Albanian Government Doubles Cost of ‘Smart City’ Project Without Transparency
By Tirana Times TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times ) The Albanian government has nearly doubled the projected cost of its “Smart City” initiative, now expected to cost $118.5 million—up from the initially planned $60 million—raising concerns over transparency, lack of competition, and the protection of personal data. The government announced the …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 17, 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
Albania Appeal Court Orders Tirana Mayor to Stay in Custody
Appeals court dismisses plea to release the mayor of Tirana, Erion Veliaj, who is in detention as charges of corruption and money laundering are investigated. Original post Here
Communist-Era Bunkers Leave Lasting Mark on Albania’s Landscape
Albania’s communist-era military bunkers – now a tourist attraction but also a reource for experimental artists – are dotted everywhere, from beaches to mountain tops. Original post Here
Sweden Reaffirms Strong Support for Albania’s EU Accession Amid Geopolitical Shifts
By Lutfi Dervishi Sweden remains a steadfast supporter of Albania’s European Union accession, citing the importance of enlargement in the wake of geopolitical shifts following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Minister for European Union Affairs and Nordic Cooperation Jessica Rosencrantz, who vizited today (March 10th) Albania,highlighted Sweden’s commitment to a merit-based …
Ollga Plumbi – The Woman from the Future
By Valentina Leskaj Ollga, the woman with deep black eyes, who appears so elegant in an old photograph wearing a hat, often comes to my mind whenever we discuss the Women’s Movement. Her portrait, as she spoke to me in that simple but beautiful house on Rruga e Kavajës, …
Behind Albania’s Forest Crisis: Governance, Economy, and EU Accession
This article was produced as part of the Thematic Networks of PULSE, a European initiative that supports transnational journalistic collaborations The woodlands of Albania are a verdant expanse that once covered nearly half of the country’s rugged and mountainous terrain. In these past 25 years, however, they have been …
Promoting women’s leadership and participation in the next political elections is key for Albania
By: Fiona McCluney, UN Resident Coordinator Michele Ribotta, Chair of UN Gender Group Tirana, 8 March 2025 The general elections of May 11, 2025,are an important opportunity to strengthen democracy in Albania and consolidate past achievements in advancing women’s leadership in decision-making. While Albania has made …
Albanian Government Shuts Down TikTok, Opposition and Experts Call It Censorship
The Albanian government announced on Wednesday a one-year suspension of the social media platform TikTok, arguing that the measure is necessary to protect children and enhance online security. However, the opposition and independent experts have labeled the decision as an act of censorship that could impact the electoral campaign planned …
Albanian Ministry Confirms One-Year Ban on TikTok ‘to Protect Children’
Albania’s Minister of Education confirmed the prime minister’s previous announcement of a year-long ban on social media site TikTok, saying that it will be imposed within days. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 29 – The Durrës Port Harbour Master’s Office barred the tanker HANUMAN from entering the port’s roadstead on August 28. The Sierra Leone-flagged vessel continued sailing about 12 miles from the port after the decision. Ukraine’s military intelligence service, known as GUR, and partner agencies have identified the …
TIRANA, August 29 – Albania will experience relatively stable weather conditions on Saturday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with periods of moderate and occasionally dense cloud over hilly and mountainous areas. Eastern areas may see occasional light rain from midday through the afternoon. …
TIRANA, August 29 – The Albanian Night Cultural Centre in central Tirana has become a popular destination for tourists interested in Albanian traditions and cultural heritage. Visitors can experience artistic performances, music and traditional elements during evening events at the centre. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage from the events …
TIRANA, August 29 – Prime Minister Edi Rama held a working meeting in Tirana with government political leaders and representatives on Friday evening. The meeting focused on preparations for the new government season and work priorities across Albania. The talks covered the details of the new programme and stronger government …
TIRANA, August 28 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari and State Police Director General Skënder Hita met with local police and Border Police officials to discuss service standards and public trust. Lamallari called for professional, ethical and lawful service at every level. The minister said citizens build their trust in the …
TIRANA, August 28 – Klevis Qose, head of Albania’s Police Oversight Agency, met Karma M. Smith, the FBI adviser on organised crime at Albania’s Special Prosecution Office. Smith has recently taken up her post in Albania. The meeting focused on continuing existing work and coordinating the next steps. Qose said …
TIRANA, August 28 – Albania’s Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha has rejected suggestions that Albanian officials took part in coordinated hybrid activities in Montenegro. He stressed that no formal accusation has been made against Albania. FM Hoxha responded after Montenegrin Prime Minister Milojko Spajic referred to the alleged involvement of officials …
Kosovo judoka Fatjona Kasapi has won the bronze medal at the “Taranto 2026” Mediterranean Games. Kasapi received a bye in the first round. However, she lost to France’s Pauline Cuq by Ippon in the quarterfinals. She continued the competition through the repechage. After another bye in her first repechage bout, …
A wildfire broke out this afternoon in an area between the villages of Tërbaç and Vranisht, in the Municipality of Himarë. Firefighters and aerial units are working to contain and extinguish the flames. Himarë Mayor Vangjel Tavo said local firefighting teams are on the ground with specialized vehicles. They are …
Albanian Football Federation (FSHF) President Armando Duka has hailed Egnatia’s participation in the UEFA Conference League, calling it a major achievement for Albanian football. Duka said he followed the UEFA Conference League draw with “special pride” and highlighted the historic significance of Egnatia’s participation. “For the first time in history, …