Vlora Airport Stirs Security Fears Over Russian Links

Albania’s Second National Airport Sparks Concerns for National Security and NATO The opening of Albania’s second international airport

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Albania Beats Serbia, Keeps World Cup Dream Alive

Headline

By Tirana Times Staff | October 12, 2025 LESKOVAC . Albania stunned Serbia with a 1–0 victory on

6 days ago

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Judge’s Killing in Courtroom Shakes Albania’s Justice System

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By Tirana Times Staff TIRANA, October 7, 2025 — The fatal shooting of Appeals Court Judge Astrit Kalaja inside a

2 weeks ago

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NY Mayor’s Visit Puts Spotlight on Rama’s Foreign Links

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By Tirana Times StaffTIRANA — October 7, 2025 The visit of New York City Mayor Eric Adams to Tirana this

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Rama’s Trump Joke Overshadows Copenhagen Summit

Headline

Tirana, Albania (Tirana Times). Prime Minister Edi Rama’s attempt at humor during a European summit turned into a viral spectacle

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Tirana Council Dismisses Mayor Erion Veliaj

Headline

Tirana, September 23, 2025 , Tirana Times– The extraordinary dismissal of Tirana’s mayor, Erion Veliaj, by the Municipal Council marks

4 weeks ago

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Headline

Vlora Airport Stirs Security Fears Over Russian Links

2 days ago

Albania’s Second National Airport Sparks Concerns for National Security and NATO The opening of Albania’s second international airport in Vlora, celebrated as a milestone

Headline

Albania Beats Serbia, Keeps World Cup Dream Alive

6 days ago

By Tirana Times Staff | October 12, 2025 LESKOVAC . Albania stunned Serbia with a 1–0 victory on Saturday night, a result that not

Tirana Protesters Demand Justice for Kosovo War Leaders

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Albania–Kosovo Rift Weakens the Albanian Voice

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

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Albania’s Currency Exchanges Tied to Drug Money Laundering

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Latest

Tirana Protesters Demand Justice for Kosovo War Leaders

News

Hundreds of protesters rallied in the Albanian capital on Friday demanding justice for former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) on trial in The Hague, denouncing the proceedings as an attack on the wartime struggle against Serbian forces. The demonstrators, many waving KLA flags and chanting slogans such as

43 seconds ago

3 mins read

Albania–Kosovo Rift Weakens the Albanian Voice

Op-Ed

The Rama–Kurti clash over the war crimes tribunal highlights deeper structural tensions, from unimplemented agreements to competing regional agendas. The latest clash between Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama and Kosovo’s Albin Kurti is more than another exchange of political insults. It reflects the fragile state of relations between Albania and

15 minutes ago

3 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

1 day ago

8 mins read

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

2 days ago

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Arab Scientist Among 2025 Nobel Chemistry Laureates for Groundbreaking Molecular Architectures

Culture

In an era when Arab nations are investing heavily in science and technology especially under initiatives such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Yaghi’s Nobel Prize is seen as both a personal triumph and a symbolic breakthrough for scientific ambition across the Middle East By Tirana Times Staff | October 8,

1 week ago

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Kosovo Visitors Drive Summer Tourism Surge as Italian Arrivals Slip

Business & Economy

Kosovo Visitors Drive Summer Tourism Surge as Italian Arrivals SlipTirana, September 26, 2025 — By Tirana Times Staff Albania’s summer tourism season ended on a stronger note in August, with a surge in visitors from neighboring Kosovo offsetting weak demand from other markets, particularly Italy. According to official data from

3 weeks ago

3 mins read

Latest

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Tirana Protesters Demand Justice for Kosovo War Leaders

News

Hundreds of protesters rallied in the Albanian capital on Friday demanding justice for former leaders of the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA) on trial in

43 seconds ago

3 mins read

Albania–Kosovo Rift Weakens the Albanian Voice

Op-Ed

The Rama–Kurti clash over the war crimes tribunal highlights deeper structural tensions, from unimplemented agreements to competing regional agendas. The latest clash between Albanian

15 minutes ago

3 mins read

Fourth estate’s useful idiots

3 weeks ago

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Building integrity and accountability in Albanian public universities: practical lessons from the United States

4 weeks ago

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A modern writer of Saudi Arabian literature

4 weeks ago

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Cancel Parliament

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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

2 days ago

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

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

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

Albania’s TikTok ban draws debate

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

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

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

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

From exile, Albania’s ex deputy PM alleges massive corruption at top of SP leadership

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Op-Ed

Albania–Kosovo Rift Weakens the Albanian Voice

The Rama–Kurti clash over the war crimes tribunal highlights deeper

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Op-Ed

Fourth estate’s useful idiots

(cases from Albania in which international media should had known

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Op-Ed

Cancel Parliament

What happened in Albania’s Parliament last week was more than

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“Pashaliman Deal: Albania’s Transactional Politics and Western Patronage”

From D’Alema to Tony Blair, Rama’s reliance on influential Western

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Albania’s Demographic Collapse: A Silent National Emergency

By Tirana Times Albania is facing a demographic collapse of

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Op-Ed

Anti-Mafia Law Is Only on Paper?

