Italy’s Tirana-Cairo Deportation Flight Sets ‘Dangerous Precedent’
With the direct deportation of five Egyptians from Tirana to Cairo, rights groups and legal experts say Italy’s offshore migration strategy has taken an ominous turn. Original post Here
Week in Review: Opportunities and Setbacks
This week’s Balkan Insight Premium stories reflect the region’s ongoing push-and-pull between hopes of peace and the bitter weight of history. Original post Here
Week in Review: Failures and Flops
From Kosovo’s parliamentary stalemate to Montenegro’s rocky tourism season, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week sees several countries across the region failing to meet up to public needs. Original post Here
Airport Ordeal Sheds Light on Plight of Migrant Workers in Albania
Long hours, low pay and confiscated passports. Albania’s treatment of migrant workers bears all the hallmarks of modern slavery, experts say. Original post Here
Tirana Mayor Indicted in Corruption Probe
TIRANA, Albania , Tirana Time, July 23, 2025— Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Prosecution Office (SPAK) has officially indicted Erion Veliaj, the mayor of Tirana, on multiple corruption charges in a sweeping criminal case that also implicates his wife, a ruling party lawmaker, two businessmen, and a prison official. The announcement, made …
Bankers Petroleum Threatens Arbitration Amid Fraud Probe in Albania
By Tirana Times | July 23, 2025 Albania’s most lucrative oilfield has become the epicenter of what could be the country’s most consequential investor-state confrontation to date, after Bankers Petroleum — its largest oil producer — threatened to sue the Albanian government in international arbitration courts. The company claims its …
Women Journalists in Albania Unprotected in Face of Online Abuse
As Albanian online portals spread falsehoods to discredit women in the media, a culture of silence and weak legal protections leave women journalists increasingly vulnerable. Original post Here
Albania’s Public Broadcaster Paying Price of Former Head’s Firing Spree
The former head of Albania’s public broadcaster abruptly fired some 150 of its employees; they went to court, and many are winning, at a growing cost to RTSH. Original post Here
UAE President’s Surprise Visit to Albania Underscores Strategic Diplomacy Beyond Friendship
TIRANA, Albania — July 17, 2025 Tirana Times. In a rare and tightly scheduled diplomatic mission, United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan made an unannounced visit to Albania on the evening of July 16, marking his second trip to the Balkan country in less than …
Week in Review: Surprises in Store
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week brings some surprises – some good, some less so – while continuing to look back on 20 years of BIRN. Original post Here
Rozafa Castle in Shkodër is undergoing restoration and redevelopment as part of a project to strengthen the tourism and cultural potential of the Shkodër Archaeological Park. Work has started at the lower section of the castle, where workers are building a parking area to address a long-standing issue for visitors. …
Representatives of the United States Coast Guard visited Durrës Port under the International Port Security Program to review measures and procedures for port security. The delegation received a briefing on the port’s security situation, the implementation of standards under the International Ship and Port Facility Security Code and cooperation among …
Albania’s State Police Director General Skënder Hita held a series of meetings with senior law enforcement officials from partner countries during the European Police Chiefs Convention. The talks focused on strengthening police cooperation, information sharing and operational coordination. Hita met the directors general of the state police forces of Italy, …
Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj took part in the Euro-Mediterranean Water Forum in Rome, Italy. He presented Albania’s priorities for a more sustainable water future in Europe and the Mediterranean together with representatives of the European Commission and the Union for the Mediterranean. At the panel on a new European vision …
Vuno village on the Albanian Riviera has officially been declared a Historic Centre by a decision of Albania’s Council of Ministers. The decision strengthens institutional protection for the village’s architectural and historical heritage while creating new opportunities for tourism and the local economy. Himara Mayor Vangjel Tavo described the decision …
More than 100 Albanian hotel projects will go before international investors and hotel operators on October 2 in Tirana. The Albanian Investment Development Agency will host the Future Hospitality Forum 2026 for the first time. The event will take place at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet. The forum …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said five architectural proposals would compete in an international competition for the redevelopment of the “Taiwan” building in Tirana’s Rinia Park. He made the statement while presenting the Tirana Fountain Tower project. Rama said the capital now has different needs and ambitions from those of previous …
Albania’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs welcomed the agreement among Albanian political parties and entities in the Presheva Valley to run on a joint list in Serbia’s October 25, 2026 parliamentary elections. The ministry congratulated the Albanian political actors in the Presheva Valley for what it described as responsibility, …
The Saint Quiricus and Julitta Monastery in Dhuvjan, Dropull, Gjirokastër Region, is undergoing restoration with support from the World Monuments Fund. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja inspected the current phase of the project. The project also includes trail signs linking the area’s monuments. Gonxhja said the work will …
UEFA has appointed an Irish refereeing team for Saturday’s Finland-Albania match. Rob Hennessy will serve as the referee. The 35-year-old Hennessy has held international status since 2017. In addition to officiating matches in the Irish league, he has refereed two UEFA Conference League games this season. Saturday’s match will be …