Major Cocaine Heist Reveals Albanian Links to Swedish Drug Trade
The theft of a shipment of cocaine that was smuggled from Costa Rica to Sweden exposed the role of Albanian criminal groups in the international logistics of the drug trade, as well as the challenges in holding them accountable. Original post Here
Iran-Linked Hackers’ Fresh Strike on Albania Highlights Continued Negligence
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
Week in Review: The Wheel of Fortune
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
Parliament Blocks Balluku Arrest and Puts Justice on Trial
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 …
UN Report Spotlights Mistreatment During Childbirth in Western Balkans
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
Albanian Parliament Votes Against Lifting Former Deputy PM’s Immunity
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
Letter from Brussels: Is a Hopeful Breeze Blowing Through the EU’s ‘Waiting Room’?
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
Albania’s TikTok Ban Violated Free Expression, Court Rules
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
Albanian Parliament Under Cyberattack Linked to Iran
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 …
Belinda Balluku: Albanian PM’s Loyal Ally at Centre of Political Firestorm
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
TIRANA, April 12 – Tirana will host the fourth edition of the Diaspora Summit on April 13, bringing together Albanians from across the world for a two-day program focused on cooperation and development. Prime Minister Edi Rama said in his weekly podcast that the summit will open with a welcome …
TIRANA, April 12 – The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs unveiled the detailed agenda of the Fourth Diaspora Summit, set to take place in Tirana from April 13 to 15. The ministry said the event aims to strengthen ties with Albanians abroad and translate diaspora potential into concrete development …
At the Kakavija border crossing, heavy movement has continued throughout the day on both sides of the border due to the Orthodox Easter celebrations. According to the Border Police, during the last 24 hours, a total of 7,649 citizens were processed at Kakavija in both entry and exit directions — …
The Chairman of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, extended Easter wishes to Orthodox believers, describing it as the holy day of Christ’s resurrection and a moment for reflection on moral values. In his message, Berisha expressed hope that next Easter will be celebrated without the great hardship that has affected …
Prime Minister Edi Rama stated in his podcast “Flasim” that in the coming days Albania will receive a report from the European Union on public procurement, prepared by professional EU instruments. According to the head of government, the EU report is a reliable and high-quality instrument that has analyzed the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama continued today with the next episode of his podcast “Flasim.” During the podcast, he addressed the first topic, speaking about the 4th Diaspora Summit. Rama emphasized that the summit will begin tomorrow with the welcoming ceremony and, as he noted, it will once again bring together …
Sports activities organized during weekends in Gjirokastër are attracting increasing interest from children and young people. Championships in various sports are held at the city’s Sports Palace and are followed with enthusiasm. Training sessions in sports such as basketball, volleyball, and badminton are eagerly attended by children and youth as …
A bar in Pogradec has decided not to serve customers today and, instead of musicians, has had three women perform as a form of irony toward the government rule that will continue this year regarding live music being allowed only until midnight and a noise limit of 85 decibels. The …
On the 27th anniversary of the battle that would go down in history, in Koshare, former commander of the “Topi Unit” Battalion, Feriz Trezhnjeva, still vividly remembers his last meeting with the hero Agim Ramadani. Even after so many years, with strong emotions, he recounts the moment when Commander Katana …
The first quarter of 2026 has brought a noticeable increase in the number of visitors to some of the most important historical monuments in Durrës. According to data from the Museum Center, during this period, the Venetian Tower of Durrës was visited by around 900 people, while the Durrës Amphitheatre …