Trump’s New Tariffs and Their Impact on Albania and the Western Balkans

Headline·Western Balkans

By Tirana Times Editorial Board TIRANA, April 4, 2025 Tirana Times — President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs

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Albania Turns to Filipino Workers as Emigration Crisis Drains Domestic Labor Force

Headline

News Analysis Albania Turns to Filipino Workers as Emigration Crisis Drains Domestic Labor Force TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times,

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United Arab Emirates ‘s Expanding Influence in Albania – Financial and Political Concerns

Headline·Op-Ed·Premium

By Tirana Times TIRANA, March 20th (Tirana Times ) The Albanian government has nearly doubled the projected cost of its

2 weeks ago

6 mins read

Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo Sign Defense Agreement: A New Military Alliance in the Balkans?

Headline·Main·Western Balkans

By Tirana Times TIRANA, Albania, March 19th— Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo have signed a joint declaration aimed at strengthening defense

2 weeks ago

5 mins read

EU’s Democratic Blind Spot in the Balkans

Headline·Op-Ed

By Genc Pollo The European Union’s stance on democracy in the Balkans is increasingly difficult to defend. The recent visit

3 weeks ago

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Albania’s Food Safety Scandal Highlights Rule of Law Deficiencies Amid EU Accession Talks

Business & Economy·Headline

A recent scandal involving 10 tons of pesticide-laden mandarins distributed across Albania has once again exposed the country’s weak enforcement

1 month ago

3 mins read

Headline·Western Balkans

Trump’s New Tariffs and Their Impact on Albania and the Western Balkans

2 days ago

By Tirana Times Editorial Board TIRANA, April 4, 2025 Tirana Times — President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on global trade partners have sparked

Headline

Albania Turns to Filipino Workers as Emigration Crisis Drains Domestic Labor Force

2 days ago

News Analysis Albania Turns to Filipino Workers as Emigration Crisis Drains Domestic Labor Force TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times, March 5th — Confronted by a

From Declaration to Deterrence: A Turning Point for Southeast Europe’s Security?

2 days ago

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Beware of Stone Slogans – Ylljet Alicka’s Cautionary Tale

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What is the aim of the Declaration on military cooperation between Croatia, Albania and Kosovo?

3 days ago

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In a depopulating Albania, why is the PM campaigning on a promise to make it easier for young people to leave?

5 days ago

6 mins read

Latest

From Declaration to Deterrence: A Turning Point for Southeast Europe’s Security?

Op-Ed

By Albert Rakipi On March 18, 2025, the Defense Ministers of Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia signed a Joint Declaration on military cooperation. Though not a formal treaty or binding alliance, the Declaration marks a pivotal moment for regional security in Southeast Europe. It reflects a growing recognition among these countries

2 days ago

5 mins read

Beware of Stone Slogans – Ylljet Alicka’s Cautionary Tale

Culture·Features

Rafaela Prifti Alicka’s storytelling in Stone Slogans lays one episode after another with cynical awareness and mindful deliberation to reveal the anguish and despair that has taken hold of an existence controlled by fear in communist Albania. After reading the first story eponymous with the book’s title Slogans in Stone,

2 days ago

7 mins read

Trump’s New Tariffs and Their Impact on Albania and the Western Balkans

Headline·Western Balkans

By Tirana Times Editorial Board TIRANA, April 4, 2025 Tirana Times — President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on global trade partners have sparked concern and debate across Europe and the Western Balkans, with Albania finding itself in an uneasy position—politically aligned with the United States but economically vulnerable and

2 days ago

5 mins read

What is the aim of the Declaration on military cooperation between Croatia, Albania and Kosovo?

Western Balkans

Albania, Croatia and Kosovo signed a joint declaration of cooperation on defence on 18 March in Tirana, which sparked anger among the Serbian officials, who interpreted such a move as a threat to both the country’s territorial integrity and regional stability. The document focuses on “strengthening the defence and security

3 days ago

12 mins read

In a depopulating Albania, why is the PM campaigning on a promise to make it easier for young people to leave?

Op-Ed·Premium

If Rama wants to be the prime minister who ushers Albania into the European Union, he must first be the leader who makes Albania worth staying in. By ANDI BALLA In his recent campaigning for the upcoming May parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Edi Rama has come up with an interesting

5 days ago

6 mins read

United Arab Emirates ‘s Expanding Influence in Albania – Financial and Political Concerns

Headline·Op-Ed·Premium

By Tirana Times TIRANA, March 20th (Tirana Times ) The Albanian government has nearly doubled the projected cost of its “Smart City” initiative, now expected to cost $118.5 million—up from the initially planned $60 million—raising concerns over transparency, lack of competition, and the protection of personal data. The government announced

2 weeks ago

6 mins read

Latest

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From Declaration to Deterrence: A Turning Point for Southeast Europe’s Security?

