Albania-Italy Crime Nexus: Power, Profit, and Corruption
By | Tirana Times | May 29, 2025 ROME — Albanian criminal networks have entrenched themselves across Italy, forging strong alliances with the country’s most powerful mafia syndicates, according to a sweeping new report by Italy’s anti-mafia directorate (DIA), presented this week to the Italian parliament. The 424-page report—among the …
Share Your Experience: Ukrainian Refugees’ Integration in the Balkans, Spain, Poland, Italy
Did you leave Ukraine after the full-scale invasion started in February 2022? Did you find refuge in one of the Balkan countries? Did you manage to integrate? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Former President Meta Faces Corruption Charges in Politically Sensitive Case
TIRANA, Albania — Former Albanian President Ilir Meta and his former wife, current MP Monika Kryemadhi, have been formally indicted by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) on charges of corruption, money laundering, and concealment of assets—marking one of the most politically explosive cases since the country’s post-communist transition. Meta, a …
Western Powers Push to Turn Balkans into Migrant Buffer Zone, Stirring Rights Alarm
TIRANA TIMES, May 27, Albania — A growing wave of Western efforts to outsource the handling of rejected asylum seekers is turning the Western Balkans into what rights groups now describe as Europe’s “human warehouse.” At the center of the plan are proposals to build migrant detention centers in countries …
Italy Sends Second Migrant Ship to Albania Following Legal Changes
After encountering legal obstacles to its plans to offshore migrant processing to Albania, Itay has sent a second ship with some 27 migrants on board to the Gjader centre following changes to the rules. Original post Here
Mystery of ‘Ghost Analyst’ Intrigues Albanian Media
Following Albania’s elections this month, an incendiary opinion piece by a political analyst called Helen Bratt went viral. But then people started to raise questions about the author’s identity. Original post Here
After Albania’s Election: Defeated Democratic Party Badly in Need of ‘New People’
In the second of a two-part series on Albania’s post-election political landscape, BIRN looks at why, after another devastating loss, the Democratic Party risks irrelevance without root-and-branch reform. Original post Here
Shadow Networks – How Politics and Organized Crime Appear Intertwined in Albania
TIRANA, Albania May 26,2025– Recent revelations from an Italian anti-mafia investigation have cast a harsh spotlight on the murky relationship between organized crime and the Albanian political elite, deepening concerns over state complicity in shielding and enabling criminal actors. At the center of the storm is Elvis Doçi, alias “Visi …
Trump’s Tariffs Hit Albanian Exports Hard, Exposing Weakness in U.S.-Albania Economic Ties
Albanian exports to the United States have plummeted following the imposition of a 10% tariff on goods by President Donald Trump’s administration — part of a broader protectionist trade policy that has unsettled global markets and strained economic relations with several U.S. allies and partners. According to the Albanian Institute …
After Albania’s Election: Socialists’ Huge Majority Rings Alarm for Democracy
With 83 of parliament’s 140 seats, the ruling Socialists have never been stronger. In the first of a series on Albania’s post-election political landscape, BIRN examines how democratic standards and the struggle against corruption could be affected. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s First Football League championship, the Abissnet Superiore, will start its 2026/27 season on August 21. The new season will introduce reforms aimed at increasing competition, creating more opportunities for young players and improving the organization of the championship. All matches will be broadcast on RTSH. …
TIRANA, August 17 – Albanian exports continued their positive trend in July 2026, reaching 33.7 billion ALL, up 10.6% from the same month a year earlier, according to INSTAT. Compared with June 2026, exports fell 5%. Meanwhile, goods imports reached 86.4 billion ALL, rising 3.6% year-on-year and 3.5% from June. …
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s State Police will establish a new unit focused specifically on environmental crimes. Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari announced the move during a meeting with State Police local directors from Albania’s 12 counties. Lamallari called for a more proactive approach to wildfires. He said police should investigate …
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi visited the Tirana-Durrës motorway, where workers are carrying out the third phase of its expansion. After opening the first 6 kilometres, crews now focus on the section from the Rinas overpass towards Limuth. Workers are widening the road, while …
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s Armed Forces continue intensive ground and air operations to fight wildfires in several parts of the country, Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said. Nufi shared footage of aerial firefighting operations in areas with difficult terrain. On Mount Dajti in Tirana, 50 Armed Forces personnel and 2 …
A new clinical guideline approving gender-affirming hormone therapy in Albania sparked an online backlash about subsidies for transgender people – although official documents show that no reimbursement for medication will be provided. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 17 – Gjirokastër, known as Albania’s “Stone City,” continues to attract visitors from around the world. Its history, distinctive architecture, traditions and cultural heritage fill its cobbled streets with tourists during the summer season. Visitors from different countries are exploring the city’s historic streets and traditional houses. One …
TIRANA, August 17 – Albanian international Arbër Hoxha scored his first league goal of the new season for Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia. He scored in the 63rd minute as Dinamo secured a 4-0 win over Rudes in the third round of the Croatian football championship. Hoxha started the match and …
Golem Beach remains one of the most popular coastal destinations for local and foreign tourists this summer. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage showing the lively atmosphere along the Golem coastline. The area continues to welcome large numbers of visitors during the peak August season. Located along the Durrës coastline, …
Kanali i Setës offers visitors a unique mix of nature, history and human ingenuity in Dibër. The journey begins near Çidhen, on the road to Lurë National Park. The trail follows the mountains and reveals spectacular views of the Setë River canyon. The canal runs along the steep slopes of …