The Israel – Iran conflict in our perspective
by Genc Pollo President of the Pan-Europe Albania Former Minister and MP 18 June 2025 In the Albanian public debate on the armed conflict between Israel and Iran, a prevailing notion has been the contrast between Israel, a democracy where state power is under constitutional constraints and accountable to …
Korça Revives Historic Ties with France Through Culture and Vision
By Tirana Times As the cobblestone streets of Korça echo with French music, scent of Alpine cuisine, and the laughter of children discovering animated French classics, the southeastern Albanian city reaffirms a timeless connection with France—one rooted in history, education, and enduring cultural admiration. From June 14 to 24, Korça …
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 …
Prime Minister Edi Rama took part in the eighth edition of the European Corporate Council, where he focused in his remarks on the importance of peace, economic development and creating opportunities for future generations. Rama described his participation in the forum as a “special honour and privilege”, praising its role …
The Council of Ministers has officially declared the village of Vuno an immovable cultural property with the status of a “Historic Centre”. The decision, approved at the government meeting on September 25, 2026, also provides for the designation of a protective zone, as well as the approval of a plan …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has stated from New York that the United States could have done more to prevent, in his view, the start of the process that led to the conviction of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaçi by the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in The Hague. During a speech at …
The Council of Ministers approved a series of changes on Friday concerning the leadership of institutions and the composition of the government. Oltjon Muzaka has been dismissed from his position as Deputy Minister of Health and Social Welfare and appointed Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs. Changes have also been made …
Prime Minister Edi Rama stated in New York that Albania has undergone a profound transformation in recent years, highlighting economic growth, infrastructure development and the strengthening of institutions in the fight against corruption. During his speech at the gala evening of the Albanian-American Relations Council, Rama said that the country …
The U.S. Embassy in Pristina said it looks forward to working with Kosovo’s new Government and Assembly to “advance shared priorities, including regional peace, stability and mutual prosperity.” The Embassy’s announcement, published on social media, comes two days after the Constitutional Court said that Kosovo’s new Government, led by Albin …
As part of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in a discussion on strengthening regional cooperation, organized within the framework of Romania’s chairmanships of the Central European Initiative (CEI) and the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP). Minister …
The Parliamentary Group of the Democratic Party officially submitted this Friday a draft law on the administrative-territorial division of local government units in Albania. The DP Parliamentary Group has proposed that the country have 100 municipalities and 12 counties. The DP Parliamentary Group’s proposal is accompanied by a detailed 168-page …
During the gala evening organized by the Albanian-American Relations Council in New York, Prime Minister Edi Rama said that society is facing a digital “barbarism,” where cyberattacks and content on social media are directly affecting young people. Despite his criticism of the negative impact of these platforms, Rama clarified that …
The Chairman of the Socialist Party Parliamentary Group, Taulant Balla, has reacted after the Democratic Party submitted its draft proposal to change the country’s administrative-territorial division. The DP has proposed that Albania have 100 municipalities and 12 counties, an initiative accompanied by a 168-page explanatory report in which, according to …