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 …
The Albanian-American organization Albanians for America has reacted to the Hague Special Court’s ruling on former Kosova Liberation Army leaders, saying it disagrees with the judgment and considers it unfair to those who fought for Kosova’s freedom. The organization said the KLA fought for freedom and to protect Kosova’s population. …
French travel media outlet TourMaG.com presents Albania as an increasingly attractive Mediterranean destination, highlighting its historical heritage, distinctive cities, nature and modern development. The article takes readers from Tirana and Kruja to Shkodër and Durrës. In Tirana, it highlights the mix of modernist, communist-era and contemporary architecture, as well as …
The Assembly of Albania will issue a joint statement after the Hague Special Court sentenced four former leaders of the Kosova Liberation Army to a total of 81 years in prison. Assembly Speaker Niko Peleshi said the Assembly had adopted a common position involving all political forces. He described the …
Cultural heritage sites across Albania continue to attract domestic and international visitors in mid-September. Lezhë Castle remains one of the city’s most visited attractions. It combines history and archaeology with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Since January, the castle has welcomed 5,884 visitors. Most came from Western Europe, with …
The Ministry of Economy and Innovation has launched a fully automated platform to support small and medium-sized businesses applying to the “Double Your Enterprise” program. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the platform simplifies the application process. It also assists businesses at every stage, from expressing interest to preparing …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro said PISA school selection follows rules set by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the international consortium managing the assessment. She said the Education Ministry cannot arbitrarily choose or change participating schools. According to Kumbaro, international sampling procedures aim to ensure statistical representation …
Lake Shkodër continues to attract growing numbers of domestic and foreign visitors as one of the region’s major tourism and nature destinations. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared evening images of the lake, highlighting its tourism and natural attractions. UNESCO declared Lake Shkodër a Transboundary Biosphere Reserve in June. The lake …
More than 816,000 visitors stayed in accommodation facilities across Albania in July, with foreign tourists accounting for most of the increase. Data from the Institute of Statistics show that visitors from Kosova, Italy and Poland formed the largest groups among foreign tourists. According to the latest data, accommodation facilities recorded …
The appeal process could change the sentences imposed by the Specialist Chambers in The Hague on September 16 on four former leaders of the Kosova Liberation Army, according to Nevenka Tromp, a researcher at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. The court found Hashim Thaçi, Jakup Krasniqi, Kadri …
Constitutional expert Kadri Kryeziu has described the Hague sentences against four former leaders of the Kosova Liberation Army as a major disappointment for people in Kosova and Albanians worldwide. Speaking live to RTSH-24 from Prishtina, he said the ruling had shocked public opinion. Kryeziu said the four defendants had served …