Detention of Tirana Mayor Without Charges Highlights Rule-of-Law Concerns in Albania
TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times — The prolonged pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj — still held without formal charges — is raising fresh questions about Albania’s judicial practices, as critics point to growing divergence from European legal standards. Veliaj, once a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party and …
Italy and Albania: Building a Shared Future Through Action and Partnership
By Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania The Italian anthem was written by Goffredo Mameli, a young man who sacrificed his life for Italy’s freedom— the same desire for freedom that has always characterized the Albanian people. This sense of freedom unites us. The very first word of our …
Russian Propaganda Campaign Targets European Summit in Albania
By Vladimir Karaj TIRANA, Albania— A Kremlin-aligned propaganda network unleashed a flurry of disinformation targeting last month’s European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana, seeking to mock Western leaders, amplify Russian narratives, and sow distrust — even as Albania, a staunch NATO ally, hosted the high-profile event. In the days …
Village Schools Left Behind by Albania’s Digital Rollout
Schools in rural parts of Albania are being left behind when it comes to the use of digital tools in teaching and communication. Original post Here
Albania-Serbia Match Highlights Political Fault Lines Amid Fragile Rapprochement
Tirana Times, June 8, 2025 ,The goalless draw between Albania and Serbia on Saturday in Tirana was more than just a World Cup qualifying fixture. Played under the shadow of history, unresolved political tensions, and previous violent episodes between fans, this match offered a revealing glimpse into the complex relationship …
Albania’s Healthcare Plagued by High-Level Corruption and Broken Promises
Tirana Times, 5 June 2025 — More than a decade after promising “free healthcare” to all citizens, Albania’s Socialist government faces mounting public outrage and a credibility crisis, as a new report reveals that 8 in 10 Albanians believe the country’s healthcare system is deeply corrupt. The study, conducted by …
Albania, Greece Signal Readiness to Restart Maritime Talks Amid Lingering Tensions
Albania (Tirana Times) — June 5, 2025, Albania and Greece may be poised to revive negotiations over their long-disputed maritime border, a development that could mark a turning point in relations marred by legal battles, ethnic tensions, and political provocations. The possible reopening of talks was hinted at during a …
Kosovo-Serbia dialogue: Its implications for bilateral relations and domestic affairs of Albania
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Kosovo-Serbia dialogue: Its implications for bilateral relations and domestic affairs of Albania appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Albania Legalizes Cannabis Amid Crime and State Capture Fears
Albanian police during an anti-cannabis operation. Photo: State Police. TIRANA, 4 June 2025 , (TT) — The Albanian government has approved the cultivation of cannabis for medical and industrial purposes, issuing licenses covering 29,000 hectares of land stretching from the north to the south of the country — a move …
Makeover of Communist-Era Albanian Jail as Film Set Angers Survivors
The decision to use the former Spac labour camp to shoot a film – and repaint some of the buildings – has enraged former inmates and activists who say the works threaten to alter history. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 24 – Ukraine marks 35 years of independence today, with Ambassador Volodymyr Shkurov stressing the country’s long struggle to defend its sovereignty and European choice. In a message marking the anniversary, Shkurov recalled that Ukraine declared independence on August 24, 1991. He said more than 90% of voters …
TIRANA, August 24 – Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Monday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with some cloudiness developing over eastern areas from midday into the afternoon. Light rain may affect mountain areas in the east and south, while the rest …
TIRANA, August 24 – Albania’s fire situation has improved, according to the Ministry of Defence. Civil Protection structures continue coordinated operations across the country. Authorities reported 11 fires during the day. Four remain active and 7 are under monitoring. A total of 332 operational personnel and 15 firefighting vehicles are …
TIRANA, August 24 – Canadian newspaper The Toronto Star reports on Albania’s rapid transformation from a communist-era isolated state into a growing European tourism destination. Reporter Tim Johnson highlights its natural beauty, cultural heritage, diverse landscapes and expanding tourism infrastructure. According to Albania’s Institute of Statistics, foreign visitors travelling for …
As preparations continue for the “Prishtina & Durrës 2030” Mediterranean Games, Albania is working to strengthen Durrës as a major sports destination in the region. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja held talks in Taranto with newly elected International Committee of the Mediterranean Games President Francesco Purromuto and …
Albania is taking part in the 32nd International Horticultural Congress, IHC2026, in Kyoto, Japan. The major scientific event runs until August 28 and brings together researchers, academics, experts and professionals from around the world. Albanian academic Nazim S. Gruda represents the country at the congress. He is a member of …
TIRANA, August 24 – The Organization of War Veterans of the Kosovo Liberation Army (OVL-KLA) has backed former Kosova Liberation Army commander Ramush Haradinaj’s proposal to restore Hashim Thaçi’s presidential mandate after his return to Kosova. In a Facebook post, the veterans’ organization described the proposal as carrying “national and …
TIRANA, August 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama will meet his cabinet ministers in Pogradec today to discuss priorities for the second year of the Socialist Party’s fourth governing term. The meeting follows a session with the party’s political leaders from Albania’s 12 counties and the heads of parliamentary committees. …
TIRANA, August 24 – Albania won its first medal at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games as wrestler Ardit Zeneli claimed bronze in the Greco-Roman style in the up to 67-kilogram category. Zeneli beat Greece’s Stavros Ntounias 9-8 in the bronze-medal bout. The match remained closely contested until the end. Meanwhile, …
Visitors are enjoying the natural beauty of the Vjosa River, one of Albania’s most valuable natural treasures. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the river, showing its clear waters and surrounding landscapes. Visitors can also be seen along the riverbanks, enjoying the summer heat and cooling off in the …