Albania Under Water: A Return to a Hobbesian State of Nature

Headline

TIRANA TIMES, December 6, 2025 – Albania is once again under water. Torrential rains over the past days

4 hours ago

5 mins read

Housing Boom Prices Out Albanians

Headline

Allegations of money laundering in construction and claims of informal power networks, including the case of Ergys Agasi,

1 day ago

7 mins read

Albania 2026: Power Under Investigation

Headline

As Albania enters 2026, the country stands at a political and institutional crossroads shaped decisively by the shocks of 2025.

5 days ago

5 mins read

Deputy PM Balluku Arrest Bid Shakes Albania’s Rule of Law

Headline

Will Parliament Lift the Deputy Prime Minister’s Immunity? Tirana Times, December 28 th , 2025. Albania has entered one of

1 week ago

7 mins read

PM Kurti claims victory in Kosovo vote, no clear majority

Headline

Tirana Times PRISTINA, Kosovo December 29, 2025. Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti secured another clear electoral victory in Kosovo’s repeat

1 week ago

3 mins read

Tirana’s Construction Boom and the Flow of Dirty Money

Headline

TIRANA, December 26, 2025 – Albania’s decade-long construction boom, long portrayed as a sign of growth and urban renewal, is

2 weeks ago

4 mins read

Headline

Albania Under Water: A Return to a Hobbesian State of Nature

4 hours ago

TIRANA TIMES, December 6, 2025 – Albania is once again under water. Torrential rains over the past days have triggered massive flooding across almost

Headline

Housing Boom Prices Out Albanians

1 day ago

Allegations of money laundering in construction and claims of informal power networks, including the case of Ergys Agasi, fuel concerns over a distorted housing

Europe Tightens the Fight Against Corruption, Albania at a Crossroad

3 hours ago

4 mins read

Roaming Like at Home and the Western Balkans

4 days ago

2 mins read

Saudi Arabia’s Yemen Action: Between Deterrence, Diplomacy, and Regional Responsibility

5 days ago

7 mins read

Secret tenders, violence and kidnappings, BIRN: The staggering profits of AKSH contractors

2 weeks ago

11 mins read

Latest

Europe Tightens the Fight Against Corruption, Albania at a Crossroad

Op-Ed

By Zef Preçi, Executive Director of ACER As Albania presents itself as closer than ever to the European Union, a troubling contradiction has emerged in its domestic legal and political debate. While the EU is moving decisively toward tougher and more harmonized criminal rules against corruption, Albania is simultaneously discussing

3 hours ago

4 mins read

Roaming Like at Home and the Western Balkans

Op-Ed

By Genc Pollo Tirana, 02 January 2026 – Today’s decision by the European Union to grant “roaming like at home” to Ukraine and Moldova deserves praise. It is a practical citizen-centered step that immediately lowers costs improves connectivity and makes Europe tangible in everyday life. Yet the non inclusion of

4 days ago

2 mins read

Saudi Arabia’s Yemen Action: Between Deterrence, Diplomacy, and Regional Responsibility

News

The latest Saudi action in Yemen should be understood not as escalation for its own sake, but as part of a broader strategic approach that combines deterrence with diplomacy, aimed at safeguarding regional stability and preserving internationally recognized state authority. Riyadh’s move comes in response to concrete security concerns arising

5 days ago

7 mins read

Secret tenders, violence and kidnappings, BIRN: The staggering profits of AKSH contractors

News

Tirana Times, 25 December, 2025 – On September 15, 2023, Ergys Agasi, 36, founded a company with a capital of 1 thousand lek (10 euros) with activity in the field of information technology. Under the name EA Solutions, the company had a rapid activity. In the balance sheet filed with

2 weeks ago

11 mins read

Saudi Arabia Leads AI Readiness in MENA, Emerges as Global Governance Power

News

As artificial intelligence reshapes economic competitiveness and state capacity, indexes like the Government AI Readiness Index serve not merely as technical rankings, but as indicators of national strategic priorities. In this sense, Saudi Arabia has moved decisively from regional ambition toward global relevance, even as the global hierarchy of AI

