Narco-Politics and the Erosion of Democracy in Albania
In a country where democratic institutions are already fragile, a sprawling Italian anti-mafia investigation has thrown Albania’s political establishment into turmoil. At its heart lies the so-called Troplini Group, a narco-network accused of trafficking heroin and cocaine from Latin America through the Port of Durrës, laundering profits via the country’s …
Italy-Albania Police Operation Nets 40 Suspected Drug Traffickers
Joint police investigation results in arrest of 40 members of three gangs allegedly involved in cocaine and heroin trafficking and money laundering, including one gang based in Durres, Albania. Original post Here
Thwarting Opposition Hopes, Albania’s Socialists Win Big Abroad
Albania’s well-organised ruling party worked hard to mobilise voters abroad for an election that for the first time featured postal ballots. It paid off. Original post Here
Tirana Emerges as Strategic Hub at FII PRIORITY Europe Summit
TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times , May 20, — For the first time, Albania hosted the prestigious Future Investment Initiative (FII) Europe Summit, drawing a constellation of global leaders, tech innovators, and major investors to its capital. Coinciding with the 6th European Political Community (EPC) meeting, the summit positioned Tirana as …
European Political Community Summit in Tirana – Substance, Symbolism, and Domestic Contradictions
Tirana, 17 May 2025 The Sixth Summit of the European Political Community (EPC), held in Tirana on 16 May 2025, convened 47 European leaders in a highly symbolic gathering that showcased continental unity in the face of geopolitical volatility. Under the banner “New Europe in a New World: Unity – …
Albania’s 2025 Elections: Triumph of the Socialists or the Fall of Democracy?
The May 11 parliamentary elections delivered a further consolidationof the Socialist government under Edi Rama’s leadership, while simultaneously revealing adeterioration in democratic standards across the country: unequal representation, abuse ofstate resources, media capture, and pressure on the opposition. The near-absolute majoritythat the Socialist Party has effectively secured in these elections …
Lawyers and Journalists Need Protection, Urges Council of Europe Chief
The secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, tells BIRN why the European rights body recently adopted the first-ever international treaty aimed at protecting lawyers from harassment and threats. Original post Here
Young Voters Must Stop Albania Stagnating and Lead the Way to the EU
The low youth turnout at Albania’s parliamentary election was an alarm call. Without young voices demanding reform, the country cannot tackle corruption and democratic backsliding, end the brain drain and move towards EU membership. Original post Here
Share Your Experience: Menstrual Poverty in the Balkans and France
Are you a woman saving up on menstrual products? Trying to make them last longer than prescribed, or using reusable products? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Albania’s Small Parties Defy Odds to Challenge Electoral Duopoly
Despite an electoral system designed to keep them down, small parties won almost 10 per cent of the votes and a few seats in the parliamentary elections – taking on the big parties’ stranglehold on Albanian politics. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 24 – Acting President of Kosova Albulena Haxhiu presented citizenship decrees to former U.S. Congressman Joe DioGuardi and his wife, Shirley Cloyes DioGuardi, at a special ceremony. DioGuardi, the first Albanian-American voting member of the U.S. Congress, has been one of the strongest voices in Washington in support …
The Albanian animated film “The Fight for Life”, produced in 1981, will undergo restoration through the “Adopt a Film for Restoration” initiative. Doctors Rubin and Ilir Topi have joined the initiative led by the Central State Film Archive. They chose to restore the film in memory of their father, doctor …
Albania’s Vlora region continues to attract visitors with its rich natural landscapes, biodiversity and protected areas. From January to July, more than 494,000 people visited protected areas across the region. According to the Vlora Protected Areas Administration, 166,809 visitors were Albanian, while 327,239 were international tourists. Butrint National Park recorded …
In the heart of the Shushica Valley, Brati Bridge is attracting visitors looking for a different kind of summer getaway, away from both the sea and the mountains. From the new Vlora River Road, a scenic route offering views of the villages along the river, visitors can walk for about …
TIRANA, August 24 – Albanian internationals enjoyed another positive week in overseas leagues, with Jasir Asani, Cristian Shpendi and Etnik Brruti scoring, while Ernest Muçi and Stavro Pilo provided assists. In Turkey, Muçi returned to the starting lineup after recovering from injury. The Albania forward assisted Mohamed Salah for Trabzonspor’s …
TIRANA, August 24 – The Albanian Investment Development Agency has announced its 7th call for proposals for small projects under Specific Objective 4.6 of the Greece–Albania Interreg IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme. The call offers new funding opportunities for projects focused on development and cross-border cooperation. The total fund amounts to …
TIRANA, August 24 – The first round of Albania’s top-flight football league has ended, with all five matches played over three days. The opening round began on Friday with Vllaznia and Skënderbeu drawing 2-2. On Saturday, Partizani and Teuta played out a 0-0 draw, while Laçi and AF Elbasani finished …
TIRANA, August 24 – The number of foreigners holding residence permits in Albania continued to rise in 2025, reaching 32,163 by the end of the year. The figure was 46.6% higher than in 2024, according to the Institute of Statistics. Men accounted for 65% of residence permit holders, while women …
TIRANA, August 24 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video on social media featuring an exchange with Diella, described as the “AI minister”, shortly before the start of a government cabinet meeting in Pogradec. In the video, Rama asks Diella, the Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, about Education …
TIRANA, August 24 – Authorities released 2 million Koran fish fry into Lake Ohrid in Pogradec this weekend as part of efforts to replenish aquatic fauna and protect the endemic species. The Koran is important to the lake’s ecosystem and the local economy. The release took place during the Koran …