Years After Discovery, Albania’s Roman-Era Mosaics Remain Hidden to Public View
The city of Durres on Albania’s Adriatic coast boasts a fine selection of Roman-era mosaics. But due to a lack of initiative by the local authorities, progress has been slow to preserve them and make them available for the public to view. Original post Here
After Major Wildfires, Albania Warned to Boost Preparedness Urgently
As Mediterranean fire seasons grow in intensity, Albania’s government faces calls to invest in firefighting and reforestation. Original post Here
“Challenges of Academic Integrity in Albanian Universities: An Interview with Migen Qiraxhi”
Interview with Migen Qiraxhi, Project Manager at Qëndresa Qytetare, July 17 In Albania, where higher education is often portrayed as a bridge to opportunity and European integration, the reality on the ground tells a darker story. Behind university gates, corruption, nepotism, and political interference have quietly hollowed out institutions that …
Week in Review: Influence, Repression and Revival
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week sheds light on police brutality, hidden influence, strained bilateral relations and a whole lot more. Original post Here
Digital Rights Review: Privacy and Freedom of Expression Threatened
From data leaks and criminal hacks to smear campaigns, BIRN’s digital rights monitoring team documented widespread privacy violations and assaults on freedom of speech across Southeast Europe in July. Original post Here
Money to Burn: Albania’s Nexus of Organised Crime and Rubbish Collection
As fires rage at overflowing and often illegal landfills in Albania, companies with criminal connections keep securing waste management contracts with the state. Original post Here
Week in Review: Alarm Bells and Struggles
Across the region, our selection of this week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories suggests that alarm bells are going off in many countries – and not only because of the wildfires. Original post Here
With Investment Favours, Albania’s Government Chips Away at Media Freedom
The owners of the biggest broadcasters in Albania have all benefitted from ‘strategic investor’ status granted by the government for other projects, raising doubts about editorial independence. Original post Here
Albania Battles Deadly Wildfires Amid Heatwave
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) , August 13,2025— Fierce wildfires swept across Albania this week, killing one person, injuring at least 10 and forcing mass evacuations from southern towns to central mountain villages, as much of the Mediterranean battles deadly blazes fueled by extreme summer heat. Authorities said more than 10,000 …
News24 TV’s Shutdown in Albania Sends a Worrying Signal
The Albanian police’s action – forcing the country’s largest news broadcaster off air without a court order – sets an alarming precedent. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 25 – Canadian travel media Travelweek has published an article by Tim Johnson on Tirana’s rapid transformation. The report describes the capital as a modern and dynamic city that is attracting growing international tourism. Johnson highlights the changes around Skanderbeg Square. Modern buildings, public spaces, restaurants and renovated …
TIRANA, August 25 – Albania faces growing pollution and road-safety risks from its ageing vehicle fleet, according to the World Bank. The country’s motorization rate has increased by 122% over the past 10 years. Of the vehicles registered in Albania, 91% are more than 10 years old. The rest have …
Albania is taking steps to give traditional and locally made products greater value in domestic and European markets through stronger geographical protection. A new legal framework aims to protect the names, quality and reputation of products linked to specific regions. The initiative forms part of Albania’s industrial property reform and …
TIRANA, August 25 – Albania recorded 31 wildfires over the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Defence. Three fires remain active, while authorities are monitoring 6 others. A total of 370 operational personnel and 22 firefighting vehicles have joined efforts to manage the situation. The Armed Forces have …
TIRANA, August 25 – The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination has updated Albania’s Unified List of Projects of National Importance. The list includes 118 projects with a projected investment value of 14.8 billion euros. The projects support the country’s strategic development priorities and aim to provide a …
Shkodra has received the “Green Destinations Bronze Award”, recognizing the city’s efforts to promote sustainable and responsible tourism. The international certification highlights Shkodra’s commitment to protecting its natural environment, cultural heritage and local communities while developing tourism. The award adds Shkodra to a growing global network of destinations focused on …
TIRANA, August 25 – Dardha village in Korça remains a popular tourist destination throughout the year. Visitors come for its natural surroundings, climate and traditional character. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the picturesque village on social media today. The photos show Dardha surrounded by green forests and visitors …
TIRANA, August 25 – Albania Under-21 beat Kosova 3-1 today in their second Group B match of the football tournament at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Bode opened the scoring in the 51st minute. Valentin Daja doubled Albania’s lead in the 74th minute. Arlind Leshi added a third goal from …
The Divjakë-Karavasta National Park continues to attract visitors with its rich biodiversity, wetlands and rare bird species. In 2026, the park remains an important destination for nature tourism and birdwatching in Albania. At the heart of the Karavasta Lagoon lies the Pelican Island, an important nesting site for the Dalmatian …
TIRANA, August 25 – Former US Congressman Joe DioGuardi has urged Kosova’s parliamentary parties to elect the country’s president. He warned that failure to do so could create major problems for Kosova and affect stability in the Balkans. DioGuardi made the remarks after receiving Kosova citizenship. DioGuardi said he had …