Former President Meta Faces Corruption Charges in Politically Sensitive Case
TIRANA, Albania — Former Albanian President Ilir Meta and his former wife, current MP Monika Kryemadhi, have been formally indicted by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) on charges of corruption, money laundering, and concealment of assets—marking one of the most politically explosive cases since the country’s post-communist transition. Meta, a …
Western Powers Push to Turn Balkans into Migrant Buffer Zone, Stirring Rights Alarm
TIRANA TIMES, May 27, Albania — A growing wave of Western efforts to outsource the handling of rejected asylum seekers is turning the Western Balkans into what rights groups now describe as Europe’s “human warehouse.” At the center of the plan are proposals to build migrant detention centers in countries …
Italy Sends Second Migrant Ship to Albania Following Legal Changes
After encountering legal obstacles to its plans to offshore migrant processing to Albania, Itay has sent a second ship with some 27 migrants on board to the Gjader centre following changes to the rules. Original post Here
Mystery of ‘Ghost Analyst’ Intrigues Albanian Media
Following Albania’s elections this month, an incendiary opinion piece by a political analyst called Helen Bratt went viral. But then people started to raise questions about the author’s identity. Original post Here
After Albania’s Election: Defeated Democratic Party Badly in Need of ‘New People’
In the second of a two-part series on Albania’s post-election political landscape, BIRN looks at why, after another devastating loss, the Democratic Party risks irrelevance without root-and-branch reform. Original post Here
Shadow Networks – How Politics and Organized Crime Appear Intertwined in Albania
TIRANA, Albania May 26,2025– Recent revelations from an Italian anti-mafia investigation have cast a harsh spotlight on the murky relationship between organized crime and the Albanian political elite, deepening concerns over state complicity in shielding and enabling criminal actors. At the center of the storm is Elvis Doçi, alias “Visi …
Trump’s Tariffs Hit Albanian Exports Hard, Exposing Weakness in U.S.-Albania Economic Ties
Albanian exports to the United States have plummeted following the imposition of a 10% tariff on goods by President Donald Trump’s administration — part of a broader protectionist trade policy that has unsettled global markets and strained economic relations with several U.S. allies and partners. According to the Albanian Institute …
After Albania’s Election: Socialists’ Huge Majority Rings Alarm for Democracy
With 83 of parliament’s 140 seats, the ruling Socialists have never been stronger. In the first of a series on Albania’s post-election political landscape, BIRN examines how democratic standards and the struggle against corruption could be affected. Original post Here
From staunch enemy to strategic partner: Albanian-American relations in transition
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post From staunch enemy to strategic partner: Albanian-American relations in transition appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Behind the Façade: What’s Fueling Albania’s Real Estate Boom?
In recent years, Albania—particularly its capital, Tirana—has witnessed a real estate boom of unprecedented proportions. Tower cranes dominate the skyline, new developments sprout at every corner, and record-breaking building permits have become the norm. At first glance, this might seem like a sign of economic vitality. But beneath the surface …
Prime Minister Edi Rama met with a group of parents today to discuss the creation of a National Council for Children with Disabilities and ways to strengthen the support-teacher system. Minister of Health and Social Welfare Klodiana Spahiu, Minister of Education Mirela Kumbaro and State Social Service Director Reme Lala …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Austria’s Federal Minister for Europe Claudia Bauer in Vienna during the high-level ministerial meeting “Slavkov 3 – Western Balkans”. Hoxha and Bauer discussed Albania’s EU accession process, the country’s ongoing reform agenda and key priorities in the negotiations. Hoxha expressed …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in a high-level meeting of European affairs ministers from the Slavkov format countries and the Western Balkans in Vienna on September 29, 2026. The Slavkov format brings together Austria, Czechia and Slovakia, along with the Western Balkan countries. Austrian Federal …
New U.S. Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt has officially taken up his post, as the U.S. Marine Corps raised the American flag at the ambassador’s official residence. The U.S. Embassy in Tirana announced that the U.S. Marine Corps raised the American flag at the official residence to mark the beginning …
September 29 marks the 90th anniversary of the birth of renowned Albanian writer and screenwriter, and former Culture Minister, Teodor Laço. Laço was born on September 29, 1936, in the village of Dardhë, Korçë. He studied Agronomy at the University of Tirana. However, his early passion for writing shaped his …
Minister of Interior Ervin Demo met today with EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa. The ambassador congratulated Demo on his appointment and stressed the importance of strengthening the rule of law as Albania moves toward EU membership. During the meeting, the two officials discussed priorities and challenges related …
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke today about protests against the planned investment in Zvernec. He said scientific assessments and the project’s environmental impact will determine whether construction moves forward. Speaking at the Euronews Summit 2026, Rama said the investment has no political link to Donald Trump. Instead, he said investors …
Albania dominated San Marino in their second Group C1 match of the UEFA Nations League. The Red and Blacks needed less than 27 minutes to take control at the San Marino Stadium. Anis Mehmeti opened the scoring in the 21st minute. Just five minutes later, Myrto Uzuni doubled Albania’s lead. …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, speaking at the Euronews 2026 Tourism Summit in Brussels, addressed the ongoing protests in Tirana and also commented on singer Dua Lipa’s support for the demonstrations. Rama said that he is proud of Dua Lipa, just as she is proud of the protests taking place in …
Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha delivered a speech at the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, where he addressed developments in Kosovo and the convictions of former Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) leaders in The Hague. Berisha first focused on the repeated elections in Kosovo, saying they had been conducted …