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Albanian TikTok Shutdown Tool Raises Privacy Concerns

Albania’s cyber security authority said it will use Deep Packet Inspection to enforce the government’s TikTok ban – but experts say the use of the technology has no legal basis in Albania and could be used for censorship. Original post Here

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Albanian Institute for International Studies Invited as Institutional Partner at NATO Public Forum 2025

TIRANA TIMES Albania April 7,— The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has been invited to serve as an Institutional Partner at the 2025 NATO Public Forum, set to take place on June 24-25 in The Hague during the NATO Summit. The invitation, extended by NATO’s Public Diplomacy Division, recognizes …

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Arrested Albanian Mayor Accused of Running ‘Disturbing’ PR Campaign From Jail

Published wiretaps appear to show that Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj, who is facing corruption charges, has been running a publicity campaign using cronies in the mass media to target his perceived enemies in the justice system. Original post Here

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Albania Failing to Eradicate Banned Pesticides from Agricultural Products

When it comes to banning pesticides, Albania takes its cue from the EU, yet substances deemed dangerous to human health are still being used years later. Original post Here

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Trump’s New Tariffs and Their Impact on Albania and the Western Balkans

By Tirana Times Editorial Board TIRANA, April 4, 2025 Tirana Times — President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on global trade partners have sparked concern and debate across Europe and the Western Balkans, with Albania finding itself in an uneasy position—politically aligned with the United States but economically vulnerable and …

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Beware of Stone Slogans – Ylljet Alicka’s Cautionary Tale

Rafaela Prifti Alicka’s storytelling in Stone Slogans lays one episode after another with cynical awareness and mindful deliberation to reveal the anguish and despair that has taken hold of an existence controlled by fear in communist Albania. After reading the first story eponymous with the book’s title Slogans in Stone, …

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From Declaration to Deterrence: A Turning Point for Southeast Europe’s Security?

By Albert Rakipi On March 18, 2025, the Defense Ministers of Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia signed a Joint Declaration on military cooperation. Though not a formal treaty or binding alliance, the Declaration marks a pivotal moment for regional security in Southeast Europe. It reflects a growing recognition among these countries …

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Albania Turns to Filipino Workers as Emigration Crisis Drains Domestic Labor Force

News Analysis Albania Turns to Filipino Workers as Emigration Crisis Drains Domestic Labor Force TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times, March 5th — Confronted by a dramatic labor shortage and a shrinking population, Albania’s government is doubling down on foreign labor as a solution — most notably by negotiating to bring in …

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Follow Me: Albania’s Politicians Sharpen Social Media Skills as Election Looms

Ahead of polls in May, warring politicians are focusing their campaigning on social networks – which are steadily displacing traditional media as ways of persuading voters. Original post Here

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Balkan Countries Weigh Potential Damage Inflicted by Trump’s Tariffs

Serbia, Bosnia and North Macedonia were the Balkan countries worst hit by the new tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump as he sought to boost the American economy at the expense of its trading partners. Original post Here

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Wales Online: Albania draws tourists as affordable Mediterranean holiday destination

TIRANA, August 19 – British media outlet Wales Online reports that Albania is experiencing a surge in tourist demand as travelers seek more affordable alternatives to expensive Mediterranean destinations. Holiday bookings for Albania have risen by 293% compared with last year, according to Thomas Cook. Nicholas Smith, director of dynamic …

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Four wildfires remain active in Albania as situation improves, no threat to populated areas

TIRANA, August 19 – Albania has 6 wildfire hotspots, with 4 still active and 2 under monitoring, the Ministry of Defence said in an update at 14:00. Authorities have deployed 126 local operational personnel. The Armed Forces are supporting the response with 90 personnel and 2 Air Force helicopters. On …

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The Independent: Albania Among 10 European Countries Outside the EES System for 2026 Holidays

Albania is among 10 European countries that are not required to apply the new Entry/Exit System (EES) during the 2026 holiday season, British newspaper The Independent reports. Travel across Europe may become more complicated this year as the new biometric border system expands. The EES requires travelers to provide biometric …

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Mount Tomorr Pilgrimage: Police Announce Traffic Restrictions and Designated Routes

Berat police have introduced measures to protect public safety during the Mount Tomorr pilgrimage, which runs from August 18 to 25, 2026. The measures aim to prevent road accidents, ease traffic and maintain public order. Police have deployed additional officers along roads leading to Mount Tomorr and around the Kulmak …

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Five Injured After Two Boats Collide on Lake Koman

Five people suffered injuries today after two boats collided on Lake Koman, Shkodra Police reported. Police said the accident happened at around 3:15 p.m. The two boats reportedly collided accidentally. The five injured people remain out of danger. Other passengers on the boats escaped injury. Other boats helped bring the …

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Haxhiu meets British ambassador, discusses need for political dialogue

Acting President of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu met today with British Ambassador to Kosovo Jonathan Hargreaves at her office. According to the Presidency, Haxhiu and Hargreaves discussed recent political developments and the country’s institutional situation. They also discussed the need for political dialogue and efforts to overcome the current institutional deadlock, …

