Rama: The EU integration process is historic; it transforms the Albanian state
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking during a conference with negotiators on Albania’s path toward the European Union, stated that the process carries significant weight. According to him, it is historic and transformative for the Albanian state. “This process substantially increases the institutional capacities of the state. It brings extraordinary benefits …
Presidential election, Kurti: We will begin meetings with the opposition
The Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, announced that he will invite leaders of opposition parties to meetings in an effort to secure the necessary votes for the election of the country’s new president. He stated that so far he has not had enough time to conduct internal consultations regarding …
Appointment of CEC members, Constitutional Court declares Osmani’s request inadmissible
The Constitutional Court has declared inadmissible the request of the President of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, regarding the appointment of members of the Central Election Commission (CEC). Osmani had requested an assessment of a “conflict between constitutional competencies under Article 113” of the Constitution—specifically between herself and “parliamentary groups as bodies …
AIIS Honors Ilir Ikonomi with “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize
Tirana Times, March 26 , 2026 – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has awarded its prestigious annual “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize for 2025 to historian and translator Ilir Ikonomi, recognizing his outstanding contribution to bringing major works of international scholarship to the Albanian audience. Ilir Ikonomi received the award …
Week in Review: Alignment, Collision and Scandal
From a political spying scandal to MAGA alignment and a brewing collision with the law, selection of BIRN Premium stories this week makes for an exciting read. Original post Here
Iran-Linked Hackers Target Albanian Post in Latest Attack
The now-notorious hacker group Homeland Justice claimed that it had breached the computer defences of Albania’s postal service following its attack on parliament’s systems earlier this month. Original post Here
In Albania, Leveraging Celebrity Exposure to Stay out of Jail
Charged with corruption, money laundering and concealment of wealth, ex-politician Monika Kryemadhi is rebranding herself as a showbiz celebrity on the Big Brother reality show, but can it keep her out of prison? Original post Here
Albanian Ex-Mayor Convicted in Second Abuse of Office Case
An appeals court upheld the verdict jailing the former Socialist Party mayor of Himara, Jorgo Goro, who was at the centre of a political storm during a controversial election in 2023. Original post Here
Rama’s Collision With Justice Shatters Illusions About Albania’s Democracy
The prime minister’s moves to shield his deputy from arrest feel like the beginning of the end of an era for Albanians’ hopes that the powerful would finally be held accountable. Original post Here
Albania Slips Into Electoral Autocracy
V Dem places Albania in a category dominated by African states, with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina the only Western Balkan countries in the same group. Tirana Times, March 23, 2026 – Albania has been placed in the category of electoral autocracy in the latest Democracy Report 2026 by the …
European Union Ambassador to Kosovo Dirk Schuebel has called for stronger cooperation between local and central institutions, stressing that closer coordination is important for Kosovo’s European integration process. Schuebel met separately on Wednesday with the mayors of Kosovo’s four northern municipalities and with the Mayor of South Mitrovica, Faton Peci. …
The European Commission is moving to formally back Albania’s goal of completing European Union accession negotiations by the end of 2027, according to Euronews. For years, Albania has promoted the 2027 target as a key milestone on its path toward EU membership. Now, European officials say the Commission plans to …
International credit rating agency Moody’s has upgraded Albania’s outlook from “stable” to “positive”. At the same time, it has affirmed the country’s sovereign rating at “Ba3”, the General Directorate of Taxes said. According to the Tax Administration, Moody’s identified strong budget revenue performance and the implementation of the Medium-Term Revenue …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa met with Prosecutor General Olsian Çela to discuss the main challenges facing Albania’s prosecution system. During the meeting, the two officials focused on ensuring justice for citizens and fighting crime. Moreira de Sousa highlighted the importance of a strong and effective justice …
Minister of Interior Ervin Demo held a courtesy meeting with Montenegro’s Minister of Public Administration, Marash Dukaj, on Wednesday. The two officials discussed ways to strengthen cooperation between Albania and Montenegro. They also focused on local government and the region’s European path. Demo highlighted local government as an area where …
Albania continues to align its environmental standards with those of the European Union. The country is focusing on reforms, investments and stronger environmental regulations. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said he presented Albania’s progress during a meeting in Brussels with European Commissioner for Environment Jessika Roswall. The meeting also focused on …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Adriatic Charter, held under Croatia’s chairmanship. During the meeting, Hoxha called for stronger cooperation within the mechanism. He also stressed the need for a more inclusive regional approach to address emerging …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Dame Karen Pierce, the United Kingdom’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, in New York, USA. During the meeting, the two officials discussed current developments and dynamics across the Western Balkans. They also highlighted the importance of regional cooperation and …
Minister of Infrastructure and Energy Enea Karakaçi attended the Global Sustainable Transport Forum in China, one of the world’s major events dedicated to transport. Speaking at the forum, Karakaçi called for stronger international cooperation in transport. He also highlighted Albania’s role in major European transport networks. Karakaçi described Albania as …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met with ambassadors and Friendship Groups representing the “Friends of the Western Balkans” countries at the Parliament on Wednesday. The group includes Austria, the Czech Republic, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Croatia, Slovakia and Slovenia. Peleshi described these countries as important partners for Albania. He also thanked …