Albania Boosts Defense Spending to Align with NATO Goals
By Tirana Times November 5, 2025 Albania’s draft budget for 2026 marks a significant milestone in the country’s defense modernization and strategic alignment with NATO objectives. The government has announced a €100 million increase in defense funding, raising total expenditures to €589 million or approximately 2.1% of GDP surpassing the …
Dark Secrets: How Encrypted Comms Boosted Organised Crime in the Balkans
Encrypted platforms and secure devices have helped crime gangs in the Balkans to coordinate trafficking and payments – but while police have cracked several of them, the criminals quickly adopt new tools. Original post Here
PM Rama’s Misguided Diplomacy on Kosovo
The Albanian Prime Minister’s suggestions have largely and consistently proven not to be in Kosovo’s best interest October 29, 2025 By Veton Suroi Last week, Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama offered a new recommendation for Kosovo in the process of normalizing relations with Serbia: “In my view, Kosovo should completely …
Albanian Officials’ Harassment of Journalists is Becoming Normalised
Intimidation of journalists working for independent media in Albania is getting worse, as state-level and local officials attempt to silence critical voices, both online and face-to-face. Original post Here
EU Enlargement Report Criticises Serbia, Hails Montenegro’s Progress
Tough European Commission report takes Serbian democratic backsliding to task – while saying Montenegro will probably be the first among the current candidate countries to join the EU. Original post Here
Oligarchy, Governance, and Justice in the Eyes of Citizens’ Expectations
By Zef Preçi The recent decision of Albania’s Special Prosecution Office Against Corruption (SPAK) to formally indict Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Infrastructure Belinda Balluku on charges related to abuse of office and corruption has sent shockwaves through the political establishment. Balluku widely regarded as the government’s second-in-command and …
Drug Shortages, Delays and Debts: Breast Cancer Treatment in Albania
Delays and drug shortages in the public healthcare system force hundreds of Albanian women every year to seek expensive, private treatment for breast cancer. Original post Here
The Sound of Freedom: Why MTV was Beloved in the Balkans
MTV is shutting down its European music video channels, which were once symbols of freedom for many young people in the Balkans and the former Eastern Bloc. Lida Hujic had a front-row seat when the channel was at its peak. Original post Here
Fatos Nano, Albania’s Reformist Prime Minister, Dies at 73
Tirana, October 31, 2025 Former Albanian Prime Minister Fatos Nano, the reformist leader who transformed the country’s Communist Party into a modern European-style Socialist Party and who steered Albania through several of its most turbulent post-communist years, has died at the age of 73. Nano a figure at once admired, …
Constitutional Court Overturns Dismissal: Veliaj Formally Reinstated as Tirana Mayor
Tirana November 3,2025 The Constitutional Court has ruled in favor of Erion Veliaj, annulling the government’s decision to dismiss him from office and invalidating President Bajram Begaj’s decree for early elections in Tirana. With a 5–3 vote, the Court decided that Veliaj who has been in pre-trial detention for nine …
The Kosova Assembly elected Justina Shiroka Pula as president on October 6, ending a political crisis in a 13-minute vote. The vote took place in the final hour of the constitutional deadline. The Democratic Party of Kosova (PDK) accepted Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s proposal to nominate Shiroka Pula. She secured …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has congratulated Justina Shiroka Pula on her election as president of Kosova. In a post on X, he described her election as a challenging moment for Kosova, the region and Europe. “Warm congratulations to renowned academic Justina Shiroka Pula on your election as President of the …
Albanian President Bajram Begaj has congratulated Justina Shiroka Pula on her election as president of Kosova. In a message on social media, Begaj said Albania and Kosova would stand together in facing challenges and on their path towards a European future. “Warm congratulations, Justina Shiroka Pula, on your election as …
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sports Blendi Gonxhja announced that the 2026 British-Ukrainian Cultural Week starts today and will run through October 12. For the first time, the two Cultural Weeks are taking place together. The joint program brings British and Ukrainian culture together. It also sends a strong message …
The music of Maurice Ravel will meet contemporary dance on the stage of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet (TKOB) through “Unseen” and “Boléro,” two works by choreographer Andonis Foniadakis, as part of the fifth edition of the International Dance Festival of Tirana (IDFT). Minister of Tourism, Culture and …
Albania will have stable atmospheric conditions on Wednesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain mostly clear, with periods of moderate and locally dense clouds. Cloud cover will be more pronounced in mountainous areas. Meanwhile, southwest to southeast winds will reach average speeds of 8 metres per …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania’s 2027 draft budget will exceed 10 billion euros. He highlighted the redistribution of more revenue from sustained economic growth. Finance Minister Petrit Malaj presented the main priorities. The government plans to double payments for children with disabilities. It will also recognise social security and …
President Bajram Begaj has decreed Law No. 98/2026 on the participation of Albania’s Armed Forces in the military operation of the International Stabilization Force in Gaza. The Assembly approved the initiative following a proposal from the Council of Ministers. The law sets the maximum number of Albanian personnel at 40. …
Albania beat San Marino 2-1 at Air Albania Stadium in the fourth match of the UEFA Nations League. The win moved Albania to the top of Group 1 in League C with nine points. Albania dominated the first half and created several chances. Kristjan Asllani opened the scoring in the …
Canadian travel media Milesopedia presents Albania as an attractive destination for travellers seeking good value for money. In an article by Marie-Eve Leclerc, the outlet highlights the Albanian Riviera, World Heritage sites, natural landscapes and local hospitality. Leclerc spent a week working remotely in Tirana before returning to explore more …