Europe Tightens the Fight Against Corruption, Albania at a Crossroad
By Zef Preçi, Executive Director of ACER As Albania presents itself as closer than ever to the European Union, a troubling contradiction has emerged in its domestic legal and political debate. While the EU is moving decisively toward tougher and more harmonized criminal rules against corruption, Albania is simultaneously discussing …
Housing Boom Prices Out Albanians
Allegations of money laundering in construction and claims of informal power networks, including the case of Ergys Agasi, fuel concerns over a distorted housing market Tirana Times, TIRANA, 05 January 2026 – For many middle income families in Tirana, buying an apartment has shifted from a realistic life goal to …
In Albania, Women Often Quit Local Councils to Make Way for Men
Democracy and the rights of women are being undermined in Albania by the practice of filling electoral candidate lists with women, only to have them resign en masse once the results are in and cede their seats to men. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 5, 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
Balkan States Give Divided Reactions to US Strike on Venezuela
Albania and Kosovo applauded the Trump administration’s military operation against Venezuela’s regime and the ousting of Nicolas Maduro, while other states in the region initially remained silent or called for calm and restraint. Original post Here
Roaming Like at Home and the Western Balkans
By Genc Pollo Tirana, 02 January 2026 – Today’s decision by the European Union to grant “roaming like at home” to Ukraine and Moldova deserves praise. It is a practical citizen-centered step that immediately lowers costs improves connectivity and makes Europe tangible in everyday life. Yet the non inclusion of …
Albania in the EU Fast Lane – Accelerating Without Democratising?
Tirana’s EU accession process is running in top gear – but worryingly, there’s no sign this is being matched with a democratic deepening at home. Original post Here
Albania 2026: Power Under Investigation
As Albania enters 2026, the country stands at a political and institutional crossroads shaped decisively by the shocks of 2025. What initially appeared to be a year of electoral routine and managed stability evolved instead into the most serious confrontation between executive power and the justice system since the launch …
Saudi Arabia’s Yemen Action: Between Deterrence, Diplomacy, and Regional Responsibility
The latest Saudi action in Yemen should be understood not as escalation for its own sake, but as part of a broader strategic approach that combines deterrence with diplomacy, aimed at safeguarding regional stability and preserving internationally recognized state authority. Riyadh’s move comes in response to concrete security concerns arising …
Exposing Scams, Probing the Powerful: A Year of BIRN Investigations
As 2026 begins, we look back on some of the most important investigations published by BIRN in its 20th anniversary year – from brutal migrant-smuggling gangs and arms deals with Israel to state surveillance of protesters and online frauds. Original post Here
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 …