Rama: Albania in 2030 will be the tourism champion in Balkans
Prime Minister Edi Rama declared that in 2030, Albania will be the champion in the Balkan region, as far as tourism is concerned. During a conversation in a private enterprise in the city of Durrës, Rama said that the problem will be the accommodation of tourists, as their demand increases …
Ending seasonal program, Albania reintroduces year-round visas for Russian tourists
TIRANA, April 24, 2023 – Albania has officially ended its tourist season visa waiver for citizens of Russia, following concern the waiver was contrary to the country’s international obligations as part of its condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Albania, a NATO member, has joined all EU and other …
Flames engulf Shkodra hospital’s surgery ward
One of the rooms of Surgery Department on the fourth floor of Shkodra Regional Hospital was engulfed by flames this Saturday morning. Fortunately, the police confirmed that there were no injuries from the fire, despite the material damage. Police and fire services immediately went to the scene and were able …
Medical care provided by Shkodra’s hospital despite fire
Shkodra’s Regional Hospital has reacted Saturday after the incident that happened this morning in the Pneumology department, which was engulfed in flames, ensuring that the healthcare service continues without interruption. Immediate measures were taken to restore the room where the incident occurred, while the patients were evacuated in time and …
Murder of a 20-year old in Tirana, the Court leaves in prison the author
Tirana court has ordered the measure of arrest and imprisonment for Axel Hoxhaj, who surrendered two days after the murder of 20-year-old Stivens Toshkëzi. In the court session, Hoxhaj admitted the crime and defended himself through the lawyer Ardian Kalia. A day before, the black squads also imprisoned the peer …
Tirana’s Mayor, deputy PM inspect great ring road construction works ahead of May 14th polls
De puty Prime Minister, at the same time the Minister of Infrastructure, Belinda Balluku and Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, inspected this Saturday the progress of the works in the 5th lot of the Great Ring Road. During the up-close visit, Veliaj said that this segment is of vital importance …
Parliament speaker’s congratulatory message for Eid al-Fitr
Speaker of the Assembly, Lindita Nikolla, wishes the Muslim believers on the celebration of Eid al-Fitr. On the social networks, Nikolla wrote that Albania is a big family, regardless of faith. “After the dedication of the sacrifices of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, spiritual growth, prayers, forgiveness, reflections, …
Gjirokaster, man arrested for stealing jewellery in a house
46-year-old, resident of Berat, has been arrested this Friday after stealing valuables off a house in the Dropulli area of Gjirokastra. Police revealed that the arrested is the citizen with initials A.M, previously convicted for the same criminal offense. Nine watches, 13 pendants, 9 bracelets, a significant amount of money …
Ramazan Rraja to remain in prison
The Special Court has left in prison Ramazan Rraja, who was arrested for the assassination of former prosecutor Arjan Ndoja and his friend, Aleksandër Laho. The session took place behind closed doors, while ABC News journalist Ermal Vija reports that Rraja has denied any connection to the event. Today, five …
Tirana Mayor’s appeal on Eid al-Fitr day
Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj has called Friday for unity and love as he wished all Muslim believers a happy Eid al-Fitr. On the occasion of the blessed month of Ramadan, Veliaj said that today Tirana is more united than ever, while expressing the desire that the spirit of cooperation …
A new cyberattack by Iran-linked Homeland Justice group targeting Albania’s parliament revealed the continued vulnerability of state digital systems and failures to implement basic security measures. Original post Here
Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at the changing fortunes, power dynamics and neighbourly relations of countries and actors in South-east Europe. Original post Here
TIRANA, March 12, 2026 – Albania’s Parliament, dominated by Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party, has refused to authorize the arrest of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, blocking a request by the Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime, SPAK, and triggering one of the gravest confrontations yet between …
Survey of women who gave birth recently reveals a “pervasive yet often hidden crisis of obstetric violence” and a widespread dissatisfaction with medical care. Original post Here
Ruling Socialist Party uses its majority in parliament to vote down a prosecution request to lift former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku’s immunity, allowing for her arrest. Original post Here
Brussels has already gone cold on a scheme to allow some aspirant countries like Albania and Serbia second-tier membership – but that doesn’t mean that other creative approaches to European enlargement are off the table. Original post Here
Journalists’ union welcomes ruling that says government-imposed one-year ban on social media platform was a ‘violation of freedom of expression and freedom of the press’. Original post Here
Tirana Times, March 10, 2026 – A cyberattack targeting Albania’s Parliament has revived one of the country’s most serious national security concerns, underscoring the return of a threat that Albanian institutions have come to associate with Iran linked retaliation. The breach, confirmed by Parliament on Tuesday, involved unauthorized access to …
The criminal charges facing former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku have dominated headlines in Albania for months – prompting her boss, Edi Rama, to pick a fight with the judiciary. Original post Here
Shielding Balluku Could Cost Albania More Than a Court Case. Tirana Times, March 09, 2026 – Albania’s ruling Socialist majority moved Monday to block the arrest of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, in a decision expected to be ratified by parliament this week and one that is rapidly becoming …