“Pashaliman Deal: Albania’s Transactional Politics and Western Patronage”
From D’Alema to Tony Blair, Rama’s reliance on influential Western figures fuels controversy. TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 15,2025) — The Albanian government’s decision to hand over part of the Pashaliman naval base to an Italian developer under criminal investigation has widened into a broader debate about Prime Minister Edi …
EU Countries Ban Albanian Farm Exports Amid Safety Scandal
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 10, 2025 ) — Albania is grappling with an escalating food safety crisis as European Union member states including Croatia, Slovenia, Italy and Germany repeatedly block or destroy shipments of its agricultural products, citing dangerous levels of pesticides and heavy metals. The latest scandal unfolded …
Saudi Literature in Albanian: Tirana Times Publishes Three New Titles Ahead of Saudi Cultural Week in Tirana
Tirana Times Staff Albania, September 15, 2025, Tirana Times .With the opening of the Saudi Cultural Week in Tirana tomorrow, Tirana Times Publishing House is marking the occasion with the release of three new translations of contemporary Saudi novels into Albanian. The titles—Critical Condition of Patient “K” by Aziz Muhamed, …
In Albania, Christians and Muslims Unite to Protect Religious Heritage
In the Diber region in Albania’s north-east, Byzantine-era churches which have survived the ordeals of history are being protected by Christians, with a helping hand from their Muslim neighbours. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: September 15, 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
Tirana’s Water Crisis Hits Diplomats
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 14, 2025) — In a city where cranes rise daily and glass towers dominate the skyline, the most basic element of urban life — running water — is vanishing. For more than three months, the residence of the European Union ambassador in Tirana has received …
Albania’s Demographic Collapse: A Silent National Emergency
By Tirana Times Albania is facing a demographic collapse of historic proportions. What was once described as a temporary “wave of migration” in the 1990s has hardened into a permanent, structural crisis that now threatens the very future of the nation. The data is stark, the trend undeniable, and the …
Albania Turns to Artificial Intelligence Amid Deep Corruption Crisis
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times, September 11, 2025 ) – Albania’s government has unveiled what it calls a bold step in its fight against endemic corruption: the appointment of the country’s first artificial intelligence “minister.” The AI system, named Diella, meaning “sun” in Albanian, has been presented by Prime Minister Edi …
Week in Review: Crackdowns, Bans and Enforced Silences
From attempts to neuter popular opposition to efforts to stifle the truth about mass protests, this week’s selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories explores the turbulent political landscape across the region. Original post Here
Albanian PM Unveils New Govt, Initiates Tirana Mayor’s Dismissal
Rama announces new cabinet and calls fresh elections for the Tirana mayoralty – seven months after Mayor Erion Veliaj was arrested on charges of corruption and money-laundering. Original post Here
Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi welcomed today members of the US Senate and House of Representatives staff at the Ministry of Defense. The US officials are taking part in the “Balkans Forward Congressional Fellowship 2026”, organized by the Atlantic Council. During the meeting, Nufi highlighted Albania’s growing role in Euro-Atlantic …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that planned investments in Sazan and Zvërnec will not harm protected areas. Speaking in an interview on “Flasim Shqip”, Rama explained that Sazan is not a protected area. He added that Zvërnec holds the status of a protected landscape under Category V. According to …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that investments in Zvërnec and Sazan are expected to attract other high-level investors to Albania. Speaking to journalist Rudina Xhunga on the “Flasim Shqip” program, Rama highlighted several major projects that could follow the investments in Sazan and Zvërnec. “They will create an experience …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said today that investors have never asked to buy Sazan Island and that the Albanian state will become a partner in the investment. Speaking to journalist Rudina Xhunga on the “Flasim Shqip” program, Rama addressed the investment plans for Sazan. He stressed that no one has …
The two floating thermal power plants will receive licenses, Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi said today. Karakaçi explained that the Energy Regulatory Entity (ERE) postponed its licensing decision because the authorities still need to complete several documents. Speaking to reporters after the government meeting, the minister addressed the …
Geotechnical and geophysical field surveys have started for the Korçë gasification project, Mayor Sotiraq Filo announced today. Filo described gasification as one of the city’s most important projects for the future. The project aims to build a modern natural gas distribution network. It will provide a more efficient energy and …
The Goddess of Butrint, one of Albania’s best-known archaeological heritage works, has returned to the place where archaeologists discovered it, the ancient city of Butrint. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the return after the statue travelled from Butrint to Rome and later to the National Historical …
The Council of Ministers has proposed amendments to the Law on Environmental Protection to strengthen nature restoration, carbon removal certification and financial support for environmental projects. The draft law adds the “restoration of natural elements” as a new measure for environmental protection. The Council of Ministers will approve specific measures …
The National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble opened its new artistic season last night with an “Opera Gala”. The special evening celebrated lyrical music and brought together powerful voices, orchestral music and emotion on stage. The artists performed a rich program of world opera masterpieces. The gala marked …
Skënderbeu and Tirana shared the points after a dramatic 1-1 draw in Korçë in the fourth week of the Abissnet Superiore. A packed stadium created an intense atmosphere, with strong support from both sets of fans. The match also saw moments of tension between the two fan groups. Tirana started …