From the Prime Minister’s Words to the State’s Bulldozers
After a campaign of promises for legalization, property titles, fine forgiveness, and tourism development, the government returns to Theth with the bulldozers of the National Inspectorate for the Protection of Territory (IKMT). Residents accuse the government of deception and corruption. By Lindita Çela – July 13, 2025 “Welcome! May God …
Albanian Village Erupts in Protest over Crackdown on ‘Illegal’ Tourist Cabins
In a remote valley in northern Albania, locals claim they were encouraged to build cabins to promote tourism. When the authorities sent in bulldozers to demolish what they said are illegal constructions, anger boiled over. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 14, 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
Week in Review: Surprises in Store
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week brings some surprises – some good, some less so – while continuing to look back on 20 years of BIRN. Original post Here
Albania’s Anti-Disinformation Strategy Could Target Critical Media, Opponents Fear
The Albanian parliament has adopted a national strategy to combat foreign interference and disinformation – but the opposition claims it could be used against domestic media that expose government failings. Original post Here
Veliaj in Legal and Political Limbo: High Court Confirms Detention, Rule-of-Law in Question
Tirana Times, TIRANA July 9, 2025— Albania’s High Court on Tuesday upheld the pretrial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj, marking a decisive moment in both the judicial handling of the high-profile case and in Veliaj’s political unraveling. The ruling, which confirms the March 13 decision of the Court of …
Greece Inaugurates New Consulate in Korça to Boost Bilateral Ties
By Tirana Time staff KORÇA, Albania ,Tirana Times, July 9 , 2025 — Greece inaugurated a new building for its Consulate General in the southeastern Albanian city of Korça on Sunday, in a ceremony that highlighted the deepening diplomatic ties between the two neighboring countries and renewed Athens’ focus on …
Albania’s Youth Exodus: Emigration as a Security Threat
Tirana Times. July 8, 2025. Albania is shrinking—demographically, economically, and institutionally. A once-youthful country on the edge of Europe is now in the grip of a mass exodus that analysts warn is no longer just a social or economic crisis, but a growing threat to national security. In a nation …
Vidovdan: A Dangerous Myth Turned Political Weapon
By Syle Ukshini For more than a century, the Serbian state and Church have mythologized the Battle of Kosovo of 1389 as a defining moment of Serbian identity—a narrative culminating each year in the celebration of Vidovdan, Serbia’s national and religious holiday observed on June 28. Originally linked to the …
One Man’s Rule: Governance by Ultimatum
by Vilson Blloshmi From the way it was announced to its substance, Prime Minister Edi Rama’s latest ultimatum to “clear public spaces within 2 weeks” is neither a law, nor a public policy, nor a government decision. It is a personal order, a voice over the phone that, in any …
TIRANA, August 24 – Ukraine marks 35 years of independence today, with Ambassador Volodymyr Shkurov stressing the country’s long struggle to defend its sovereignty and European choice. In a message marking the anniversary, Shkurov recalled that Ukraine declared independence on August 24, 1991. He said more than 90% of voters …
TIRANA, August 24 – Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Monday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with some cloudiness developing over eastern areas from midday into the afternoon. Light rain may affect mountain areas in the east and south, while the rest …
TIRANA, August 24 – Albania’s fire situation has improved, according to the Ministry of Defence. Civil Protection structures continue coordinated operations across the country. Authorities reported 11 fires during the day. Four remain active and 7 are under monitoring. A total of 332 operational personnel and 15 firefighting vehicles are …
TIRANA, August 24 – Canadian newspaper The Toronto Star reports on Albania’s rapid transformation from a communist-era isolated state into a growing European tourism destination. Reporter Tim Johnson highlights its natural beauty, cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and expanding tourism infrastructure. According to Albania’s Institute of Statistics, foreign visitors travelling for …
As preparations continue for the “Prishtina & Durrës 2030” Mediterranean Games, Albania is working to strengthen Durrës as a major sports destination in the region. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja held talks in Taranto with newly elected International Committee of the Mediterranean Games President Francesco Purromuto and …
Albania is taking part in the 32nd International Horticultural Congress, IHC2026, in Kyoto, Japan. The major scientific event runs until August 28 and brings together researchers, academics, experts and professionals from around the world. Albanian academic Nazim S. Gruda represents the country at the congress. He is a member of …
TIRANA, August 24 – The Organization of War Veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army (OVL-KLA) has backed former Kosova Liberation Army commander Ramush Haradinaj’s proposal to restore Hashim Thaçi’s presidential mandate after his return to Kosova. In a Facebook post, the veterans’ organization described the proposal as carrying “national and …
TIRANA, August 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will meet his cabinet ministers in Pogradec today to discuss priorities for the second year of the Socialist Party’s fourth governing term. The meeting follows a session with the party’s political leaders from Albania’s 12 counties and the heads of parliamentary committees. …
TIRANA, August 24 – Albania won its first medal at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games as wrestler Ardit Zeneli claimed bronze in the Greco-Roman style in the up to 67-kilogram category. Zeneli beat Greece’s Stavros Ntounias 9-8 in the bronze-medal bout. The match remained closely contested until the end. Meanwhile, …
Visitors are enjoying the natural beauty of the Vjosa River, one of Albania’s most valuable natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the river, showing its clear waters and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can also be seen along the riverbanks, enjoying the summer heat and cooling off in the …