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
More than 5 thousand cannabis seedlings and plants were destroyed, 2 arrested and one wanted
About 5396 cannabis seedlings and plants were destroyed in Lezhë, Elbasan and Shkodër as part of the police operation coded “Clean Territory”. In the forest of Gëziq village in Mirditë, 500 cannabis seedlings were found in cubes. 35-year-old Maringlen Gjeta was arrested and his brother was declared wanted. For this …
Three arrested in Morina for smuggling, an police officers part of the investigation
Three people were handcuffed at the border crossing point in Morina, as they were suspected of smuggling (vehicle parts) from Kosovo to Albania. According to the police, this group carried out the transportation of vehicles by bus and sold them in Albania, while it was also arrested and a customs …
A 38 year old declared wanted by Italy, arrested in Tirana
A 38-year-old wanted by Italian justice was arrested in Tirana, as part of the coded police operation “Wanted 3”. Altianado Feimi was put in handcuffs after being declared an international wanted, after the Court of Genoa, Italy, has assigned the security measure “Arrest in prison”, for the criminal offenses “Criminal …
More than 34,000 domestic and international tourists visited the protected areas of Kukës during the first half of 2026, exploring alpine landscapes, mountain trails, biodiversity and natural attractions. The protected areas offer visitors a unique experience through forests, lakes, natural springs and cultural heritage sites, combining adventure with nature exploration. …
Agrotourism is becoming an important driver of economic and social development in Albania’s rural areas, creating jobs and strengthening local economies. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images from the “N’Kanu” agrotourism centre in Perlat, Mirditë, describing it as an example of returning migrants investing in their hometowns and promoting rural …
Seman Beach, located 18 kilometres from Fier, is attracting visitors with its wide coastline, fine therapeutic sand and warm waters. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the popular summer destination on social media, highlighting its appeal among holidaymakers. In recent years, Seman and Darzezë beaches have become increasingly popular …
President Begaj praised the forum as a valuable platform that strengthens interfaith dialogue and promotes peace, mutual understanding, and cooperation across Europe. He said Albania stands as a model of religious harmony, peaceful coexistence, and hospitality. He added that these values define the country’s identity and encouraged the delegates to …
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:0c81e9b2-d514-4f1d-a367-bde215b12958-50″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-12″ data-turn=”assistant”> Albania ranks first in the Western Balkans in the 2026 Environmental Performance Index, Prime Minister Edi Rama announced today. In a video message, Rama said the global index places Albania 46th among 177 countries. He added that the country has achieved …
An artisan workshop in the heart of Tropoja has become a model for preserving cultural heritage and strengthening women’s economic independence. With support from the European Union through the EU4Innovation programme, local women artisans are keeping traditional crafts alive while creating new job opportunities for the community. At the workshop, …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Gjirokastër Castle remains the most popular tourist attraction in southern Albania. More Albanian and international visitors have explored the landmark this summer, highlighting the growing appeal of the UNESCO-listed museum city and its rich cultural heritage. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage reports that about 130,000 people have visited the …
Albania recorded strong growth in foreign trade in June 2026. According to the latest report from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT), merchandise exports reached 35.4 billion lek, up 13.6 percent from a year earlier. Exports also increased 8.3 percent from May. Imports climbed to 83.5 billion lek, marking a 9.1 …
Albania’s annual inflation rate reached 3.2 percent in June 2026, according to the latest data from the Institute of Statistics (INSTAT). The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices tracks retail prices and aligns with European Union standards. Food and non-alcoholic beverages made the largest contribution to annual inflation, adding 1.02 percentage …