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
Albania Parties Reach Agreement to End Opposition Protests
Opposition MP Gazmend Bardhi confirmed to BIRN that an agreement had been reached with the ruling Socialists that will enable them to return to normal work in the country’s parliament. Original post Here
Albanian PM’s ‘Intimidation’ of Woman Journalist Condemned
Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama declined to answer questions from journalist Ambrozia Meta and instead touched her face – a gesture condemned as intimidating by media rights organisations. Original post Here
Cyberattacks and Ethnically-Fuelled Harassment Mark Start of Year
Public institutions faced cyberattacks as countries battled misinformation amid political crises in the region. Original post Here
Albanian Court Detains Controversial Acting Mayor on Corruption Charge
Jorgo Goro, who became acting mayor of Himara municipality amid a diplomatic row between Albania and Greece over his election rival’s arrest, was ordered into detention on suspicion that he transferred state land to private individuals. Original post Here
‘It’s Devastating’: BIRN Maps Illegal Landfills Blighting the Balkans
Authorities in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo and North Macedonia are failing in the fight against illegal landfills; the environment and the public are paying the price. Original post Here
Albania registered 11,567 new businesses during the first half of 2026, up by 806 from the same period last year. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj announced the figures today, saying they reflect growing confidence in Albania’s business environment and stronger interest in launching new economic activities. “Entrepreneurship continues to …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj visited a business in Tirana’s Unit No. 2 on Wednesday to highlight the benefits of the “Double Your Business” program. Ibrahimaj said the program provides financing for businesses planning investments of up to 2 million euros, with repayment periods of up to 10 years. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama highlighted the government’s “Double Your Business” program, an initiative launched in partnership with the banking sector to help micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as farmers, invest, modernize, and expand their operations. Rama said the program creates new financing opportunities by offering preferential interest …
Confrontation erupts as MPs gather for the final parliamentary session before the summer holidays, as daily anti-government demonstrations continue. Original post Here
TIRANA, July 23 – Albania has presented a draft law on digital services that aims to establish a modern legal framework for regulating digital platforms, improving online safety and strengthening the protection of users and consumers. Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi presented the draft during a public consultation. He …
TIRANA, July 23 – Albania registered 11,567 new businesses during the first 6 months of 2026, marking a 7.5% increase from the same period in 2025, according to the National Business Center. The institution said registrations increased by 806 entities year-on-year. Sole proprietorships accounted for 8,757 registrations, or 75.7% of …
The “Marubi” National Museum of Photography is organizing “Kinoscope,” an interactive educational activity in virtual reality (VR) that invites participants to explore the connection between photography, motion, and visual perception. Through this immersive experience, participants will discover how static images create the illusion of movement, revealing the core principles behind …
TIRANA, July 23 – Gjon Françesk Albani, known as Pope Clement XI, was born on July 23, 1649, in Urbino, Italy. Clement XI became an important figure of the Catholic Church in the early 18th century. He came from the Albani family, a noble family with Arbëresh origins from Arbëria. …
TIRANA, July 23 – Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu presented the government’s “Double Your Entrepreneurship” program during a visit to a startup in Durrës. The program aims to improve access to financing for micro, small and medium-sized businesses. It offers loans of up to 200 million lekë per beneficiary, with …
Rozafa Castle has officially surpassed 100,000 visitors this year, confirming its position as one of Albania’s most visited cultural heritage sites and the top tourist attraction in the city of Shkodra. The Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage in Shkodra announced the milestone today. Consequently, these high visitor numbers demonstrate the …