Albanian Political Giants’ Electoral Reform Deal is a Sham, Rivals Suspect
Albania’s smaller parties believe the country’s two main political forces unexpectedly agreed to work together on electoral reform in order to fix the system to maintain their dominance. Original post Here
Western Balkans Remains Key Smuggling Corridor in Europe: Report
The Western Balkan countries remain important corridors in Europe for drug and human trafficking and migrant smuggling, says the 2025 Organised Crime Index, produced by an anti-graft NGO. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: November 10, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Ambassador Tsao: lets focus cooperation on technology and AI
Tirana Times sat with the Head of the Taipei Representative office in Italy, Ambassador Vincent Tsao on his recent visit to Albania to talk about cooperation and exchange in technology, development, education and more… Your Excellency, Taiwan is known globally for its advanced technology and innovation sectors. What specific areas …
Albania’s Gender Equality Law: Now Let’s See It Implemented
Online disinformation from opponents of the new gender equality law shouldn’t obscure the real issue: this vital legislation has been adopted by parliament, but now we need it to work in practice, not just on paper. Original post Here
Albania Gender-Equality Law Draws Praise and Condemnation
Women’s rights groups hailed adoption of the new equality law as a historic move – while the opposition Democratic Party and ‘pro-family’ groups called it an attack on traditional values. Original post Here
Leaked Albanian Investigation Implicates Deputy PM in Tender-Rigging
A leaked file, apparently from an anti-corruption prosecutors’ probe, suggests deputy prime minister Belinda Balluku played an active role in predetermining the winner of a major construction tender. Original post Here
Rama: Albania Has No Fear of Russia
Tirana Times | November 5, 2025 Berlin/Tirana – Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama has downplayed growing Western fears of a possible Russian expansion of aggression in Europe, declaring that Moscow would “not attack Albania or any other European country” and that NATO remains fully capable of deterring any threat. In …
Albania Boosts Defense Spending to Align with NATO Goals
By Tirana Times November 5, 2025 Albania’s draft budget for 2026 marks a significant milestone in the country’s defense modernization and strategic alignment with NATO objectives. The government has announced a €100 million increase in defense funding, raising total expenditures to €589 million or approximately 2.1% of GDP surpassing the …
Dark Secrets: How Encrypted Comms Boosted Organised Crime in the Balkans
Encrypted platforms and secure devices have helped crime gangs in the Balkans to coordinate trafficking and payments – but while police have cracked several of them, the criminals quickly adopt new tools. Original post Here
TIRANA, September 4 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Friday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will alternate between clear spells and occasional moderate cloud cover, mainly over hilly and mountainous areas. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the northeast to northwest at an average speed of …
TIRANA, September 4 – Ksamil has been named Europe’s best coastal destination by US travel media outlet “Travel Off Path”. Journalist Trevor Kucheran ranked it first among five European coastal destinations recommended by travel experts. The article highlights Ksamil’s exceptionally clear waters and white-pebble beaches. It also points to the …
TIRANA, September 4 – Tirana International Airport handled 6 million passengers in the first six months of 2026. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the figure puts the airport ahead of others in the region. According to Rama, passenger traffic increased by 17% compared with the same period in 2025. He …
One of the most acclaimed Albanian-language films in European cinema this year, and an Oscar contender, will meet Albanian audiences with a powerful story about dignity, poverty, family and the human cost of survival. The Tirana International Film Festival, taking place from September 21 to 27, will screen “Shame and …
TIRANA, September 4 – Grila, on the shores of Lake Shkodra in Malesia e Madhe, has become a popular destination for visitors seeking nature, tranquillity and scenic landscapes. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared photos showing visitors enjoying picnics and outdoor sports by the lake. They are also spending their holidays …
A World War II hospital ship that sank off the Albanian coast in 1941 has transformed into a rich underwater ecosystem decades later, according to British outlet “BBC Wildlife.” Researchers have identified 151 species living on and around the wreck. The discovery also includes a Mediterranean monk seal, one of …
TIRANA, September 4 – The risk of wildfires will be high across most of Albania this afternoon and tomorrow, according to the Geosciences Institute. The institute forecasts high risk in Shkodër, Dibër, Lezha, Durrës, Tirana, Elbasan, Fier, Berat, Vlora and Gjirokastër regions. Meanwhile, Kukës and Korca will face moderate overall …
TIRANA, September 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is attending the 52nd “Intelligence on the World, Europe and Italy” Forum in Cernobbio, Italy. The forum brings together political, institutional and business leaders from Europe and beyond. Rama is due to speak on the “Agenda for Europe” panel during a session …
TIRANA, September 4 – The end of August has not brought the tourist season to a close in Shëngjin. The coastal resort continues to attract visitors, many of them from Kosova. Holidaymakers say they are enjoying their stay and value the quieter atmosphere, the beach and the services still available …
Taranto has officially handed over the Mediterranean Games flag to Prishtina, which will host the 2030 edition. The 20th Mediterranean Games ended in Taranto with a celebration featuring Mediterranean music, a tarantella performance, spectacular lights and fireworks. During the closing ceremony, representatives from all 26 participating countries paraded at the …