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
PM Rama’s Misguided Diplomacy on Kosovo
The Albanian Prime Minister’s suggestions have largely and consistently proven not to be in Kosovo’s best interest October 29, 2025 By Veton Suroi Last week, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama offered a new recommendation for Kosovo in the process of normalizing relations with Serbia: “In my view, Kosovo should completely …
Albanian Officials’ Harassment of Journalists is Becoming Normalised
Intimidation of journalists working for independent media in Albania is getting worse, as state-level and local officials attempt to silence critical voices, both online and face-to-face. Original post Here
EU Enlargement Report Criticises Serbia, Hails Montenegro’s Progress
Tough European Commission report takes Serbian democratic backsliding to task – while saying Montenegro will probably be the first among the current candidate countries to join the EU. Original post Here
Oligarchy, Governance, and Justice in the Eyes of Citizens’ Expectations
By Zef Preçi The recent decision of Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption (SPAK) to formally indict Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Belinda Balluku on charges related to abuse of office and corruption has sent shockwaves through the political establishment. Balluku widely regarded as the government’s second-in-command and …
Drug Shortages, Delays and Debts: Breast Cancer Treatment in Albania
Delays and drug shortages in the public healthcare system force hundreds of Albanian women every year to seek expensive, private treatment for breast cancer. Original post Here
The Sound of Freedom: Why MTV was Beloved in the Balkans
MTV is shutting down its European music video channels, which were once symbols of freedom for many young people in the Balkans and the former Eastern Bloc. Lida Hujic had a front-row seat when the channel was at its peak. Original post Here
Fatos Nano, Albania’s Reformist Prime Minister, Dies at 73
Tirana, October 31, 2025 Former Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano, the reformist leader who transformed the country’s Communist Party into a modern European-style Socialist Party and who steered Albania through several of its most turbulent post-communist years, has died at the age of 73. Nano a figure at once admired, …
Constitutional Court Overturns Dismissal: Veliaj Formally Reinstated as Tirana Mayor
Tirana November 3,2025 The Constitutional Court has ruled in favor of Erion Veliaj, annulling the government’s decision to dismiss him from office and invalidating President Bajram Begaj’s decree for early elections in Tirana. With a 5–3 vote, the Court decided that Veliaj who has been in pre-trial detention for nine …
Albania Constitutional Court Overturns Decision Sacking Tirana Mayor
Country’s top court rules in favour of ousted Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj regarding his dismissal – also cancelling fresh elections for a replacement for Veliaj, who is facing corruption charges. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 8 – Kruja, a town known for its history, scenic landscapes, and welcoming residents, attracts tourists year-round. Visitors explore its winding streets, artisan shops, and traditional cuisine, creating experiences that keep them returning. The town’s centerpiece, Skanderbeg Castle, sits amid modern neighborhoods and well-maintained streets. This mix of …
TIRANA, April 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama released a welcome video today ahead of the Fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit, showcasing the nation’s most notable figures from George Kastrioti Skanderbeg to Ismail Qemali and Mother Teresa. The video opens with Gjon Buzuku, author of the first book in Albanian, and …
The women’s national team returned to the field today. It resumed training one month after the last match. Now, the squad prepares for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. Coach Armir Grima gathered the team in Tirana. The players will train at the “House of Football.” They prepare for two important …
TIRANA, April 8 – The Parliamentary Committee on Administrative-Territorial Reform held a hearing with Minister of State for Local Governance Ervin Demo to review the current state of local government and its challenges. Demo presented the performance and services achieved under the 2014 territorial reform, implemented in 2015. He noted …
Orthodox Easter is historically celebrated beautifully in Korçë. This city is known for its rich traditions. This Easter, visitors to Korçë can enjoy a unique artistic experience. The exhibition “Code of Life” by Maria Shukulli opens at the Guri Madhi Gallery. The exhibition presents for the first time in Albania …
TIRANA, April 8 – Holy Tuesday, observed weekly since March 17, has made St. Anthony Church in Laç a center for prayers. People come from across Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage today on social media. The video shows the sacred site, which has become a place of unity …
TIRANA, April 8 – On April 8, 1937, Gjergj Fishta’s epic poem Lahuta e Malcís was published in full. It is one of the most remarkable works in Albanian literature. The poem contains 15,613 verses. It is the result of thirty years of work. Fishta combined historical documentation with poetic …
TIRANA, April 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the new facilities of the Regional Hospital in Lezha and addressed concerns raised by doctors over inequality between specialists and emergency physicians. He said the government will resolve the issue in June through budget changes. The plan will include emergency doctors …
The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, announced a new appointment today. Arta Marku now leads the National Center for Books and Reading. She began her career in 1993 at the newspaper Koha Jonë. Later, she worked at Gazeta Shqiptare, Shekulli, and Panorama. She always focused on books …
TIRANA, April 8 – Parking services in Tirana have moved to a fully digital system, allowing users to access all services through the “Tirana Parking” mobile application. Authorities say the platform aims to simplify procedures and improve access for residents. Through the app, users can apply for resident parking permits, …