Albania’s Headline-Grabbing AI ‘Minister’ is a Risky Innovation
Without legal frameworks and safeguards, the decision to appoint an AI entity as a ‘minister’ entrusted with sensitive tasks is ambitious – but fraught with danger. Original post Here
“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
Albania will face San Marino on Tuesday evening in their second Group C1 match of the UEFA Nations League. The Red and Blacks are clear favorites to win the game. Head coach Rolando Maran appeared at the pre-match press conference alongside captain Berat Djimshiti. He stressed the importance of taking …
Minister of Interior Ervin Demo met today with the European Union Ambassador to Albania, Sofia Moreira de Sousa, to discuss stronger cooperation in security and Albania’s priorities in the European integration process. The meeting focused on EU support for strengthening the capacities of the State Police, combating organized crime and …
Albania is showcasing its innovation ecosystem at Bits & Pretzels 2026, one of Europe’s leading startup and innovation events, in Munich, Germany. This year, Albania is participating as the partner country. The country is represented by 17 startups from Albania, Kosovo and the diaspora. They are presenting their success stories …
The World Bank, through the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), will provide a $3 million grant to prepare an integrated tourism ecosystem development project in Albania. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced today that the government had approved the grant agreement with the World Bank. …
Representatives of the National Institute of Cultural Heritage (IKTK) met with Baba Mondi, the World Leader of the Bektashi Order, at the World Bektashi Headquarters. The meeting focused on institutional cooperation to preserve, conserve and restore cultural heritage sites associated with the Bektashi community. During the talks, the participants focused …
Monsignor Rrok Mirdita, a prominent figure of the Albanian Catholic clergy, was born on September 28, 1939, in Klezna, near Ulqin, Montenegro. He studied theology and philosophy in Zadar and Zagreb, Croatia. He was ordained a priest on July 5, 1965. Mirdita later moved to New York to serve the …
Albania offers visitors far more than typical tourist souvenirs. Traditional flavors, handmade crafts and historical objects allow travellers to take home a piece of the country’s culture and identity. French travel media outlet “Generation Voyage” highlights several authentic products that visitors can discover in Tirana and Kruja. At Tirana International …
Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu met Japan’s Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Yohei Wakabayashi during his visit to Tirana. Wakabayashi became the first senior Japanese Defense Ministry official to visit Albania, according to the Japanese Embassy in Tirana. At the start of the meeting, he expressed regret over the damage caused …
Lake Prespa has received 500,000 carp fingerlings produced in Zvezda, Korça. The initiative aims to strengthen the aquatic ecosystem, protect biodiversity and support local fishing. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Andis Salla said the fingerlings would help restore aquatic fauna and enrich Prespa’s natural resources. Meanwhile, the initiative aims to …
The Shiroka–Zogaj road along Lake Shkodër forms part of Albania’s efforts to improve tourism infrastructure. The government investment strengthens links between tourism offerings in Albania and Montenegro. It also facilitates travel between the two countries. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the road on Monday morning. He described the …