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Albania Opposition Protest Turns Violent

Democratic Party leader and former President Sali Berisha injured during clashes. Tirana Times, March 22, 2026 — Albania’s latest national opposition protest in Tirana, which ended in violent clashes between protesters and police, exposed not only rising anger against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government but also a broader crisis of …

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US Targets Iran Linked Cyber Network as Albania Emerges as Key Victim

Tirana Times, March 17, 2026 – The United States has moved to dismantle a cyber network linked to Iran’s intelligence apparatus, seizing four domains used for hacking operations, disinformation campaigns and threats, in a case that places Albania at the center of a broader geopolitical confrontation. The U.S. Department of …

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Albania Draws a Red Line on Iran

Parliament’s decision to label Tehran a state sponsor of terrorism formalizes a break years in the making and reflects a broad Albanian consensus that Iran has become a direct security threat Tirana Times, March 18, 2026 – Albania has taken one of its toughest political steps yet against Iran, with …

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Europe’s Next Enlargement: Why Berlin, Paris and The Hague Could Decide the Fate of the Western Balkans

TIRANA TIMES, March 19, 2026 – The European Union’s enlargement debate has entered a new and unusually sensitive phase. What initially appeared to be a Brussels-driven discussion about how to accelerate Ukraine’s accession has quickly evolved into a broader political reckoning inside key member states over the future shape, pace, …

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Albanian MPs Adopt Resolution Declaring Iran ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’

Ruling Socialist Party MPs aiming to support the US on the Iran war push through resolution – but opposition MPs boycott the vote they claim was staged ‘for the personal agenda of the Prime Minister’. Original post Here

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Building a Trusted Health Tourism Ecosystem: Albania’s Next Competitive Advantage

by Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, March 17, 2026 – There are countries you visit, and there are countries you remember. Albania is rapidly becoming the latter. I began writing this article before travelling to Albania, drawing on the country’s remarkable tourism growth and the strategic opportunities it presents. Yet …

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‘Cruel, Sadistic’: Albanian Communist State’s Killings of Escapees Still Mostly Unpunished

In the final years of Albania’s communist dictatorship, the authorities shot dozens of citizens trying to flee the country – and most of the attempts to bring the killers to justice have met obstruction and incompetence. Original post Here

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Major Cocaine Heist Reveals Albanian Links to Swedish Drug Trade

The theft of a shipment of cocaine that was smuggled from Costa Rica to Sweden exposed the role of Albanian criminal groups in the international logistics of the drug trade, as well as the challenges in holding them accountable. Original post Here

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Iran-Linked Hackers’ Fresh Strike on Albania Highlights Continued Negligence

A new cyberattack by Iran-linked Homeland Justice group targeting Albania’s parliament revealed the continued vulnerability of state digital systems and failures to implement basic security measures. Original post Here

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Week in Review: The Wheel of Fortune

Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at the changing fortunes, power dynamics and neighbourly relations of countries and actors in South-east Europe. Original post Here

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Wildfire situation eases in Levan, Fier

TIRANA, September 5 – The wildfire situation in Levan, Fier, was much calmer on Friday evening, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said after visiting the area. Nufi said teams were monitoring two fire hotspots. They are checking the areas again on Saturday morning from the ground and, most likely, from the …

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Himara wildfire prompts urgent evacuation appeal

TIRANA, September 5 – A large wildfire spread through Himara on Friday evening, creating a critical situation as strong winds pushed the flames closer to residential areas. The fire spread rapidly across hills near the 1 Maji neighborhood and the city’s bypass, burning large areas of orchards. At least one …

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Albania honors Mother Teresa’s legacy today

TIRANA, September 5 – Albania honors Mother Teresa today, remembering her life of service to the poor and sick. Her work made her one of the world’s most recognized humanitarian figures. September 5 is observed as the Day of Sanctification of Mother Teresa, an official national holiday that reflects her …

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Sunny weather, temperatures up to 37 C expected

TIRANA, September 5 – Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Saturday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain clear across the country, with long periods of sunshine. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 37 degrees Celsius. Winds will blow from the northeast to northwest at …

News
Himara wildfire situation appears calmer after night of evacuations

TIRANA, September 5 – The wildfire situation in Himara appears somewhat calmer early Saturday after a long and difficult night. The flames are no longer considered a direct threat to the city’s residential areas. The focus has shifted to the hills below Pilur, where the fire remains active. Teams are …

News
Begaj in Përmet: Heritage, tradition and local businesses support sustainable development

President Bajram Begaj visited Përmet and praised its development model. The model combines cultural and religious heritage, natural resources and local traditions. First, Begaj met Përmet Mayor Alma Hoxha and local officials. They discussed the growing number of tourists and the return of young people from abroad to invest in …