The dismantling of a 28-ton cocaine trafficking network, led by

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Albania’s Urban Illusion

In 1997, Albania collapsed under the weight of fraudulent pyramid

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Op-Ed

Opposition: The Prime Minister Must Go!

In a meeting held yesterday with local officials, the leader

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OP-ED

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Albania–Kosovo Rift Weakens the Albanian Voice

Op-Ed

The Rama–Kurti clash over the war crimes tribunal highlights deeper structural tensions, from unimplemented agreements to competing regional agendas. The latest clash between Albanian

15 minutes ago

3 mins read

Fourth estate’s useful idiots

Op-Ed

(cases from Albania in which international media should had known better) The cashless dream This July, a Politico-Europe journalist texted me about comments regarding

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One Man’s Rule: Governance by Ultimatum

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Vidovdan: A Dangerous Myth Turned Political Weapon

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The Silent Collapse of the Tower Euphoria

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Rule of Law or Rule by Law? Albania’s EU Path Faces a Crisis of Credibility

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Features and Culture

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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

1 day ago

8 mins read

Arab Scientist Among 2025 Nobel Chemistry Laureates for Groundbreaking Molecular Architectures

Culture

In an era when Arab nations are investing heavily in science and technology especially under initiatives such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Yaghi’s Nobel Prize is seen as both a personal triumph and a symbolic breakthrough for scientific ambition across the Middle East By Tirana Times Staff | October 8,

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Building integrity and accountability in Albanian public universities: practical lessons from the United States

Features

Aaron Savoy-Pasha | Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) Albanian higher education faces documented integrity risks, particularly in grading, favoritism, and political influence. A 2024 peer-reviewed study highlights how these pressures shape assessment and weaken trust in degrees (Shahini, Zhllima, and Imami, 2024). Transparency International’s most recent Corruption Perceptions Index

4 weeks ago

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A modern writer of Saudi Arabian literature

Culture

The Critical Case of Patient K. by Aziz Muhamed By Jerina Zaloshnja “Let’s take a family photo,” suggested the prominent Saudi Arabian writer Yusuf ElMuhaimid, author of two of the latest books published in Arabic by Tirana Times (“A Man Chased by Rats” and “The Journey of the Najdi Boy”).

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Saudi Literature in Albanian: Tirana Times Publishes Three New Titles Ahead of Saudi Cultural Week in Tirana

Culture

Tirana Times Staff Albania, September 15, 2025, Tirana Times .With the opening of the Saudi Cultural Week in Tirana tomorrow, Tirana Times Publishing House is marking the occasion with the release of three new translations of contemporary Saudi novels into Albanian. The titles—Critical Condition of Patient “K” by Aziz Muhamed,

1 month ago

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Ambassador Faisal bin Ghazi Hifzi: Saudi Arabia Cultural Week, a Bridge of Communication Between the Two Countries

Culture

On the eve of Saudi Arabia’s Cultural Week, which will take place in Tirana from September 16–20 at the Palace of Congresses, the Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the Republic of Albania, Mr. Faisal bin Ghazi Hifzi, through a press statement, praised this event as

1 month ago

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Features and Culture

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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

1 day ago

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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’

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

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

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

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Gjirokastra Qifqi: The magic of traditional cooking

2025- Tirana the Mediterranean capital of culture and dialogue

Western Balkans

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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.

3 months ago

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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

5 months ago

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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

6 months ago

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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

7 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,

7 months ago

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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

7 months ago

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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

7 months ago

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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

8 months ago

6 mins read

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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

5 months 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

7 months 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

7 months ago

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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

7 months 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.

2 years 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

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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

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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

5 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

7 months ago

6 mins read

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

3 years ago

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Why Albania’s domestic PR wars are being fought abroad

3 years ago

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Albania’s demographic bill comes due

3 years ago

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Deconstructing myths in Albanian-U.S. relations

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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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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

1 day ago

8 mins read

“Wherever I travel, Greece wounds me.”

Ὅπου κι ἂν ταξιδέψω, ἡ Ἑλλάδα μὲ πληγώνει. Jerina Zaloshnja This is what Giorgos Seferis wrote — and thus, before I even truly knew

3 months ago

5 mins read

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

8 months ago

4 mins read