Albania-Italy Crime Nexus: Power, Profit, and Corruption
By | Tirana Times | May 29, 2025 ROME — Albanian criminal networks have entrenched themselves across Italy,
Today: May 29, 2025
Former President Meta Faces Corruption Charges in Politically Sensitive Case
TIRANA, Albania — Former Albanian President Ilir Meta and his former wife, current MP Monika Kryemadhi, have been
20 hours ago
4 mins read
Tirana Pride Highlights Albania’s LGBT+ Progress Amid EU Hopes
TIRANA, May 25, 2025— Hundreds of people marched through the streets of Albania’s capital on Saturday during the annual Pride
4 days ago
4 mins read
Crime Crackdown Exposes Albania’s Deep State-Organized Crime Links
Joint Italy-Albania Crime Crackdown Exposes Deep Ties Between Organized Crime and State Structures in Albania TIRANA, Albania ,Tirana Times May
7 days ago
5 mins read
Albania’s 2025 Elections: Triumph of the Socialists or the Fall of Democracy?
Tirana Times, May 20. The May 11 parliamentary elections delivered a further consolidation of the Socialist government under Edi Rama’s
1 week ago
11 mins read
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 Albania into the European Union, he must first be the
1 month ago
6 mins read
Albania-Italy Crime Nexus: Power, Profit, and Corruption
2 hours ago
By | Tirana Times | May 29, 2025 ROME — Albanian criminal networks have entrenched themselves across Italy, forging strong alliances with the country’s
Former President Meta Faces Corruption Charges in Politically Sensitive Case
20 hours ago
TIRANA, Albania — Former Albanian President Ilir Meta and his former wife, current MP Monika Kryemadhi, have been formally indicted by Albania’s Special Anti-Corruption
Spectacle Over Substance: How Albania’s “War on Money Laundering” Ignores the Towers That Tell the Truth
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Western Powers Push to Turn Balkans into Migrant Buffer Zone, Stirring Rights Alarm
20 hours ago
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Trump’s Tariffs Hit Albanian Exports Hard, Exposing Weakness in U.S.-Albania Economic Ties
3 days ago
3 mins read
Latest
Spectacle Over Substance: How Albania’s “War on Money Laundering” Ignores the Towers That Tell the Truth
At first glance, the Albanian government’s latest initiative to combat money laundering appears bold: an investigation into 400 luxury vehicles purchased by individuals with no declared income. Authorities have stated that if the owners fail to justify the source of funds used to purchase these high-end cars, the vehicles will
8 seconds ago
3 mins read
The Book “The Journey of the Najdi Boy” as a Literary Bridge Between Saudi Arabia and Albania – The First Saudi Novel in the Albanian Language
By Jerina Zaloshnja The Albanian edition of “The Journey of the Najdi Boy” (Tirana Times, 2025) appears to mark an important milestone in the cultural history between Saudi Arabia and Albania: it is the first work of Saudi literature to be translated into Albanian. This publication results from the collaboration
3 hours ago
5 mins read
Western Powers Push to Turn Balkans into Migrant Buffer Zone, Stirring Rights Alarm
TIRANA TIMES, May 27, Albania — A growing wave of Western efforts to outsource the handling of rejected asylum seekers is turning the Western Balkans into what rights groups now describe as Europe’s “human warehouse.” At the center of the plan are proposals to build migrant detention centers in countries
20 hours ago
4 mins read
Trump’s Tariffs Hit Albanian Exports Hard, Exposing Weakness in U.S.-Albania Economic Ties
Albanian exports to the United States have plummeted following the imposition of a 10% tariff on goods by President Donald Trump’s administration — part of a broader protectionist trade policy that has unsettled global markets and strained economic relations with several U.S. allies and partners. According to the Albanian Institute
3 days ago
3 mins read
Shadow Networks – How Politics and Organized Crime Appear Intertwined in Albania
TIRANA, Albania May 26,2025– Recent revelations from an Italian anti-mafia investigation have cast a harsh spotlight on the murky relationship between organized crime and the Albanian political elite, deepening concerns over state complicity in shielding and enabling criminal actors. At the center of the storm is Elvis Doçi, alias “Visi
3 days ago
5 mins read
From staunch enemy to strategic partner: Albanian-American relations in transition
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 of State Robert Lansing: Albania should become an American protectorate. Just three months later, at the Paris Peace Conference, President Woodrow Wilson rejected the Secret Treaty
4 days ago
16 mins read
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Spectacle Over Substance: How Albania’s “War on Money Laundering” Ignores the Towers That Tell the Truth
At first glance, the Albanian government’s latest initiative to combat money laundering appears bold: an investigation into 400 luxury vehicles purchased by individuals with
9 seconds ago
3 mins read
The Book “The Journey of the Najdi Boy” as a Literary Bridge Between Saudi Arabia and Albania – The First Saudi Novel in the Albanian Language
By Jerina Zaloshnja The Albanian edition of “The Journey of the Najdi Boy” (Tirana Times, 2025) appears to mark an important milestone in the
3 hours ago
5 mins read
Albania’s Vanishing Electorate: Emigration, Not a Boycott, Powered the Socialist Victory
4 days ago
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A Taste of Friendship: Turkish Diplomat Bridges Two Nations Through the Language of Food
4 days ago
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Behind the Façade: What’s Fueling Albania’s Real Estate Boom?
