Farewell, Pope Francis
By Jerina Zaloshnja Rakipi — Reporting from Vatican City Tirana Times, April 26, 2025 In 1967, a Catholic priest in Tirana—whose name I never managed to learn—quietly came to our home to baptize me. I was only two years old, born to a Bektashi father and a Muslim mother, who, …
Digital Divide: The Albanians Left Behind by Move to Online Public Services
Albania has moved almost all of its public administration online, yet the elderly, those with disabilities, and others who lack the necessary digital skills risk being locked out if authorities do not step up support. Original post Here
Challenging Justice: Albanian Parties Field Candidates Facing Corruption Charges
Promises to clean up politics – and not run candidates with suspected or proven crime links – seem to have been dumped by both main parties contesting next month’s parliamentary election. Original post Here
Balkan Leaders Express Sorrow After Death of Pope Francis
Balkan leaders and Catholic believers across the region voiced their condolences after the death of Pope Francis, who died at the age of 88 on Easter Monday after a period of ill-health. Original post Here
Albanians Remember ‘Extraordinary Woman’ Who Endured Torture for Her Faith
A Catholic nun who was persecuted as an enemy of the Communist regime in her short lifetime, Marie Tuci is today widely honoured in Albania as both a saint and a symbol of courage. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: April 14, 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
BIRN Fact-Check: Is Albanian PM’s Promise of 2030 EU Accession Realistic?
Experts say the Albanian prime minister’s pledge to secure membership of the EU by 2030 is little more than a “fairytale” for the electorate ahead of elections in May. Original post Here
Italy Sends More Migrants to Albania After Change of Plan
A new shipload of migrants from Italy arrived in Albania on Friday after the Rome government changed the rules on the use of its detention centre in the Balkan country after previous legal setbacks to the offshoring project. Original post Here
Albania’s ‘Elite Tourism’ Pits David Against Goliath in Fight for Water
In southwestern Albania, a government plan to harness a village’s natural springs for the needs of a luxury tourism development has locals up in arms. Original post Here
Albanian TikTok Shutdown Tool Raises Privacy Concerns
Albania’s cyber security authority said it will use Deep Packet Inspection to enforce the government’s TikTok ban – but experts say the use of the technology has no legal basis in Albania and could be used for censorship. Original post Here
Albania opened their UEFA Nations League campaign with a 2-0 victory over Belarus at the Air Albania Stadium in Tirana on Saturday. Kristjan Asllani put Albania ahead from the penalty spot in the 34th minute, before Ernest Muçi doubled the lead shortly before half-time after an assist from Elseid Hysaj. …
The European Union has sent a clear message from Brussels regarding Albania’s justice system, expressing confidence in and support for SPAK in the investigation and prosecution of organized crime. The statement came in response to questions concerning the case of former SHISH director Vlora Hyseni, who has been placed under …
President of the Republic Bajram Begaj welcomed the new U.S. Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, at the Presidency this Saturday, where the ambassador officially presented his Letters of Credence, marking the start of his diplomatic mandate in the country. During the ceremony, the Head of State wished Ambassador Wendt success …
“The General” Officially Takes Up Role as U.S. Ambassador to Albania — Who Were His 10 Predecessors?
Eric Wendt has officially taken office as the United States Ambassador to Albania, bringing a confirmed ambassador back to the helm of the U.S. diplomatic mission in Tirana after nearly three years. This Saturday, Wendt presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj, officially beginning his mandate in Albania. He succeeds …
The new United States Ambassador to Albania, Eric Wendt, officially presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj this Saturday. In an official statement, the US Embassy in Tirana welcomed the new ambassador, noting that during his meeting with President Begaj, the strong strategic partnership between the two countries was reaffirmed. …
Florin Hoxha, Florida Hoxha and Eris Cani are the three Albanians reported missing beneath the rubble of a building that collapsed following a powerful explosion in the Plaka area of Athens. Florin Hoxha and Florida Hoxha are brother and sister, while Eris Cani is Florida Hoxha’s husband. They are among …
Citizens and activists took to the streets this Saturday for another protest, which has now entered its 119th day. As they have done every afternoon, after 6:30 p.m., protesters initially gathered in Skanderbeg Square, chanting slogans such as: “Your time is up,” “A New Albania,” and “Rama, resign.” After gathering …
Japan has supported 80 projects across Albania through grants under its Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects programme, Ambassador Kikuko Kato told the Albanian Telegraphic Agency. The projects address basic needs and directly support local communities, including through public hospitals, schools, local authorities and non-governmental organisations. Kato said Japan …
Albania will host Belarus at Air Albania Stadium on Saturday in its opening match of the Nations League. Kick-off is at 20:45. The game also marks Italian coach Rolando Maran’s first official match in charge of the national team. Maran said he had seen commitment and motivation from the players …
New US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt formally began his diplomatic mission on Saturday. He presented his credentials to President Bajram Begaj at the Palace of Brigades. The two also held a private meeting. Wendt has more than 34 years of service in the US military, much of it with …