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
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: October 6, 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: Between Hope and Despair
While political deadlock feeds despair in some corners of the region, glimmers of hope shine through in others, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here
Albania and Colombia Arrest 17 for Trafficking Women for Sex Work
The EU police agency said 17 people suspected of trafficking women from South America to Europe for sexual exploitation have been arrested in Albania and Colombia. Original post Here
Rama’s Trump Joke Overshadows Copenhagen Summit
Tirana, Albania (Tirana Times). Prime Minister Edi Rama’s attempt at humor during a European summit turned into a viral spectacle on Thursday, overshadowing the European Political Community’s agenda in Copenhagen and sparking both international scrutiny and domestic criticism. The incident unfolded when Rama, known for injecting jokes into international meetings, …
Mayoral Election in Capital Stirs Albanian Opposition Hopes of Comeback
The byelection in Tirana, whose Socialist mayor is behind bars, is a precious opportunity for Albania’s opposition – but analysts warn that victory remains unlikely. Original post Here
Albania Govt Demands Elections in Capital Despite Jailed Mayor’s Court Appeal
Ruling Socialists push for new elections in Tirana as jailed mayor tries to block the move, claiming his dismissal is in breach of his constitutional rights. Original post Here
Kosovo Visitors Drive Summer Tourism Surge as Italian Arrivals Slip
Kosovo Visitors Drive Summer Tourism Surge as Italian Arrivals SlipTirana, September 26, 2025 — By Tirana Times Staff Albania’s summer tourism season ended on a stronger note in August, with a surge in visitors from neighboring Kosovo offsetting weak demand from other markets, particularly Italy. According to official data from …
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 …
Parliament held today the “Green Week” plenary session, chaired by Speaker Niko Peleshi. The session focused on issues that lawmakers identified during meetings with constituents in their electoral districts. During the proceedings, MPs brought citizens’ concerns and requests to Parliament. They discussed issues that directly affect the daily lives of …
Prof. Dr. Agron Lufi (1947–2026), a renowned architect, professor and researcher, has died at the age of 79. For more than five decades, he contributed to education, scientific research, architecture and urban planning in Albania. The Faculty of Architecture and Urbanism and the Polytechnic University of Tirana expressed their condolences …
New magistrate candidates began the new academic year today at the School of Magistrates in Tirana. During the opening ceremony, EU Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa stressed the importance of the rule of law as Albania advances toward EU membership. Addressing the new candidates, Moreira de Sousa said …
The United States has reaffirmed its role as Albania’s leading defence partner. The US Embassy in Tirana said Ambassador Eric Wendt discussed stronger defence cooperation and enhanced security capabilities during a meeting with Defence Minister Ermal Nufi. The meeting focused on strengthening operational readiness through Albania’s 25-year partnership with the …
The fight against transnational crime, drug trafficking and illegal migration took center stage at a meeting between US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt and SPAK chief Klodian Braho. Wendt also met with Joni Keta, head of the National Bureau of Investigation. The US Embassy in Tirana said the meetings focused …
Prime Minister Edi Rama hosted a US congressional delegation at the Prime Minister’s Office, where US Ambassador to Albania Eric Wendt also attended. Rama shared footage from the meeting on social media. Earlier, a delegation from the US House of Representatives, led by Congressman Vern Buchanan, chairman of the Committee …
The United States Ambassador to Tirana, Eric Wendt, met with the leadership of the Special Structure Against Corruption and Organized Crime (SPAK), with discussions focusing on challenges related to transnational crime, drug trafficking, and illegal migration. In a social media post, the US Embassy in Tirana said these issues are …