Op-Ed

By Albert Rakipi On March 18, 2025, the Defense Ministers of Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia signed a Joint Declaration on military cooperation. Though not

2 days ago

5 mins read

Beware of Stone Slogans – Ylljet Alicka’s Cautionary Tale

Culture·Features

Rafaela Prifti Alicka’s storytelling in Stone Slogans lays one episode after another with cynical awareness and mindful deliberation to reveal the anguish and despair

2 days ago

7 mins read

News Analysis: A Geopolitical Shift in the Western Balkans?

2 weeks ago

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Albanian Government Doubles Cost of ‘Smart City’ Project Without Transparency

3 weeks ago

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Albanian Orthodox Church Elects New Archbishop Following Unanimous Vote

3 weeks ago

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Albanian Court Upholds Detention of Tirana Mayor Amid Corruption Investigation

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Business and Economy

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Albania’s Food Safety Scandal Highlights Rule of Law Deficiencies Amid EU Accession Talks

Business & Economy·Headline

A recent scandal involving 10 tons of pesticide-laden mandarins distributed across Albania has once again exposed the country’s weak enforcement of food safety regulations and broader rule-of-law challenges. As Albania progresses in its European Union accession negotiations, the case underscores persistent governance issues that threaten the country’s path to EU

1 month ago

3 mins read

Most Viewed

Will any other Western Balkans country join the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) on the same day as Montenegro?

Property prices on Albanian coast soar, partially driven by foreign buyers

Kushner granted ‘strategic investor’ status for Sazan development ahead of Trump’s inauguration

Qatar Square to serve as Tirana’s newest hub and vital part of New Boulevard project

Albania joins SEPA, marking tangible step in economic integration with the EU

Albania’s Food Safety Scandal Highlights Rule of Law Deficiencies Amid EU Accession Talks

Albania signs €1bn deal with Italy and UAE on renewable energy, new undersea connection

Top four businessmen represent half of assets, earnings among Albania’s ten richest

EU agriculture funds for Albania suspended indefinitely following misuse investigation, ministry tells parliament

A Rising Tide Lifts Empty Boats

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Op-Ed

From Declaration to Deterrence: A Turning Point for Southeast Europe’s Security?

By Albert Rakipi On March 18, 2025, the Defense Ministers

2 days ago

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Op-Ed·Premium

In a depopulating Albania, why is the PM campaigning on a promise to make it easier for young people to leave?

If Rama wants to be the prime minister who ushers

5 days ago

6 mins read

Headline·Op-Ed·Premium

United Arab Emirates ‘s Expanding Influence in Albania – Financial and Political Concerns

By Tirana Times TIRANA, March 20th (Tirana Times ) The

2 weeks ago

6 mins read

Op-Ed·Premium·Western Balkans

News Analysis: A Geopolitical Shift in the Western Balkans?

Trilateral Defense Pact Between Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo Redefines Regional

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Headline·Op-Ed

EU’s Democratic Blind Spot in the Balkans

By Genc Pollo The European Union’s stance on democracy in

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Op-Ed

Behind Albania’s Forest Crisis: Governance, Economy, and EU Accession

This article was produced as part of the Thematic Networks

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Op-Ed

Ollga Plumbi – The Woman from the Future

By Valentina Leskaj Ollga, the woman with deep black

4 weeks ago

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Op-Ed

Promoting women’s leadership and participation in the next political elections is key for Albania

By: Fiona McCluney, UN Resident Coordinator Michele

4 weeks ago

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OP-ED

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From Declaration to Deterrence: A Turning Point for Southeast Europe’s Security?

Op-Ed

By Albert Rakipi On March 18, 2025, the Defense Ministers of Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia signed a Joint Declaration on military cooperation. Though not

2 days ago

5 mins read

In a depopulating Albania, why is the PM campaigning on a promise to make it easier for young people to leave?

