Albania’s Arms Industry Faces International Trafficking Probe

Investigators examine weapons deals, state-linked defense companies and the role of businessman Ron Yeffet after allegations of international

11 minutes ago

7 mins read

A New U.S. Ambassador for a Changing Partnership?

Headline

Eric Wendt presents credentials in Tirana as Albania and the United States look to the next phase of

4 days ago

7 mins read

Former Intelligence Chief Accused of Blackmailing Leading Investigative Journalist

Headline

Vlora Hyseni’s public accusation against Klodiana Lala has triggered an unusually broad reaction from journalists’ organizations and opposition politicians, while

1 week ago

13 mins read

Full Report: House Arrest Ordered for Albania’s Intelligence Chief

Headline·Premium

SPAK investigation reaches the heart of Albania’s security establishment, raising unprecedented questions over classified information, organized crime and institutional integrity

2 weeks ago

11 mins read

House Arrest Ordered for Albania’s Intelligence Chief

Headline

Tirana Times, September 22, 2026 – Albania’s Special Court has ordered house arrest and suspension from office for Vlora Hyseni, director

2 weeks ago

2 mins read

Kosovo’s Hague Verdict: Heavy Sentences, Troubling Questions and a Test for International Justice

Headline

The convictions of Hashim Thaçi and three other former KLA leaders have shaken Kosovo. But beyond the sentences, the verdict

2 weeks ago

12 mins read

Headline

Albania’s Arms Industry Faces International Trafficking Probe

11 minutes ago

Investigators examine weapons deals, state-linked defense companies and the role of businessman Ron Yeffet after allegations of international arms trafficking surfaced in recordings released

Headline

A New U.S. Ambassador for a Changing Partnership?

4 days ago

Eric Wendt presents credentials in Tirana as Albania and the United States look to the next phase of their strategic relationship Tirana Times, September,

Saudi Arabia Eases Visa Procedures for Kosovo Citizens

1 day ago

2 mins read

Can Albania Follow Hungary’s Example in Scrutinizing Officials’ Wealth?

3 days ago

5 mins read

Gazmend Freitag Named “Painter of the Year 2025” in Gjirokastër

4 days ago

4 mins read

Building a pathway to peace: Working together to return Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war

4 days ago

4 mins read

Latest

Saudi Arabia Eases Visa Procedures for Kosovo Citizens

News

Tirana Times, October 2, 2026 – Saudi Arabia has introduced simplified visa procedures for Kosovo citizens, allowing them to apply for an electronic tourist visa or obtain a visa on arrival from October 1, 2026. The measure marks a significant easing of travel requirements for citizens visiting the Kingdom for tourism, family visits

1 day ago

2 mins read

Can Albania Follow Hungary’s Example in Scrutinizing Officials’ Wealth?

Op-Ed

By Zef Preci Tirana Times, September 30, 2026 – For more than two decades, Albania has had legislation requiring senior public officials to declare their assets and financial interests. Yet persistent concerns over unexplained wealth suggest that the central issue is no longer simply whether officials submit asset declarations. The

3 days ago

5 mins read

Gazmend Freitag Named “Painter of the Year 2025” in Gjirokastër

Culture

Kosovo-born, Austria-based artist honored for a career that has turned memory, displacement and identity into a bridge between cultures Tirana Times, September 29, 2026 – Kosovo-born Albanian painter Gazmend Freitag, who has built his artistic career in Austria, has been awarded the title “Painter of the Year 2025”, receiving the distinction

4 days ago

4 mins read

Building a pathway to peace: Working together to return Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war

Op-Ed

By H.E. Mrs. Elissa Golberg, Ambassador of Canada to Italy, Albania, Malta and San Marino; Yulia Gorokhovska, Chargés d’affaires, Embassy of Ukraine in Albania and H.E. Mr. Arne Sannes Bjørnstad, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to Croatia and Albania. Every morning at 9:00 a.m., Ukraine stops. Across cities in

4 days ago

4 mins read

China: Development, Openness and Cooperation

Op-Ed

by H.E. Pang Chunxue, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Albania Seventy-seven years ago, Chairman Mao Zedong proudly declared to the world: “The Chinese people have stood up!” Through reform and opening-up, China has become prosperous and has developed into the world’s second-largest economy. Today, under the leadership

1 week ago

6 mins read

Saudi Arabia: Vision, Peace and Partnership

Op-Ed

By Turki bin Ibrahim Al-MadiAmbassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Albania National Day is an occasion to recall the historic journey of the unification of the Kingdom by its founder, King Abdulaziz bin Abdulrahman Al Saud — may God have mercy on him — and

1 week ago

9 mins read

Latest

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Saudi Arabia Eases Visa Procedures for Kosovo Citizens

News

Tirana Times, October 2, 2026 – Saudi Arabia has introduced simplified visa procedures for Kosovo citizens, allowing them to apply for an electronic tourist visa or

1 day ago

2 mins read

Can Albania Follow Hungary’s Example in Scrutinizing Officials’ Wealth?

