Albania’s EU bid faces IBAR delay
Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Albania’s path toward European Union membership has entered a more uncertain phase as discussions over a key assessment report remain unfinished, exposing a gap between technical progress in reforms and the political consensus required among member states to move forward. At the center of …
Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy
By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama recently declared that he feels offended by the widespread assumption that his government is systemically corrupt, offering as a counterargument that this “cannot be true” because the country is experiencing economic growth. This is an unconvincing argument. …
Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens
Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Serbia’s path toward European Union membership is facing renewed uncertainty amid growing concerns over democratic backsliding, rule of law deficiencies, …
Dirty Money in the Skyline: Albania’s Tower Boom and the Laundering of Criminal Wealth
From towers to “new pyramids”: how money from organized crime, international drug trafficking and entrenched corruption is reshaping Tirana while leaving behind empty buildings, distorted prices and a deeper threat to Albania’s future. Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – The forest of cranes and high rise towers that now dominates …
Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë
Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …
Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games
Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …
Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”
The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …
Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation
Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …
Edi Rama: No Compromise on Food Safety for EU Integration
Edi Rama said there will be no compromise on food safety. He spoke in Berat with olive oil producers. First, he highlighted food safety as a key condition for EU integration. He said standards must match those of the European Union. Then, he warned producers. He said non-compliant products will …
Delina Ibrahimaj said investment and cooperation in agro-processing are key for exports and EU integration
She spoke during a visit to an olive oil processing business. Edi Rama and other cabinet members were present. First, she stressed higher standards in production. She said agriculture and agro-processing must improve to enter the EU market. Then, she highlighted a new model of cooperation. Over 70 olive oil …
Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH) has presented its new visual identity and the new television season at a ceremony attended by representatives of institutions, ministers, journalists, artists and well-known figures from the world of media and art. Radka Betcheva, EBU Head of Member Relations for Central and Eastern Europe, also …
Albanian Radio Television (RTSH) is starting the new television season with a new visual identity and a series of innovations in its programming. The presentation took place this Wednesday at the RTSH premises, in a ceremony attended by representatives of institutions, journalists, artists and well-known television figures. The Director General …
A new visual identity and a new television season. Albanian Radio Television (RTSH) presented its new projects and vision this Wednesday, September 16, at a ceremony held in the “Gjon Simoni” hall of the institution, marking another step in its journey towards a more modern and dynamic appearance. Members of …
The European Union is supporting Albania in several key sectors. Energy and infrastructure remain among the main priorities. According to the European Commission’s “Energy Factsheet – Albania,” the EU has provided €588 million through the Global Gateway initiative since 2021. Meanwhile, this support could mobilize around €1.5 billion in total …
Albanian Football Federation President Armand Duka attended a gala evening hosted by the Greek Football Federation to mark its 100th anniversary. During the important milestone for Greek football, Duka congratulated Greek Football Federation President Chrysostomos Gkagkatsis and the entire Greek football community. Duka praised the history and contribution of Greek …
Albania will experience mainly stable atmospheric conditions on Thursday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will bring alternating clear spells and moderate to locally dense cloud cover. Cloudiness will be more pronounced in mountainous areas. Winds will be light, mainly from northwest to southeast, with an average speed …
Former NATO commander in Europe Wesley Clark said today that the world should not forget what happened in Kosova from 1997 to 1999. Clark recalled the repression under Slobodan Milosevic. He said more than 400,000 people were expelled from their villages in the summer of 1998. He also recalled military …
Forty-one works by renowned Albanian painter Ibrahim Kodra will be presented together for the first time in many years at the “The Sea and Music” exhibition. The exhibition will open on September 23 at the Bank of Albania. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the exhibition. He …
US diplomat William Walker has reacted to the verdict by the Kosova Specialist Chambers against four former Kosova Liberation Army leaders. The former ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe described the sentences as a tragic day for Kosova. Walker questioned the European Union’s response before the …
North Macedonia’s Parliament Speaker Afrim Gashi said that, despite the convictions, the four former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders “remain Kosovo’s liberators.” “Today’s verdict is a first-instance decision, while the battle for justice continues,” Gashi wrote on social media. Gashi called for calm. He also said that Thaçi, Krasniqi, Veseli …