Op-Ed·Premium

If Rama wants to be the prime minister who ushers Albania into the European Union, he must first be the leader who makes Albania

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After the War, After the Wall, After the West

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THE UNITED STATES AND KOSOVA: FROM A SPECIAL TO A MORE COMPLEX RELATIONSHIP

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Fostering a thirst for knowledge: the key to building the world of tomorrow

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Analysis: Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj’s arrest on corruption charges likely to have major political implications for ruling party

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Features and Culture

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Beware of Stone Slogans – Ylljet Alicka’s Cautionary Tale

Culture·Features

Rafaela Prifti Alicka’s storytelling in Stone Slogans lays one episode after another with cynical awareness and mindful deliberation to reveal the anguish and despair that has taken hold of an existence controlled by fear in communist Albania. After reading the first story eponymous with the book’s title Slogans in Stone,

2 days ago

7 mins read

The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Albania organizes the event “International Arabian Leopard Day”

Culture

Saudi Embassy Leads Efforts to Protect the Endangered Arabian Leopard The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Albania, in collaboration with the Municipality of Tirana and the Zoological Garden, took a leading role in raising awareness about the conservation of the Arabian leopard—one of the world’s rarest species.

2 months ago

2 mins read

2025- Tirana the Mediterranean capital of culture and dialogue

Culture

On top of celebrations, the city will serve also as a agora of open debate Tirana, the capital of Albania, has started its year as the Mediterranean Capital of Culture and Dialogue for 2025. This title recognizes the city’s cultural growth and its importance in the Mediterranean region. Tirana and

2 months ago

2 mins read

Archbishop Anastasios, who revived Albania’s Orthodox Church, laid to rest, marking end of an era

Culture·Main·News

TIRANA, Jan. 30, 2025 – The Orthodox Autocephalous Church of Albania bid farewell to its long-serving leader, Archbishop Anastasios Yannoulatos, on Thursday, marking the end of a transformative era for the church and Albania’s religious landscape. The 95-year-old archbishop, who led the revival of Albanian Orthodoxy for more than three

2 months ago

5 mins read

Swiss cultural week provides a highlight for Albanian art and creativity

Culture

Unlike typical cultural weeks organized by embassies, this event features the works of Albanian artists Jan 29, 2025 The Swiss Cultural Week 2025 officially began on January 28, kicking off a nine-day program that highlights the artistic talents of Albania’s independent cultural community while promoting dialogue on social issues. The

2 months ago

2 mins read

Anastasios, the Archbishop Who Rebuilt the Orthodox Church of Albania

Features·Op-Ed

He revived the Orthodox Church, which had been destroyed under the communist regime. Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Primate of Albania, passed away at the age of 95. He was a tireless advocate for ecumenical and inter-religious dialogue. By Ilda Mara Archbishop Anastasios of Tirana, Durres, and All Albania, a key

2 months ago

6 mins read

Features and Culture

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Beware of Stone Slogans – Ylljet Alicka’s Cautionary Tale

Culture·Features

Rafaela Prifti Alicka’s storytelling in Stone Slogans lays one episode after another with cynical awareness and mindful deliberation to reveal the anguish and despair that has taken hold of an existence controlled by fear in communist Albania. After reading the first story eponymous with the book’s title Slogans in Stone,

2 days ago

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Cultural project brings literary exchange between Saudi Arabia and Albania

Kadare’s ‘Chronicle in Stone’ published in Polish through Marek Jeziorski translation

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Privatization of Butrint: How Albania is Selling Off Its Archaeological Heritage

Regional Youth shares a vision of Peace, Development and European Integration

Ruling Socialists score sweeping victory in Albania’s municipal elections

“Give me a Laboratory and I Will Move the World”

1980s icon Simaku returns to the spotlight after decades of emigration hardship

Archbishop Anastasios, who revived Albania’s Orthodox Church, laid to rest, marking end of an era

Western Balkans

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Trump’s New Tariffs and Their Impact on Albania and the Western Balkans

Headline·Western Balkans

By Tirana Times Editorial Board TIRANA, April 4, 2025 Tirana Times — President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on global trade partners have sparked

2 days ago

5 mins read

What is the aim of the Declaration on military cooperation between Croatia, Albania and Kosovo?

Western Balkans

Albania, Croatia and Kosovo signed a joint declaration of cooperation on defence on 18 March in Tirana, which sparked anger among the Serbian officials,

3 days ago

12 mins read

News Analysis: A Geopolitical Shift in the Western Balkans?

Op-Ed·Premium·Western Balkans

Trilateral Defense Pact Between Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo Redefines Regional Security Architecture? A new security alignment is taking shape in Southeastern Europe, as three

2 weeks ago

7 mins read

Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo Sign Defense Agreement: A New Military Alliance in the Balkans?

