Women Journalists in Albania Unprotected in Face of Online Abuse
As Albanian online portals spread falsehoods to discredit women in the media, a culture of silence and weak legal protections leave women journalists increasingly vulnerable. Original post Here
Albania’s Public Broadcaster Paying Price of Former Head’s Firing Spree
The former head of Albania’s public broadcaster abruptly fired some 150 of its employees; they went to court, and many are winning, at a growing cost to RTSH. Original post Here
UAE President’s Surprise Visit to Albania Underscores Strategic Diplomacy Beyond Friendship
TIRANA, Albania — July 17, 2025 Tirana Times. In a rare and tightly scheduled diplomatic mission, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan made an unannounced visit to Albania on the evening of July 16, marking his second trip to the Balkan country in less than …
Week in Review: Surprises in Store
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week brings some surprises – some good, some less so – while continuing to look back on 20 years of BIRN. Original post Here
Week in Review: Opportunities and Setbacks
This week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories reflect the region’s ongoing push-and-pull between hopes of peace and the bitter weight of history. Original post Here
Albanian Prosecution Accuses Former Ruling Party MP of Organised Crime Ties
Special prosecutors conclude investigation into Jurgis Cyrbja, accusing the former Socialist MP of sharing state information with organised crime group members in exchange for their support in elections. Original post Here
Opposition: The Prime Minister Must Go!
In a meeting held yesterday with local officials, the leader of the opposition, Edi Rama, declared that the country is facing a series of serious problems that require deep and structural reforms. One of the first issues raised was that of drinking water. “Despite reported improvements, the situation calls for …
Skyscrapers and Shadows: Albania’s Construction Boom Masking a Web of Crime and Corruption
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) July 15,2025 — Just 300 meters from the office of Albania’s Prime Minister, a 40-story tower rises over Tirana’s skyline. It’s one of dozens of new high-rises reshaping the capital. But behind the glass and steel façade lies a darker truth that experts say reflects Albania’s …
From the Prime Minister’s Words to the State’s Bulldozers
After a campaign of promises for legalization, property titles, fine forgiveness, and tourism development, the government returns to Theth with the bulldozers of the National Inspectorate for the Protection of Territory (IKMT). Residents accuse the government of deception and corruption. By Lindita Çela – July 13, 2025 “Welcome! May God …
Albanian Village Erupts in Protest over Crackdown on ‘Illegal’ Tourist Cabins
In a remote valley in northern Albania, locals claim they were encouraged to build cabins to promote tourism. When the authorities sent in bulldozers to demolish what they said are illegal constructions, anger boiled over. Original post Here
The Albanian Riviera remains one of the country’s most popular summer destinations. Qeparo continues to attract local and foreign visitors with its coastline, natural beauty and distinctive southern atmosphere. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the “Te Stefi” accommodation facility in Qeparo. He described it as “a beautiful address …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the “Golden Voyager” show from the Paris Olympic Games, which created a unique atmosphere along Vlora’s Lungomare as part of “DansMusik Fest.” “Towards the Moon,” Rama wrote alongside the footage of the seaside performance. Music, dance and artistic choreography combined with a spectacular …
TIRANA, August 20 – Members of Parliament from the Democratic Party of Kosova continued their blockade of the Government of Kosova for a sixth consecutive day. They protested the failure to resume the constitutive session of the Assembly. MPs from the Alliance for the Future of Kosova also joined Thursday’s …
TIRANA, August 20 – Albanian football faces an important European night as Egnatia and Dinamo play their opening play-off matches. Egnatia, the Albanian champion, will face Norway’s Lillestrøm in the Europa League play-offs. The match starts at 19:00, with the Rrogozhina club holding home advantage. Egnatia coach and former Albania …
TIRANA, August 20 – Loro Boriçi remains one of the most important figures in Albanian football history. Born in Shkodër on August 4, 1922, he became a leading player, national team captain and coach. He made his football debut for Vllaznia at just 14 years old. A prolific striker, Boriçi …
TIRANA, August 20 – Albania’s inflation measured under the Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices methodology used by Eurostat reached 3.4% in July 2026, according to data published by the Institute of Statistics, INSTAT. Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution, adding 1.09 percentage points as prices rose 3.2% year-on-year. …
Albania’s history comes to life through photography in a special exhibition at Rinia Park, organized for World Photography Day. The General Directorate of Archives (DPA), in cooperation with the Tirana Municipality’s Parks and Recreation Agency, presented a collection of photographs by Korçë photographers Vani Burda and Thimi Raci, two pioneers …
Gjirokastra will host a special music event on September 4 and 5, bringing artists, visitors and a festive atmosphere to the historic city. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the event and invited visitors to enjoy “two nights, one city and thousands of moments that turn into memories.” …
Perched on the slopes above the Ionian Sea, Vuno offers a quieter and more authentic side of the Albanian Riviera. Located between Himara and Dhërmi, the historic village combines stone architecture, narrow cobbled streets, centuries-old churches and sweeping coastal views. Unlike the busier seaside resorts along the Riviera, Vuno preserves …
TIRANA, August 20 – Albania’s beekeeping sector continues to show potential for development, with 7,016 beekeepers applying for support under the 2026 National Scheme. The Agency for Agricultural and Rural Development said the number followed a change in the funding threshold for beekeeping support. Data for 2025 show that Albania …