AIIS Honors Ilir Ikonomi with “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize
Tirana Times, March 26 , 2026 – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has awarded its prestigious annual “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize for 2025 to historian and translator Ilir Ikonomi, recognizing his outstanding contribution to bringing major works of international scholarship to the Albanian audience. Ilir Ikonomi received the award …
Week in Review: Alignment, Collision and Scandal
From a political spying scandal to MAGA alignment and a brewing collision with the law, selection of BIRN Premium stories this week makes for an exciting read. Original post Here
Iran-Linked Hackers Target Albanian Post in Latest Attack
The now-notorious hacker group Homeland Justice claimed that it had breached the computer defences of Albania’s postal service following its attack on parliament’s systems earlier this month. Original post Here
In Albania, Leveraging Celebrity Exposure to Stay out of Jail
Charged with corruption, money laundering and concealment of wealth, ex-politician Monika Kryemadhi is rebranding herself as a showbiz celebrity on the Big Brother reality show, but can it keep her out of prison? Original post Here
Albanian Ex-Mayor Convicted in Second Abuse of Office Case
An appeals court upheld the verdict jailing the former Socialist Party mayor of Himara, Jorgo Goro, who was at the centre of a political storm during a controversial election in 2023. Original post Here
Rama’s Collision With Justice Shatters Illusions About Albania’s Democracy
The prime minister’s moves to shield his deputy from arrest feel like the beginning of the end of an era for Albanians’ hopes that the powerful would finally be held accountable. Original post Here
Albania Slips Into Electoral Autocracy
V Dem places Albania in a category dominated by African states, with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina the only Western Balkan countries in the same group. Tirana Times, March 23, 2026 – Albania has been placed in the category of electoral autocracy in the latest Democracy Report 2026 by the …
Middle East Crisis: Balkan Countries Act to Ease Spike in Oil Prices
As oil and gas prices surge amid the Iran war, Balkan countries are pondering ways to reduce the impact on households and businesses. Original post Here
Timeline: Albania’s High-Level Corruption Cases Raise Political Temperature
The controversy over Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has put the spotlight on prosecution efforts to target high-level corruption – but she is only the latest senior politician to face charges. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 23, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Housing will be one of the key priorities of the government’s “Rilindja 2.0” programme. Prime Minister Edi Rama has presented the new National Housing Programme, which aims to reshape the state’s approach to housing, particularly for young people and families. Rama said the programme follows a year of intensive work …
Parliament is reviewing amendments to the law on confiscated illegal constructions. The changes aim to improve their administration and support their use for social housing and public purposes. The draft law would centralize the process under the Agency for the Administration of Seized and Confiscated Assets (AAPSK). The agency would …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said Albania is entering a new chapter in housing policy as she presented the National Housing Programme for Albania 2030. Ibrahimaj said the government has focused on supporting vulnerable groups since 2018. Around 30,000 families have received support through various housing programmes, while around …
LDK leader Lumir Abdixhiku met today with Anu Prattipati, chargé d’affaires at the US Embassy in Kosovo, to discuss the country’s political situation. According to an LDK statement, the meeting focused on recent developments in the Assembly and the process of constituting Kosovo’s institutions. Abdixhiku briefed Prattipati on the LDK’s …
Albania is considering plans to build an LNG terminal on its coast. The facility would receive U.S. liquefied natural gas (LNG) by ship, store it and convert it back into gas. Pipelines would then carry the gas to the Balkans and Southeast Europe. Part of the supply could also reach …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania is exploring new opportunities for cooperation in the film industry with artists and filmmakers from the United States and Canada. Gonxhja and Jonid Jorgji, head of the National Center of Cinematography, met with the group to discuss potential areas of collaboration. …
The streets of Shkodër, along with destinations such as Lake Koman and the Albanian Alps, continue to attract foreign visitors. Many tourists choose to spend several days exploring Albania’s nature and culture. “I come from the United States, and this is my first time in Albania. I really like it …
“Bregu i Lofatave,” an olive grove in Risili, Vlora, produces premium extra virgin olive oil for domestic and international markets. The farm now exports its products to several European countries and the United States. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video of the olive grove on social media. He highlighted …
Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has continued his visit to the United States with a meeting with the Albanian-American community in Texas. The meeting focused on discussions with Albanian-Americans who live and work in the state. Berisha also praised the community for its warm welcome and strong participation. In a …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, took part in the “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference. The Italian news agency ANSA organized the conference during the 34th General Assembly of the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE). The event brought together senior representatives from …