Headline·Main·Western Balkans

By Tirana Times TIRANA, Albania, March 19th— Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo have signed a joint declaration aimed at strengthening defense and security cooperation, marking

2 weeks ago

5 mins read

Vetvendosje wins Kosovo elections, loses comfortable majority

News·Region·Western Balkans

Feb 10, 2025 The Vetvendosje Party led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti has claimed victory in the round of general elections held in Kosovo

2 months ago

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Premium

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In a depopulating Albania, why is the PM campaigning on a promise to make it easier for young people to leave?

Op-Ed·Premium

If Rama wants to be the prime minister who ushers Albania into the European Union, he must first be the leader who makes Albania

5 days ago

6 mins read

United Arab Emirates ‘s Expanding Influence in Albania – Financial and Political Concerns

Headline·Op-Ed·Premium

By Tirana Times TIRANA, March 20th (Tirana Times ) The Albanian government has nearly doubled the projected cost of its “Smart City” initiative, now

2 weeks ago

6 mins read

News Analysis: A Geopolitical Shift in the Western Balkans?

Op-Ed·Premium·Western Balkans

Trilateral Defense Pact Between Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo Redefines Regional Security Architecture? A new security alignment is taking shape in Southeastern Europe, as three

2 weeks ago

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Op/Ed: Is Albania slipping into a one-party system?

Features·Op-Ed·Premium

The head of Albania’s opposition, Sali Berisha(1), Albania’s former President and a former two-term Prime Minister, was arrested on Saturday, Dec. 30, 2023. Mr.

1 year ago

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Is Albania’s new dominant-party system here to stay?

Op-Ed·Premium

By ANDI BALLA The ruling Socialist Party scored a sweeping victory in Albania’s May 14, 2023 municipal elections. SP won 54 out of 61

2 years ago

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Why tensions between Serbia and Kosovo are flaring

Op-Ed·Premium

By Veton Surroi The first lesson of the events of these days in the four northern municipalities of Kosovo is that the conflict between

2 years ago

6 mins read

What do Albania’s upcoming municipal elections mean for foreign investors?

Business & Economy·Features·Main·Premium

NEWS ANALYSIS TIRANA, April 19, 2023 – Albania’s political parties have started campaigning across the country for the upcoming May 14 municipal elections, which

2 years ago

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Concerns raised as Tirana mulls exiting ICSID over Becchetti affair €120-million judgement

Business & Economy·Main·Premium

TIRANA, April 11, 2023 – With Albania’s government losing its final appeal to reverse a €120-million penalty in the Francesco Becchetti affair case earlier

2 years ago

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In a depopulating Albania, why is the PM campaigning on a promise to make it easier for young people to leave?

Op-Ed·Premium

If Rama wants to be the prime minister who ushers Albania into the European Union, he must first be the leader who makes Albania

5 days ago

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United Arab Emirates ‘s Expanding Influence in Albania – Financial and Political Concerns

Headline·Op-Ed·Premium

By Tirana Times TIRANA, March 20th (Tirana Times ) The Albanian government has nearly doubled the projected cost of its “Smart City” initiative, now

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Why Albania’s domestic PR wars are being fought abroad

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Albania’s demographic bill comes due

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Deconstructing myths in Albanian-U.S. relations

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Albanian-Turkish relations: The perils of change

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Albanian-Greek relations hunted by paradoxes

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The Influence of Russia, China and the EU in the Western Balkans; Is Democracy the Only Game in Town?

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Books

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New Book “The Lisbon Treaty and Transatlantic Dialogue: Significance and Inefficiencies”

A new book, The Lisbon Treaty and Transatlantic Dialogue: Significance and Inefficiencies, recently published by the EU Publications Office, provides a unique insight into

1 month ago

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Noa Beci : How to keep your life together

The five stages of grief Noa Beci, an 18-year-old Albanian high school student residing in Austria, has won the opportunity to publish her book,

7 months ago

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A phone call not every writer wants

By Kristoffer Leandoer Every year he waits in vain by the phone on this very day, and a whole nation waits with him. Every year

9 months ago

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Books

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New Book “The Lisbon Treaty and Transatlantic Dialogue: Significance and Inefficiencies”

A new book, The Lisbon Treaty and Transatlantic Dialogue: Significance and Inefficiencies, recently published by the EU Publications Office, provides a unique insight into

1 month ago

4 mins read