Italy-Albania Police Operation Nets 40 Suspected Drug Traffickers
Joint police investigation results in arrest of 40 members of three gangs allegedly involved in cocaine and heroin trafficking and money laundering, including one gang based in Durres, Albania. Original post Here
Thwarting Opposition Hopes, Albania’s Socialists Win Big Abroad
Albania’s well-organised ruling party worked hard to mobilise voters abroad for an election that for the first time featured postal ballots. It paid off. Original post Here
Tirana Emerges as Strategic Hub at FII PRIORITY Europe Summit
TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times , May 20, — For the first time, Albania hosted the prestigious Future Investment Initiative (FII) Europe Summit, drawing a constellation of global leaders, tech innovators, and major investors to its capital. Coinciding with the 6th European Political Community (EPC) meeting, the summit positioned Tirana as …
European Political Community Summit in Tirana – Substance, Symbolism, and Domestic Contradictions
Tirana, 17 May 2025 The Sixth Summit of the European Political Community (EPC), held in Tirana on 16 May 2025, convened 47 European leaders in a highly symbolic gathering that showcased continental unity in the face of geopolitical volatility. Under the banner “New Europe in a New World: Unity – …
Albania’s 2025 Elections: Triumph of the Socialists or the Fall of Democracy?
The May 11 parliamentary elections delivered a further consolidationof the Socialist government under Edi Rama’s leadership, while simultaneously revealing adeterioration in democratic standards across the country: unequal representation, abuse ofstate resources, media capture, and pressure on the opposition. The near-absolute majoritythat the Socialist Party has effectively secured in these elections …
Lawyers and Journalists Need Protection, Urges Council of Europe Chief
The secretary-general of the Council of Europe, Alain Berset, tells BIRN why the European rights body recently adopted the first-ever international treaty aimed at protecting lawyers from harassment and threats. Original post Here
Young Voters Must Stop Albania Stagnating and Lead the Way to the EU
The low youth turnout at Albania’s parliamentary election was an alarm call. Without young voices demanding reform, the country cannot tackle corruption and democratic backsliding, end the brain drain and move towards EU membership. Original post Here
Share Your Experience: Menstrual Poverty in the Balkans and France
Are you a woman saving up on menstrual products? Trying to make them last longer than prescribed, or using reusable products? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Albania’s Small Parties Defy Odds to Challenge Electoral Duopoly
Despite an electoral system designed to keep them down, small parties won almost 10 per cent of the votes and a few seats in the parliamentary elections – taking on the big parties’ stranglehold on Albanian politics. Original post Here
Albanian Opposition Rejects Election Results as Socialists Score Major Victory
After Prime Minister Edi Rama’s Socialist Party won a record fourth term in office with a big majority, opposition Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha said he would refuse to accept the results and announced a street protest. Original post Here
Seizures in Albania of cannabis from Canada suggest the Balkan country – long seen as a source – is also becoming a destination point in a globalised market. Original post Here
The European Mobility Week promotes sustainable transport and active mobility across Europe. The annual European Commission initiative encourages public transport, cycling and walking to improve quality of life. PM Edi Rama shared a video of young people in Shkodër riding bicycles. He said cycling remains a long-standing tradition passed from …
The Dyrrachium International Theater Festival brought a Bulgarian production to the Durrës Amphitheatre. Actor Sevar Ivanov performed the monodrama “The Little Dog Laughed” before an audience at the historic venue. Directed by Ana Bateva, the production uses humour and irony to present contemporary Bulgarian theatre. Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako shared …
The European Week of Sport began on Sept. 20 and will run through Sept. 30. The initiative forms part of the European “BeActive” campaign. It promotes physical activity and healthier lifestyles. Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja highlighted the importance of sport. He said sport brings communities together. …
The “Not in My Name” protest continued for an eighth night in Prishtina. Citizens gathered in Skanderbeg Square to oppose the convictions handed down by the Kosova Specialist Chambers in The Hague against former Kosova Liberation Army leaders. Singer Ylli Limani joined the eighth-night protest. Singer Leonora Jakupi and journalist …
Justice Minister Toni Gogu said Albania will discuss the broadest package of Criminal Procedure Code changes since its adoption on September 30. The Justice Ministry and the Council of Europe will present the package at a meeting with justice institutions and other stakeholders. The review follows a Council of Europe …
Albania Under-21 coach Alban Bushi has named 21 players for a friendly against Ukraine Under-21 on October 5. The match will take place at Szentmarjay Tibor Városi Stadion in Eger, Hungary, at 15:30. The squad will begin its training camp in Tirana on September 28. Four players are new to …
Swiss documentary “The Bow and the Brush” (“L’Archet et le Pinceau”) had its world premiere at the Tirana International Film Festival on Tuesday evening. The film was directed by Franco-Swiss filmmaker Raphaëlle Régnier. It is part of the 24th edition of TIFF. The documentary brings Western classical music and traditional …
Albania’s banking sector improved the quality of its loan portfolio in the first half of 2026. The non-performing loan ratio fell to 3.7%, its lowest level in 15 years, according to Bank of Albania data. The improvement covered several segments of the portfolio. Short-term loans, loans issued in ALL and …
Albania has recorded a sharp rise in tourist interest, with the number of visitors doubling over the past decade, Euronews Travel reports. More and more travelers are discovering a country that combines history, beaches, nature and distinctive traditions. According to Euronews Travel, Albania followed a different path from many other …