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Multigenderism’s Curious Impact

1. The Last Cycle of Extremist Ideologies in the Old Continent – Council of Europe   In 2011, the Council of Europe adopted the final version of the Convention on Preventing and Combating Violence against Women and Domestic Violence (Istanbul Convention), which contained many useful provisions. However, Article 3(c), which …

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Balluku Charges Test PM Rama’s Power

TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) November 11, 2025. The criminal charges filed against Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure Minister Belinda Balluku over the Llogara Tunnel project have pushed Albania’s flagship justice reform into uncharted territory, bringing prosecutors closer than ever to the core of Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government. The Special …

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Albanian Political Giants’ Electoral Reform Deal is a Sham, Rivals Suspect

Albania’s smaller parties believe the country’s two main political forces unexpectedly agreed to work together on electoral reform in order to fix the system to maintain their dominance. Original post Here

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Western Balkans Remains Key Smuggling Corridor in Europe: Report

The Western Balkan countries remain important corridors in Europe for drug and human trafficking and migrant smuggling, says the 2025 Organised Crime Index, produced by an anti-graft NGO. Original post Here

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: November 10, 2025

Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here

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Ambassador Tsao: lets focus cooperation on technology and AI

Tirana Times sat with the Head of the Taipei Representative office in Italy, Ambassador Vincent Tsao on his recent visit to Albania to talk about cooperation and exchange in technology, development, education and more… Your Excellency, Taiwan is known globally for its advanced technology and innovation sectors. What specific areas …

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Albania’s Gender Equality Law: Now Let’s See It Implemented

Online disinformation from opponents of the new gender equality law shouldn’t obscure the real issue: this vital legislation has been adopted by parliament, but now we need it to work in practice, not just on paper. Original post Here

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Albania Gender-Equality Law Draws Praise and Condemnation

Women’s rights groups hailed adoption of the new equality law as a historic move – while the opposition Democratic Party and ‘pro-family’ groups called it an attack on traditional values. Original post Here

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Leaked Albanian Investigation Implicates Deputy PM in Tender-Rigging

A leaked file, apparently from an anti-corruption prosecutors’ probe, suggests deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku played an active role in predetermining the winner of a major construction tender. Original post Here

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Rama: Albania Has No Fear of Russia

Tirana Times | November 5, 2025 Berlin/Tirana – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has downplayed growing Western fears of a possible Russian expansion of aggression in Europe, declaring that Moscow would “not attack Albania or any other European country” and that NATO remains fully capable of deterring any threat. In …

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Bank of Albania: Economic confidence rises 1.8 points in August, led by construction

TIRANA, September 1 – Economic confidence in Albania improved in August, led by construction, while trade and services also recorded gains, according to the Bank of Albania. The Economic Sentiment Indicator rose by 1.8 points and stood 7.4 points above its historical average. Construction recorded the strongest increase, with confidence …

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Public beach areas increase by 67% this season

TIRANA, September 1 – The number of public beach areas increased by 67% across Albania this tourist season. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the increase in a social media post. The total area of public beach stations also grew by more than 10%. Gonxhja said the expansion …

News
Metro: Albania offers a rare European mountain escape beyond the Dolomites

TIRANA, September 1 – British newspaper Metro highlights the Albanian Alps as a rare mountain destination with dramatic landscapes, quiet trails and low costs. Reporter Sadie Whitelocks describes the region as an alternative to the crowded Dolomites. The article follows a 7-day hiking challenge across the mountains of Albania, Kosova …

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FM Hoxha at European Forum Alpbach: Albania contributes to Europe’s security

TIRANA, September 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha took part in the European Forum Alpbach in Austria at the invitation of Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. He joined a panel focused on Europe’s ability to act in a rapidly changing world. Hoxha said Albania’s present and future are closely linked …

News
Kukës lake boat tours set to expand with planned Kukës-Fierza route

TIRANA, September 1 – Tourist boat trips on Kukës Lake have drawn strong interest during the summer season, the first year of the service. Visitors have used the tours to explore the lake and the area’s natural attractions. According to boat operator Edmond Bytyçi, requests came from visitors from several …

News
FM Hoxha at Bled Strategic Forum: EU enlargement makes the bloc stronger and more united

TIRANA, September 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha took part in a panel on “Enlargement as Europe’s Future Geopolitical Tool” at the Bled Strategic Forum, alongside European Commissioner Marta Kos. Hoxha said enlargement should remain a merit-based process and stressed the importance of credibility and maintaining the pace of negotiations. …

