Albania’s Beleaguered Ex-PM Attacks Media After Corruption File Leak
Albanian rights groups criticised threats voiced by former Prime Minister Sali Berisha, who claimed, without providing proof, that some journalists were serving the interests of prosecutors by reporting the corruption charges against him. Original post Here
‘Where I Belong’: The Charm, and the Challenges, of Small-Town Albania
For years, Albanians have been leaving behind small towns and villages for the capital, Tirana, or for life abroad. Some are drawn back, but it’s a choice that is not without challenges. Original post Here
Assassination attempt against former prosecutor Arjan Ndoj/ SPAK requires 30 years in prison for 5 defendants
On Tuesday, the special prosecution requested a sentence of 30 years in prison in total for the 5 people accused of the assassination attempt of former prosecutor Arjan Ndoja and his friend Pëllumb Muharremi in November 2019. The attack took place near the Sukthi overpass on the Tirana Durres highway, …
Rama: Competition for the construction of new buildings for the administration
In Albania, the international competition for the development of the first two projects of the Albanian Investment Corporation is being held. There are 10 prestigious studios in the competition, which will present to the international jury the project ideas for 4 new developments, which will pave the way for a …
Albanian drug trafficker arrested in Madrid, declared wanted since 2014 by Europol
A 58-year-old Albanian, Haredin Fejzulla, who was wanted for drug trafficking since 2014, was arrested in Madrid. According to foreign authorities, he was sentenced to 29 years in prison in Belgium for 13 charges of drug trafficking, criminal organization and document forgery. The police in Madrid have also published footage …
Rama gathers political leaders and socialist mayors, focusing on the elections and the vote of the Diaspora
The Prime Minister of the country and at the same time the chairman of the Socialist Party Edi Rama will hold a meeting this Tuesday with political leaders and socialist mayors. Abc News learns that the meeting between them will be held at the “Palace of Congresses” at 14:00, while …
Kosovo, Montenegro, Albania Among World’s Worst in Household Waste Disposal – Report
New report lists three Balkan states among the ten countries worldwide where fewest people separate their household waste, causing problems for the environment and risks to health – with a lack of awareness largely to blame. Original post Here
Digital Rights Review: August Marked by Online Bans and Pressure on Protesters
A fraudster’s attempts to deter online reports about him failed again, while BIRN’s monitoring of digital rights violations over the past month exposed shadowbanning by social media companies as well as government bans on platforms and content. Original post Here
Parliament’s disregard for Constitutional Court on Xhacka sparks local condemnations, EU, U.S. concerns
TIRANA, Sept. 14, 2024 – In a move that has raised major concerns among locals and the international community, the ruling Socialist Party in Albania’s parliament has again blocked the Constitutional Court from reviewing the mandate of former foreign minister and current MP Olta Xhaçka. The decision has been sharply …
Drugs near schools and nightclubs, 24 arrested
24 people have been arrested from Tirana police as part of the anti-drug operation “Temple 4”. Tirana police director Tonin Vocaj said that the group was distributing cocaine, marijuana and synthetic drugs near schools and nightclubs in different areas of the capital. 9 of them have been arrested before, who …
by Sokol Lleshi, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of New York Tirana Background The political systems in the Western Balkan region feature politicized public administrations, weak enforcement of rule of law norms, and inconsistent practices of political accountability. In general, the historical experience of the region is such that …
by Sokol Lleshi, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of New York Tirana Background The political systems in the Western Balkan region feature politicized public administrations, weak enforcement of rule of law norms, and inconsistent practices of political accountability. In general, the historical experience of the region is such that …
TIRANA, July 30 – The Council of Europe says Albania’s planned municipal mergers should follow a detailed review of the 2015 territorial reform and real consultations with affected communities. A preliminary report by rapporteurs Anders Knape and Soren Schumacher, prepared in March 2026, warns that weaknesses in local government should …
“Ardenica Restaurant & Wine,” located near the historic Ardenica Monastery in Lushnja’s Kolonjë area, is emerging as a destination that combines traditional hospitality, local cuisine and quality wines. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the business on social media. The Agricultural and Rural Development Agency (AZHBR) supported the project …
TIRANA, July 30 – Albania will experience mostly clear weather on Thursday as stable atmospheric conditions continue across the country. According to the Military Meteorological Service, light to moderate temporary cloud formations may appear around midday, mainly over mountainous areas in the south. Local light rain showers may occur in …
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports and the Faculty of Foreign Languages at the University of Tirana have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the development of human resources in Albania’s tourism sector. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja and Dean of the Faculty of Foreign Languages, Prof. …
TIRANA, July 30 – British newspaper “Daily Mail” has highlighted Albania as one of the most attractive lower-cost European alternatives for travellers who are reconsidering expensive long-haul holidays. In an article by Alessia Fidler, the British outlet writes that rising travel costs are pushing many Britons to replace dream destinations …
TIRANA, July 30 – The Special Operations Regiment (ROS) in Zall Herr completed the “Commando” and “Reconnaissance Operator” courses with a graduation ceremony. Defense Minister Ermal Nufi, Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces Lieutenant General Arben Kingji, senior military officials, service members and relatives attended the event. …
TIRANA, July 30 – The National Tourism Agency is present at Albania’s entry points to provide foreign visitors with tourist information during their stay. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing agency staff welcoming tourists and distributing maps, guides and information materials. The initiative helps visitors discover …
TIRANA, July 30 – The government approved measures to support companies operating in Albania’s defense industry, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said. Nufi said the latest Council of Ministers meeting approved 5 acts related to the Ministry of Defense. One of the main decisions changes the Value Added Tax law to …