2 arrested from smuggling emigrants
Two people have been arrested for clandestine trafficking. They intended to cross to Montenegro against the sum of 600 euros. The police emphasize that the arrested are from Shkodra, while they will face the charge of illegal traffic. The operation was carried out by the Illegal Traffic Investigation Section, Vora …
Meta meeting with Berisha
The chairman of the Freedom Party, Ilir Meta, went to the “blue headquarters” this morning to meet with the former Prime Minister, Sali Berisha. The reason for this visit is not yet known, but we remember that they are now part of the coalition “We win together” for the local …
Rama: Within a year, the average salary will be 900 euros
Prime Minister Edi Rama gathered the government cabinet this morning where he discussed the latest initiative to increase salaries. The head of the government in his public appearance after the meeting stated that in the space of one year the average salary will go from 563 euros to 900 euros. …
In Transit: Foreign Workers Use Albania as Stopover to West
Albania has been luring foreign workers to cover shortages in low-paid sectors – touted as a solution to the problem of Albanians heading westwards – but most of them have already moved on. Original post Here
Cases at ECHR Involving Balkans, Central Europe, ‘Still High’ – Report
Council of Europe report says Balkan and Central European countries continue to have high number of applications before Europe’s top human rights court. Original post Here
The Open Balkans wine tasting club
One way out of this awkward and unpleasant conundrum is for Open Balkans to retreat into a smaller, softer, cultural blend of cultural diplomacy with concerts, fairs and all the glittery shows its proponents are truly masters of. TIRANA TIMES EDITORIAL The Open Balkans initiative is quickly branding itself as …
Through regional networking, Western Balkans businesses are preparing for the European Union market
By DEJAN AZESKI SKOPJE, March 31, 2023 – Improving infrastructure, solving barriers that exist to speed up the flow of goods and services, establishing a joint airline that will connect the region, solving the issue of certification bodies and documents are just some of the topics discussed by business representatives in …
Golden Touch: Eight Decades on, King’s ‘Theft’ Still Divides Albania
King Zog’s reign brought progress and modernity to a backward Albania before his flight in 1939 – but controversies over the gold he allegedly took with him persist. Original post Here
Albania Violated Suspended Prosecutor’s Rights, Court Rules
The suspension of an Albanian prosecutor – later fired under a vetting process supposed to rid the justice system of graft – was not “in accordance with the law,” the European Court of Human Rights has ruled. Original post Here
UK Asylum Approach to Albanians Ignores Lived Experience, and Facts
The rhetoric, and now the laws, applied to irregular Albanian arrivals in the UK is discriminatory; it also ignores their lived experience in Albania and the UK’s own data. Original post Here
Inspektori i Lartë i Drejtësisë Artur Metani held an official visit in the United States. First, he visited the Department of Justice through the OPDAT program. He met senior officials from U.S. justice institutions. Next, he held talks with OPDAT Deputy Director George Huber and Regional Director Pragna Soni. He …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the Kukës Bridge over the Drin River. The bridge is a major urban infrastructure project on the Rruga e Kombit. The structure connects both sides of the lake with the main national road. It replaces the old bridge and improves traffic flow in …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (17–18 April 2026). He called diplomacy the strongest tool in times of crisis. He said diplomacy promotes dialogue and builds trust. It also advances peace and stability. Hoxha held multiple bilateral meetings with EU partners. He …
Prime Minister Edi Rama presented the “Porta e Alpeve” project on the “FLASIM” podcast. First, he announced a €100 million investment plan. The project is co-financed with the European Investment Bank. Next, he said the project supports mountain tourism in northern Albania. It aims to strengthen the “Mountain Package” development …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj attended the launch meeting of the Southeast Europe Technical Assistance Center (SEETAC) in Washington. The initiative aims to strengthen institutional capacity in Southeast Europe. It also supports the design and implementation of economic and financial policies. Malaj said Albania’s participation in SEETAC strengthens technical cooperation. He …
President Bajram Begaj met Turkish Chief of General Staff Selçuk Bayraktaroğlu in Tirana on Saturday. They highlighted strong NATO alliance ties. They reaffirmed the strategic partnership between Albania and Turkey. They described political, economic, and defense relations as excellent. Begaj praised defense cooperation. He said collaboration remains consolidated and at …
Prime Minister Edi Rama arrived in Abu Dhabi on an official visit. He expressed solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The visit comes during a tense period in the Arab Gulf. Rama said regional partners will emerge stronger after current challenges and tensions. …
The Muse-X festival ended today in Tirana after three days of events at Piramida e Tiranës. The platform brought together hundreds of companies and professionals from over 24 countries. It created a space for ideas, talent, and creative opportunities. The program featured music battles, film screenings, and premieres. It also …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja announced new cultural heritage decisions. First, the Council of Ministers approved several new “Immovable Cultural Heritage” sites. Next, it declared the Urban Architectural Ensemble in Delvinë as protected heritage. The decision aims to preserve the city’s historical identity. Then, authorities listed the …
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on social media that he is visiting Abu Dhabi. He said the trip aims to express brotherly solidarity with the United Arab Emirates and President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed. Furthermore, the visit comes at a tense time for the Gulf region. Rama also reaffirmed Albania’s …