News
27 wildfires reported in 24 hours, 4 remain active

TIRANA, September 1 – The Ministry of Defence reported 27 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Four fires remain active, while authorities are monitoring 4 others. Firefighters deployed 432 operational personnel and 43 vehicles, with support from 70 military personnel and 3 Air Force helicopters. Today, authorities plan …

News
Emanuela Rusta to referee Paris Saint-Germain–Frankfurt in Women’s Champions League

TIRANA, September 1 – Albanian referee Emanuela Rusta will officiate another major European fixture. She will referee the second leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League between Paris Saint-Germain and Frankfurt. The match will take place on September 2 at 18:30 at the PSG Campus …

News
Documentary exhibition highlights Albania’s protection of Jewish people during World War II

Albania’s history of protecting Jewish people during World War II took center stage at a documentary exhibition held today at the General Directorate of Archives. The exhibition highlighted how Albanian families sheltered Jewish people fleeing Nazi persecution and antisemitic terror. A group of history teachers from Albania and Kosovo attended …

News
US Embassy praises Albania for repatriating 5 citizens from Syria, calls it a victory for global security

TIRANA, September 1 – The US Embassy in Tirana praised Albania for repatriating 5 Albanian citizens from Syria. The group included 2 women and 3 children. The embassy described the operation as an important step for the families and for global security. It said the returnees would receive support for …

News

Bank of Albania: Economic confidence rises 1.8 points in August, led by construction

TIRANA, September 1 – Economic confidence in Albania improved in August, led by construction, while trade and services also recorded gains, according to the Bank of Albania. The Economic Sentiment Indicator rose by 1.8 points and stood 7.4 points above its historical average. Construction recorded the strongest increase, with confidence …

News

Public beach areas increase by 67% this season

TIRANA, September 1 – The number of public beach areas increased by 67% across Albania this tourist season. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja announced the increase in a social media post. The total area of public beach stations also grew by more than 10%. Gonxhja said the expansion …

News

Metro: Albania offers a rare European mountain escape beyond the Dolomites

TIRANA, September 1 – British newspaper Metro highlights the Albanian Alps as a rare mountain destination with dramatic landscapes, quiet trails and low costs. Reporter Sadie Whitelocks describes the region as an alternative to the crowded Dolomites. The article follows a 7-day hiking challenge across the mountains of Albania, Kosova …

News

FM Hoxha at European Forum Alpbach: Albania contributes to Europe’s security

TIRANA, September 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha took part in the European Forum Alpbach in Austria at the invitation of Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger. He joined a panel focused on Europe’s ability to act in a rapidly changing world. Hoxha said Albania’s present and future are closely linked …

News

Kukës lake boat tours set to expand with planned Kukës-Fierza route

TIRANA, September 1 – Tourist boat trips on Kukës Lake have drawn strong interest during the summer season, the first year of the service. Visitors have used the tours to explore the lake and the area’s natural attractions. According to boat operator Edmond Bytyçi, requests came from visitors from several …

News

FM Hoxha at Bled Strategic Forum: EU enlargement makes the bloc stronger and more united

TIRANA, September 1 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha took part in a panel on “Enlargement as Europe’s Future Geopolitical Tool” at the Bled Strategic Forum, alongside European Commissioner Marta Kos. Hoxha said enlargement should remain a merit-based process and stressed the importance of credibility and maintaining the pace of negotiations. …

News

27 wildfires reported in 24 hours, 4 remain active

TIRANA, September 1 – The Ministry of Defence reported 27 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Four fires remain active, while authorities are monitoring 4 others. Firefighters deployed 432 operational personnel and 43 vehicles, with support from 70 military personnel and 3 Air Force helicopters. Today, authorities plan …

News

Emanuela Rusta to referee Paris Saint-Germain–Frankfurt in Women’s Champions League

TIRANA, September 1 – Albanian referee Emanuela Rusta will officiate another major European fixture. She will referee the second leg of the third qualifying round of the UEFA Women’s Champions League between Paris Saint-Germain and Frankfurt. The match will take place on September 2 at 18:30 at the PSG Campus …

News

Documentary exhibition highlights Albania’s protection of Jewish people during World War II

Albania’s history of protecting Jewish people during World War II took center stage at a documentary exhibition held today at the General Directorate of Archives. The exhibition highlighted how Albanian families sheltered Jewish people fleeing Nazi persecution and antisemitic terror. A group of history teachers from Albania and Kosovo attended …

News

US Embassy praises Albania for repatriating 5 citizens from Syria, calls it a victory for global security

TIRANA, September 1 – The US Embassy in Tirana praised Albania for repatriating 5 Albanian citizens from Syria. The group included 2 women and 3 children. The embassy described the operation as an important step for the families and for global security. It said the returnees would receive support for …