EU Keeps IPARD III Frozen Over Corruption and Abuse
Albania, July 29,2025, While Albania’s government continues to project an image of rapid progress toward European Union membership—pledging to have negotiated all accession chapters by 2027—the reality on the ground tells a very different story. A recent reaffirmation by the European Commission that €112 million in IPARD III agricultural development …
Unprotected, Women in Albania, Kosovo Face ‘Toxic Coexistence’ with Digital Abuse
Weak laws and institutional indifference mean women in Albania and Kosovo are largely unprotected against often devastating levels of gender-based digital violence. Original post Here
Albanian Drug Cartel Dismantled in EU Crackdown
Seizure of six tons of cocaine reveals how criminal profits are laundered into Albania’s booming construction sector. TIRANA, July 27, 2025 (Tirana Times) — Albania’s political crisis deepened this week asopposition leader Sali Berisha launched a sweeping series of accusations against PrimeMinister Edi Rama, claiming the May 11 local elections …
Dirty Money Fuels Albania’s Construction Boom
Tirana, Albania – July 28, 2025 A sweeping European-led crackdown on a transnational Albanian drug cartel, culminating in the seizure of six tons of cocaine valued at over €400 million, has reignited concerns that Tirana’s high-rise construction boom is being bankrolled by illicit wealth from organized crime and corruption. The …
Opposition Alleges Vote Rigging via Building Permits
TIRANA, July 27, 2025 (Tirana Times) — Albania’s political crisis deepened this week as opposition leader Sali Berisha launched a sweeping series of accusations against Prime Minister Edi Rama, claiming the May 11 local elections were rigged through an elaborate vote-buying scheme involving 450 illegal construction permits awarded to criminal …
Albania’s New Pyramid: Towers, Dirty Money, and an Emptying NationBy Tirana Times
In 1997, Albania collapsed under the weight of fraudulent pyramid schemes that wiped out people’s life savings and nearly brought the state to its knees. Today, a different kind of pyramid is rising — this time, quite literally. All across Tirana and spreading to other cities and coasts, the country …
Italy’s Tirana-Cairo Deportation Flight Sets ‘Dangerous Precedent’
With the direct deportation of five Egyptians from Tirana to Cairo, rights groups and legal experts say Italy’s offshore migration strategy has taken an ominous turn. 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
Week in Review: Failures and Flops
From Kosovo’s parliamentary stalemate to Montenegro’s rocky tourism season, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week sees several countries across the region failing to meet up to public needs. Original post Here
Airport Ordeal Sheds Light on Plight of Migrant Workers in Albania
Long hours, low pay and confiscated passports. Albania’s treatment of migrant workers bears all the hallmarks of modern slavery, experts say. 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 …