Personal Data Misuse Tops Albanian Cybercrime List: Police
Head of cybercrime directorate says computer fraud and related offences – often for the purpose of financial gain – are the main cybercrimes committed in Albania. Original post Here
‘Tragicomic’: Ex-Political Prisoners in Albania Still Awaiting Compensation
More than three decades since communism fell in Albania, only six per cent of former political prisoners or their family members have received the full compensation they are entitled to. Original post Here
EU Keeps IPARD III Frozen Over Corruption and Abuse
Albania, July 29,2025, While Albania’s government continues to project an image of rapid progress toward European Union membership—pledging to have negotiated all accession chapters by 2027—the reality on the ground tells a very different story. A recent reaffirmation by the European Commission that €112 million in IPARD III agricultural development …
Unprotected, Women in Albania, Kosovo Face ‘Toxic Coexistence’ with Digital Abuse
Weak laws and institutional indifference mean women in Albania and Kosovo are largely unprotected against often devastating levels of gender-based digital violence. Original post Here
Albanian Drug Cartel Dismantled in EU Crackdown
Seizure of six tons of cocaine reveals how criminal profits are laundered into Albania’s booming construction sector. TIRANA, July 27, 2025 (Tirana Times) — Albania’s political crisis deepened this week asopposition leader Sali Berisha launched a sweeping series of accusations against PrimeMinister Edi Rama, claiming the May 11 local elections …
Dirty Money Fuels Albania’s Construction Boom
Tirana, Albania – July 28, 2025 A sweeping European-led crackdown on a transnational Albanian drug cartel, culminating in the seizure of six tons of cocaine valued at over €400 million, has reignited concerns that Tirana’s high-rise construction boom is being bankrolled by illicit wealth from organized crime and corruption. The …
Opposition Alleges Vote Rigging via Building Permits
TIRANA, July 27, 2025 (Tirana Times) — Albania’s political crisis deepened this week as opposition leader Sali Berisha launched a sweeping series of accusations against Prime Minister Edi Rama, claiming the May 11 local elections were rigged through an elaborate vote-buying scheme involving 450 illegal construction permits awarded to criminal …
Albania’s New Pyramid: Towers, Dirty Money, and an Emptying NationBy Tirana Times
In 1997, Albania collapsed under the weight of fraudulent pyramid schemes that wiped out people’s life savings and nearly brought the state to its knees. Today, a different kind of pyramid is rising — this time, quite literally. All across Tirana and spreading to other cities and coasts, the country …
Italy’s Tirana-Cairo Deportation Flight Sets ‘Dangerous Precedent’
With the direct deportation of five Egyptians from Tirana to Cairo, rights groups and legal experts say Italy’s offshore migration strategy has taken an ominous turn. Original post Here
Week in Review: Opportunities and Setbacks
This week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories reflect the region’s ongoing push-and-pull between hopes of peace and the bitter weight of history. Original post Here
From Turkey’s search for peace to Serbia’s creeping elections, our selection of Premium stories takes a look at the hopes and dilemmas bubbling away in the background of these developments. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 28 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Kociu highlighted the story of Haxhire, a beekeeper who has worked in the field for around 50 years. She currently cares for 68 beehives. In a social media post, Kociu praised Albanian beekeepers and the support they receive through the National Agriculture …
TIRANA, August 28 – Egnatia were eliminated by Norway’s Lillestrom in the final qualifying round for the Europa League despite taking the lead and controlling much of the match. The Albanian champions will continue their European campaign in the Conference League. Dinamo City also ended its European campaign after losing …
TIRANA, August 28 – Kosova’s Donjeta Sadiku won the gold medal in boxing at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games after defeating Serbia’s Kristina Kuluhova in the final of the women’s up to 60 kg category. Sadiku dominated the bout and forced her opponent to stop in the second round. The …
Ali Podrimja (August 28, 1942–July 21, 2012) was one of the most influential Albanian poets from Kosovo. Critics regard him as a leading figure in modern Albanian poetry, while readers around the world have discovered his work through numerous translations. Born in Gjakova in 1942, Podrimja studied Albanian language and …
TIRANA, August 28 – Authorities reported 22 wildfires across Albania over the past 24 hours. Three remain active, while four others remain under monitoring. The Ministry of Defence said 288 operational personnel and 21 firefighting vehicles have joined the response. The Armed Forces also deployed two helicopters, which took part …
TIRANA, August 28 – The state will take concrete measures to save, restore and protect homes that hold cultural heritage monument status and face deterioration or loss. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the measures will address neglect, fragmented ownership, abandonment and deliberate inaction. Gonxhja said the state …
TIRANA, August 28 – Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala ranks among the top 10 names on OncoDaily’s “100 Women of Impact in Oncology 2026” list. The international initiative recognizes women making significant contributions to cancer care and treatment worldwide. OncoDaily has run the initiative since 2023. The organization …
TIRANA, August 28 – Albania will begin its new UEFA Nations League campaign with four Group 1 League C matches in September and October. The national team will host Belarus at Air Albania Stadium on September 26 before playing away on September 29 and October 3. Albania will return to …
TIRANA, August 28 – Former US congressman Joseph DioGuardi has proposed Faton Bislimi for president of Kosova. His proposal follows a similar move by retired US ambassador and former head of the OSCE Verification Mission in Kosova, William G. Walker. Bislimi is a Kosova academic, former member of the Kosova …