1.1 kilograms of cocaine seized, three arrested
Tirana’s Antidrug has arrested 3 people during an action against drug trafficking in Tirana. It is learned that 3 young people were caught near the “Myslym Shyri” street in an attempt to sell a significant amount of cocaine. Journalist Ervin Leka told “ABC News” that after the search, the police …
Right to information/ Rama: We have transformed the legal basis
The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, present at the Sixth National Conference on the “Right to Information” said that the country has made great progress in the field of legislation. “Many of the things that appear to us and are pointed out to us either by the public or …
Veliaj welcomes the former head of the CIA, Robert Gorelick
The Mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, has received in a meeting Robert Gorelick, the former head of the CIA in Italy and other countries of the world, who has visited the Albanian capital for the first time. In a post on the X platform, Veliaj expresses his happiness about the …
Albanian Businessman ‘Bankrolling Fugitive Ex-Deputy PM’, Prosecutors Claim
Albanian prosecutors believe businessman Ilir Dedja could be financing the comfortable life in Swiss exile of fugitive former deputy prime minister Arben Ahmetaj, who is wanted on corruption charges. Original post Here
Albania Upholds Ethnic Greek Mayor-Elect’s Vote-Buying Conviction
An appeals court confirmed the conviction for vote-buying of Fredi Beleri, mayor-elect of Himara, whose case has caused a diplomatic row between Tirana and Athens – potentially barring him from Albanian domestic political life for two decades. Original post Here
With court recognition of Berisha-led DP, main opposition party shows signs of unity
TIRANA, June 25, 2024 – Ending years of turmoil, a court has placed Albania’s main opposition Democratic Party officially under the control of the faction that has the most support among voters. The decision means the state-recognized seal and funding will now shift from the minority faction led by Lulzim …
Eight doctors accused for abuse of power, the court gives the decisions
The Court of Tirana has set the security measure of “house arrest” and “compulsion to appear” for some doctors and employees of the Oncology Department at the University Hospital Center in Tirana for abuse of duty. According to the investigations, these people, who were employed at the state hospital “Mother …
A Turkish citizen arrested in Kapshtica, is expected his extradition to Instanbul
A 50-year-old man from Turkey, sentenced to over ten years in prison for the production and sale of narcotics, was arrested at the border crossing point in Kapshtica. He was arrested at the entrance to Albania and arrested by the Narcotics Investigation Section of DVP Korçë, with the aim of …
SPAK has requested two years in prison for the elected mayor of Himara
The Court of Special Appeal will give the decision on Tuesday at 13:00 for the elected mayor of the Municipality of Himara, Fredi Beleri. ABC News reporter Ermal Vija reports that the Appeal will be heard in connection with the announcement of the decision. Fredi Beleri and Pandeli Kokaveshi plead …
Graft Probe Raises Awkward Questions for Albanian Defence Minister
Defence Minister Niko Peleshi was part of a trip to Italy in 2013 that Albanian special prosecutors say was paid for by two now fugitive businessmen right before they clinched a lucrative solar power contract. Original post Here
The European Commission has launched a call for civil society organizations that want to join the new Civil Society Platform, a permanent dialogue mechanism between civil society groups and European Union institutions. The platform aims to create a forum where organizations can exchange ideas and experiences, discuss challenges facing civil …
Albania has become part of the soundtrack of one of the year’s most anticipated films, “The Odyssey” by director Christopher Nolan. The film, which premiered worldwide this week, is Nolan’s latest adaptation of Homer’s epic poem. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus and featuring a major Hollywood cast, the production was …
The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), in cooperation with the Butrint Management Foundation (BMF), has launched the first call for applications under the Butrint Community Grant Scheme. The initiative supports individuals, local businesses and nonprofit organizations with projects focused on economic, cultural, social and tourism development in the Butrint National Park …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album highlighting the week’s key events. First, he attended the Coalition of the Willing Summit on Ukraine in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. He also joined France’s National Day ceremony and reaffirmed Albania’s strong partnership with its Euro-Atlantic allies. …
Tirana Times, July 18, 2026 – For years, the U.S. and the EU invested significant political capital, funding, and diplomatic pressure into helping Albania build one of the most ambitious anti-corruption institutions in the Balkans: the Special Anti-Corruption Structure, known as SPAK. SPAK was created to do what previous institutions …
The European Commission says Albania continued to implement judicial reform and the Cross-Sector Justice Strategy throughout 2026. First, Albania completed the vetting process for all judges and prosecutors after authorities finalized the appeals phase. Consequently, the process further strengthened judicial independence, accountability, and integrity across the justice system. In addition, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said tourism and foreign investments currently bring €8.5 billion into Albania’s economy. Speaking at an event promoting the national program “Double Your Business,” Rama highlighted the growth of tourism and its impact on economic development. According to him, tourists now fill the streets of Tirana in …
A new space dedicated to art, culture, and community has become part of Tirana’s urban landscape. The Art Park in Kinostudio has transformed the former film studio area into a new meeting point for residents, artists, and visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing large numbers …
TIRANA, July 17 – The Artistic Ensemble “Skanderbeg” from Korça represented Albania at the 59th edition of the International “Festival des Cultures du Monde” in Chambéry, France. The festival brought together folklore and cultural groups from different parts of the world. The Albanian ensemble presented traditional costumes, music and dances, …
TIRANA, July 17 – Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj presented the sovereign scheme “Double your business”, which aims to help Albanian companies access financing and increase investment, productivity and competitiveness in European markets. Ibrahimaj said the initiative responds to the real needs of businesses and supports the development …