Personal Data Misuse Tops Albanian Cybercrime List: Police
Head of cybercrime directorate says computer fraud and related offences – often for the purpose of financial gain – are the main cybercrimes committed in Albania. Original post Here
‘Tragicomic’: Ex-Political Prisoners in Albania Still Awaiting Compensation
More than three decades since communism fell in Albania, only six per cent of former political prisoners or their family members have received the full compensation they are entitled to. Original post Here
EU Keeps IPARD III Frozen Over Corruption and Abuse
Albania, July 29,2025, While Albania’s government continues to project an image of rapid progress toward European Union membership—pledging to have negotiated all accession chapters by 2027—the reality on the ground tells a very different story. A recent reaffirmation by the European Commission that €112 million in IPARD III agricultural development …
Unprotected, Women in Albania, Kosovo Face ‘Toxic Coexistence’ with Digital Abuse
Weak laws and institutional indifference mean women in Albania and Kosovo are largely unprotected against often devastating levels of gender-based digital violence. Original post Here
Albanian Drug Cartel Dismantled in EU Crackdown
Seizure of six tons of cocaine reveals how criminal profits are laundered into Albania’s booming construction sector. TIRANA, July 27, 2025 (Tirana Times) — Albania’s political crisis deepened this week asopposition leader Sali Berisha launched a sweeping series of accusations against PrimeMinister Edi Rama, claiming the May 11 local elections …
Dirty Money Fuels Albania’s Construction Boom
Tirana, Albania – July 28, 2025 A sweeping European-led crackdown on a transnational Albanian drug cartel, culminating in the seizure of six tons of cocaine valued at over €400 million, has reignited concerns that Tirana’s high-rise construction boom is being bankrolled by illicit wealth from organized crime and corruption. The …
Opposition Alleges Vote Rigging via Building Permits
TIRANA, July 27, 2025 (Tirana Times) — Albania’s political crisis deepened this week as opposition leader Sali Berisha launched a sweeping series of accusations against Prime Minister Edi Rama, claiming the May 11 local elections were rigged through an elaborate vote-buying scheme involving 450 illegal construction permits awarded to criminal …
Albania’s New Pyramid: Towers, Dirty Money, and an Emptying NationBy Tirana Times
In 1997, Albania collapsed under the weight of fraudulent pyramid schemes that wiped out people’s life savings and nearly brought the state to its knees. Today, a different kind of pyramid is rising — this time, quite literally. All across Tirana and spreading to other cities and coasts, the country …
Italy’s Tirana-Cairo Deportation Flight Sets ‘Dangerous Precedent’
With the direct deportation of five Egyptians from Tirana to Cairo, rights groups and legal experts say Italy’s offshore migration strategy has taken an ominous turn. Original post Here
Week in Review: Opportunities and Setbacks
This week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories reflect the region’s ongoing push-and-pull between hopes of peace and the bitter weight of history. Original post Here
A new clinical guideline approving gender-affirming hormone therapy in Albania sparked an online backlash about subsidies for transgender people – although official documents show that no reimbursement for medication will be provided. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 17 – Gjirokastër, known as Albania’s “Stone City,” continues to attract visitors from around the world. Its history, distinctive architecture, traditions and cultural heritage fill its cobbled streets with tourists during the summer season. Visitors from different countries are exploring the city’s historic streets and traditional houses. One …
TIRANA, August 17 – Albanian international Arbër Hoxha scored his first league goal of the new season for Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia. He scored in the 63rd minute as Dinamo secured a 4-0 win over Rudes in the third round of the Croatian football championship. Hoxha started the match and …
Golem Beach remains one of the most popular coastal destinations for local and foreign tourists this summer. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage showing the lively atmosphere along the Golem coastline. The area continues to welcome large numbers of visitors during the peak August season. Located along the Durrës coastline, …
Kanali i Setës offers visitors a unique mix of nature, history and human ingenuity in Dibër. The journey begins near Çidhen, on the road to Lurë National Park. The trail follows the mountains and reveals spectacular views of the Setë River canyon. The canal runs along the steep slopes of …
Radhima, about 10 kilometers south of Vlora, continues to attract thousands of visitors looking for a peaceful holiday surrounded by nature. The area is known for its clear waters and beautiful coastal landscapes. These features make Radhima a popular choice for both local and foreign tourists. During August, the coastline …
Nepravishta, near Libohovë, offers visitors a unique way to explore southern Albania. The village combines nature, local traditions, cultural heritage and warm hospitality. Visitors can follow scenic trails that lead to old mosques, olive oil producers and local family homes. They can also walk through the Bureto hills while tasting …
TIRANA, August 17 – Heavy passenger and vehicle traffic has been recorded at the Morina border crossing between Kosova and Albania. Authorities are using simplified border procedures for vehicles with Albanian and Kosovan registration plates. However, large numbers of vehicles have occasionally caused long queues extending deep into Kosova. Some …
TIRANA, August 17 – Tirana International Airport processed nearly 1.65 million passengers in July, setting another record for air traffic. The airport recorded 28.1% more passengers than in July 2025, while annual growth reached 19.4%. A further record came on July 27. The airport handled 58,805 passengers on 329 commercial …
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s main economic indicators for the first half of 2026 confirm continued economic stability, Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj said. In a video message, Yzeiraj said macroeconomic stability remains the foundation for the country’s short-term and long-term economic and policy objectives. He said economic growth has …