Italy Sends Second Migrant Ship to Albania Following Legal Changes
After encountering legal obstacles to its plans to offshore migrant processing to Albania, Itay has sent a second ship with some 27 migrants on board to the Gjader centre following changes to the rules. Original post Here
Mystery of ‘Ghost Analyst’ Intrigues Albanian Media
Following Albania’s elections this month, an incendiary opinion piece by a political analyst called Helen Bratt went viral. But then people started to raise questions about the author’s identity. Original post Here
After Albania’s Election: Defeated Democratic Party Badly in Need of ‘New People’
In the second of a two-part series on Albania’s post-election political landscape, BIRN looks at why, after another devastating loss, the Democratic Party risks irrelevance without root-and-branch reform. Original post Here
Shadow Networks – How Politics and Organized Crime Appear Intertwined in Albania
TIRANA, Albania May 26,2025– Recent revelations from an Italian anti-mafia investigation have cast a harsh spotlight on the murky relationship between organized crime and the Albanian political elite, deepening concerns over state complicity in shielding and enabling criminal actors. At the center of the storm is Elvis Doçi, alias “Visi …
Trump’s Tariffs Hit Albanian Exports Hard, Exposing Weakness in U.S.-Albania Economic Ties
Albanian exports to the United States have plummeted following the imposition of a 10% tariff on goods by President Donald Trump’s administration — part of a broader protectionist trade policy that has unsettled global markets and strained economic relations with several U.S. allies and partners. According to the Albanian Institute …
After Albania’s Election: Socialists’ Huge Majority Rings Alarm for Democracy
With 83 of parliament’s 140 seats, the ruling Socialists have never been stronger. In the first of a series on Albania’s post-election political landscape, BIRN examines how democratic standards and the struggle against corruption could be affected. Original post Here
From staunch enemy to strategic partner: Albanian-American relations in transition
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post From staunch enemy to strategic partner: Albanian-American relations in transition appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Behind the Façade: What’s Fueling Albania’s Real Estate Boom?
In recent years, Albania—particularly its capital, Tirana—has witnessed a real estate boom of unprecedented proportions. Tower cranes dominate the skyline, new developments sprout at every corner, and record-breaking building permits have become the norm. At first glance, this might seem like a sign of economic vitality. But beneath the surface …
A Taste of Friendship: Turkish Diplomat Bridges Two Nations Through the Language of Food
Edibe Sinem Atay’s new cookbook on Turkish and Albanian cuisine is more than a culinary collection — it is a heartfelt celebration of history, identity, and shared heritage. TIRANA, May 24, 2025.When diplomacy meets the warmth of the kitchen, something deeply human and enduring is born. Edibe Sinem Atay, a …
Tirana Pride Highlights Albania’s LGBT+ Progress Amid EU Hopes
TIRANA, May 25, 2025— Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Albania’s capital on Saturday during the annual Pride Parade, demanding equal rights, legal recognition, and dignity for the LGBT+ community under the motto “Side by Side.” The event, marked by colorful banners and strong calls for inclusion, received …
Euronews journalist Eni Ferati has obtained the testimony given before the Saranda Court by Sokrat Vata, the suspect in the killing of a 21-year-old Portuguese tourist, Luis Miguel Varela Mendes in Ksamil. Vata admitted responsibility for the killing but gave his account of the circumstances, claiming that amid the mass …
The excavation and exhumation of human remains at three locations in Mala Kaludra and Jabuka, in Zubin Potok, where three mass graves have been confirmed, have been completed, Kosovo’s Government Commission on Missing Persons announced. The excavations began in late July in villages in northern Kosovo, and authorities have confirmed …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj has visited Italy, where he attended the opening ceremony of the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games in support of the Albanian team of athletes. During the visit, President Begaj was welcomed by his Italian counterpart, Sergio Mattarella, as well as by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia …
Prime Minister Edi Rama will gather his government cabinet for a two-day meeting in Pogradec on August 23 and 24. The meeting will be held in a “retreat” format, with ministers expected to report on the work carried out so far and present their priorities for the coming months. The …
The Mayor of Mirdita, Albert Melyshi, spoke to the media about the wildfire situation in the municipality, describing it as serious and dangerous. He said the village of Tenë is currently the worst-affected area, where the first evacuations have also taken place. According to Melyshi, some of the fires are …
The Cërrik Municipal Council met to set the schedule for public hearings as part of the Administrative-Territorial Reform. From the beginning of the meeting, right-wing councillors voiced their opposition to the proposed merger of Cërrik with Elbasan, while left-wing councillors also appeared unclear about their position. Cërrik Mayor Florenc Doka …
A provocative incident was reported in Spain during the Conference League match between Getafe and Partizan Belgrade, where the visiting fans repeatedly chanted “Kosovo is Serbia”. Around 6,000 fans were present at the stadium, while the political chants by Serbian supporters could be heard throughout the match. Meanwhile, some of …
Theth welcomes the “Ah Theth” festival this weekend. The festival combines music, sports, adventure and tradition. It takes place from August 21 to 23. The event features two nights and three days of activities. Visitors can enjoy events from sunset to sunrise amid the spectacular landscapes of the Albanian Alps. …
Albania has reached its target of more than 600 MW in new renewable energy capacity ahead of schedule. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said the energy sector reforms are producing concrete results. He said the government is modernizing the legal framework and aligning it with European Union standards. …
Albania’s cultural heritage sites recorded a strong increase in visitors during the first seven months of 2026. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja released the figures for January–July 2026. A total of 824,340 local and foreign visitors explored these destinations. The figure marks an 80% increase compared with …