News
Egnatia makes a champion’s start, beats Skënderbeu 2-1

Egnatia continued its winning run in the Abissnet Superiore. The champions beat Skënderbeu 2-1 in Rrogozhinë on Friday. Skënderbeu created the first big chance in the 11th minute. However, Bismark missed a penalty after Dajsinani saved his shot. Egnatia took the lead three minutes later. Albanese found the net in …

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New EU Ambassador to Tirana: “I will support Albania at every step toward European integration”

The new European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, has officially started her mission in Tirana. In a video message from the Albanian capital, Moreira de Sousa highlighted her commitment to supporting Albania’s European integration process. “It is an honor to serve in Albania at such an important …

News
Beach volleyball in Durrës brings rivalry and excitement by the sea

Durrës turned into a seaside sports arena as the first day of the Beach Volleyball event brought excitement to the “Taulantia” promenade. Teams competed in an energetic atmosphere. Meanwhile, spectators followed the matches closely and enjoyed the action by the sea. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the event …

News
“VIAJAR”: Albania offers the perfect mix of beaches, history and nature

Albania offers an ideal balance between relaxation and cultural exploration, according to Spanish travel magazine “Viajar.” The country combines historic cities, Roman ruins, beautiful beaches and a rich culinary tradition. Albania has something for every traveler. Visitors can enjoy the coast, explore historic towns, hike through mountains and discover important …

News

Wildfire situation eases in Levan, Fier

TIRANA, September 5 – The wildfire situation in Levan, Fier, was much calmer on Friday evening, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said after visiting the area. Nufi said teams were monitoring two fire hotspots. They are checking the areas again on Saturday morning from the ground and, most likely, from the …

News

Himara wildfire prompts urgent evacuation appeal

TIRANA, September 5 – A large wildfire spread through Himara on Friday evening, creating a critical situation as strong winds pushed the flames closer to residential areas. The fire spread rapidly across hills near the 1 Maji neighborhood and the city’s bypass, burning large areas of orchards. At least one …

News

Albania honors Mother Teresa’s legacy today

TIRANA, September 5 – Albania honors Mother Teresa today, remembering her life of service to the poor and sick. Her work made her one of the world’s most recognized humanitarian figures. September 5 is observed as the Day of Sanctification of Mother Teresa, an official national holiday that reflects her …

News

Sunny weather, temperatures up to 37 C expected

TIRANA, September 5 – Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Saturday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain clear across the country, with long periods of sunshine. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 37 degrees Celsius. Winds will blow from the northeast to northwest at …

News

Himara wildfire situation appears calmer after night of evacuations

TIRANA, September 5 – The wildfire situation in Himara appears somewhat calmer early Saturday after a long and difficult night. The flames are no longer considered a direct threat to the city’s residential areas. The focus has shifted to the hills below Pilur, where the fire remains active. Teams are …

News

Begaj in Përmet: Heritage, tradition and local businesses support sustainable development

President Bajram Begaj visited Përmet and praised its development model. The model combines cultural and religious heritage, natural resources and local traditions. First, Begaj met Përmet Mayor Alma Hoxha and local officials. They discussed the growing number of tourists and the return of young people from abroad to invest in …

News

Egnatia makes a champion’s start, beats Skënderbeu 2-1

Egnatia continued its winning run in the Abissnet Superiore. The champions beat Skënderbeu 2-1 in Rrogozhinë on Friday. Skënderbeu created the first big chance in the 11th minute. However, Bismark missed a penalty after Dajsinani saved his shot. Egnatia took the lead three minutes later. Albanese found the net in …

News

New EU Ambassador to Tirana: “I will support Albania at every step toward European integration”

The new European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, has officially started her mission in Tirana. In a video message from the Albanian capital, Moreira de Sousa highlighted her commitment to supporting Albania’s European integration process. “It is an honor to serve in Albania at such an important …

News

Beach volleyball in Durrës brings rivalry and excitement by the sea

Durrës turned into a seaside sports arena as the first day of the Beach Volleyball event brought excitement to the “Taulantia” promenade. Teams competed in an energetic atmosphere. Meanwhile, spectators followed the matches closely and enjoyed the action by the sea. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the event …

News

“VIAJAR”: Albania offers the perfect mix of beaches, history and nature

Albania offers an ideal balance between relaxation and cultural exploration, according to Spanish travel magazine “Viajar.” The country combines historic cities, Roman ruins, beautiful beaches and a rich culinary tradition. Albania has something for every traveler. Visitors can enjoy the coast, explore historic towns, hike through mountains and discover important …