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
‘I’m Both’: Film Explores Experience of ‘Generation B’ Albanians in Greece
In Albgreko, a short documentary, the children and grandchildren of Albanians immigrants in Greece speak of feeling both Albanian and Greek in ways that those who came in the 1990s never could. Original post Here
Spectacle Over Substance: How Albania’s “War on Money Laundering” Ignores the Towers That Tell the Truth
At first glance, the Albanian government’s latest initiative to combat money laundering appears bold: an investigation into 400 luxury vehicles purchased by individuals with no declared income. Authorities have stated that if the owners fail to justify the source of funds used to purchase these high-end cars, the vehicles will …
The Book “The Journey of the Najdi Boy” as a Literary Bridge Between Saudi Arabia and Albania – The First Saudi Novel in the Albanian Language
By Jerina Zaloshnja The Albanian edition of “The Journey of the Najdi Boy” (Tirana Times, 2025) appears to mark an important milestone in the cultural history between Saudi Arabia and Albania: it is the first work of Saudi literature to be translated into Albanian. This publication results from the collaboration …
Albania-Italy Crime Nexus: Power, Profit, and Corruption
By | Tirana Times | May 29, 2025 ROME — Albanian criminal networks have entrenched themselves across Italy, forging strong alliances with the country’s most powerful mafia syndicates, according to a sweeping new report by Italy’s anti-mafia directorate (DIA), presented this week to the Italian parliament. The 424-page report—among the …
Share Your Experience: Ukrainian Refugees’ Integration in the Balkans, Spain, Poland, Italy
Did you leave Ukraine after the full-scale invasion started in February 2022? Did you find refuge in one of the Balkan countries? Did you manage to integrate? Tell us your story. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 25 – Canadian travel media Travelweek has published an article by Tim Johnson on Tirana’s rapid transformation. The report describes the capital as a modern and dynamic city that is attracting growing international tourism. Johnson highlights the changes around Skanderbeg Square. Modern buildings, public spaces, restaurants and renovated …
TIRANA, August 25 – Albania faces growing pollution and road-safety risks from its ageing vehicle fleet, according to the World Bank. The country’s motorization rate has increased by 122% over the past 10 years. Of the vehicles registered in Albania, 91% are more than 10 years old. The rest have …
Albania is taking steps to give traditional and locally made products greater value in domestic and European markets through stronger geographical protection. A new legal framework aims to protect the names, quality and reputation of products linked to specific regions. The initiative forms part of Albania’s industrial property reform and …
TIRANA, August 25 – Albania recorded 31 wildfires over the past 24 hours, according to the Ministry of Defence. Three fires remain active, while authorities are monitoring 6 others. A total of 370 operational personnel and 22 firefighting vehicles have joined efforts to manage the situation. The Armed Forces have …
TIRANA, August 25 – The State Agency for Strategic Programming and Aid Coordination has updated Albania’s Unified List of Projects of National Importance. The list includes 118 projects with a projected investment value of 14.8 billion euros. The projects support the country’s strategic development priorities and aim to provide a …
Shkodra has received the “Green Destinations Bronze Award”, recognizing the city’s efforts to promote sustainable and responsible tourism. The international certification highlights Shkodra’s commitment to protecting its natural environment, cultural heritage and local communities while developing tourism. The award adds Shkodra to a growing global network of destinations focused on …
TIRANA, August 25 – Dardha village in Korça remains a popular tourist destination throughout the year. Visitors come for its natural surroundings, climate and traditional character. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the picturesque village on social media today. The photos show Dardha surrounded by green forests and visitors …
TIRANA, August 25 – Albania Under-21 beat Kosova 3-1 today in their second Group B match of the football tournament at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. Bode opened the scoring in the 51st minute. Valentin Daja doubled Albania’s lead in the 74th minute. Arlind Leshi added a third goal from …
The Divjakë-Karavasta National Park continues to attract visitors with its rich biodiversity, wetlands and rare bird species. In 2026, the park remains an important destination for nature tourism and birdwatching in Albania. At the heart of the Karavasta Lagoon lies the Pelican Island, an important nesting site for the Dalmatian …
TIRANA, August 25 – Former US Congressman Joe DioGuardi has urged Kosova’s parliamentary parties to elect the country’s president. He warned that failure to do so could create major problems for Kosova and affect stability in the Balkans. DioGuardi made the remarks after receiving Kosova citizenship. DioGuardi said he had …