Albania Convicts Ethnic Greek Politician Fredi Beleri of Vote-Buying
After a high-profile trial that caused a diplomatic rift between Albania and Greece, the ethnic Greek mayor-elect of the Albanian town of Himara, Fredi Beleri, was sentenced to two years in prison for vote-buying. Original post Here
Albanian Public Broadcaster Fires Programme Director for Social Media Post
A programme director at the Albanian public broadcaster RTSH was fired by the new head of the station, Alfred Peza, a former ruling party MP who has been criticised for other dismissals since he took the job. Original post Here
TikTok Used Across Balkans to ‘Slutshame’ Women and Girls
A BIRN analysis of hundreds of videos uploaded by TikTok users in eight Balkan countries shows the platform has become a hub for abuse of women and girls based on their appearance and actual or perceived sexual behaviour – ‘slutshaming’. Original post Here
Online Video in Albania of Prince’s Fight Raises Privacy Concerns
Experts say leak of video showing fight between prince and ex-wife serves no public interest – and raises serious legal and ethical questions about standards of media in Albania. Original post Here
Women in Albanian Textile Sector Pay High Price for Lek’s Rally
Critics say the government is not doing enough to protect Albanian textile exporters from the rapidly strengthening lek currency. Most of the industry’s employees are women at risk of sliding into poverty. Original post Here
More Soldiers, Jets and Javelins: Southeast Europe Seeks Defence Upgrade
Whether through compulsory military service or new hardware, some countries in southeast Europe are trying to bolster their defences in light of Russia’s war in Ukraine. But not all states can afford it. Original post Here
Albanian Parties’ Possible Deal Sparks Fears About Justice Reform
The ruling Socialist Party and opposition Refoundation Democratic Party told BIRN they are nearing an agreement to end the ongoing disruption of parliament, but concerns have been raised that a deal could derail judicial reform and the fight against corruption. Original post Here
Nowhere to go: Albanian Women Reporting Domestic Violence Risk Homelessness
Too many municipalities in Albania lack shelters for domestic violence victims – which are needed to encourage victims to speak out. Original post Here
Albanians Abroad Start Campaign to Vote for 2025 Elections
Campaigners say it is high time the 1.68 million Albanians living and working outside the country had a right to vote in the country’s elections without having to travel home. Original post Here
Albania Road Authority Chief Held on Corruption, Money Laundering, Charges
In a high-profile anti-corruption case, prosecutors arrested Evis Berberi, General Director of the Albania Road Authority, after uncovering a scheme involving corruption and money laundering. Original post Here
Spain clinches second FIFA World Cup title as Europe continues its dominance on football’s biggest stage By Gautam Karve, Editor-in-Chief, World Media Organization Tirana Times, July 22, 2026 – Spain secured its second FIFA World Cup title with a commanding performance, defeating Argentina in a final that showcased the Spanish …
TIRANA, July 22 – More than 3,000 citizens received free legal aid during the first six months of the year, according to figures presented by the Ministry of Justice. Justice Minister Toni Gogu said the ministry expanded access to legal aid services across Albania and focused on services directly linked …
TIRANA, July 22 – Foreign non-resident tourists have started paying unified healthcare service fees at summer health centers since July 1, according to the Operator of Health Care Services. Director Jeta Deda said the primary healthcare system has published and displayed the applicable fees at these centers. The charges cover …
TIRANA, July 22 – Authorities have restored normal operations after heavy rainfall and strong winds affected several areas of Albania on Tuesday evening. The storm caused temporary disruptions to electricity supply, water services and some infrastructure. The Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy said that responsible institutions remained on the ground …
TIRANA, July 22 – Albania marks the 105th anniversary of the first technical school in the country. American teachers founded the institution on July 22, 1921. The school offered professional training in different fields. Harry Fultz, a mechanics teacher, served as director of the American Technical School. He introduced a …
TIRANA, July 22 – Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi met representatives of the United States Congress and the POPVOX Foundation, a U.S.-based civic technology organization. The meeting took place during a regional workshop on parliamentary modernization through artificial intelligence, hosted by Albanian Parliament. Representatives from the parliaments of Kosova, North …
TIRANA, July 22 – Albania will send a platoon from its Armed Forces to a multinational brigade based in Romania. The decision follows a government approval of a draft decision on the deployment, Defence Minister Ermal Nufi said after the Council of Ministers meeting. Nufi said the move is part …
The cry of protesters that ‘Albania is not for sale’ is misinterpreted when it is portrayed as a rejection of all investment. Its proper interpretation is procedural: any transfer of common assets must take place in full transparency – with prices determined through competition, permits made public, and beneficiaries clearly …
TIRANA, July 22 – Local storms hit several areas of Albania overnight, causing fallen trees and minor material damage, according to reports. Coastal areas, including Saranda, Himara and Vlora, experienced strong winds and storms during the night, following earlier weather forecasts. In Saranda, several people reportedly suffered injuries after a …
TIRANA, July 22 – Albania has started the process of inventorying mountain trails to identify existing routes and map new itineraries, with work also underway in the Shkodër region. Tourism guide Kastriot Faci said the initiative aims to create a complete map of mountain trails across the country. He explained …