2 weeks ago

5 mins read

Former Foreign and Defence Minister Olta Xhaçka Questioned by SPAK

News

By Tirana Times Tirana, December 23, 2025 – Former Minister of Foreign Affairs and Defence Olta Xhaçka appeared on Tuesday at the premises of the Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Structure (SPAK), where she remained for approximately two hours before leaving without making any statement to the media. Xhaçka declined to

2 weeks ago

2 mins read

Latest

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Europe Tightens the Fight Against Corruption, Albania at a Crossroad

Op-Ed

By Zef Preçi, Executive Director of ACER As Albania presents itself as closer than ever to the European Union, a troubling contradiction has emerged

3 hours ago

4 mins read

Roaming Like at Home and the Western Balkans

Op-Ed

By Genc Pollo Tirana, 02 January 2026 – Today’s decision by the European Union to grant “roaming like at home” to Ukraine and Moldova

4 days ago

2 mins read

Security Beyond Soldiers: NATO’s Role in Strengthening Western Balkans Stability

2 weeks ago

7 mins read

A Structured Criminal Group Inside a National Security Institution: The AKSHI Case

3 weeks ago

4 mins read

Tirana Marks International Arabic Language Day with a Festive Ceremony

3 weeks ago

6 mins read

Stability Has a Schedule: What NATO’s Hague Pledge Means for the Western Balkans

3 weeks ago

7 mins read

Business and Economy

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Albania’s Currency Exchanges Tied to Drug Money Laundering

Business & Economy

By Tirana Times Staff TIRANA, Albania,October 16,2025. Behind brightly lit kiosks advertising euros, dollars and pounds, prosecutors say a hidden financial system is moving millions in illicit cash for some of Albania’s most powerful drug-trafficking groups. Recent investigations by the Special Anti-Corruption Structure, or SPAK, reveal that certain licensed currency

3 months ago

3 mins read

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

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

Turkish consortium bids to build Vlora airport as Albania prepares to launch national carrier

Albania’s TikTok ban draws debate

Albania faces international scrutiny over suspected toxic waste trafficking

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

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

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

Trump’s son-in-law plans major investment in Sazan, Albanian gov’t confirms

Emigration is top economic risk to Albania, says EBRD head

OP-ED

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Op-Ed

Europe Tightens the Fight Against Corruption, Albania at a Crossroad

By Zef Preçi, Executive Director of ACER As Albania presents

3 hours ago

4 mins read

Op-Ed

Roaming Like at Home and the Western Balkans

By Genc Pollo Tirana, 02 January 2026 – Today’s decision

4 days ago

2 mins read

Op-Ed

A Structured Criminal Group Inside a National Security Institution: The AKSHI Case

Tirana, Tirana Times, 20 December 2025 – The investigation launched

3 weeks ago

4 mins read

Op-Ed

Budget 2026 – Big on Paper, Poor in Reality

By Nikola Kedhi On paper, Albania enters 2026 as a

4 weeks ago

8 mins read

Op-Ed

The Value of the Words of a Few Officials vs. the Actions of many Citizens

By Genc Pollo On the Commissioner’s satisfaction The statement by

4 weeks ago

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Op-Ed

Albania’s Anti-Corruption “Success”: A Manufactured Illusion

By Zef Preçi What kind of political system are we

1 month ago

15 mins read

Op-Ed

Albania’s Political Absurdity:Doomsday – The Day Albania “Lost” Its Deputy PM

O tempora, o mores. After Deputy Prime Minister and Minister

1 month ago

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Op-Ed

The Limits of Spectacle Diplomacy in the UK–Albania Migration Row

The clash between Edi Rama and Shabana Mahmood over the

1 month ago

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OP-ED

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Europe Tightens the Fight Against Corruption, Albania at a Crossroad

