“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
Alarm in Albania at Proposed Criminal Code Changes; Govt Denies Involvement
Albania wants to align its Criminal Code with EU law, but critics, including media associations, say a proposed draft falls far short – and could limit press freedom. Original post Here
Media Unions Criticise Albanian Police Operation Targeting TV Station
Media organisations say Albanian police action, surrounding the News 24 TV station building and seizing journalists’ computers amid a property dispute with a government ministry, is ‘heavy-handed’ and lacks a clear legal basis. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 26 – Albania has officially begun a new aerial survey of its territory. The project is being carried out through cooperation between the State Authority for Geospatial Information and the Albanian Development Fund. The initiative aims to update geospatial information and strengthen the country’s capacity to monitor, plan …
TIRANA, August 26 – Albania has reported 34 wildfires over the past 24 hours. Five remain active and four are under monitoring, according to the Ministry of Defence. A total of 219 operational personnel and 35 firefighting vehicles have joined the response. The Armed Forces have deployed 60 personnel, one …
TIRANA, August 26 – The United Kingdom and Albania have signed their first regional Asset Sharing Agreement after authorities recovered proceeds linked to a drug trafficking case. The agreement follows a criminal case involving a conspiracy to supply cannabis to organised crime groups in England and Wales. British and Albanian …
TIRANA, August 26 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu called for a broader assessment of Albania’s justice reform. He said the assessment should cover more than the number of cases resolved, their duration and the quality of rulings. It should also reflect citizens’ experience when they first contacted the justice system. …
TIRANA, August 26 – The Vora-Hani i Hotit railway reconstruction project was presented in Lezha during a public consultation with communities along the planned route. The project will rehabilitate the existing railway track and bring it in line with European transport standards. The project has entered the contractor selection phase. …
TIRANA, August 26 – President Bajram Begaj received the credentials of Belgium’s ambassador to Albania, Olga Cogen, during a meeting in Tirana today. Begaj welcomed Belgium’s decision to open its first embassy in Albania, with its headquarters in Tirana. The move marks a new step in diplomatic relations between the …
SIAR Guesthouse in Pogradec is emerging as a new example of Albania’s growing agrotourism sector, combining nature, traditional hospitality and rural experiences. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the guesthouse, highlighting its contribution to the development of tourism and family-run businesses in Albania’s tourist areas. SIAR features nine private …
TIRANA, August 26 – The Academy of Sciences today commemorated Hasan Ceka, one of the founders of Albanian archaeology. Ceka was born on August 25, 1900. He studied archaeology and history and later became known for laying the foundations of archaeological research in Albania. Ceka studied in Vienna and returned …
Ardenica Monastery stands among the most important historical and religious sites in the Lushnjë area and ranks among Albania’s most visited cultural attractions. The monastery rises on the fertile hills of Ardenica, about 200 meters above sea level. Travelers heading toward Fier and Vlorë can spot the monastery after a …
TIRANA, August 26 – Maritime transport operators in Albania will face new requirements to document and control greenhouse gas emissions. A draft decision under public consultation aims to align environmental rules with European Union practices. Under the proposed system, operators will measure, report and verify emissions from ships. The system …