The secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, tells BIRN why the European rights body recently adopted the first-ever international treaty aimed at protecting lawyers from harassment and threats. Original post Here
Young Voters Must Stop Albania Stagnating and Lead the Way to the EU
The low youth turnout at Albania’s parliamentary election was an alarm call. Without young voices demanding reform, the country cannot tackle corruption and democratic backsliding, end the brain drain and move towards EU membership. Original post Here
Share Your Experience: Menstrual Poverty in the Balkans and France
Are you a woman saving up on menstrual products? Trying to make them last longer than prescribed, or using reusable products? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Albania’s Small Parties Defy Odds to Challenge Electoral Duopoly
Despite an electoral system designed to keep them down, small parties won almost 10 per cent of the votes and a few seats in the parliamentary elections – taking on the big parties’ stranglehold on Albanian politics. Original post Here
Armand Duka attended the Electoral Assembly of the Italian Football Federation in Italy. He represented UEFA and delivered a formal address during the proceedings. First, Duka expressed UEFA’s support for Italian football. Then, he praised the role of FIGC in European football and emphasized the importance of cooperation between federations. …
The Ethnographic Museum of Berat has unveiled two of the earliest archaeological objects ever discovered within the grounds of Berat Castle: a stone axe and a stone hammer dating back to the Early Bronze Age. Archaeologist Hëna Spahiu discovered the artifacts during excavations in the 1970s. However, the museum kept …
Today, Prime Minister Edi Rama attended presentations by the five finalist teams in the international competition for the new Aleksandër Moisiu University campus in Durrës. Earlier, the competition attracted 41 Albanian and international teams. After a rigorous selection process, organizers chose five finalists to present their projects. The new campus …
The Mountain Package continues to inspire members of the Albanian diaspora to invest in their homeland. Recently, Socialist Party Parliamentary Group Chairman Taulant Balla shared a success story on social media that highlights this growing trend. Balla met with Albanian-Americans Saimir and Jonida Gjoka, who plan to launch an ambitious …
Prime Minister Edi Rama attended the presentation of the five finalist projects for the new Aleksandër Moisiu University campus in Durrës. The project aims to transform higher education and create a modern academic center that meets contemporary standards. During the event, Rama said the new campus will bring together education, …
Albania continues to attract international attention as one of the Mediterranean’s most appealing tourist destinations. Recently, Italian travel outlet The Wom Travel described the country as the “Caribbean of the Balkans,” highlighting its crystal-clear waters, unspoiled nature, and unique mix of beaches, mountains, and historic towns. According to the publication, …
The Football Association of Albania (FSHF) discussed a proposal to change the structure of the “Abissnet Superiore” and lower divisions during a consultation meeting with club representatives. First, the Competitions Department and the Leagues and Competitions Committee held talks with clubs from both the Superliga and the First Division. The …
Tourism in Albania continues to grow, and cultural heritage sites are attracting increasing international attention. As a result, Gjirokastër Castle has reached a major milestone this year. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that the castle welcomed its 100,000th visitor in 2026. This achievement highlights the strong rise in foreign tourist …
Tourism in Albania continues to grow, and Berat has recorded strong visitor numbers in early 2026. As a result, the city has confirmed its status as one of the country’s most popular destinations. Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo announced that around 550,000 visitors traveled to Berat between …
The State Police of Albania strengthened its cooperation with Spain in the fight against international crime. The Director General of the State Police State Police of Albania met with the Spanish ambassador Ventura at the Directorate General of State Police in Tirana. First, both sides praised the strong and strategic …