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
The Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He promoted major development and investment plans. First, he said Vlora transforms into a key tourism hub. He stressed that projects attract more visitors and investors. Moreover, he said Albania offers a safe environment for living and business. Therefore, he compared Vlora …
Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He focused on tourism growth and investment strategy.First, he said tourism demand continues to grow. He added that Albania can attract visitors beyond the summer season. Moreover, he said investment interest is increasing. Therefore, he urged operators to use this opportunity. In addition, …
TIRANA, April 14 – Prime Minister Edi Rama called on the Albanian diaspora to invest in their homeland during the Fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana. He introduced the “Mountains Package” as a policy tool for rural development and investment. At the opening of his address, he described the initiative as …
TIRANA, April 14 – The Fourth Diaspora Summit continued at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana. Officials highlighted the role of Albanians abroad in national development and European integration. Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi described the gathering as important for Albania’s EU path. At the opening of his address, he …
Edi Rama met tourism operators in Vlora. He focused on tourism growth and development. First, he said tourist arrivals increased in March compared to last year. He highlighted strong growth from Europe and the United States. Moreover, he shared detailed statistics. For example, visitors from Italy rose by 11%, while …
In the heart of the Pazari i Vjetër i Krujës, Dëshira Maja has worked for 48 years. She creates carpets, blankets, and bags with Albanian motifs. First, she continues a family tradition. She learned the craft from her mother. She still follows the same traditional methods today. Moreover, she works …
Elbasani defeated Partizani Tirana 3–0 in a key Superliga match. First, Elbasani started the game strongly. They stayed competitive in a tight first half. Moreover, the match turned intense in the second half. Elbasani received a red card when Emiljano Musta was sent off. However, Elbasani did not slow down. …
Albania women’s national football team completed preparations for their qualifier against Wales for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 qualification. First, the team finished training in good condition. The squad reported strong fitness and no injury problems. Moreover, the players focused fully on the upcoming match. The coaching staff emphasized …
TIRANA, April 14 – Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed the Fourth Diaspora Summit in Tirana and said the diaspora now participates directly in national decision-making. He linked the change to external voting rights and wider political inclusion. At the opening of the address, voting from abroad shifted from demand to …
TIRANA, April 14 – Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja held talks with an international team of architects and local experts on the proposed “Illiri Oceanarium – Museum of Water” project in Vlora. The initiative aims to develop a regional tourism, cultural, and research destination. The meeting brought together …