Op-Ed

By Zef Preçi, Executive Director of ACER As Albania presents itself as closer than ever to the European Union, a troubling contradiction has emerged

3 hours ago

4 mins read

Roaming Like at Home and the Western Balkans

Op-Ed

By Genc Pollo Tirana, 02 January 2026 – Today’s decision by the European Union to grant “roaming like at home” to Ukraine and Moldova

4 days ago

2 mins read

Albania: Between Reform Dynamics and Democratic Fragility

1 month ago

21 mins read

Saudi Crown Prince’s Washington Visit Signals a New Middle East Order

2 months ago

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Multigenderism’s Curious Impact

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PM Rama’s Misguided Diplomacy on Kosovo

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Features and Culture

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Tirana Marks International Arabic Language Day with a Festive Ceremony

Culture·International

Tirana, Tirana Times, 19 December 2025 – International Arabic Language Day was commemorated in Tirana through a festive ceremony organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Republic of Albania, bringing together a broad representation of Albanian state institutions, the diplomatic corps, universities, the academic community, cultural

3 weeks ago

6 mins read

Bringing Albania into History: Bernd J. Fischer and World War II

Books·Culture

By Ilir Ikonomi One of the most important modern works ever written about Albania’s experience in the Second World War—Bernd Jürgen Fischer’s Albania at War, 1939–1945. This is not just a history book. It is an act of historical rescue. Fischer lifts Albania from the shadows of European historiography and places

3 weeks ago

5 mins read

10KSA in Tirana Saudi Embassy promotes a new culture of health awareness

Culture·Main·News·Social Issues

By Tirana Times Tirana Times, December 10,2025. 10KSA arrived in Tirana through a special awareness-raising event organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, marking the first introduction in Albania of one of the world’s most recognized global initiatives for preventive health and community empowerment. Deputy Ambassador Ahmed

4 weeks ago

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10KSA – Together for Health

Culture·Features

Saudi Arabia and the Rise of a New Human-Centered Diplomacy When National Transformation Becomes a Global Movement for Life There are moments when an initiative that begins as a simple community project transforms into a global movement. Moments when awareness campaigns cross the boundaries of public messaging and become part

1 month ago

6 mins read

When grades have a price tag: Corruptions influence over Albania’s higher education

Editorial·Features·Social Issues

The exam season is one of the most stressful times for students. The libraries and study halls are filled with crowds of students who wish to pass the following exam. However, between the buzzing discussions that argue the test answers, there is also another phrase thrown around: “How much money

2 months ago

5 mins read

Albania in the Second War World : A Forgotten Theater of World War II

Books·Culture

By Bernd Fischer It is becoming increasingly difficult to justify yet another book dealing with some aspect of World War II. Of all the armed conflicts of past centuries, World War II has engendered the most interest as well as an exhausting amount of written material. The opening of the

3 months ago

8 mins read

Features and Culture

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Tirana Marks International Arabic Language Day with a Festive Ceremony

Culture·International

Tirana, Tirana Times, 19 December 2025 – International Arabic Language Day was commemorated in Tirana through a festive ceremony organized by the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in the Republic of Albania, bringing together a broad representation of Albanian state institutions, the diplomatic corps, universities, the academic community, cultural

3 weeks ago

6 mins read

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

Why the world calls us ‘Albania’ and the origin of ‘Shqiperi’

Gjirokastra Qifqi: The magic of traditional cooking

Analysis: Bells toll for Albania’s demographics as census results confirm corrosive effects of massive emigration

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

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

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

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

2025- Tirana the Mediterranean capital of culture and dialogue

‘Harnex.io’ – Stirring the pot with a tech revolution…and bold ideas!

