U.S. designates Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations
Saudi Arabia welcomes Washington’s decision and reaffirms joint stance against extremism Tirana Times, January, 14, 2026 – The United States has officially designated branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon as terrorist organizations, marking a major shift in Washington’s approach toward political Islamist movements. The announcement immediately drew …
Washington suspends visas for Albania
Albania included among weak or failing states despite being a NATO member Tirana, Tirana Times, 14 January 2026 – Washington’s decision to suspend U.S. visa processing for Albania, effective January 21 and for an indefinite period, marks one of the strongest diplomatic signals sent to Tirana in years. Albania has …
NATO Values as Security Infrastructure: Evidence From Student Conversations
In the Western Balkans, “security” is rarely an abstract concept. It is encountered as a lived condition, shaped by memory, geography and a persistent awareness that stability can erode when trust is thin. Security, in this context, is not discussed only in strategic documents or institutional language, but reasoned through …
‘Fiscal Peace’: Albanian Amnesty for Tax-Dodging Businesses Branded Unfair and Opaque
Albania’s government is poised to waive business tax debts more than a decade old, as part of what it says is a reset in relations between the tax authorities and businesses. Critics say it is unfair on those who have played by the rules. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 12, 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
How Albanian Organized Crime Conquered Europe’s Cocaine Market
On a locked down November afternoon in 2020, as Europe grappled with Covid 19 restrictions, two Albanian men based in Belgium exchanged a handful of encrypted messages. Deciphered years later from the Sky ECC platform, their words captured a watershed moment in Europe’s cocaine trade. A shipment measured not in …
Port-to-Port: How Albanians Conquered the European Cocaine Market
BIRN reporters trace the rise of Albanian crime gangs to the top of the European cocaine trafficking ladder, from remote parts of Paraguay to European Union ports. Original post Here
Albania in 2026: Battles With Anti-Graft Prosecutors Risk Slowing EU Progress
Political polarisation and government pressure on the judiciary – sparked by investigations of top politicians – could hinder Albania’s rapid progress towards European Union membership. Original post Here
Heavy Rains Cause Evacuations and Discontent in Albania
Dramatic situation reported in several towns, while some locals complain of being abandoned. Original post Here
Albania Under Water: A Return to a Hobbesian State of Nature
TIRANA TIMES, December 6, 2025 – Albania is once again under water. Torrential rains over the past days have triggered massive flooding across almost the entire country, exposing not only the fragility of urban infrastructure but, more fundamentally, the long-term failure of governance. From the northern plains to the southern …
Workers extend the coastal promenade “Lungomare 4” at the Old Beach in Vlorë. The project strengthens tourism and improves urban infrastructure. Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo shared updates on social media. He said the project improves access, mobility, and safety in one of the city’s busiest tourist …
TIRANA, April 7 – A tourism expert has highlighted Albania as a rising holiday destination for British travelers, according to an article by Grace Piercy in Daily Express. The report presents Albania as an affordable option that offers high-end experiences without long-haul travel. British tourists now shift toward budget-friendly summer …
TIRANA, April 7 – Albania commemorates a defining moment in its modern history, marking the anniversary of the Italian invasion of Albania. The country honors Mujo Ulqinaku as a symbol of resistance against foreign occupation. The events of April 7, 1939, remain central to national memory. On that day, Fascist …
Albania hides in the Balkans. It offers culture, nature, and adventure. Skip crowded Greece or Montenegro. See Ottoman houses in Gjirokastër. Relax on untouched beaches along the Riviera. Taste modern cuisine in Tirana. Explore ancient ruins at Butrint, a UNESCO site. Reach Albania easily. Fly direct from London, Birmingham, Manchester, …
TIRANA, April 7 – Albania will experience stable weather this Tuesday, April 7, with clear skies across most of the country, according to the Military Weather Service. Some temporary, thin clouds may appear in the northern regions around midday. Winds will blow from the southwest to northwest at an average …
TIRANA, April 7 – Spring arrives at Tirana’s Grand Park, where the artificial lake draws people of all ages. Residents enjoy the sun, fresh air, and scenic surroundings. Visitors stroll among lush greenery and relax by the calm waters. They use multifunctional spaces for recreation, sports, and leisure. The lake …
TIRANA, April 7 – Albania continues to grow as a preferred tourist destination, with visitor numbers steadily increasing. In March 2026, the country welcomed 609,363 foreign tourists, up 59,598 visitors, or roughly 11%, compared with March 2025, according to Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports Blendi Gonxhja. “Amid global challenges, …
TIRANA, April 7 – Prime Minister and party leader Edi Rama convened the SP parliamentary group on Tuesday, April 7. The meeting focused on legislative priorities and MPs’ participation in the “Affairs of Albania” regional tour. Parliament is aligning legislation with Albania’s European Union accession directives. MPs are also working …
TIRANA, April 7 – Tirana International Airport announced a new direct flight connecting the Albanian capital with Dublin, Ireland. The route adds a key destination to Tirana’s growing flight network and provides passengers with more travel options. Flights will operate twice a week, on Mondays and Thursdays, offering a convenient …
Agro-tourism is becoming a key driver of economic and social growth in many regions. It increases employment and strengthens rural economies. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared scenic images of Alpeta Agro-tourism in Roshnik, Berat. He called it a successful example of sector development. “Alpeta Agro-tourism in Roshnik, Berat, where nature …