From staunch enemy to strategic partner: Albanian-American relations in transition
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Behind the Façade: What’s Fueling Albania’s Real Estate Boom?
In recent years, Albania—particularly its capital, Tirana—has witnessed a real estate boom of unprecedented proportions. Tower cranes dominate the skyline, new developments sprout at every corner, and record-breaking building permits have become the norm. At first glance, this might seem like a sign of economic vitality. But beneath the surface …
A Taste of Friendship: Turkish Diplomat Bridges Two Nations Through the Language of Food
Edibe Sinem Atay’s new cookbook on Turkish and Albanian cuisine is more than a culinary collection — it is a heartfelt celebration of history, identity, and shared heritage. TIRANA, May 24, 2025.When diplomacy meets the warmth of the kitchen, something deeply human and enduring is born. Edibe Sinem Atay, a …
Tirana Pride Highlights Albania’s LGBT+ Progress Amid EU Hopes
TIRANA, May 25, 2025— Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Albania’s capital on Saturday during the annual Pride Parade, demanding equal rights, legal recognition, and dignity for the LGBT+ community under the motto “Side by Side.” The event, marked by colorful banners and strong calls for inclusion, received …
Albania’s Vanishing Electorate: Emigration, Not a Boycott, Powered the Socialist Victory
TIRANA, Albania — Albania’s ruling Socialist Party secured another sweeping victory in the May 11 parliamentary elections, but analysts say the most significant result wasn’t who won—but who wasn’t there to vote. Official data from the Central Election Commission indicate that at least 200,000 fewer people voted in 2025 compared …
Fight to Protect Albania’s ‘Wild River’ Isn’t Over, Say Environmental Prize-Winners
Activists Olsi Nika and Besjana Guri tell BIRN they see their prestigious international prize as fresh motivation to continue their campaign to save one of Europe’s last wild rivers from development. Original post Here
Crime Crackdown Exposes Albania’s Deep State-Organized Crime Links
Joint Italy-Albania Crime Crackdown Exposes Deep Ties Between Organized Crime and State Structures in Albania TIRANA, Albania ,Tirana Times May 21 — A sweeping anti-drug operation conducted jointly by Italian and Albanian authorities has laid bare what critics describe as the entrenched links between organized crime and political power in …
Narco-Politics and the Erosion of Democracy in Albania
In a country where democratic institutions are already fragile, a sprawling Italian anti-mafia investigation has thrown Albania’s political establishment into turmoil. At its heart lies the so-called Troplini Group, a narco-network accused of trafficking heroin and cocaine from Latin America through the Port of Durrës, laundering profits via the country’s …
Italy-Albania Police Operation Nets 40 Suspected Drug Traffickers
Joint police investigation results in arrest of 40 members of three gangs allegedly involved in cocaine and heroin trafficking and money laundering, including one gang based in Durres, Albania. Original post Here
Thwarting Opposition Hopes, Albania’s Socialists Win Big Abroad
Albania’s well-organised ruling party worked hard to mobilise voters abroad for an election that for the first time featured postal ballots. It paid off. Original post Here
SIAR Guesthouse in Pogradec is emerging as a new example of Albania’s growing agrotourism sector, combining nature, traditional hospitality and rural experiences. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the guesthouse, highlighting its contribution to the development of tourism and family-run businesses in Albania’s tourist areas. SIAR features nine private …
TIRANA, August 26 – The Academy of Sciences today commemorated Hasan Ceka, one of the founders of Albanian archaeology. Ceka was born on August 25, 1900. He studied archaeology and history and later became known for laying the foundations of archaeological research in Albania. Ceka studied in Vienna and returned …
Ardenica Monastery stands among the most important historical and religious sites in the Lushnjë area and ranks among Albania’s most visited cultural attractions. The monastery rises on the fertile hills of Ardenica, about 200 meters above sea level. Travelers heading toward Fier and Vlorë can spot the monastery after a …
TIRANA, August 26 – Maritime transport operators in Albania will face new requirements to document and control greenhouse gas emissions. A draft decision under public consultation aims to align environmental rules with European Union practices. Under the proposed system, operators will measure, report and verify emissions from ships. The system …
TIRANA, August 26 – Albania is attracting growing interest from international tourists and real estate investors, as demand for short-term rentals continues to rise, Travel and Tours World (TTW) reports. During June, travelers booked around 284,300 nights through short-term rental platforms. The figure rose 23% from the same period last …
Tirana has been ranked Europe’s most affordable city-break destination, with an average daily cost of around €59 per person, according to an analysis published by Euronews. The ranking, based on research by British travel company Thomas Cook, examined more than 50 popular destinations. It compared average prices for a three-star …
Albania is strengthening its position as one of the Mediterranean’s fastest-growing tourist destinations, with Saranda attracting growing international attention. Vinicius Costa highlights the city in an article published by the U.S. media outlet “Travel Off Path.” Turquoise waters, stunning natural landscapes, close proximity to Greece, and relatively affordable prices are …
TIRANA, August 26 – Mother Teresa, one of the world’s best-known humanitarian figures, was born 116 years ago today as Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje, then part of the Ottoman Empire and now the capital of North Macedonia. She came from an Albanian family. Her Albanian origins remained an important …
TIRANA, August 26 – AROYA, a major cruise ship operated by Saudi Arabia-based AROYA Cruises, is scheduled to make a stop in Saranda on July 20, 2027, Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said. Gonxhja announced the planned stop after meeting Albanian cruise-industry executive Altin Alija in Taranto, Italy. …
TIRANA, August 26 – KFOR has no mandate to decide whether the Ibër Bridge in Mitrovica, Kosova should reopen to vehicle traffic, Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of NATO’s Joint Force Command in Naples, said. He said the decision rests with the European Union and the relevant institutions in Kosova. Wikoff …