Albania’s Demographic Time Bomb: A Silent National Emergency
By Lutfi Dervishi For decades, the most pressing keywords in Albania’s political lexicon were democracy, corruption, and justice. Today, however, the most dangerous threat to the country’s future may lie elsewhere—hidden in plain sight and dangerously underdiscussed: demography. According to the most recent official census, Albania’s population stands at approximately …
EU Document Urges Albania to Address Political Pressure on Judiciary
A leaked internal document from the Council of the European Union voices disquiet over ‘undue pressure’ on justice system and warns that Albania will not be able to close any accession chapters until it makes clear progress. Original post Here
Communist-Era Inmates Fight to Preserve Remains of Albania’s Dark Past
A move to turn the site of the former Spac labour camp in northern Albania into a film set has revived calls for better protection of what’s left of Albania’s dark communist past. Original post Here
Balkan States Evacuate Citizens from Israel Amid Escalating Conflict
As Israel and Iran continued to exchange fire, sparking fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, several Balkan countries have transported their citizens home by plane. Original post Here
Albanian Cigarette Smuggling Case Exposes Customs Service Complicity
For years, a tobacco factory in eastern Albania churned out cigarettes that were then smuggled to other countries, all with the help of a network of corrupt customs officials, prosecutors allege. Original post Here
Albania’s Tourism Industry is Booming, But at What Cost?
Critics are questioning the impact of Albania’s tourism boom on the environment and the lives of ordinary Albanians. Original post Here
What’s driving Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans – and what should be done about it?
12 June 2025 Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans has increased substantially, but won’t catch up with EU FDI any time soon. Governments must ensure that China’s investments comply with environmental and labour standards. Attracting high-quality FDI should be the goal image credit: unsplash.com/vxhorse By Branimir Jovanović This article draws on …
The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals
William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising the idealistic sentiment behind foreign aid, and the harsh reality of its lacklustre execution. In his cutting and astute observations, Easterly points to the fact that …
With their Healthcare System in Decline, Some Albanians Look to Kosovo
Albanians in the north say they find cheaper treatment and a more pleasant experience if they go to hospital across the border in Kosovo. Original post Here
Detention of Tirana Mayor Without Charges Highlights Rule-of-Law Concerns in Albania
TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times — The prolonged pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj — still held without formal charges — is raising fresh questions about Albania’s judicial practices, as critics point to growing divergence from European legal standards. Veliaj, once a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party and …
Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said Albania is exploring new opportunities for cooperation in the film industry with artists and filmmakers from the United States and Canada. Gonxhja and Jonid Jorgji, head of the National Center of Cinematography, met with the group to discuss potential areas of collaboration. …
The streets of Shkodër, along with destinations such as Lake Koman and the Albanian Alps, continue to attract foreign visitors. Many tourists choose to spend several days exploring Albania’s nature and culture. “I come from the United States, and this is my first time in Albania. I really like it …
“Bregu i Lofatave,” an olive grove in Risili, Vlora, produces premium extra virgin olive oil for domestic and international markets. The farm now exports its products to several European countries and the United States. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video of the olive grove on social media. He highlighted …
Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has continued his visit to the United States with a meeting with the Albanian-American community in Texas. The meeting focused on discussions with Albanian-Americans who live and work in the state. Berisha also praised the community for its warm welcome and strong participation. In a …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Ferit Hoxha, took part in the “The Balkans Meet in Trieste” conference. The Italian news agency ANSA organized the conference during the 34th General Assembly of the Alliance of Balkan News Agencies – Southeast Europe (ABNA-SE). The event brought together senior representatives from …
Tirana International Airport has made the shortlist for the “Airport of the Year 2026” award. The recognition reflects the airport’s development and ongoing investments in infrastructure and services. According to TIA, several key performance indicators helped secure its place among the finalists. These include operational efficiency, passenger experience, innovation and …
Technology and artificial intelligence are playing a growing role in the relationship between citizens and public administration. Parliament’s Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration discussed the issue while reviewing a bill to ratify the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and the Rule of …
Shkodra’s Old Bazaar, one of the city’s historic landmarks, will soon return to life through virtual reality (VR). The project will recreate the 19th-century bazaar. In addition, it will create a new tourist attraction for Shkodra. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced the project on Wednesday. According …
The Academy of Sciences today commemorated Zef Krispi, also known as Giuseppe Crispi, on the anniversary of his death. He was a bishop, Hellenist and professor at the University of Palermo, and one of the 19th-century Arbëresh scholars who devoted their work to Albanian language, history and culture. Born in …
The Tirana Mosaic has become one of the capital’s most important tourist attractions. It preserves valuable traces of Albania’s ancient history. After a full restoration and reconstruction, the site now attracts more local and foreign visitors. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja said the mosaic now connects cultural …