Today, the ambassadors’ conference “Tirana Diplo 2024” discusses the challenges of Albanian diplomacy
The Ambassadors and Consuls General of the Republic of Albania are meeting this Monday in Tirana. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Igli Hasani, announced the day before that the conference of ambassadors “Tirana Diplo 2024” will focus on the challenges of Albanian diplomacy in the process of integration into the …
Rama: Albania, historical transformation in the internal and external plan
Prime Minister Edi Rama says that Albania has undergone a historic transformation, both internally with the reforms undertaken, and externally, as he mentioned the image that our country has created in the international arena. In the opening speech at the conference with the country’s ambassadors, Rama said: “We live today …
“We will host NATO Summit in 2027”, Rama: We will continue to strengthen the trust of our strategic partners
Prime Minister Edi Rama has revealed at the ambassadors’ conference “Tirana Diplo 2024” that Albania will be the host country of the NATO Summit in 2027. He emphasized that once no one believed that our country would make such a big deal, but our relationship with the world has changed. …
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Film “The Life of Sheep”
Director Rajkumar Hirani: Art Against Reality and Strategic Importance by Arben Ramkaj In a world where tensions and conflicts are a constant reality, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stands as a country of exceptional strategic importance and an unparalleled contributor to global security and peace. Rich with invaluable natural resources, …
The head of the CIA in the Balkans—closing the door to the penetration of Russian influence
While primarily preoccupied with finding solutions to the crisis in the Middle East and frequently travelling to the region, CIA chief and ambassador William Burns paid a surprise and unannounced visit to several Balkan capitals and spoke with their leaders. The visit took place this week without public announcements but …
Albanian Central Bank Printed Money to Finance Hotel Purchase – Draft Report
A damning draft audit into the workings of the Bank of Albania – declared secret but obtained by BIRN – found the central bank printed money to fund the purchase of an iconic Tirana hotel and other expenditures. Original post Here
History of the Armed Forces, part of the Central State Archive/ Minister Vengu visits the Central Archive of the Armed Forces
Thousands of materials belonging to the Central Archive of the Armed Forces will be part of the Central State Archive. The work has already started and is expected to be completed by January 1, 2025. The Minister of Defense, Mr. Pirro Vengu, accompanied by the General Director of the Central …
Minister Hasani gathers ambassadors and consuls on Monday: We discuss the challenges of Albanian diplomacy
On August 26-28, 2024, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs organizes the Conference of Ambassadors “Tirana Diplo 2024”. The event will be organized in the premises of the Palace of Congresses. In addition to ambassadors and heads of consular posts, Albanian and foreign dignitaries will be invited. The three-day …
Fight between several people in a hotel in Saranda, two arrested
A fight took place on Saturday evening between several people in a hotel in Saranda. According to the police, a 19-year-old man from Saranda and a Frenchman clashed with two other French citizens, disrupting public peace and causing material damage to the hotel. As a result, the 19-year-old man and …
Declared wanted, a 50 year old is extradited from Spain
Ismali Zeneli was extradited from Spain to our country, after the finalization of the operation by Interpol Tirana. The 50-year-old was declared internationally wanted by the Interpol Directorate, he is part of the gang group where Erzen Breçani was arrested. The Special Court of First Instance for Corruption and Organized …
Tirana Times, March 26 , 2026 – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has awarded its prestigious annual “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize for 2025 to historian and translator Ilir Ikonomi, recognizing his outstanding contribution to bringing major works of international scholarship to the Albanian audience. Ilir Ikonomi received the award …
From a political spying scandal to MAGA alignment and a brewing collision with the law, selection of BIRN Premium stories this week makes for an exciting read. Original post Here
The now-notorious hacker group Homeland Justice claimed that it had breached the computer defences of Albania’s postal service following its attack on parliament’s systems earlier this month. Original post Here
Charged with corruption, money laundering and concealment of wealth, ex-politician Monika Kryemadhi is rebranding herself as a showbiz celebrity on the Big Brother reality show, but can it keep her out of prison? Original post Here
An appeals court upheld the verdict jailing the former Socialist Party mayor of Himara, Jorgo Goro, who was at the centre of a political storm during a controversial election in 2023. Original post Here
The prime minister’s moves to shield his deputy from arrest feel like the beginning of the end of an era for Albanians’ hopes that the powerful would finally be held accountable. Original post Here
V Dem places Albania in a category dominated by African states, with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina the only Western Balkan countries in the same group. Tirana Times, March 23, 2026 – Albania has been placed in the category of electoral autocracy in the latest Democracy Report 2026 by the …
As oil and gas prices surge amid the Iran war, Balkan countries are pondering ways to reduce the impact on households and businesses. Original post Here
The controversy over Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has put the spotlight on prosecution efforts to target high-level corruption – but she is only the latest senior politician to face charges. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here