Türkiye and Albania: From Shared Past to Strategic Future
By Marjana Doda, This feature draws on exclusive insights from an interview with Ambassador Tayyar Kagan Atay, the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Tirana. On the occasion of the 102nd anniversary of diplomatic relations, Ambassador Atay reflects on the unique depth of Albanian–Turkish ties—links shaped by shared history …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: October 20, 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
Albanian Judges Decry ‘Non-Existent Security’ After Courtroom Killing
The courtroom killing of a judge in Tirana has prompted calls from Albanian judges and prosecutors for authorities to get serious about their ‘almost non-existent’ security. Original post Here
Albania–Kosovo Rift Weakens the Albanian Voice
The Rama–Kurti clash over the war crimes tribunal highlights deeper structural tensions, from unimplemented agreements to competing regional agendas. The latest clash between Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Kosovo’s Albin Kurti is more than another exchange of political insults. It reflects the fragile state of relations between Albania and …
Tirana Protesters Demand Justice for Kosovo War Leaders
Hundreds of protesters rallied in the Albanian capital on Friday demanding justice for former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) on trial in The Hague, denouncing the proceedings as an attack on the wartime struggle against Serbian forces. The demonstrators, many waving KLA flags and chanting slogans such as …
Protesters in Albania Demand ‘Justice’ in Kosovo Wartime Leaders’ Trial
Protesters in the Albanian capital expressed anger at the ongoing trial of wartime Kosovo Liberation Army officers at the Specialist Chambers in The Hague, saying the defendants were freedom fighters, not criminals. Original post Here
Albania in the Second War World : A Forgotten Theater of World War II
By Bernd Fischer It is becoming increasingly difficult to justify yet another book dealing with some aspect of World War II. Of all the armed conflicts of past centuries, World War II has engendered the most interest as well as an exhausting amount of written material. The opening of the …
Vlora Airport Stirs Security Fears Over Russian Links
Albania’s Second National Airport Sparks Concerns for National Security and NATO The opening of Albania’s second international airport in Vlora, celebrated as a milestone in the country’s infrastructure modernization, has quickly become embroiled in controversy. Reports in Albanian media suggest that the concession holder, businessman and former Kosovo president Behgjet …
Albania’s Currency Exchanges Tied to Drug Money Laundering
By Tirana Times Staff TIRANA, Albania,October 16,2025. Behind brightly lit kiosks advertising euros, dollars and pounds, prosecutors say a hidden financial system is moving millions in illicit cash for some of Albania’s most powerful drug-trafficking groups. Recent investigations by the Special Anti-Corruption Structure, or SPAK, reveal that certain licensed currency …
War Veterans’ Protest Sparks Tension Between Kosovo and Albania PMs
A protest planned for Friday in Tirana – against the Hague war crimes court’s trial of former Kosovo President Hashim Thaci – has reignited feuding between Albania’s premier Edi Rama and the biggest party in Kosovo. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama has invited citizens to take part in a running event in Tirana on October 24-25. He shared a video on Facebook encouraging people to put on their running shoes and challenge themselves. Meanwhile, Rama said the capital’s streets will become a major running track for the …
Hybrid threats and cyberattacks against Albania were the focus of a workshop organised by the National Cyber Security Authority with the European Centre of Excellence for Countering Hybrid Threats. National Cyber Security Authority head Bledar Kazia said authorities had detected external attacks on systems during the latest protest. He stressed …
Interior Minister Ervin Demo and State Police Director General Skënder Hita met with local State Police leaders in Shkodër on Monday. According to media reports, the meeting focused on public order and security issues in the region. The participants also discussed efforts to combat crime, particularly the cultivation and distribution …
Tirana hosted the third edition of “Tirana Grand Prix” for three days. The event is the largest automotive event in Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared moments from the event on social media today. The three-day programme celebrated automotive history, elegance and passion. It brought together collectors and enthusiasts from …
A new photo exhibition is bringing 20th-century Italian cinema to Tirana. The exhibition, “L’Italia che sognavamo”, opened today and will remain on display until October 23. Visitors can see the exhibition in the area in front of the Central State Film Archive. It features photographs from Italian cinema throughout the …
Albania’s Under-21 team drew 2-2 with Ukraine in a friendly match in Eger, Hungary, on Monday. The match took place at Szentmarjay Tibor Varosi Stadion. Albania produced a strong performance and controlled much of the game. Albania took the lead in the 18th minute through Kevin Dodaj. The team created …
Albania striker Rey Manaj said the team must start strongly against San Marino and seek an early goal in their UEFA Nations League match. Further, Manaj said Albania should focus on scoring regardless of how the goals come. He recalled the recent match against Andorra, when Albania scored late. The …
For the first time, an Albanian university has entered the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, one of the world’s best-known university rankings. Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro thanked the academic staff, researchers, students and wider community of Tirana State University for their work to strengthen academic quality, research and internationalisation. …
Climate change is affecting biodiversity and reshaping the Mediterranean ecosystem. In Albania, researchers increasingly see the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) in coastal waters and on beaches where the species sometimes nests. Albania has not traditionally ranked among the species’ main nesting areas. Warmer sea and sand temperatures now create …
The General Directorate of Archives has opened the Archive Museum, a new space dedicated to Albania’s documentary heritage. The museum aims to bring visitors, especially young people, closer to the country’s history through archival documents. General Archives Director Auron Rrokaj said the museum differs from traditional museums because it focuses …