Western Balkans

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Stability Has a Schedule: What NATO’s Hague Pledge Means for the Western Balkans

Western Balkans

In late August 2022, Montenegro’s government digital infrastructure was hit by what officials called an “unprecedented” cyberattack. The disruption was serious enough that parts

3 weeks ago

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Kremlin Echoes in Balkan Clickbait: How Fake Baba Vanga Prophecies Spread Across Albanian Media

Western Balkans

TIRANA, Tirana Times, December 16, 2025. Each December, apocalyptic headlines resurface across Albanian media warning of global collapse, Europe’s disappearance or the rise of

3 weeks ago

5 mins read

PM Rama’s Misguided Diplomacy on Kosovo

Op-Ed·Western Balkans

The Albanian Prime Minister’s suggestions have largely and consistently proven not to be in Kosovo’s best interest October 29, 2025 By Veton Suroi Last

2 months ago

7 mins read

Serbia on Edge as Vučić’s Legitimacy Crumbles

Western Balkans

As Serbia grapples with one of its most volatile moments in recent political history, the warning signs of regime decay are hard to ignore.

6 months ago

4 mins read

Western Powers Push to Turn Balkans into Migrant Buffer Zone, Stirring Rights Alarm

Western Balkans

TIRANA TIMES, May 27, Albania — A growing wave of Western efforts to outsource the handling of rejected asylum seekers is turning the Western

7 months ago

4 mins read

News Analysis: Kosovo Parliament Fails Again to Elect Speaker, Highlighting Deepening Partisan Divides and Institutional Fragility

Main·Western Balkans

Tirana, Tirana Times, April 27 — Kosovo’s political deadlock deepened further on Sunday as the Parliament failed once again to elect a Speaker and

8 months ago

7 mins read

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

Headline·Western Balkans

TIRANA, April 4, 2025 — President Donald Trump’s sweeping new tariffs on global trade partners have sparked concern and debate across Europe and the

9 months ago

4 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,

9 months ago

12 mins read

Premium

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From staunch enemy to strategic partner: Albanian-American relations in transition

Premium

In 1919, Vatra, a pan-Albanian association functioning as something of a shadow Albanian government in the United States, made an unprecedented request to Secretary

8 months ago

16 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

9 months 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

10 months 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

10 months ago

7 mins read

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.

2 years ago

13 mins read

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

3 years ago

10 mins read

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

3 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

3 years ago

7 mins read

Premium

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From staunch enemy to strategic partner: Albanian-American relations in transition

Premium

In 1919, Vatra, a pan-Albanian association functioning as something of a shadow Albanian government in the United States, made an unprecedented request to Secretary

8 months ago

16 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

9 months ago

6 mins read

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

3 years ago

8 mins read

Why Albania’s domestic PR wars are being fought abroad

3 years ago

6 mins read

Albania’s demographic bill comes due

3 years ago

14 mins read

Deconstructing myths in Albanian-U.S. relations

4 years ago

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Albanian-Turkish relations: The perils of change

4 years ago

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Albanian-Greek relations hunted by paradoxes

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Books

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Bringing Albania into History: Bernd J. Fischer and World War II

By Ilir Ikonomi One of the most important modern works ever written about Albania’s experience in the Second World War—Bernd Jürgen Fischer’s Albania at War,

3 weeks ago

5 mins read

Albania in the Second War World : A Forgotten Theater of World War II

By Bernd Fischer It is becoming increasingly difficult to justify yet another book dealing with some aspect of World War II. Of all the

3 months ago

8 mins read

East–West Encounters in the Novel “Pema e harlisur” by the Saudi Author Umaima al-Khamis

Alban Reli As the translator from Arabic to Albanian of the novel ‘The Leafy Tree’(Albanian: ‘Pema e harlisur’) by the Saudi writer Umaima al-Khamis,

4 months ago

5 mins read

Books

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Bringing Albania into History: Bernd J. Fischer and World War II

By Ilir Ikonomi One of the most important modern works ever written about Albania’s experience in the Second World War—Bernd Jürgen Fischer’s Albania at War,

3 weeks ago

5 mins read