Vidovdan: A Dangerous Myth Turned Political Weapon
By Syle Ukshini For more than a century, the Serbian state and Church have mythologized the Battle of Kosovo of 1389 as a defining moment of Serbian identity—a narrative culminating each year in the celebration of Vidovdan, Serbia’s national and religious holiday observed on June 28. Originally linked to the …
One Man’s Rule: Governance by Ultimatum
by Vilson Blloshmi From the way it was announced to its substance, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s latest ultimatum to “clear public spaces within 2 weeks” is neither a law, nor a public policy, nor a government decision. It is a personal order, a voice over the phone that, in any …
“Wherever I travel, Greece wounds me.”
Ὅπου κι ἂν ταξιδέψω, ἡ Ἑλλάδα μὲ πληγώνει. Jerina Zaloshnja This is what Giorgos Seferis wrote — and thus, before I even truly knew who Seferis was, I began to love Greece. That verse — simple, clear, ablaze with love and pain — was, for me, once a gateway to …
Digital Rights Review: AI-Driven Violations Go Unchecked in South-East Europe
Across south-east Europe last month, BIRN’s digital rights monitors documented how AI is being used for protest surveillance, election manipulation, enabling digital sexual abuse and committing fraud, sparking calls for urgent action. Original post Here
Forum of Alumni from Saudi Universities in the Balkans
Saudi Ambassador Faisal Ghazi Ismail Hifzi, Highlights Kingdom’s Commitment to Global Educational Ties through Balkan Alumni Gathering Tirana Times Sunday, July 6, 2025, The Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Albania Faisal Ghazi Ismail Hifzi, announced that on Monday, July 7, Tirana will …
Toxic Smoke and Broken Promises: Albania’s Waste Crisis Exposes Deep Rot in Governance
ELBASAN, Albania, July 5,— For days, thick plumes of toxic smoke have risen from the burning landfill on the outskirts of Elbasan, one of Albania’s largest industrial cities. The stench of melting plastic, rotting waste, and scorched earth now hangs over entire neighborhoods. But this is not an isolated accident. …
Serbia on Edge as Vučić’s Legitimacy Crumbles
As Serbia grapples with one of its most volatile moments in recent political history, the warning signs of regime decay are hard to ignore. The recent student-led protests, marred by repression, nationalist hijacking, and social unrest, are more than a youth revolt—they are a reckoning. Sonja Biserko, the longtime chair …
Albanian MPs Adopt National Anti-Disinformation Strategy Amidst Opposition
Opposition parties and media unions condemn new strategy adopted by parliament, claiming the government wants to use it to exert more control over the media. Original post Here
Week in Review: Anniversaries, Challenges and Conflicts
As BIRN celebrates two decades of work, there never seems to be a dull moment in the region, as our selection of Premium stories this week shows. Original post Here
Arrests at Bankers Petroleum Spark Questions Over Albania’s Oil Industry and Accountability
By Tirana Times Staff FIER/TIRANA, July 2, 2025 — In a stunning development that has shaken Albania’s oil sector, police arrested the current CEO of Bankers Petroleum, Chinese national Hongping Xiao, and the company’s former director, Leonidha Çobo, during a surprise raid on the company’s headquarters in Fier on Tuesday. …
The National Agency of Information Society (AKSHI) has responded to recent claims about Diella, the artificial intelligence system operating on Albania’s e-Albania portal. AKSHI said the webpage users see is only the system’s interface. It is not the system itself. When citizens ask Diella for a document, the request is …
TIRANA, August 19 – Albania will experience relatively stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday. The Military Meteorological Service forecasts mainly clear skies with periods of moderate and locally dense cloud cover over hilly and mountainous areas. Clouds will remain present until the afternoon. Later, they will gradually clear and mostly sunny …
TIRANA, August 19 – International business and economics publication Quartz has highlighted Tirana as one of Europe’s most affordable capitals to visit in 2026. The article estimates the cost of a full day in the city at around 60 euros, about one quarter of the cost of a comparable day …
The crystal-clear waters of the Ionian Sea continue to attract visitors seeking more than a traditional beach holiday. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared social media footage showing tourists enjoying the coast and canoeing in the Ionian waters. The footage shows visitors exploring the sea by canoe. The blue waters and …
TIRANA, August 19 – Lin, a picturesque village on the shores of Lake Ohrid, continues to attract thousands of local and foreign visitors throughout the year. Located around 22 kilometres from Pogradec, the village combines natural scenery with local heritage and traditions. Perched on a hillside, Lin features traditional houses, …
TIRANA, August 19 – The European Commission expects effective coordination over the opening of the main bridge on the Ibër River. It also calls for meaningful consultations between the affected municipalities and Kosova’s central institutions. The bridge connects South Mitrovica, where Albanians form the majority, with North Mitrovica, where Serbs …
Albania’s U-21 national football team is entering the final stage of preparations for another major international event. Head coach Alban Bushi has announced the squad for the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games in Italy. The squad includes players from the Albanian league and young talents developing their careers abroad. They represent …
TIRANA, August 19 – The Morina border crossing with Kosova continues to record heavy traffic during the week. More than 25,000 people cross the border each day on average. The figure almost doubles at weekends. Many citizens from Kosova appear to be using the remaining weeks of the summer season …
UEFA has appointed two Albanian refereeing teams for matches in the UEFA Conference League play-off round. Twente will face Qarabağ on Thursday, August 20, at 20:00 in Enschede, Netherlands. Juxhin Xhaja will referee the match. Rejdi Avdo and Mario Shazivari will serve as assistant referees. Emanuela Rusta will act as …
TIRANA, August 19 – Self-Determination leader Albin Kurti and Democratic League of Kosova leader Lumir Abdixhiku have discussed the profile of the country’s next president. After their 2-hour meeting at the Assembly, both leaders said they wanted to reach agreement on a candidate. Kurti said they had discussed the criteria …