Building a Trusted Health Tourism Ecosystem: Albania’s Next Competitive Advantage
by Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, March 17, 2026 – There are countries you visit, and there are countries you remember. Albania is rapidly becoming the latter. I began writing this article before travelling to Albania, drawing on the country’s remarkable tourism growth and the strategic opportunities it presents. Yet …
‘Cruel, Sadistic’: Albanian Communist State’s Killings of Escapees Still Mostly Unpunished
In the final years of Albania’s communist dictatorship, the authorities shot dozens of citizens trying to flee the country – and most of the attempts to bring the killers to justice have met obstruction and incompetence. Original post Here
Major Cocaine Heist Reveals Albanian Links to Swedish Drug Trade
The theft of a shipment of cocaine that was smuggled from Costa Rica to Sweden exposed the role of Albanian criminal groups in the international logistics of the drug trade, as well as the challenges in holding them accountable. Original post Here
Iran-Linked Hackers’ Fresh Strike on Albania Highlights Continued Negligence
A new cyberattack by Iran-linked Homeland Justice group targeting Albania’s parliament revealed the continued vulnerability of state digital systems and failures to implement basic security measures. Original post Here
Week in Review: The Wheel of Fortune
Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at the changing fortunes, power dynamics and neighbourly relations of countries and actors in South-east Europe. Original post Here
Parliament Blocks Balluku Arrest and Puts Justice on Trial
TIRANA, March 12, 2026 – Albania’s Parliament, dominated by Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party, has refused to authorize the arrest of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, blocking a request by the Special Prosecution Against Corruption and Organized Crime, SPAK, and triggering one of the gravest confrontations yet between …
UN Report Spotlights Mistreatment During Childbirth in Western Balkans
Survey of women who gave birth recently reveals a “pervasive yet often hidden crisis of obstetric violence” and a widespread dissatisfaction with medical care. Original post Here
Albanian Parliament Votes Against Lifting Former Deputy PM’s Immunity
Ruling Socialist Party uses its majority in parliament to vote down a prosecution request to lift former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku’s immunity, allowing for her arrest. Original post Here
Letter from Brussels: Is a Hopeful Breeze Blowing Through the EU’s ‘Waiting Room’?
Brussels has already gone cold on a scheme to allow some aspirant countries like Albania and Serbia second-tier membership – but that doesn’t mean that other creative approaches to European enlargement are off the table. Original post Here
Albania’s TikTok Ban Violated Free Expression, Court Rules
Journalists’ union welcomes ruling that says government-imposed one-year ban on social media platform was a ‘violation of freedom of expression and freedom of the press’. Original post Here
Albania is positioning itself as a safe destination for quality investment and sustainable development, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said in Zurich. Gonxhja attended the “Safe Haven” forum in Zurich. The event focused on global economic trends, investment, risk management, portfolios, and digital identity. During the forum, participants …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj attended the farewell ceremony for King Harald V of Norway in Oslo, joining monarchs and world leaders in paying tribute to the late Norwegian king. The ceremony took place at Oslo Cathedral following a solemn procession from the Royal Palace. Representatives from several countries attended the …
A high-level NATO delegation visited the Port of Durres on Wednesday to assess its port capacities and strategic role in regional security and logistics. The delegation was led by the Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples. Representatives of the Albanian Armed Forces and Naval Force Commander Rear Admiral …
Albanian citizens can now rate consular services online as part of a new initiative aimed at improving the quality and efficiency of services. Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha announced the new evaluation system on Wednesday. Starting today, citizens can scan a QR code at any location where …
The Executive Board of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has approved a new Country Programme for Albania for 2027–2031. The five-year programme will support Albania’s development. It will also accelerate reforms and advance the country’s European Union integration process. The programme has three main priorities. First, it will promote …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha attended the international conference “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” on Wednesday. The Italian news agency ANSA and the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies (ABNA) organized the conference. The Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and the Central European Initiative (CEI) also supported the event. …
Tirana Times, September 09, 2026 — Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption and Organized Crime has uncovered new evidence in its widening investigation of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, increasing pressure on one of the most powerful figures of the governing Socialist Party. SPAK said Wednesday that a special …
The Institute of GeoSciences (IGJEO) warns of a high fire risk this afternoon and tomorrow in Shkodër, Elbasan and Fier counties. Meanwhile, other parts of the country will face a moderate risk. However, the high-risk level will affect only localised areas in some counties. These include northeastern Lezhë, northeastern Tirana …
The Head of the OSCE Presence in Albania, Michel Tarran, said in Pogradec that the territorial reform remains under discussion and that no final decision has been made so far. Asked about the consultation process, Tarran stressed that the OSCE does not impose a specific model for territorial organization. He …
Bank of Albania Governor Gent Sejko met with a World Bank delegation to discuss Albania’s economic performance, EU integration and payment-system modernization. Sejko said the economy continues to perform well, supported by growth, stronger employment and incomes, and financial stability. He also highlighted Albania’s progress toward EU standards. The talks …