4 days ago
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Narco-Politics and the Erosion of Democracy in Albania
7 days ago
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Business and Economy
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Trump’s Tariffs Hit Albanian Exports Hard, Exposing Weakness in U.S.-Albania Economic Ties
Albanian exports to the United States have plummeted following the imposition of a 10% tariff on goods by President Donald Trump’s administration — part of a broader protectionist trade policy that has unsettled global markets and strained economic relations with several U.S. allies and partners. According to the Albanian Institute
3 days ago
3 mins read
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OP-ED
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Spectacle Over Substance: How Albania’s “War on Money Laundering” Ignores the Towers That Tell the Truth
At first glance, the Albanian government’s latest initiative to combat
10 seconds ago
3 mins read
Behind the Façade: What’s Fueling Albania’s Real Estate Boom?
In recent years, Albania—particularly its capital, Tirana—has witnessed a real
4 days ago
4 mins read
Narco-Politics and the Erosion of Democracy in Albania
In a country where democratic institutions are already fragile, a
7 days ago
4 mins read
European Political Community Summit in Tirana – Substance, Symbolism, and Domestic Contradictions
Tirana, 17 May 2025 The Sixth Summit of the European
1 week ago
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Criminal Enterprise and Investment Policy in Albania
The involvement of individuals with criminal backgrounds or ties to
4 weeks ago
4 mins read
The EU Court’s Verdict on Golden Passports: Implications for Albania
Genc Pollo – President of the Paneuropa Albania MovementFormer Minister
4 weeks ago
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Call to Arms for the ‘Next Generation’
Albania is in a precarious situation at the moment. We
1 month ago
5 mins read
Elmar Brok: Berisha calls for liberation – Rama’s power crumbles
A new chapter is dawning in Albania. For the first
1 month ago
2 mins read
OP-ED
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Spectacle Over Substance: How Albania’s “War on Money Laundering” Ignores the Towers That Tell the Truth
At first glance, the Albanian government’s latest initiative to combat money laundering appears bold: an investigation into 400 luxury vehicles purchased by individuals with
10 seconds ago
3 mins read
Behind the Façade: What’s Fueling Albania’s Real Estate Boom?
In recent years, Albania—particularly its capital, Tirana—has witnessed a real estate boom of unprecedented proportions. Tower cranes dominate the skyline, new developments sprout at
4 days ago
4 mins read
From Declaration to Deterrence: A Turning Point for Southeast Europe’s Security?
2 months ago
5 mins read
United Arab Emirates ‘s Expanding Influence in Albania – Financial and Political Concerns
2 months ago
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News Analysis: A Geopolitical Shift in the Western Balkans?
2 months ago
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Features and Culture
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The Book “The Journey of the Najdi Boy” as a Literary Bridge Between Saudi Arabia and Albania – The First Saudi Novel in the Albanian Language
By Jerina Zaloshnja The Albanian edition of “The Journey of the Najdi Boy” (Tirana Times, 2025) appears to mark an important milestone in the cultural history between Saudi Arabia and Albania: it is the first work of Saudi literature to be translated into Albanian. This publication results from the collaboration
3 hours ago
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A Taste of Friendship: Turkish Diplomat Bridges Two Nations Through the Language of Food
Edibe Sinem Atay’s new cookbook on Turkish and Albanian cuisine is more than a culinary collection — it is a heartfelt celebration of history, identity, and shared heritage. TIRANA, May 24, 2025.When diplomacy meets the warmth of the kitchen, something deeply human and enduring is born. Edibe Sinem Atay, a
4 days ago
7 mins read
Saudi Cultural Heritage Celebrated in Prishtina with Opening of “Urat” Exhibition
Tirana Times | May 2nd | Prishtina, Kosovo — A unique cultural bridge between Kosovo and Saudi Arabia was inaugurated on Thursday with the opening of the “Urat” exhibition in central Prishtina, showcasing the Kingdom’s rich Islamic and cultural heritage. Organized in partnership between the Islamic Community of Kosovo and
4 weeks ago
3 mins read
Is AI worsening the mental health crisis in journalism?