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CamelPhat to Perform Live in Dhërmi for the First Time in Albania

British DJ and producer duo CamelPhat will perform in Albania for the first time on August 21 in Dhërmi. Dave Whelan and Mike Di Scala rank among the biggest names in international electronic music. Prime Minister Edi Rama also announced their arrival on social media. The duo gained international recognition …

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Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026; Albania Under-21 coach Bushi: We want to show character, not just participate

TIRANA, August 19 – Albania’s Under-21 national football team will compete at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, which RTSH will broadcast. Albania Under-21 head coach Alban Bushi has announced the squad for the tournament. He said the team wants to show the character, personality and mentality of Albanian football. Albania …

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Cultural heritage draws tourists as monuments and religious sites enrich tourism in Gjirokastër

TIRANA, August 19 – Cultural and religious heritage sites have attracted strong interest from domestic and foreign tourists in Gjirokastër County this year. Churches, mosques, cultural monuments and historical sites have featured prominently in tourist itineraries. As a result, cultural and religious tourism has become one of the area’s main …

News
Durrës remains a favorite destination for domestic and foreign tourists

Durrës remains one of Albania’s most popular destinations for both domestic and international tourists during the summer season. The coastal city combines beaches, history, culture and Albanian hospitality, offering visitors a diverse holiday experience. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the city’s busy streets, filled with tourists during the …

News

Wales Online: Albania draws tourists as affordable Mediterranean holiday destination

TIRANA, August 19 – British media outlet Wales Online reports that Albania is experiencing a surge in tourist demand as travelers seek more affordable alternatives to expensive Mediterranean destinations. Holiday bookings for Albania have risen by 293% compared with last year, according to Thomas Cook. Nicholas Smith, director of dynamic …

News

Four wildfires remain active in Albania as situation improves, no threat to populated areas

TIRANA, August 19 – Albania has 6 wildfire hotspots, with 4 still active and 2 under monitoring, the Ministry of Defence said in an update at 14:00. Authorities have deployed 126 local operational personnel. The Armed Forces are supporting the response with 90 personnel and 2 Air Force helicopters. On …

News

The Independent: Albania Among 10 European Countries Outside the EES System for 2026 Holidays

Albania is among 10 European countries that are not required to apply the new Entry/Exit System (EES) during the 2026 holiday season, British newspaper The Independent reports. Travel across Europe may become more complicated this year as the new biometric border system expands. The EES requires travelers to provide biometric …

News

Mount Tomorr Pilgrimage: Police Announce Traffic Restrictions and Designated Routes

Berat police have introduced measures to protect public safety during the Mount Tomorr pilgrimage, which runs from August 18 to 25, 2026. The measures aim to prevent road accidents, ease traffic and maintain public order. Police have deployed additional officers along roads leading to Mount Tomorr and around the Kulmak …

News

Five Injured After Two Boats Collide on Lake Koman

Five people suffered injuries today after two boats collided on Lake Koman, Shkodra Police reported. Police said the accident happened at around 3:15 p.m. The two boats reportedly collided accidentally. The five injured people remain out of danger. Other passengers on the boats escaped injury. Other boats helped bring the …

News

Haxhiu meets British ambassador, discusses need for political dialogue

Acting President of Kosovo Albulena Haxhiu met today with British Ambassador to Kosovo Jonathan Hargreaves at her office. According to the Presidency, Haxhiu and Hargreaves discussed recent political developments and the country’s institutional situation. They also discussed the need for political dialogue and efforts to overcome the current institutional deadlock, …

News

CamelPhat to Perform Live in Dhërmi for the First Time in Albania

British DJ and producer duo CamelPhat will perform in Albania for the first time on August 21 in Dhërmi. Dave Whelan and Mike Di Scala rank among the biggest names in international electronic music. Prime Minister Edi Rama also announced their arrival on social media. The duo gained international recognition …

News

Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026; Albania Under-21 coach Bushi: We want to show character, not just participate

TIRANA, August 19 – Albania’s Under-21 national football team will compete at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, which RTSH will broadcast. Albania Under-21 head coach Alban Bushi has announced the squad for the tournament. He said the team wants to show the character, personality and mentality of Albanian football. Albania …

News

Cultural heritage draws tourists as monuments and religious sites enrich tourism in Gjirokastër

TIRANA, August 19 – Cultural and religious heritage sites have attracted strong interest from domestic and foreign tourists in Gjirokastër County this year. Churches, mosques, cultural monuments and historical sites have featured prominently in tourist itineraries. As a result, cultural and religious tourism has become one of the area’s main …

News

Durrës remains a favorite destination for domestic and foreign tourists

Durrës remains one of Albania’s most popular destinations for both domestic and international tourists during the summer season. The coastal city combines beaches, history, culture and Albanian hospitality, offering visitors a diverse holiday experience. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage of the city’s busy streets, filled with tourists during the …