Tensions Over ‘Gulenist’ Claims Mar Election of Albania’s Muslim Leader
The election of Bujar Spahiu as the new head of the Albanias an Muslim Community was marred by opponents’ allegations that he supports Turkish cleric Fetullah Gulen, who is wanted for arrest by the Ankara government. Original post Here
Albania Convicts Ethnic Greek Politician Fredi Beleri of Vote-Buying
After a high-profile trial that caused a diplomatic rift between Albania and Greece, the ethnic Greek mayor-elect of the Albanian town of Himara, Fredi Beleri, was sentenced to two years in prison for vote-buying. Original post Here
Albanian Public Broadcaster Fires Programme Director for Social Media Post
A programme director at the Albanian public broadcaster RTSH was fired by the new head of the station, Alfred Peza, a former ruling party MP who has been criticised for other dismissals since he took the job. Original post Here
TikTok Used Across Balkans to ‘Slutshame’ Women and Girls
A BIRN analysis of hundreds of videos uploaded by TikTok users in eight Balkan countries shows the platform has become a hub for abuse of women and girls based on their appearance and actual or perceived sexual behaviour – ‘slutshaming’. Original post Here
Online Video in Albania of Prince’s Fight Raises Privacy Concerns
Experts say leak of video showing fight between prince and ex-wife serves no public interest – and raises serious legal and ethical questions about standards of media in Albania. Original post Here
Women in Albanian Textile Sector Pay High Price for Lek’s Rally
Critics say the government is not doing enough to protect Albanian textile exporters from the rapidly strengthening lek currency. Most of the industry’s employees are women at risk of sliding into poverty. Original post Here
More Soldiers, Jets and Javelins: Southeast Europe Seeks Defence Upgrade
Whether through compulsory military service or new hardware, some countries in southeast Europe are trying to bolster their defences in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine. But not all states can afford it. Original post Here
Albanian Parties’ Possible Deal Sparks Fears About Justice Reform
The ruling Socialist Party and opposition Refoundation Democratic Party told BIRN they are nearing an agreement to end the ongoing disruption of parliament, but concerns have been raised that a deal could derail judicial reform and the fight against corruption. Original post Here
Nowhere to go: Albanian Women Reporting Domestic Violence Risk Homelessness
Too many municipalities in Albania lack shelters for domestic violence victims – which are needed to encourage victims to speak out. Original post Here
Albanians Abroad Start Campaign to Vote for 2025 Elections
Campaigners say it is high time the 1.68 million Albanians living and working outside the country had a right to vote in the country’s elections without having to travel home. Original post Here
The European Commission has launched a call for civil society organizations that want to join the new Civil Society Platform, a permanent dialogue mechanism between civil society groups and European Union institutions. The platform aims to create a forum where organizations can exchange ideas and experiences, discuss challenges facing civil …
Albania has become part of the soundtrack of one of the year’s most anticipated films, “The Odyssey” by director Christopher Nolan. The film, which premiered worldwide this week, is Nolan’s latest adaptation of Homer’s epic poem. Starring Matt Damon as Odysseus and featuring a major Hollywood cast, the production was …
The Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), in cooperation with the Butrint Management Foundation (BMF), has launched the first call for applications under the Butrint Community Grant Scheme. The initiative supports individuals, local businesses and nonprofit organizations with projects focused on economic, cultural, social and tourism development in the Butrint National Park …
Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a photo album highlighting the week’s key events. First, he attended the Coalition of the Willing Summit on Ukraine in Paris at the invitation of French President Emmanuel Macron. He also joined France’s National Day ceremony and reaffirmed Albania’s strong partnership with its Euro-Atlantic allies. …
Tirana Times, July 18, 2026 – For years, the U.S. and the EU invested significant political capital, funding, and diplomatic pressure into helping Albania build one of the most ambitious anti-corruption institutions in the Balkans: the Special Anti-Corruption Structure, known as SPAK. SPAK was created to do what previous institutions …
The European Commission says Albania continued to implement judicial reform and the Cross-Sector Justice Strategy throughout 2026. First, Albania completed the vetting process for all judges and prosecutors after authorities finalized the appeals phase. Consequently, the process further strengthened judicial independence, accountability, and integrity across the justice system. In addition, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said tourism and foreign investments currently bring €8.5 billion into Albania’s economy. Speaking at an event promoting the national program “Double Your Business,” Rama highlighted the growth of tourism and its impact on economic development. According to him, tourists now fill the streets of Tirana in …
A new space dedicated to art, culture, and community has become part of Tirana’s urban landscape. The Art Park in Kinostudio has transformed the former film studio area into a new meeting point for residents, artists, and visitors. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images on social media showing large numbers …
TIRANA, July 17 – The Artistic Ensemble “Skanderbeg” from Korça represented Albania at the 59th edition of the International “Festival des Cultures du Monde” in Chambéry, France. The festival brought together folklore and cultural groups from different parts of the world. The Albanian ensemble presented traditional costumes, music and dances, …
TIRANA, July 17 – Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj presented the sovereign scheme “Double your business”, which aims to help Albanian companies access financing and increase investment, productivity and competitiveness in European markets. Ibrahimaj said the initiative responds to the real needs of businesses and supports the development …