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
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
Albanian Prosecution Accuses Former Ruling Party MP of Organised Crime Ties
Special prosecutors conclude investigation into Jurgis Cyrbja, accusing the former Socialist MP of sharing state information with organised crime group members in exchange for their support in elections. Original post Here
Opposition: The Prime Minister Must Go!
In a meeting held yesterday with local officials, the leader of the opposition, Edi Rama, declared that the country is facing a series of serious problems that require deep and structural reforms. One of the first issues raised was that of drinking water. “Despite reported improvements, the situation calls for …
Skyscrapers and Shadows: Albania’s Construction Boom Masking a Web of Crime and Corruption
TIRANA, Albania (Tirana Times) July 15,2025 — Just 300 meters from the office of Albania’s Prime Minister, a 40-story tower rises over Tirana’s skyline. It’s one of dozens of new high-rises reshaping the capital. But behind the glass and steel façade lies a darker truth that experts say reflects Albania’s …
From the Prime Minister’s Words to the State’s Bulldozers
After a campaign of promises for legalization, property titles, fine forgiveness, and tourism development, the government returns to Theth with the bulldozers of the National Inspectorate for the Protection of Territory (IKMT). Residents accuse the government of deception and corruption. By Lindita Çela – July 13, 2025 “Welcome! May God …
Albanian Village Erupts in Protest over Crackdown on ‘Illegal’ Tourist Cabins
In a remote valley in northern Albania, locals claim they were encouraged to build cabins to promote tourism. When the authorities sent in bulldozers to demolish what they said are illegal constructions, anger boiled over. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: July 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
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
The University Hospital Center “Mother Teresa” has put its new Cardiac Surgery Hospital into operation. The new facility has modern premises and services and aims to provide patients with higher standards of care. During an inspection of the new facilities, Prime Minister Edi Rama and Health and Social Welfare Minister …
Danish architecture studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has won the “Tirana Fountain Plaza” project in an international competition that presented architectural visions for Tirana 2030 from five international studios. The jury described the winning project as ambitious and distinctive. It said the proposal offers a strategy not only for the …
Countries such as Albania and Montenegro could send a commissioner to Brussels before formally joining the European Union. The European Commission is considering the idea as part of new plans, Magnus Lund Nielsen and Eddy Wax report, citing Rapporteur. Senior EU officials are considering ways to increase the involvement of …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with France’s Special Envoy for the Western Balkans, René Troccaz, during his stay in Pržno, Montenegro. The two officials discussed Albania’s European Union accession process, developments in the Western Balkans and the strategic importance of strengthening regional cooperation, connectivity and security. …
Danish architecture studio Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has won the international competition for the “Tirana Fountain Tower” project. The project includes a mixed-use building and plans to transform the public space at Rinia Park in the capital. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared a video presenting the project today. He said …
EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa praised Albania’s progress toward EU membership after European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visited Tirana. In a social media post, Moreira de Sousa thanked von der Leyen for visiting Albania and thanked the Albanian authorities for their hospitality. “The goal is …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with German Federal Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul today during the ministerial meeting of the Berlin Process in Pržno, Montenegro. The two ministers held substantive talks focused on Albania’s European path. Hoxha expressed his appreciation for Germany’s clear, consistent and continued support …
Tirana International Airport welcomed representatives of regional airports, aviation organizations and industry partners from across Europe on the first day of the 40th Regional Airports Forum of Airports Council International Europe (ACI Europe). One of the main highlights of the event was the presentation of a new publication, “European Regional …
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen visits Kosova today for meetings with its institutional leaders. She first meets acting President Albulena Haxhiu at the Presidency. Von der Leyen then meets Prime Minister Albin Kurti at the Government building. Kurti and von der Leyen are to hold a press conference …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj took part in the Berlin Process Economic Ministerial in Cetinje, Montenegro. Ministers from the six Western Balkan countries, European Commission representatives, regional organizations and international financial institutions also attended. Discussions focused on the Regional Common Market action plan, economic cooperation and closer alignment with …