Albania’s Demographic Time Bomb: A Silent National Emergency
By Lutfi Dervishi For decades, the most pressing keywords in Albania’s political lexicon were democracy, corruption, and justice. Today, however, the most dangerous threat to the country’s future may lie elsewhere—hidden in plain sight and dangerously underdiscussed: demography. According to the most recent official census, Albania’s population stands at approximately …
EU Document Urges Albania to Address Political Pressure on Judiciary
A leaked internal document from the Council of the European Union voices disquiet over ‘undue pressure’ on justice system and warns that Albania will not be able to close any accession chapters until it makes clear progress. Original post Here
Communist-Era Inmates Fight to Preserve Remains of Albania’s Dark Past
A move to turn the site of the former Spac labour camp in northern Albania into a film set has revived calls for better protection of what’s left of Albania’s dark communist past. Original post Here
Balkan States Evacuate Citizens from Israel Amid Escalating Conflict
As Israel and Iran continued to exchange fire, sparking fears of a wider conflict in the Middle East, several Balkan countries have transported their citizens home by plane. Original post Here
Albanian Cigarette Smuggling Case Exposes Customs Service Complicity
For years, a tobacco factory in eastern Albania churned out cigarettes that were then smuggled to other countries, all with the help of a network of corrupt customs officials, prosecutors allege. Original post Here
Albania’s Tourism Industry is Booming, But at What Cost?
Critics are questioning the impact of Albania’s tourism boom on the environment and the lives of ordinary Albanians. Original post Here
What’s driving Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans – and what should be done about it?
12 June 2025 Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans has increased substantially, but won’t catch up with EU FDI any time soon. Governments must ensure that China’s investments comply with environmental and labour standards. Attracting high-quality FDI should be the goal image credit: unsplash.com/vxhorse By Branimir Jovanović This article draws on …
The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals
William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising the idealistic sentiment behind foreign aid, and the harsh reality of its lacklustre execution. In his cutting and astute observations, Easterly points to the fact that …
With their Healthcare System in Decline, Some Albanians Look to Kosovo
Albanians in the north say they find cheaper treatment and a more pleasant experience if they go to hospital across the border in Kosovo. Original post Here
Detention of Tirana Mayor Without Charges Highlights Rule-of-Law Concerns in Albania
TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times — The prolonged pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj — still held without formal charges — is raising fresh questions about Albania’s judicial practices, as critics point to growing divergence from European legal standards. Veliaj, once a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party and …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry and eight business associations have condemned violence and property damage during recent protests in the capital. They have urged authorities to take concrete measures to protect public order and safety. In a joint statement, the organizations expressed concern over attacks on public institutions, …
Egnatia began its historic UEFA Conference League campaign with a 1-1 draw against Danish side Midtjylland at Elbasan Arena on Thursday. Gruda scored for the Albanian side, which claimed its first point in the competition’s league phase. Egnatia took the lead in the 26th minute when Gruda headed home a …
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Anti-Government Protests in Albania: The Student Revolt and the Escalation of the Political Crisis appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Masked protesters continued to clash with police in Tirana on Thursday. They damaged public spaces and private businesses as unrest spread across the capital. After vandalizing businesses on Elbasan Street, masked youths set a kiosk ablaze on Dëshmorët e Kombit Boulevard. Flames engulfed the structure and sent thick smoke into …
President Bajram Begaj has called on citizens and all parties involved in the recent protests to reject violence and prioritize dialogue. He stressed that Albania needs calm, responsibility and cooperation. In a message to the public, Begaj said he had followed both the protesters’ demands and the acts of violence …
The OSCE Presence in Albania has welcomed President Bajram Begaj’s call for calm and inclusive dialogue amid the recent unrest. It has also offered to help facilitate talks if the parties request its support. In a statement, the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) joined the President’s appeal …
The EU Delegation in Tirana issued a statement on Thursday regarding the student protests, condemning the escalation of violence and damage to property. In its statement, the delegation called on protesters to refrain from violence. According to the EU, constructive dialogue among all parties is the only way forward to …
Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro has responded following three days of protests by university and high school students, calling on parents, teachers, and the wider community to work together to ensure the safety of young people and prevent the situation from escalating. In a message addressed to parents, pupils, and university …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry has reacted to acts of violence and damage to public and private property during protests in the capital, condemning attacks on institutions, banks, shopping centers, and business premises. In its statement, the Chamber emphasized that peaceful protest is a fundamental right in a …
Student protests continue to escalate in the capital. In the former Blloku area, private businesses have begun taking protective measures, installing security shutters and reinforcing their commercial premises. These security measures follow incidents reported in recent hours, during which some young protesters attacked and damaged private property, as well as …