Albanian Orthodox Church Elects New Archbishop Following Unanimous Vote
The Holy Synod of the Albanian Orthodox Church has elected Metropolitan Joan Pelushi of Korça as the new Archbishop of Tirana, Durrës, and All Albania. The 69-year-old cleric succeeds Archbishop Anastasios Yannoulatos, marking a historic transition for the Church after more than three decades of leadership under the Greek- born …
Albanian Government Doubles Cost of ‘Smart City’ Project Without Transparency
By Tirana Times TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times ) The Albanian government has nearly doubled the projected cost of its “Smart City” initiative, now expected to cost $118.5 million—up from the initially planned $60 million—raising concerns over transparency, lack of competition, and the protection of personal data. The government announced the …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 17, 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
Albania Appeal Court Orders Tirana Mayor to Stay in Custody
Appeals court dismisses plea to release the mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, who is in detention as charges of corruption and money laundering are investigated. Original post Here
Communist-Era Bunkers Leave Lasting Mark on Albania’s Landscape
Albania’s communist-era military bunkers – now a tourist attraction but also a reource for experimental artists – are dotted everywhere, from beaches to mountain tops. Original post Here
Sweden Reaffirms Strong Support for Albania’s EU Accession Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By Lutfi Dervishi Sweden remains a steadfast supporter of Albania’s European Union accession, citing the importance of enlargement in the wake of geopolitical shifts following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Minister for European Union Affairs and Nordic Cooperation Jessica Rosencrantz, who vizited today (March 10th) Albania,highlighted Sweden’s commitment to a merit-based …
Ollga Plumbi – The Woman from the Future
By Valentina Leskaj Ollga, the woman with deep black eyes, who appears so elegant in an old photograph wearing a hat, often comes to my mind whenever we discuss the Women’s Movement. Her portrait, as she spoke to me in that simple but beautiful house on Rruga e Kavajës, …
Behind Albania’s Forest Crisis: Governance, Economy, and EU Accession
This article was produced as part of the Thematic Networks of PULSE, a European initiative that supports transnational journalistic collaborations The woodlands of Albania are a verdant expanse that once covered nearly half of the country’s rugged and mountainous terrain. In these past 25 years, however, they have been …
Promoting women’s leadership and participation in the next political elections is key for Albania
By: Fiona McCluney, UN Resident Coordinator Michele Ribotta, Chair of UN Gender Group Tirana, 8 March 2025 The general elections of May 11, 2025,are an important opportunity to strengthen democracy in Albania and consolidate past achievements in advancing women’s leadership in decision-making. While Albania has made …
Albanian Government Shuts Down TikTok, Opposition and Experts Call It Censorship
The Albanian government announced on Wednesday a one-year suspension of the social media platform TikTok, arguing that the measure is necessary to protect children and enhance online security. However, the opposition and independent experts have labeled the decision as an act of censorship that could impact the electoral campaign planned …
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s First Football League championship, the Abissnet Superiore, will start its 2026/27 season on August 21. The new season will introduce reforms aimed at increasing competition, creating more opportunities for young players and improving the organization of the championship. All matches will be broadcast on RTSH. …
TIRANA, August 17 – Albanian exports continued their positive trend in July 2026, reaching 33.7 billion ALL, up 10.6% from the same month a year earlier, according to INSTAT. Compared with June 2026, exports fell 5%. Meanwhile, goods imports reached 86.4 billion ALL, rising 3.6% year-on-year and 3.5% from June. …
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s State Police will establish a new unit focused specifically on environmental crimes. Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari announced the move during a meeting with State Police local directors from Albania’s 12 counties. Lamallari called for a more proactive approach to wildfires. He said police should investigate …
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi visited the Tirana-Durrës motorway, where workers are carrying out the third phase of its expansion. After opening the first 6 kilometres, crews now focus on the section from the Rinas overpass towards Limuth. Workers are widening the road, while …
TIRANA, August 17 – Albania’s Armed Forces continue intensive ground and air operations to fight wildfires in several parts of the country, Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said. Nufi shared footage of aerial firefighting operations in areas with difficult terrain. On Mount Dajti in Tirana, 50 Armed Forces personnel and 2 …
A new clinical guideline approving gender-affirming hormone therapy in Albania sparked an online backlash about subsidies for transgender people – although official documents show that no reimbursement for medication will be provided. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 17 – Gjirokastër, known as Albania’s “Stone City,” continues to attract visitors from around the world. Its history, distinctive architecture, traditions and cultural heritage fill its cobbled streets with tourists during the summer season. Visitors from different countries are exploring the city’s historic streets and traditional houses. One …
TIRANA, August 17 – Albanian international Arbër Hoxha scored his first league goal of the new season for Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia. He scored in the 63rd minute as Dinamo secured a 4-0 win over Rudes in the third round of the Croatian football championship. Hoxha started the match and …
Golem Beach remains one of the most popular coastal destinations for local and foreign tourists this summer. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage showing the lively atmosphere along the Golem coastline. The area continues to welcome large numbers of visitors during the peak August season. Located along the Durrës coastline, …
Kanali i Setës offers visitors a unique mix of nature, history and human ingenuity in Dibër. The journey begins near Çidhen, on the road to Lurë National Park. The trail follows the mountains and reveals spectacular views of the Setë River canyon. The canal runs along the steep slopes of …