Mental health remains a relatively under-discussed issue for those working in journalism, a profession that is often precarious for many. AI has now been added to this situation. Instability and precariousness, low salaries, the “obligation to stay connected” and the pressure to keep up the pace: these are the factors
1 month ago
10 mins read
Beware of Stone Slogans – Ylljet Alicka’s Cautionary Tale
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 months ago
7 mins read
The Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Albania organizes the event “International Arabian Leopard Day”
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.
4 months ago
2 mins read
Features and Culture
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The Book “The Journey of the Najdi Boy” as a Literary Bridge Between Saudi Arabia and Albania – The First Saudi Novel in the Albanian Language
By Jerina Zaloshnja The Albanian edition of “The Journey of the Najdi Boy” (Tirana Times, 2025) appears to mark an important milestone in the cultural history between Saudi Arabia and Albania: it is the first work of Saudi literature to be translated into Albanian. This publication results from the collaboration
3 hours ago
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Western Balkans
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Western Powers Push to Turn Balkans into Migrant Buffer Zone, Stirring Rights Alarm
TIRANA TIMES, May 27, Albania — A growing wave of Western efforts to outsource the handling of rejected asylum seekers is turning the Western
20 hours ago
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News Analysis: Kosovo Parliament Fails Again to Elect Speaker, Highlighting Deepening Partisan Divides and Institutional Fragility
Tirana, Tirana Times, April 27 — Kosovo’s political deadlock deepened further on Sunday as the Parliament failed once again to elect a Speaker and
1 month ago
7 mins read
Trump’s New Tariffs and Their Impact on Albania and the 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
2 months ago
4 mins read
What is the aim of the Declaration on military cooperation between Croatia, Albania and Kosovo?
Albania, Croatia and Kosovo signed a joint declaration of cooperation on defence on 18 March in Tirana, which sparked anger among the Serbian officials,
2 months ago
12 mins read
News Analysis: A Geopolitical Shift in the 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 months ago
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Albania, Croatia, and Kosovo Sign Defense Agreement: A New Military Alliance in the 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 months ago
5 mins read
Vetvendosje wins Kosovo elections, loses comfortable majority
Feb 10, 2025 The Vetvendosje Party led by Prime Minister Albin Kurti has claimed victory in the round of general elections held in Kosovo
4 months ago
6 mins read
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From staunch enemy to strategic partner: Albanian-American relations in transition
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
4 days 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?
If Rama wants to be the prime minister who ushers Albania into the European Union, he must first be the leader who makes Albania
2 months ago
6 mins read
United Arab Emirates ‘s Expanding Influence in Albania – Financial and Political Concerns
By Tirana Times TIRANA, March 20th (Tirana Times ) The Albanian government has nearly doubled the projected cost of its “Smart City” initiative, now
2 months ago
6 mins read
News Analysis: A Geopolitical Shift in the 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 months ago
7 mins read
Op/Ed: Is Albania slipping into a one-party system?
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
13 mins read
Is Albania’s new dominant-party system here to stay?
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
10 mins read
Why tensions between Serbia and Kosovo are flaring
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?
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
7 mins read
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From staunch enemy to strategic partner: Albanian-American relations in transition
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
4 days 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?
If Rama wants to be the prime minister who ushers Albania into the European Union, he must first be the leader who makes Albania
2 months ago
6 mins read
Concerns raised as Tirana mulls exiting ICSID over Becchetti affair €120-million judgement
2 years ago
8 mins read
Why Albania’s domestic PR wars are being fought abroad
2 years ago
6 mins read
Albania’s demographic bill comes due
3 years ago
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Deconstructing myths in Albanian-U.S. relations
3 years ago
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Albanian-Turkish relations: The perils of change
3 years ago
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Albanian-Greek relations hunted by paradoxes
3 years 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
3 months ago
4 mins read
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,
8 months ago
1 min read
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
11 months ago
11 mins read
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
3 months ago
4 mins read
