Drug Traffickers’ Exploitation of Balkan Ports Requires Regional Response
Criminal networks are the primary illegal users of ports in the Balkans for the trafficking of cocaine, amphetamines, and heroin. Tackling them requires greater international police cooperation. Original post Here
US Probes FBI Ex-Agent’s Ties with Balkan Officials
A US federal grand jury is probing whether former senior FBI agent Charles McGonigal received payments or gifts from government officials in Montenegro, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina or Kosovo. Original post Here
Albanians Mull Options as Data Security Takes New Hit
Albanians are seeking action after hackers behind a wave of cyber-attacks in 2022 opened a new front by hacking a private bank and leaking client data. Original post Here
Concerns Grow About Albanian Children Missing in UK
British admission that hundreds of Albanian minor asylum seekers have gone missing from placements in hotels has drawn criticism from experts demanding more responsibility on the issue. Original post Here
Attack on Albanian Journalist Over Court Report Widely Condemned
Local and international media organizations and the President of Albania have all condemned the attack on an Albanian journalist who had been threatened over his article reporting a court ruing. Original post Here
Albanian, Italian Authorities Conclude Operation Against Drug Gang
Albania’s Special Prosecution and counterparts in Bergamo, Italy, have cracked a drug-busting operation run by three Albanians, seizing large amounts of cocaine, heroin and marijuana. Original post Here
Albania Police Find More Surveillance Cameras Erected by Gangsters
Albania’s police are continuing an operation to find and dismantle surveillance cameras illegally erected in cities by criminal groups to collect information and monitor police movements. Original post Here
Italy Seeks Higher Profile Role in Western Balkans
A concern that Italy is not adequately exploiting its assets in the Balkans has again started to agitate Italian politicians. Original post Here
Illegal Surveillance Cameras in Albania Fuel Concerns Over Gangs’ Power
As Albanian police continue their drive to dismantle security cameras illegally erected by organized crime gangs, experts voice concern about the gangs’ apparent ‘superiority’ over state institutions. Original post Here
Mega operation Italy – Albania, SPAK: Three Albanian leaders of the criminal group
As a result of the mega operation between Albania and Italy, there are security measures for 43 people. The arrests were related to drug trafficking, where 4 million euros were seized. According to the Italian authorities, this operation was also carried out in coordination with Erojujust. SPAK announces that in …
TIRANA, April 7 – Minister of State for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni presented new measures to reform and modernize Albania’s public administration during an event on public sector employment. She announced the launch of a unified recruitment portal for public administration jobs. The National Agency for Employment and …
TIRANA, April 7 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said negotiations with the European Union are advancing at a “unique speed,” with strong support from the European Commission. Speaking at an event on public sector job vacancies, Rama highlighted progress in the accession process and the role of public administration. He …
Prime Minister Edi Rama took part this Tuesday in an event where available job positions in the public sector were presented through the portal puna.gov.al. According to Rama, every young person, recent graduate, or professional seeking a new opportunity now has an easier way to get informed and apply for …
At the event held for the presentation of job vacancies in the public sector, Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about the importance of public administration as well as the negotiations for accession to the European Union. The Prime Minister pointed out that public administration has contributed to Albania’s development in …
The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, accused the government of negligence and lack of sensitivity toward pensioners and vulnerable groups, while calling on citizens to mobilize for the April 17 protest in Tirana. He stated that this date should mark “the most powerful peaceful uprising” to respond to …
The U.S. Embassy in Tirana shared images on “X” from a recent training conducted between the Albanian border police and a U.S. overseas investigative unit. The embassy emphasized that the specialized training focused on practical techniques for detecting fraudulent documents and strengthening risk assessment skills. Further in the statement, the …
The 5Ps of Service Excellence: A Practical Roadmap for Albanian and Western Balkan Service Providers
By Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, April 07, 2026 – In my earlier article for Tirana Times, I described Albania as a country that moves from being visited to being remembered. Having since deepened my engagement with the Albanian health tourism and hospitality ecosystem, and having had the privilege of …
TIRANA, April 7 – Deputy Speaker of the Albanian Parliament Klodiana Spahiu visited Italy, stopping in Hora e Arbëreshëvet, a key center of the Arbëresh community and Albanian cultural heritage. During her visit, Spahiu met with the town mayor, Rosario Petta. They discussed ways to strengthen institutional cooperation and preserve …
TIRANA, April 7 – Tourism in Gjirokastër is showing strong growth this season, with increased interest from domestic and international visitors. Tour operators report satisfactory bookings and expect visitor numbers to rise further in the summer months. Despite this growth, several challenges persist that require urgent attention. One major concern …
TIRANA, April 7 – Ksamil, a top tourist destination in southern Albania, is preparing for the summer season with improved access and infrastructure. Visitor numbers have risen in recent years, prompting upgrades to support tourism. The new road connects Ksamil to the Pulëbardha beach junction. It features panoramic sidewalks and …