Week in Review: Leaping into the Unknown
Electoral races, political comebacks and anti-corruption efforts: our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week looks at how current developments are shaping the region’s future. Original post Here
Arab Scientist Among 2025 Nobel Chemistry Laureates for Groundbreaking Molecular Architectures
In an era when Arab nations are investing heavily in science and technology especially under initiatives such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Yaghi’s Nobel Prize is seen as both a personal triumph and a symbolic breakthrough for scientific ambition across the Middle East By Tirana Times Staff | October 8, …
‘No One’s Above the Law’: Albania’s Anti-Graft Prosecutor Leaves Formidable Legacy
As head of Albania’s special anti-graft and organised crime prosecution, Altin Dumani proved no one is ‘untouchable’ anymore. Experts say he set a high bar for his successor. Original post Here
Praise for ‘Hero’ Dictator Hoxha Sparks Outrage in Albania
MPs slammed the Albanian parliament’s administration for sending out an official document listing the country’s Communist-era dictator Enver Hoxha as a ‘hero’. Original post Here
NY Mayor’s Visit Puts Spotlight on Rama’s Foreign Links
By Tirana Times StaffTIRANA — October 7, 2025 The visit of New York City Mayor Eric Adams to Tirana this week at the personal invitation of Prime Minister Edi Rama has reignited scrutiny of the Albanian leader’s expanding network of foreign political connections and associates. Adams’ trip, coming just days …
Judge’s Killing in Courtroom Shakes Albania’s Justice System
By Tirana Times Staff TIRANA, October 7, 2025 — The fatal shooting of Appeals Court Judge Astrit Kalaja inside a courtroom in Tirana on Monday has sent shockwaves across Albania, raising profound questions about the state of justice reform, courtroom security, and the country’s fragile rule of law. Judge Kalaja, …
Albania Judges Warned Police of Threats Before Fatal Court Shooting
The shocking killing of judge Astrit Kalaja on Monday inside a Tirana court has led to serious questions over levels of security in the country’s institutions. Original post Here
Troubled Waters: Albania’s Wild River ‘Protected Only on Paper’
A wild river given protection as a ‘national park’ in 2023 still faces serious threats to its biodiversity from pollution – and Albania’s government is doing little to stop it. Original post Here
Albania’s Opposition Backs Actor-Activist for Tirana Mayor
The Democratic Party declared its support for an independent candidate, the actor Florjan Binaj – who is known for lampooning Prime Minister Edi Rama – in Tirana’s high-profile mayoral byelection next month. Original post Here
Judge Shot to Death in Albanian Courtroom
Judge Astrit Kalaja was shot and killed during a hearing at the Court of Appeal in Tirana, drawing shocked reactions from political leaders. Original post Here
Gjirokastër Castle welcomed visitors from many countries, mainly across Europe, throughout September 2026. Polish, Spanish, Italian, German and French tourists topped the visitor list, while Albanian visitors ranked sixth. The strong international interest highlights the castle’s historical, cultural and tourism value. The cultural heritage site offers visitors both insights into …
Kosova presidential deadline expires as Democratic Party conditions votes on Specialist Chambers law
The constitutional deadline for electing Kosova’s president expires today. Political parties have failed to reach consensus. As a result, the country faces the possibility of new parliamentary elections. Democratic Party of Kosova (PDK) leader Bedri Hamza met Prime Minister and Self-Determination Movement (LVV) leader Albin Kurti late Monday. The meeting …
Electronic payments could generate annual savings of up to ALL 38.7 billion in Albania, according to a joint study by the World Bank and Bank of Albania. The findings were presented at the 10th Conference of Mediterranean Central Banks in Tarragona, Spain. Bank of Albania First Deputy Governor Holta Zaçaj …
Albania is expected to experience unstable atmospheric conditions on Tuesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with long periods of sunshine. Meanwhile, light to moderate passing clouds will develop over hilly and mountainous areas around midday and in the afternoon. Winds will mainly blow …
The State Police has prepared a security plan for tonight’s Albania-San Marino match at Air Albania Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45. From 17:00 until the end of the match, the State Police and Tirana Municipal Police will restrict vehicle traffic on several roads near the stadium. The measures aim …
French media outlet Ulysse.com highlights Albania as a growing tourist destination attracting millions of visitors. Reporter Luc Rongier describes the country’s beaches, mountains and historic cities in a feature on Albania’s tourism growth. According to Ulysse.com, Albania welcomed 11.9 million tourists in 2025. The figure marked a 3.3% increase from …
“The Lion King” will soon take the stage at the Puppet Theatre in a unique production. The show will mark the first production of its kind in Albania. The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sports announced the upcoming performance. Tourism, Culture and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja said the production will …
Five joint scientific research projects between Albanian and Turkish universities have been selected for funding under the 2026–2028 Albania–Türkiye Bilateral Call. The projects will give new impetus to cooperation in scientific research and innovation. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced that the National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (AKKSHI) and …
Academy of Sciences marks 135th anniversary of Osman Myderrizi’s birth with scholarly memorial event
The Academy of Sciences of Albania held a scholarly memorial event to mark the 135th anniversary of the birth of Osman Myderrizi. The event focused on his life, work and contributions to linguistics, literature, history and Albanian national culture. The Academy’s Permanent Commission on Linguistics and Literature organized the event. …
Defence ministers from six Adriatic and Ionian countries met in Venice to discuss stronger regional cooperation in defence and security. The participating countries were Albania, Italy, Greece, Croatia, Montenegro and Slovenia. The ministers focused on the increasingly complex strategic environment. They also discussed ways to strengthen regional coordination and joint …