Actress Sues Albanian Govt for Using Her Image for AI ‘Minister’
Actress Anila Bisha told BIRN that her image was used as the face of Albania’s AI-generated public procurements ‘minister’ without proper permission. Original post Here
Albania’s AI Facade Cracks While Neighbors Win EU Funds
Tirana Times, February 10, 2026 – Serbia and North Macedonia have secured concrete European Union funding to integrate into Europe’s emerging artificial intelligence infrastructure, while Albania—despite high-profile political messaging around AI—has been left outside the first wave of financed projects. According to the latest map and project list published by …
Behind Albania’s Collapsing Roads: Clientelism and Corruption
Tirana Times, February 12 2026 – The rapid deterioration of newly inaugurated roads and tunnels across Albania has exposed far more than technical shortcomings. What authorities have sought to explain as weather-related damage is increasingly understood as a symptom of deeper governance failures rooted in clientelism, weak oversight, and systemic …
Solar Energy Revolution Comes at a Cost in Rural Albania
Photovoltaic parks are multiplying across Albania as the country aims for ‘energy sovereignty’ – but locals say losing agricultural land to solar panels is a blow to their livelihoods. Original post Here
Albania’s TikTok Ban Expires, But Promised Protections Still Pending
As a one-year ban ends, Albanian authorities say they are still working with TikTok on ‘relevant filters’ to better protect young users of the video-sharing app. Original post Here
Letter From Brussels: The Epstein Effect Hits Europe
In her latest monthly dispatch from Brussels, Gjeraqina Tuhina looks at the ripple-effects of the Jeffrey Epstein saga, while Serbia falls behind on the long march to EU accession. Original post Here
Opposition Takes to the Streets as Corruption Scandal Reaches the Heart of Power
Tirana Times, February 10, 2026 – Thousands of Albanians filled the streets of Tirana on Tuesday evening in a national protest called by the opposition Democratic Party, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the dismissal of his government, and the establishment of a technical cabinet to lead the …
Balkans Seeing ‘Serious Stagnation’ in Tackling Corruption: Transparency International
As Transparency International releases its latest corruption perception index, the watchdog’s Lidija Prokic tells BIRN that anti-graft drives have faltered across the Western Balkans – in Serbia especially. Original post Here
BIRN Reality Check: With Its Mayor Behind Bars, Stasis Grips Albania’s Capital
Awaiting trial on graft charges, Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj has fought hard to maintain his position after the Albanian government tried to dismiss him – but how is the city being governed while he’s in a cell? Original post Here
EU Presses Parliament Over Deputy PM Immunity
Albania’s choice now will signal whether it is converging with that standard or drifting toward a system where, as Orwell warned, all are equal, but some remain more equal than others. Tirana Times, 09 February 2026 – The European Union has publicly urged the Albanian Parliament to address without delay …
Egnatia earned an important 3-1 away victory over Vora in the second week of the Albanian Super League. The defending champions faced strong pressure from the hosts in the first half. Coach Nevil Dede rested several regular starters after the team’s Europa League clash with Lillestrøm last week. Vora created …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger during his participation in the European Forum Alpbach in Austria. Hoxha thanked his Austrian counterpart for Austria’s continued support for Albania’s path toward EU membership. The two ministers highlighted Austria’s strong role in promoting the …
The “Startup Albania” program continues to support new and innovative businesses across Albania. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu highlighted a new success story. For the first time, a startup from Kukës County has won the program’s grant. Jurgenti, founder of North Venture, won the 2026 Grant through “Startup Albania”. His …
Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi, who also leads the Socialist Party in Lezhë County, met today with the county’s MPs, mayors and local party leaders. The meeting focused on putting citizens at the center of every decision and responsibility. Nufi said officials must listen to citizens and address their concerns …
More than 17,000 textbooks will be distributed to Albanian children in the Diaspora during the new 2026–2027 school year. The announcement was made by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha through a video message. According to the minister, more than 5,700 educational packages have been planned for students …
After a prolonged political crisis and three repeated election processes, Vetëvendosje (VV) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) have reached an agreement to unblock the process of electing the President of Kosovo. The two parties have agreed to put forward a joint candidate, proposing former ambassador Bekim Sejdiu for …
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Monday that 20 schools in Tirana have been equipped with smart cameras, linking the initiative to a pledge he made following the tragic killing of 14-year-old Martin Cani near his school. In a social media post, Rama recalled the serious incident that shocked the …
Starting September 1, urban bus lines in Tirana will operate with a reduced fleet. Transport associations have announced that they will put 20 to 30% fewer buses into service due to rising fuel costs. According to operators, high diesel prices have made it increasingly difficult to cover operating costs, forcing …
The Ministry of Defense has provided an update on the wildfire situation across the country. According to the official statement, which includes complete data as of August 31 at 2:00 p.m., a total of 10 wildfires have been reported across the country. Of these, five remain active, four are under …
Kosovo’s Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, has welcomed the agreement reached between the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) on the presidential candidate. In a Facebook post, she wrote that today’s agreement represents an important step toward overcoming the deadlock and ensuring the full functioning of the …