Albania Turns to Artificial Intelligence Amid Deep Corruption Crisis
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 11, 2025 ) – Albania’s government has unveiled what it calls a bold step in its fight against endemic corruption: the appointment of the country’s first artificial intelligence “minister.” The AI system, named Diella, meaning “sun” in Albanian, has been presented by Prime Minister Edi …
Week in Review: Crackdowns, Bans and Enforced Silences
From attempts to neuter popular opposition to efforts to stifle the truth about mass protests, this week’s selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories explores the turbulent political landscape across the region. Original post Here
Albanian PM Unveils New Govt, Initiates Tirana Mayor’s Dismissal
Rama announces new cabinet and calls fresh elections for the Tirana mayoralty – seven months after Mayor Erion Veliaj was arrested on charges of corruption and money-laundering. Original post Here
Albania’s Public Broadcaster Struggling With ‘Catastrophic’ Debts, Head Says
The new head of RTSH, Eni Vasili, admits to BIRN that the company is facing a dire financial situation – after several contributors revealed they had not been paid for months. Original post Here
Pay Delays Deepen Concern over Albanian Public Broadcaster’s Finances
Outside programme contributors to Albania’s indebted public broadcaster say they haven’t paid for months and are in the dark as to when they will receive the money they are owed. Original post Here
China Index: Beijing’s Influence Waning in Balkans – Except Bosnia
The latest China Index analysis, published by a civil society network that includes BIRN, suggests that Beijing’s influence declined in most of the Balkans in 2024, with only Bosnia and Herzegovina bucking that trend. Original post Here
Clan Capitalism: Albania’s Privileged Investors and Their Seaside Villas
Instead of stimulating investment in agriculture or energy, critics say a 2015 ‘special law’ on strategic investment in Albania has simply made it easier and more profitable for certain privileged businesspeople to build luxury villas on the coast. Original post Here
Albania’s TikTok Ban Widely Flouted, Even by Allies of PM
Halfway into a 12-month ban on TikTok in Albania, anecdotal evidence suggests the prohibition is being widely flouted while the government remains silent on promised filters to weed out ‘undesirable’ content. Original post Here
Week in Review: Deadlocks, Unexpected Twists and New Approaches
Our selection of Premium stories this week looks at the challenges facing the region as the summer season winds down and business-as-usual resumes. Original post Here
Kosovo Court Imposes New Ban on Parliament Over Deputy Speaker Logjam
Court again bans MPs from forming institutions deriving from the February elections while it considers a complaint about the failure to elect a deputy speaker from the Serb community, as guaranteed in the constitution. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 24 – Ukraine marks 35 years of independence today, with Ambassador Volodymyr Shkurov stressing the country’s long struggle to defend its sovereignty and European choice. In a message marking the anniversary, Shkurov recalled that Ukraine declared independence on August 24, 1991. He said more than 90% of voters …
TIRANA, August 24 – Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Monday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with some cloudiness developing over eastern areas from midday into the afternoon. Light rain may affect mountain areas in the east and south, while the rest …
TIRANA, August 24 – Albania’s fire situation has improved, according to the Ministry of Defence. Civil Protection structures continue coordinated operations across the country. Authorities reported 11 fires during the day. Four remain active and 7 are under monitoring. A total of 332 operational personnel and 15 firefighting vehicles are …
TIRANA, August 24 – Canadian newspaper The Toronto Star reports on Albania’s rapid transformation from a communist-era isolated state into a growing European tourism destination. Reporter Tim Johnson highlights its natural beauty, cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and expanding tourism infrastructure. According to Albania’s Institute of Statistics, foreign visitors travelling for …
As preparations continue for the “Prishtina & Durrës 2030” Mediterranean Games, Albania is working to strengthen Durrës as a major sports destination in the region. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja held talks in Taranto with newly elected International Committee of the Mediterranean Games President Francesco Purromuto and …
Albania is taking part in the 32nd International Horticultural Congress, IHC2026, in Kyoto, Japan. The major scientific event runs until August 28 and brings together researchers, academics, experts and professionals from around the world. Albanian academic Nazim S. Gruda represents the country at the congress. He is a member of …
TIRANA, August 24 – The Organization of War Veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army (OVL-KLA) has backed former Kosova Liberation Army commander Ramush Haradinaj’s proposal to restore Hashim Thaçi’s presidential mandate after his return to Kosova. In a Facebook post, the veterans’ organization described the proposal as carrying “national and …
TIRANA, August 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will meet his cabinet ministers in Pogradec today to discuss priorities for the second year of the Socialist Party’s fourth governing term. The meeting follows a session with the party’s political leaders from Albania’s 12 counties and the heads of parliamentary committees. …
TIRANA, August 24 – Albania won its first medal at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games as wrestler Ardit Zeneli claimed bronze in the Greco-Roman style in the up to 67-kilogram category. Zeneli beat Greece’s Stavros Ntounias 9-8 in the bronze-medal bout. The match remained closely contested until the end. Meanwhile, …
Visitors are enjoying the natural beauty of the Vjosa River, one of Albania’s most valuable natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the river, showing its clear waters and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can also be seen along the riverbanks, enjoying the summer heat and cooling off in the …