AI ‘Candidate’ Proposed for Albania Mayoral Election
After Albania’s government appointed an AI-generated digital assistant as a ‘minister’, a group of information technology experts have proposed an AI ‘candidate’ for the upcoming Tirana mayoral election. Original post Here
Albania Beats Serbia, Keeps World Cup Dream Alive
By Tirana Times Staff | October 12, 2025 LESKOVAC . Albania stunned Serbia with a 1–0 victory on Saturday night, a result that not only strengthens its bid for a first-ever World Cup but also carries enormous symbolic weight in one of the most politically charged rivalries in European football. …
Week in Review: Leaping into the Unknown
Electoral races, political comebacks and anti-corruption efforts: our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week looks at how current developments are shaping the region’s future. Original post Here
Arab Scientist Among 2025 Nobel Chemistry Laureates for Groundbreaking Molecular Architectures
In an era when Arab nations are investing heavily in science and technology especially under initiatives such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Yaghi’s Nobel Prize is seen as both a personal triumph and a symbolic breakthrough for scientific ambition across the Middle East By Tirana Times Staff | October 8, …
‘No One’s Above the Law’: Albania’s Anti-Graft Prosecutor Leaves Formidable Legacy
As head of Albania’s special anti-graft and organised crime prosecution, Altin Dumani proved no one is ‘untouchable’ anymore. Experts say he set a high bar for his successor. Original post Here
Praise for ‘Hero’ Dictator Hoxha Sparks Outrage in Albania
MPs slammed the Albanian parliament’s administration for sending out an official document listing the country’s Communist-era dictator Enver Hoxha as a ‘hero’. Original post Here
NY Mayor’s Visit Puts Spotlight on Rama’s Foreign Links
By Tirana Times StaffTIRANA — October 7, 2025 The visit of New York City Mayor Eric Adams to Tirana this week at the personal invitation of Prime Minister Edi Rama has reignited scrutiny of the Albanian leader’s expanding network of foreign political connections and associates. Adams’ trip, coming just days …
Judge’s Killing in Courtroom Shakes Albania’s Justice System
By Tirana Times Staff TIRANA, October 7, 2025 — The fatal shooting of Appeals Court Judge Astrit Kalaja inside a courtroom in Tirana on Monday has sent shockwaves across Albania, raising profound questions about the state of justice reform, courtroom security, and the country’s fragile rule of law. Judge Kalaja, …
Albania Judges Warned Police of Threats Before Fatal Court Shooting
The shocking killing of judge Astrit Kalaja on Monday inside a Tirana court has led to serious questions over levels of security in the country’s institutions. Original post Here
Troubled Waters: Albania’s Wild River ‘Protected Only on Paper’
A wild river given protection as a ‘national park’ in 2023 still faces serious threats to its biodiversity from pollution – and Albania’s government is doing little to stop it. Original post Here
From Turkey’s search for peace to Serbia’s creeping elections, our selection of Premium stories takes a look at the hopes and dilemmas bubbling away in the background of these developments. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 28 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu highlighted the story of Haxhire, a beekeeper who has worked in the field for around 50 years. She currently cares for 68 beehives. In a social media post, Kociu praised Albanian beekeepers and the support they receive through the National Agriculture …
TIRANA, August 28 – Egnatia were eliminated by Norway’s Lillestrom in the final qualifying round for the Europa League despite taking the lead and controlling much of the match. The Albanian champions will continue their European campaign in the Conference League. Dinamo City also ended its European campaign after losing …
TIRANA, August 28 – Kosova’s Donjeta Sadiku won the gold medal in boxing at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games after defeating Serbia’s Kristina Kuluhova in the final of the women’s up to 60 kg category. Sadiku dominated the bout and forced her opponent to stop in the second round. The …
Ali Podrimja (August 28, 1942–July 21, 2012) was one of the most influential Albanian poets from Kosovo. Critics regard him as a leading figure in modern Albanian poetry, while readers around the world have discovered his work through numerous translations. Born in Gjakova in 1942, Podrimja studied Albanian language and …
TIRANA, August 28 – Authorities reported 22 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Three remain active, while four others remain under monitoring. The Ministry of Defence said 288 operational personnel and 21 firefighting vehicles have joined the response. The Armed Forces also deployed two helicopters, which took part …
TIRANA, August 28 – The state will take concrete measures to save, restore and protect homes that hold cultural heritage monument status and face deterioration or loss. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the measures will address neglect, fragmented ownership, abandonment and deliberate inaction. Gonxhja said the state …
TIRANA, August 28 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala ranks among the top 10 names on OncoDaily’s “100 Women of Impact in Oncology 2026” list. The international initiative recognizes women making significant contributions to cancer care and treatment worldwide. OncoDaily has run the initiative since 2023. The organization …
TIRANA, August 28 – Albania will begin its new UEFA Nations League campaign with four Group 1 League C matches in September and October. The national team will host Belarus at Air Albania Stadium on September 26 before playing away on September 29 and October 3. Albania will return to …
TIRANA, August 28 – Former US congressman Joseph DioGuardi has proposed Faton Bislimi for president of Kosova. His proposal follows a similar move by retired US ambassador and former head of the OSCE Verification Mission in Kosova, William G. Walker. Bislimi is a Kosova academic, former member of the Kosova …