Accused for prostitution, Tirana police has arrested two foreign citizens
Two citizens, Russian and Ukrainian, have been arrested in Tirana. These two citizens were caught red-handed on “Naim Frasheri” street, taking sums of money from foreign citizens, which they allegedly used for prostitution. During the verifications carried out, it was found that these citizens collected the sums of money obtained …
A Rising Tide Lifts Empty Boats
Interpreting an Improved Economy in the Face of Depopulation Mark Crawford In 2024 Albania faces a paradox of statistics. After a couple of years of strong GDP growth, Albania is projected to have a stable, if not solid next couple of years. Tourism in 2023 boomed and investment in …
A Courageous Tug o’ War for American Investment
A delicate game attracting Democrat and Republican attention in the Western Balkans Mark Crawford Sir Humphrey: There are four words you have to work into a proposal if you want a Minister to accept it. Sir Frank: Quick, simple, popular, cheap. And equally there are four words to …
SPAK/ Former prime minister, Berisha will be officially recognized with the closure of the investigations on Wednesday
Former Prime Minister Sali Berisha will appear in the Special Prosecutor’s Office on Wednesday. ABC News reporter Ermal Vija reports that SPAK has called Berisha to officially inform him of the closure of the investigation into the “Partizani” file. “It is about the completion of the investigations, SPAK will communicate …
Interior minister: 17% more people than last year were arrested in the national search
The Minister of the Interior, Ervin Hoxha, reported to the Security Commission the state of order in the country and the criminal events that happened recently. He emphasized that 17% more people were arrested in the national search between January and August of this year, more than last year. “You …
Rama invites everyone to join: 215 applicants for MPs of Socialist Party
The Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, invited everyone this Sunday who want to be part of the socialist team, to apply at the ‘Members of Parliament that we want’. In a message in the social media, Rama said that everyone is welcomed to join SP2030. Some 215 candidates applied to …
Two citizens from Poland arrested for cultivating cannabis
Two Polish citizens have been arrested in Saranda as part of the police mega-operation coded “Temple 3”. During the check in the premises of a hotel in Saranda, with one of the Polish administrators, specifically in the room where he was staying with the other Polish citizen, the Police services …
UN General Assembly/ Minister Hasani arrives in New York
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, has arrived in New York, to participate in a series of activities, within the High Level Week of the UN General Assembly (September 22-30, 2024). Minister Hasani is expected to sign several agreements for the mutual liberalization of visas, in order to …
Alienation of properties/ SPAK sends Jorgo Goro to trial, accused of abuse of duty and concealment of assets
The Special Prosecutor’s Office (SPAK) has closed the investigations and has sent the former head of Himara, Jorgo Goro, to the Special Court (GJKKO) for trial. SPAK accuses Goro of abuse of office in two cases, as well as of concealing assets. In the capacity of the mayor of Himara, …
Albania Adopts Law Deterring Medical Students From Emigrating After Graduation
A new law approved by MPs obliges medical students to work for three years in Albania after graduation or incur the full cost of their tuition fees. Original post Here
The Italy-Albania asylum ‘offshoring’ scheme is being studied by other Western European governments wanting to look tough on migration. But the case of Hamid Badoui, who took his own life after being held at an Albanian migrant detention camp, highlights the human cost. Original post Here
Balkan LGBTQ+ people, both in the region and in the diaspora, are often told that their identities are incompatible. It’s time to hear a different story – and learn more about the region’s pioneers. Original post Here
Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents and their property claims, while intersecting with a long-running court battle involving controversial real estate businessman Artur Shehu. By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
The Murrizi Tunnel was opened to much fanfare in March last year, not long before a parliamentary election. Now the Albanian Road Authority says it has yet been certified for use. Original post Here
Tirana Times, 01 February 2026 – The release of more than three million pages of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case by the United States Department of Justice has expanded the scope of one of the most disturbing scandals of the past decade far beyond the United States. The …
Expecting the unexpected seems to be the name of the game in both global politics and the domestic politics of the region, as 2026 kicks off with a few unexpected twists. Original post Here
Critics accused Edi Rama of overlooking Palestinian suffering during his recent visit to Israel. But both he and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, see advantages in a closer relationship. Original post Here
Tirana Times, January 29, 2026 – This Tuesday, the Elbasan County Council has formally honored the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Albania, Faisal Ghazi Al-Hafthi, in recognition of his humanitarian engagement and his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations at the local level. The ceremony, held in Elbasan, …
Albania has opened every negotiation ‘cluster’ as it races along the road to EU accession, but who should get the credit – Edi Rama’s government? Anti-graft prosecutors? Or even Vladimir Putin? Original post Here