Robert Budina: Filmmaker Whose Risky Escape from Albania Shaped His Work
The son of an army general in communist Albania, Robert Budina was part of the student protests that helped bring down the regime, only to flee to Italy on an overcrowded boat. The experience has informed his work ever since. Original post Here
Albania Drug Trafficking Probe Targets Top Policeman, Ex-Judge, Journalists
Prosecutors are investigating an Elbasan-based organised crime group that trafficked drugs from Latin America and whose suspected members and associates include a former judge, a senior police official and two journalists. Original post Here
Hundreds of Albanians Still Waiting for Homes, Five Years After Earthquake
The state promised everyone left homeless by a 2019 earthquake a new home in 2020. Some are still living in squalor. Original post Here
THE HISTORY OF AN ART GALLERY
ON THE OCCASION OF 10th ANNIVERSARY OF GALERIAKALO With the exhibition titled PROMENADE organized last week, FONDACIONI KALO ART and GALERIAKALO celebrated their 10th anniversary. A selected number of artworks by Masters, and other well-established artists were displayed on that occasion. GALERIAKALO was founded in November 2014 to support …
Environment Paying Price of Albania’s Failure to Rehabilitate after Mining
A law requiring mining companies to rehabilitate the environment after their operations shut down is being almost completely ignored, and the state has failed to step in. Original post Here
Albania joins SEPA, marking tangible step in economic integration with the EU
TIRANA, Nov. 22, 2024 – Albania’s application to join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) has been approved, and the country will join on Jan. 1, 2025, alongside Montenegro, the central bank announced Thursday. SEPA membership is particularly important because it is a rare tangible measure of EU integration at …
Albania Condemns ‘Passivisation’ of Albanians’ Addresses in South Serbia
Albania joined Kosovo in criticising Serbia’s practice of marking ethnic Albanians’ addresses as ‘inactive’, describing it as a “violation of human rights and standards for the protection of minorities”. Original post Here
Western Balkans’ Biodiversity Threatened by Development and Mismanagement, Report Warns
German-based EuroNatur Foundation report highlights escalating threats to ecosystems im Western Balkans, saying development pressures, policy gaps and poor enforcement of rules jeopardise their future. Original post Here
As Borders Tighten, Violence Rises on Migrant Route Through the Balkans
With the EU tightening its borders, violent transnational smuggling groups have strengthened their grip on the smuggling route that brings refugees and migrants to Europe through the Balkans. Original post Here
Balkan Countries at UN Climate Summit: Touting Renewables, Chasing Gas Deals
The COP29 climate change summit in Baku has proven a lucrative side hustle for the host – gas-producing, oil-rich Azerbaijan – with Balkan visitors lining up to strike deals. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 12 — Archbishop Joani of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania is in Imbros for the celebration of the 65th anniversary of Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew’s entry into the clergy. Patriarch Theodore II of Alexandria and All Africa is also attending the celebration. Joani and Theodore II accompanied Bartholomew to …
TIRANA, August 12 – Customs revenue reached ALL 142 billion in the first 7 months of 2026. The figure marks a ALL 5.1 billion increase from the same period in 2025. The increase represents 3.7% growth. General Director of Customs Besmir Beja provided the figures today. He said the Customs …
TIRANA, August 12 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has highlighted the importance of the Ohrid Framework Agreement ahead of its 25th anniversary on August 13. He described the 2001 accord as a major political and diplomatic achievement for North Macedonia and the Western Balkans. According to Hoxha, the agreement gave …
TIRANA, August 12 – Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said today that operations to manage the wildfire in Lura National Park continue at high intensity. The fire affects the Runja area above Borie Lura village. In a social media statement, Nufi said all relevant structures remain engaged in the operation. They …
TIRANA, August 12 – The Ministry of Defence has opened public consultation on a new draft law on procurement in defence and security. The draft would replace Law No. 36/2020. The initiative takes into account comments from the European Commission and findings from the Support for Improvement in Governance and …
Albania Serbia Diplomatic Clash Heats Up the Summer By Albert Rakipi, PhD Tirana Times, August 12, 2026 – The latest dispute over the Ibar River shows how quickly a real security issue in the Western Balkans can be transformed into a contest of nationalist narratives. When Serbian President Aleksandar Vučić …
TIRANA, August 12 – Apollonia Archaeological Park remains one of the most visited destinations in Fier Municipality during the summer season. The site attracts domestic and foreign tourists interested in Albania’s history and cultural heritage. Meanwhile, many visitors are arriving in Apollonia during the August days to explore the ruins …
TIRANA, August 12 – Shkodër Art Gallery will resume an intensive programme of activities in September. The summer season also focused on presenting works from the gallery’s collection. The second half of the year will bring various visual art exhibitions and projects. Fatmir Juka, head of Shkodër Art Gallery, said …
TIRANA, August 12 – The night of August 12 will bring one of the summer’s most spectacular astronomical events. The Perseid meteor shower will peak overnight. People can also observe the phenomenon with the naked eye. The peak will occur during the night between August 12 and 13. Meanwhile, viewing …
TIRANA, August 12 – European Union officials have opposed Serbia’s plans to change the course of the Ibër River unless Serbia discusses the matter with Kosova. European Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper told reporters that statements from the Serbian side do not support the goal of normal relations between Kosova and …