Albania Opposition Protest Turns Violent
Democratic Party leader and former President Sali Berisha injured during clashes. Tirana Times, March 22, 2026 — Albania’s latest national opposition protest in Tirana, which ended in violent clashes between protesters and police, exposed not only rising anger against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government but also a broader crisis of …
US Targets Iran Linked Cyber Network as Albania Emerges as Key Victim
Tirana Times, March 17, 2026 – The United States has moved to dismantle a cyber network linked to Iran’s intelligence apparatus, seizing four domains used for hacking operations, disinformation campaigns and threats, in a case that places Albania at the center of a broader geopolitical confrontation. The U.S. Department of …
Albania Draws a Red Line on Iran
Parliament’s decision to label Tehran a state sponsor of terrorism formalizes a break years in the making and reflects a broad Albanian consensus that Iran has become a direct security threat Tirana Times, March 18, 2026 – Albania has taken one of its toughest political steps yet against Iran, with …
Europe’s Next Enlargement: Why Berlin, Paris and The Hague Could Decide the Fate of the Western Balkans
TIRANA TIMES, March 19, 2026 – The European Union’s enlargement debate has entered a new and unusually sensitive phase. What initially appeared to be a Brussels-driven discussion about how to accelerate Ukraine’s accession has quickly evolved into a broader political reckoning inside key member states over the future shape, pace, …
Albanian MPs Adopt Resolution Declaring Iran ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’
Ruling Socialist Party MPs aiming to support the US on the Iran war push through resolution – but opposition MPs boycott the vote they claim was staged ‘for the personal agenda of the Prime Minister’. Original post Here
Building a Trusted Health Tourism Ecosystem: Albania’s Next Competitive Advantage
by Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, March 17, 2026 – There are countries you visit, and there are countries you remember. Albania is rapidly becoming the latter. I began writing this article before travelling to Albania, drawing on the country’s remarkable tourism growth and the strategic opportunities it presents. Yet …
‘Cruel, Sadistic’: Albanian Communist State’s Killings of Escapees Still Mostly Unpunished
In the final years of Albania’s communist dictatorship, the authorities shot dozens of citizens trying to flee the country – and most of the attempts to bring the killers to justice have met obstruction and incompetence. Original post Here
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
TIRANA, September 1 – The Ministry of Defence reported 27 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Four fires remain active, while authorities are monitoring 4 others. Firefighters deployed 432 operational personnel and 43 vehicles, with support from 70 military personnel and 3 Air Force helicopters. Today, authorities plan …
TIRANA, September 1 – Albanian referee Emanuela Rusta will officiate another major European fixture. She will referee the second leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League between Paris Saint-Germain and Frankfurt. The match will take place on September 2 at 18:30 at the PSG Campus …
Albania’s history of protecting Jewish people during World War II took center stage at a documentary exhibition held today at the General Directorate of Archives. The exhibition highlighted how Albanian families sheltered Jewish people fleeing Nazi persecution and antisemitic terror. A group of history teachers from Albania and Kosovo attended …
TIRANA, September 1 – The US Embassy in Tirana praised Albania for repatriating 5 Albanian citizens from Syria. The group included 2 women and 3 children. The embassy described the operation as an important step for the families and for global security. It said the returnees would receive support for …
The Monastery of the Archangels in Derviçan has entered the restoration phase. The project also covers the eastern and western guest quarters of the complex. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja shared images of the ongoing work at the important cultural and religious heritage site. The restoration will …
TIRANA, September 1 – Albania plans to increase funding for reimbursed medicines by 28% in 2027. The fund will reach 17.28 billion ALL, up from 13.5 billion ALL in 2026. The 2027–2029 Medium-Term Budget Programme projects an expansion of the reimbursed medicines list by 20 items. The list will grow …
Berat offers travelers a rare mix of history, adventure, gastronomy and hospitality. Pier Andrea Canei highlights the city in Italy’s “Style Magazine”. He presents Berat as an increasingly popular destination for international travelers. The UNESCO-listed city combines its historic “thousand windows” with the medieval Berat Castle, the Osum Canyon and …
TIRANA, September 1 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met his Slovenian counterpart Tone Kajzer in Bled, Slovenia. The meeting took place during the Bled Strategic Forum 2026. The ministers discussed Albania’s European Union membership process, Europe’s future and the strategic importance of the Western Balkans. They …
TIRANA, September 1 – More than 220 people have requested access to the courtroom for the September 16 verdict in the case of Hashim Thaçi, Kadri Veseli, Jakup Krasniqi and Rexhep Selimi. The Kosova Specialist Chambers in The Hague will allocate only 80 seats in the public gallery. Forty seats …
TIRANA, September 1 – The “After School” program will operate in 408 schools across Albania. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu announced the expansion as the new school year approaches. The program will offer activities in art, culture, creativity, practical skills and learning. It will cover 117 schools in Tirana, 96 …