Separate Kitchen, Private Gym – Life Behind Bars Comes with Perks for Albania’s VIP Prisoners
Former ruling party officials and convicted organised crime gangsters enjoy privileged treatment in Albania’s jails, a BIRN investigation has found. Original post Here
‘Even Bees Will Die’: River Diversion Threatens Albania’s Shushica Valley
Locals fear plan to divert water from a river in southern Albania to feed demand in nearby tourist resorts will dry out their valley and ruin their livelihoods. Original post Here
Ukraine’s Zelensky Calls for Defence ‘Co-Production’ With Balkan Countries
Volodymyr Zelensky in Tirana urged Balkan countries to ‘co-produce’ arms and proposed a joint defence industry forum to be held in Kyiv or a Balkan capital. Original post Here
Greek Police Closer to Cracking Gang Behind 2020 Mafia Murders
Greek police working in the context of an international police operation arrested an Albanian citizen allegedly involved in four murders of Montenegro mafia members in Greece in 2020 – increasing the number of suspects behind bars in several countries. Original post Here
Tensions Over ‘Gulenist’ Claims Mar Election of Albania’s Muslim Leader
The election of Bujar Spahiu as the new head of the Albanias an Muslim Community was marred by opponents’ allegations that he supports Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen, who is wanted for arrest by the Ankara government. Original post Here
Albania Convicts Ethnic Greek Politician Fredi Beleri of Vote-Buying
After a high-profile trial that caused a diplomatic rift between Albania and Greece, the ethnic Greek mayor-elect of the Albanian town of Himara, Fredi Beleri, was sentenced to two years in prison for vote-buying. Original post Here
Albanian Public Broadcaster Fires Programme Director for Social Media Post
A programme director at the Albanian public broadcaster RTSH was fired by the new head of the station, Alfred Peza, a former ruling party MP who has been criticised for other dismissals since he took the job. Original post Here
TikTok Used Across Balkans to ‘Slutshame’ Women and Girls
A BIRN analysis of hundreds of videos uploaded by TikTok users in eight Balkan countries shows the platform has become a hub for abuse of women and girls based on their appearance and actual or perceived sexual behaviour – ‘slutshaming’. Original post Here
Online Video in Albania of Prince’s Fight Raises Privacy Concerns
Experts say leak of video showing fight between prince and ex-wife serves no public interest – and raises serious legal and ethical questions about standards of media in Albania. Original post Here
Women in Albanian Textile Sector Pay High Price for Lek’s Rally
Critics say the government is not doing enough to protect Albanian textile exporters from the rapidly strengthening lek currency. Most of the industry’s employees are women at risk of sliding into poverty. Original post Here
Albania moves closer to the European Union as it prepares for the 9th Intergovernmental Conference with the EU on July 14 in Brussels. Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that Albania will provisionally close the first three negotiation chapters, marking a major milestone in the country’s EU accession process. The conference …
Italian travel magazine “The Wom Travel” has ranked Albania among the 10 most authentic and least crowded destinations in Europe for summer 2026, highlighting the country’s untouched nature, cultural heritage and affordable travel options. According to the publication, Albania has strengthened its position on Europe’s tourism map by offering visitors …
Vila 31 x Art Explora is turning into a creative hub for cultural exchanges, artistic performances and public activities throughout July. The program includes literary talks, film screenings, live performances and children’s workshops, offering visitors new opportunities to engage with art and creativity. From July 17 to 19, Art Explora …
Albania celebrates 106 years since the establishment of the National Library of Albania, founded on July 10, 1920. The library began with the collection of the Albanian Literary Commission, which moved to the Ministry of Education in 1920. After its foundation, the institution worked to expand its collection and strengthen …
British newspaper “Telegraph” highlights Albania as one of Europe’s most attractive travel destinations. The country attracts visitors with its crystal-clear waters, natural landscapes, affordable prices and growing popularity on social media. A few years ago, Albania was still a little-known destination. Today, more tourists are discovering the Albanian Riviera, historic …
Tirana, July 10 – The ninth edition of the MIK Festival has opened in Korça. The four-day event brings concerts and cultural performances to historic venues across the city. Organisers will present a wide range of musical genres throughout the festival. Festival founder and internationally acclaimed soprano Inva Mula said …
TIRANA, July 10 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in the Friends of the Western Balkans meeting in Rome, hosted by Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Participants discussed the region’s European future and the European Union’s enlargement process. In a post …
Albania and Italy are expanding customs cooperation by focusing on digital systems, electronic data exchange and the use of artificial intelligence in customs operations. Director General of the Albanian Customs Administration Besmir Beja met with Roberto Alesse, Director General of the Italian Customs and Monopolies Agency, during an official visit …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro welcomed the approval by COREPER to close the first three chapters of Albania’s EU accession negotiations, calling it a major achievement for the country and its negotiating team. Kumbaro highlighted that two of the three chapters are directly related to the Ministry of Education: Chapter 25 …
COREPER approved the provisional closure of three chapters in Albania’s European Union accession negotiations, pushing the country another step forward on its path toward membership. The Agency for Media and Information (MIA) announced that the Committee of Permanent Representatives of EU member states endorsed the EU’s Common Position on closing …