Exposing Scams, Probing the Powerful: A Year of BIRN Investigations
As 2026 begins, we look back on some of the most important investigations published by BIRN in its 20th anniversary year – from brutal migrant-smuggling gangs and arms deals with Israel to state surveillance of protesters and online frauds. Original post Here
Letter From Washington: The US Just Blasted Balkan Authoritarians – Or Did It?
The recently-passed Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act shows that some US lawmakers still care about the region. But it doesn’t mean that Donald Trump is going to tell Aleksandar Vucic to be nicer to student protesters. Original post Here
PM Kurti claims victory in Kosovo vote, no clear majority
Tirana Times PRISTINA, Kosovo December 29, 2025. Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti secured another clear electoral victory in Kosovo’s repeat parliamentary election on Sunday, with his left wing Vetëvendosje movement significantly expanding its lead over rivals but once again failing to secure the parliamentary majority needed to govern alone, according …
Deputy PM Balluku Arrest Bid Shakes Albania’s Rule of Law
Will Parliament Lift the Deputy Prime Minister’s Immunity? Tirana Times, December 28 th , 2025. Albania has entered one of the most serious institutional confrontations since the launch of its justice reform, as the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) formally requested parliamentary authorization to arrest Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of …
Tirana’s Construction Boom and the Flow of Dirty Money
TIRANA, December 26, 2025 – Albania’s decade-long construction boom, long portrayed as a sign of growth and urban renewal, is increasingly being scrutinized as a vehicle for laundering illicit capital. A new study by the Friedrich Ebert Foundation, combined with years of investigative reporting and analysis by Tirana Times, points …
Secret tenders, violence and kidnappings, BIRN: The staggering profits of AKSH contractors
Tirana Times, 25 December, 2025 – On September 15, 2023, Ergys Agasi, 36, founded a company with a capital of 1 thousand lek (10 euros) with activity in the field of information technology. Under the name EA Solutions, the company had a rapid activity. In the balance sheet filed with …
Saudi Arabia Leads AI Readiness in MENA, Emerges as Global Governance Power
As artificial intelligence reshapes economic competitiveness and state capacity, indexes like the Government AI Readiness Index serve not merely as technical rankings, but as indicators of national strategic priorities. In this sense, Saudi Arabia has moved decisively from regional ambition toward global relevance, even as the global hierarchy of AI …
New Chief of Albania’s Anti-Graft Prosecution Vows ‘Tough Approach’
Despite political tensions sparked by high-profile corruption cases, Klodjan Braho tells BIRN that his main priority will be to guarantee Albanians that “no one is above the law”. Original post Here
Former Foreign and Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka Questioned by SPAK
By Tirana Times Tirana, December 23, 2025 – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence Olta Xhaçka appeared on Tuesday at the premises of the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK), where she remained for approximately two hours before leaving without making any statement to the media. Xhaçka declined to …
President Bajram Begaj visited Përmet and praised its development model. The model combines cultural and religious heritage, natural resources and local traditions. First, Begaj met Përmet Mayor Alma Hoxha and local officials. They discussed the growing number of tourists and the return of young people from abroad to invest in …
Egnatia continued its winning run in the Abissnet Superiore. The champions beat Skënderbeu 2-1 in Rrogozhinë on Friday. Skënderbeu created the first big chance in the 11th minute. However, Bismark missed a penalty after Dajsinani saved his shot. Egnatia took the lead three minutes later. Albanese found the net in …
The new European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, has officially started her mission in Tirana. In a video message from the Albanian capital, Moreira de Sousa highlighted her commitment to supporting Albania’s European integration process. “It is an honor to serve in Albania at such an important …
Durrës turned into a seaside sports arena as the first day of the Beach Volleyball event brought excitement to the “Taulantia” promenade. Teams competed in an energetic atmosphere. Meanwhile, spectators followed the matches closely and enjoyed the action by the sea. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the event …
Albania offers an ideal balance between relaxation and cultural exploration, according to Spanish travel magazine “Viajar.” The country combines historic cities, Roman ruins, beautiful beaches and a rich culinary tradition. Albania has something for every traveler. Visitors can enjoy the coast, explore historic towns, hike through mountains and discover important …
Music, folklore, poetry and Macedonian art have arrived in Albania as part of North Macedonia Cultural Week. The event began on September 3 and will continue through September 6. The cultural week opened with a special concert at the Concert Hall of the Orthodox Church in Tirana. The event combined …
Albania has completed a two-year process to review and reassess Natural Monuments across the country. The authorities carried out extensive fieldwork and detailed assessments. The process followed Albania’s legislation on protected areas. It also brought together experts, regional administrations, local governments and communities. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said experts visited …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu said today that Albania’s decision to double startup funding has increased the number of beneficiaries to 163, including young entrepreneurs from the country and the diaspora. In a video message, Koçiu described the initiative as a fulfilled commitment to supporting startups in Albania. The government …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said that Albania has entered a decisive phase in the process of joining the European Union. Hoxha attended the informal meeting of Ministers for European Affairs in Dublin, where discussions focused on EU enlargement, reforms, and strengthening administrative capacities. The minister stressed …
Tirana International Airport ranked first among airports in the region in terms of passenger numbers during the first six months of 2026, recording more than 6 million travelers. The figures were published by Prime Minister Edi Rama through a chart shared on his Facebook page. According to the data he …