Stability Has a Schedule: What NATO’s Hague Pledge Means for the Western Balkans
In late August 2022, Montenegro’s government digital infrastructure was hit by what officials called an “unprecedented” cyberattack. The disruption was serious enough that parts of the public sector had to fall back on manual workarounds while authorities tried to isolate affected systems. In a region where state capacity is often …
Albania in 2025: Socialists Win Big, Graft Probes Continue
Prime Minister Edi Rama secured a historic fourth term in office and consolidated his rule against a background of ongoing corruption investigations into several politicians from the governing Socialist Party. Original post Here
Kremlin Echoes in Balkan Clickbait: How Fake Baba Vanga Prophecies Spread Across Albanian Media
TIRANA, Tirana Times, December 16, 2025. Each December, apocalyptic headlines resurface across Albanian media warning of global collapse, Europe’s disappearance or the rise of Russian President Vladimir Putin as a world ruler, all attributed to the supposed prophecies of Baba Vanga, a blind Bulgarian mystic who died nearly three decades ago. …
Serbia Loses Kushner Investment, Vučić Points to Albania
Albania’s Sazan Island project backed by Trump’s son-in-law draws scrutiny over transparency and political motives BELGRADE, Serbia, Tirana Times – Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić said Serbia has suffered a major economic setback after a company owned by Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, withdrew from a planned Trump-branded …
Bringing Albania into History: Bernd J. Fischer and World War II
By Ilir Ikonomi One of the most important modern works ever written about Albania’s experience in the Second World War—Bernd Jürgen Fischer’s Albania at War, 1939–1945. This is not just a history book. It is an act of historical rescue. Fischer lifts Albania from the shadows of European historiography and places …
AKSHI Director Arrested in Major Corruption Probe
Case Involving Critical State Infrastructure Adds to Albania’s Growing High Level Corruption Crisis Tirana Times – December 16, 2025 Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure, SPAK, in cooperation with the National Bureau of Investigation, BKH, has carried out a large-scale operation targeting an alleged criminal network operating at the highest levels of the …
Albanian Prosecution Urges Parliament to Allow Deputy PM’s Arrest
Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime asks parliament to lift the immunity from arrest of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku. Original post Here
Eight Accused in Albania of Rigging Information Agency Tenders
Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organised Crime raids a suspected crime group based at the National Information Agency, accused of running scheme to manipulate tenders. Original post Here
Deputy PM Balluku Arrest Bid Shakes Albania’s Rule of Law
Will Parliament Lift the Deputy Prime Minister’s Immunity? Tirana Times, December 16th , 2025.Albania has entered one of the most serious institutional confrontations since the launch of its justice reform, as the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) formally requested parliamentary authorization to arrest Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure and …
Endrit Shabani Elected as Albania’s Ombudsman in Contested Process
New Ombudsman elected solely with the votes of the ruling majority – a break in tradition – after opposition MPS refused to participate in the vote. Original post Here
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha reacted today to the death in prison of Ratko Mladić, who received a life sentence for genocide and war crimes. Hoxha described Mladić as a brutal killer who faced convictions for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Tribunal …
TIRANA, August 28 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the Thoma Turtulli Children’s Library in Korça on social media this morning. The library has been transformed into a modern space for children. In his Facebook post, Rama highlighted the renovated facilities and the spaces created for reading, learning …
TIRANA, August 28 – Albania will have mostly stable weather on Friday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Temperatures will remain high. The weather will alternate between clear skies and moderate cloud cover around midday and in the afternoon. Mountainous areas will mainly see these conditions. Meanwhile, isolated light rain …
TIRANA, August 28 – British newspaper Daily Mail has highlighted Tirana as Europe’s most affordable destination for short breaks. The report cited a new study by British travel agency Thomas Cook. The study ranked 51 popular European destinations. It found that 18 destinations could be visited for less than 100 …
“Sophie” Guesthouse in Libohovë, Gjirokastër, has received support through the IPARD Programme. The investment has helped develop rural tourism and promote local products. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the guesthouse, which Marika Karanxha runs. The property offers 11 rooms and combines local traditional elements with modern comfort. Moreover, …
TIRANA, August 28 – The former home of Albanian poet Migjeni still stands in Shkodër. The building now links the poet’s literary legacy with the religious mission of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Child Jesus. Migjeni remains one of Albania’s most important poets. His work focused on poverty, hardship …
Brazilian magazine “Estado de Minas” has highlighted one of Albania’s most remarkable natural wonders: Lake Neuron in the Vjosa Valley. The underground thermal lake lies near Përmet and the Bënjë thermal springs. It holds around 8.3 million liters of water. The magazine described Lake Neuron as a hidden treasure beneath …
World Lakes Day, marked on August 27, highlights the importance of scientific research and innovation in protecting and sustainably managing lakes. The National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (AKKSHI) said people should view lakes not only as natural treasures and beautiful landscapes, but also as natural laboratories for scientific …
The High Scardus Trail is emerging as a major mountain tourism destination in the Western Balkans. The cross-border route connects Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. The German Embassy in Albania says the trail offers more than spectacular mountain landscapes. It also creates economic opportunities for local communities and helps protect …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the “Pasqyra Albania” platform will allow citizens to compare product prices and find where they can buy them more cheaply. At the same time, the government will use the platform to analyze how prices form across the entire value chain. Ibrahimaj told ATSH …