Baykar Bayraktar, successfully performed the night flight
For the first time, “Bayraktar” drones have conducted night flights. This type of training aims to train pilots in more difficult conditions, to give operators the opportunity to master the UAV system of these aircraft as well as possible. This training equips pilots with the skills and knowledge needed to …
Gunshots in Shkoder
Gunshots were recorded in the early hours of the morning in Shkodër. According to police sources, around 03.00 am, a person shot in the air in the area of Prek Cali in the Rus neighborhood. Fortunately, there were no injuries, while the police, after the notification and investigations, escorted the …
Arms trafficking to Great Britain, three arrested
The Special Court has set the security measure “arrest in prison” for the 3 people arrested for arms trafficking to Great Britain. In Friday’s session, the court left Abdulla Hoxhaj, Bojken Turtulli and Rifat Avdiaj in prison until the end of the investigation. During the session, they did not give …
Leonard Duka, accused for a murder in Albania extradites from Belgium
Leonard Duka, suspected as the perpetrator of the murder of Santiago Malko, was extradited this Friday by Belgium. The Special Court against Corruption (SPAK) required his extradition since last May when he was arrested un Belgium. Duka required asylum in Belgium, but he was arrested after the exchange of information …
Rama: Tourists, increase by 150 percent
Prime Minister Edi Rama says that free coastline will be guaranteed for vacationers regardless of whether the beaches are private or not. Regarding the tourist season, the head of the government said that there was a 150 percent increase in new tourists compared to years. “About 150 percent is the …
Two arrested in Fier for selling narcotics
Two wanted persons were arrested this Friday in Fier. It is about citizens Adis Caka, 22 years old, this citizen was sentenced by the Court of Appeal of Tirana General Jurisdiction, with 6 years of imprisonment (of which he has 1 year, 11 months and 23 days left to serve), …
Inflow of arrivals in the Port of Durres / About 6 percent more than in July 2023
Inflow of tourists to the Port of Durres. As for the passenger sector, there are 230,000 registered passengers entering and exiting the country through the border point of Durrës, during January-June 2024, where an increase of 6% is reflected in the numbers of foreign citizens in our country. An upward …
Accused of corruption/ GJKKO imposes the measure of ‘house arrest’ for the former judge of Elbasan
The Special Court has set the measure of house arrest for Pajtime Fetahun, arrested for corruption. The session was held separately from the others, while it is learned that the former judge has claimed that she is not aware of any of the accusations of the prosecution. /abcnews.al […] Read …
After a Trial and Diplomatic Row, Albania’s Himara Again Elects a Mayor
After Fredi Beleri’s arrest last year sparked a row between Albania and Greece, and caretaker mayors became mired in scandal, the southern Albanian municipality is again voting for new mayor – and perhaps for a fresh start. Original post Here
By Axing Ministers, Albania’s Edi Rama Re-Emphasises His Political Control
After Prime Minister Edi Rama abruptly sacked three key ministers and replaced them with novices, government critics argued that he is further intensifying his grip on his cabinet and the ruling Socialist Party ahead of elections next year. 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