Albania Legalizes Online Sports Betting, Overturning 2018 Ban
After banning sports betting in 2018, Albania’s parliament has voted to permit it once again – in online form only, and under the management of ten selected companies. Original post Here
EU Urges Albania to Rethink Planned Changes to Protected Areas
Letter from the Head of the EU Delegation in Tirana expresses concern that planned changes to the law on national parks could result in ‘large tourism and industrial investments’ in areas whose biodiversity needs protection. Original post Here
Albanian Gang Killings Spur Calls for Better Prevention
Albania is being blighted by gangland killings and the authorities appear helpless to act, experts say. Original post Here
Albanian Socialists ‘Fishing for Votes’ to Pardon Corrupt Officials
Ruling Socialists face accusations that they are the real movers behind an opposition MP’s proposal to widen an amnesty to include officials sentenced for corruption and organised crime. Original post Here
Turkey-Albania Media Deal Risks ‘Exporting Erdogan’s Propaganda’ – Experts
New media cooperation agreement signed on Tuesday may well strengthen Turkish government propaganda in the Albanian media, experts warn. Original post Here
BIRN Film Recounts Albanian Artist’s Repression by Communist Regime
BIRN’s documentary ‘Painting in Darkness’, telling the story of an artist who was imprisoned as a political dissident and whose works were confiscated by Albania’s repressive Communist regime, was premiered in Tirana. Original post Here
Defendants’ Portraits Shed Light on Political Trials in Communist Albania
An exhibition of 150 photographs of ‘enemies of the state’ who were prosecuted for political reasons at trials held in cinemas offers a fresh insight into the injustices of Communist-era Albania. Original post Here
MP Expulsions Deepen Political Polarisation in Albania
Dozens of opposition MPs have been temporarily expelled from Albania’s parliament under new rules pushed through by the ruling Socialist Party, deepening a political crisis just when parties should be coming together to reform the electoral law. Original post Here
Separate Kitchen, Private Gym – Life Behind Bars Comes with Perks for Albania’s VIP Prisoners
Former ruling party officials and convicted organised crime gangsters enjoy privileged treatment in Albania’s jails, a BIRN investigation has found. Original post Here
‘Even Bees Will Die’: River Diversion Threatens Albania’s Shushica Valley
Locals fear plan to divert water from a river in southern Albania to feed demand in nearby tourist resorts will dry out their valley and ruin their livelihoods. Original post Here
TIRANA, July 14 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha criticised a statement by Serbian Minister for Public Administration and Local Self-Government Snezhana Paunovic regarding Kosova. Paunovic said that, if she had been in the position of Slobodan Milosevic, she would have carried out “ethnic cleansing of Kosova …
Agritourism continues to grow in Berat as family-run businesses promote local products and traditional cuisine while attracting more visitors. In a social media post, Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the ALDOR guesthouse in the village of Syzez. The family-run guesthouse welcomes both Albanian and international visitors in a traditional setting …
Butrint National Park has invited visitors to explore its unique mosaics during a special month dedicated to these ancient artworks. Several mosaics are currently open to the public and will remain on display until the first week of August. The park opens the mosaics during specific periods as part of …
TIRANA, July 14 – Shkodër continues to attract local and foreign visitors as its main streets and tourist attractions fill with tourists during the summer season. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing a typical morning in the northern city, which has become one of Albania’s most …
TIRANA, July 14 – Prime Minister Edi Rama attended France’s National Day ceremony in Paris today at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. Rama shared images on social media from the July 14 military parade along the Champs-Elysees. The footage showed members of the Albanian Armed Forces marching with …
The Albanian Football Federation held the draw for the 2026-2027 Abissnet Superiore season calendar at the “House of Football” in Tirana. During the ceremony, club representatives and media members attended as the federation announced the fixtures for the 88th edition of Albania’s top football championship. The new season will start …
TIRANA, July 14 – Albanian champions Egnatia will host Moldova’s Petrocub on Wednesday in the second leg of the first qualifying round of the UEFA Champions League. The match will kick off at 21:00 at Arena Egnatia in Rrogozhinë. The tie remains open after Egnatia secured a 1-1 draw in …
TIRANA, July 14 – Kolonja continues to attract French visitors with its traditional cuisine, unspoiled landscapes and cultural heritage, as culinary tourism gains popularity in southeastern Albania. Visitors can explore historical sites and take part in traditional cooking experiences. Many learn how to prepare lakror [traditional Albanian pie], one of …
TIRANA, July 14 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said the 9th Albania–European Union Intergovernmental Conference reflects years of sustained institutional work on the country’s European integration. In a social media post, Hoxha recalled key milestones in Albania’s accession process. He noted that the country had not opened any negotiation chapters …
TIRANA, July 14 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said Albania is maintaining economic stability and stronger public finances through the new Macroeconomic and Fiscal Framework for 2027-2029. In a social media post, Malaj said the framework sets clear priorities for growth, public investment and lower public debt. He added that …