Tirana’s Construction Boom and the Flow of Dirty Money
TIRANA, December 26, 2025 – Albania’s decade-long construction boom, long portrayed as a sign of growth and urban renewal, is increasingly being scrutinized as a vehicle for laundering illicit capital. A new study by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, combined with years of investigative reporting and analysis by Tirana Times, points …
Secret tenders, violence and kidnappings, BIRN: The staggering profits of AKSH contractors
Tirana Times, 25 December, 2025 – On September 15, 2023, Ergys Agasi, 36, founded a company with a capital of 1 thousand lek (10 euros) with activity in the field of information technology. Under the name EA Solutions, the company had a rapid activity. In the balance sheet filed with …
Saudi Arabia Leads AI Readiness in MENA, Emerges as Global Governance Power
As artificial intelligence reshapes economic competitiveness and state capacity, indexes like the Government AI Readiness Index serve not merely as technical rankings, but as indicators of national strategic priorities. In this sense, Saudi Arabia has moved decisively from regional ambition toward global relevance, even as the global hierarchy of AI …
New Chief of Albania’s Anti-Graft Prosecution Vows ‘Tough Approach’
Despite political tensions sparked by high-profile corruption cases, Klodjan Braho tells BIRN that his main priority will be to guarantee Albanians that “no one is above the law”. Original post Here
Former Foreign and Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka Questioned by SPAK
By Tirana Times Tirana, December 23, 2025 – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence Olta Xhaçka appeared on Tuesday at the premises of the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK), where she remained for approximately two hours before leaving without making any statement to the media. Xhaçka declined to …
Opposition Takes to the Streets Over State Capture and Blocked Justice
Tirana Times, December 22, 2025 – Tirana witnessed a major opposition-led protest on Saturday, as Albania’s main opposition force, the Democratic Party, together with allied groups, demanded the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and his government. The demonstration was framed not as a routine political rally, but as a …
Albanian Opposition Rallies for Premier’s Resignation Over Indicted Deputy PM
Supporters of the opposition Democratic Party demonstrated in Tirana against Edi Rama’s government after anti-corruption prosecutors indicted his deputy prime minister and raided officials at the National Information Agency. Original post Here
Security Beyond Soldiers: NATO’s Role in Strengthening Western Balkans Stability
Security in the Western Balkans is no longer defined only by borders and armies, but by the strength of institutions, public trust and the ability to withstand modern pressure. In an interview with the Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS), Arjan Starova, former Albanian foreign minister and President of the …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: December 22, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
A Structured Criminal Group Inside a National Security Institution: The AKSHI Case
Tirana, Tirana Times, 20 December 2025 – The investigation launched by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution has revealed the existence of a structured criminal group operating within the leadership of the National Agency for Information Society, AKSHI. At the center of the case stand the agency’s director and deputy director, accused …
A predominance of young trees and limited water resources are compounding the effects of climate change at Tirana Zoo. Original post Here
Authorities will temporarily close the Tirana-Durrës highway in both directions on September 1, 2, and 3, 2026. The Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH) said the closures will take place at night, from 23:00 to 05:00. The restrictions will allow crews to continue work on Phase III of the Tirana-Durrës Superstrada expansion …
TIRANA, September 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha attended the European Forum Alpbach in Austria at the invitation of Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. He joined a panel on Europe’s ability to mobilize its strength and act in a rapidly changing world. Speaking at the forum, Hoxha said Albania’s present …
TIRANA, September 1 – Albania will experience mainly stable weather conditions on Tuesday, with temperatures reaching up to 37 degrees Celsius. The Military Meteorological Service forecasts mostly clear skies, with occasional moderate to dense cloud cover over the eastern mountainous areas from midday through the afternoon. Short periods of light …
“Kapinova” guesthouse is attracting visitors to the Tomor Mountain National Park in Kapinovë, Berat. The guesthouse offers travelers a peaceful experience surrounded by nature and mountain landscapes. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the property today. He highlighted its natural setting and quiet atmosphere. The Agency for Agricultural and …
Egnatia earned an important 3-1 away victory over Vora in the second week of the Albanian Super League. The defending champions faced strong pressure from the hosts in the first half. Coach Nevil Dede rested several regular starters after the team’s Europa League clash with Lillestrøm last week. Vora created …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger during his participation in the European Forum Alpbach in Austria. Hoxha thanked his Austrian counterpart for Austria’s continued support for Albania’s path toward EU membership. The two ministers highlighted Austria’s strong role in promoting the …
The “Startup Albania” program continues to support new and innovative businesses across Albania. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu highlighted a new success story. For the first time, a startup from Kukës County has won the program’s grant. Jurgenti, founder of North Venture, won the 2026 Grant through “Startup Albania”. His …
Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi, who also leads the Socialist Party in Lezhë County, met today with the county’s MPs, mayors and local party leaders. The meeting focused on putting citizens at the center of every decision and responsibility. Nufi said officials must listen to citizens and address their concerns …
More than 17,000 textbooks will be distributed to Albanian children in the Diaspora during the new 2026–2027 school year. The announcement was made by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha through a video message. According to the minister, more than 5,700 educational packages have been planned for students …