Op-Ed

By Zef Preci Tirana Times, September 30, 2026 – For more than two decades, Albania has had legislation requiring senior public officials to declare

3 days ago

5 mins read

No More Fake Enlargement

2 weeks ago

10 mins read

How a Sanctioned Russian Oligarch’s Business Interests Reached Albanian Public Contracts

2 weeks ago

8 mins read

It’s not just the verdict that is unjust

2 weeks ago

4 mins read

September 16: Justice, History and Kosovo’s Statehood

3 weeks ago

18 mins read

Business and Economy

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How a Sanctioned Russian Oligarch’s Business Interests Reached Albanian Public Contracts

Business & Economy

Millions of euros flowed to companies linked to Strabag while Oleg Deripaska remained a major shareholder, exposing gaps in Albania’s ability to identify who ultimately benefits from public money Tirana Times, September 17, 2026 – For years, Russian oligarch Oleg Deripaska’s economic interests in Albania were largely invisible. They did

2 weeks ago

8 mins read

Most Viewed

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

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

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

Albania’s TikTok ban draws debate

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

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

Albania faces international scrutiny over suspected toxic waste trafficking

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

OP-ED

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Op-Ed

Can Albania Follow Hungary’s Example in Scrutinizing Officials’ Wealth?

By Zef Preci Tirana Times, September 30, 2026 – For

3 days ago

5 mins read

Op-Ed

Building a pathway to peace: Working together to return Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war

By H.E. Mrs. Elissa Golberg, Ambassador of Canada to Italy,

4 days ago

4 mins read

Op-Ed

China: Development, Openness and Cooperation

by H.E. Pang Chunxue, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of

1 week ago

6 mins read

Op-Ed

Saudi Arabia: Vision, Peace and Partnership

By Turki bin Ibrahim Al-MadiAmbassador of the Kingdom of Saudi

1 week ago

9 mins read

Op-Ed

No More Fake Enlargement

By Genc Pollo Tirana Times, September 21, 2026 – At

2 weeks ago

10 mins read

Op-Ed

It’s not just the verdict that is unjust

By Daniel Serwer Tirana Times, September 17, 2026 – The

2 weeks ago

4 mins read

Op-Ed·Western Balkans

September 16: Justice, History and Kosovo’s Statehood

By Sylë Ukshini Tirana Times, Sept. 15, 2026 – The

3 weeks ago

18 mins read

Op-Ed

A Government Memorandum and Some Unanswered Economic Questions

By Zef Preçi Tirana Times, September 14, 2026 – According

3 weeks ago

6 mins read

OP-ED

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Can Albania Follow Hungary’s Example in Scrutinizing Officials’ Wealth?

Op-Ed

By Zef Preci Tirana Times, September 30, 2026 – For more than two decades, Albania has had legislation requiring senior public officials to declare

3 days ago

5 mins read

Building a pathway to peace: Working together to return Ukrainian children, detained civilians and prisoners of war

Op-Ed

By H.E. Mrs. Elissa Golberg, Ambassador of Canada to Italy, Albania, Malta and San Marino; Yulia Gorokhovska, Chargés d’affaires, Embassy of Ukraine in Albania

4 days ago

4 mins read

Remembering Emma Bonino

3 weeks ago

8 mins read

The Re-emergence of Terrorism and the Threat to the Global Economy

3 weeks ago

10 mins read

A Quarter Century Since Ohrid: The Agreement That Gave North Macedonia Its Future

2 months ago

9 mins read

The Ibar River Should Carry Water, Not Nationalist Politics

2 months ago

5 mins read

Features and Culture

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Gazmend Freitag Named “Painter of the Year 2025” in Gjirokastër

Culture

Kosovo-born, Austria-based artist honored for a career that has turned memory, displacement and identity into a bridge between cultures Tirana Times, September 29, 2026 – Kosovo-born Albanian painter Gazmend Freitag, who has built his artistic career in Austria, has been awarded the title “Painter of the Year 2025”, receiving the distinction

4 days ago

4 mins read

The Western Balkans’ Right to Democracy Depends on the EU Enlargement

Features

by Sokol Lleshi, Assistant Professor of Political Science, University of New York Tirana Background The political systems in the Western Balkan region feature politicized public administrations, weak enforcement of rule of law norms, and inconsistent practices of political accountability. In general, the historical experience of the region is such that

2 months ago

10 mins read

Why Waiting Is Not Neutral: The Costs of Non-Enlargement

Features·International

Debates about EU enlargement tend to focus on the risks of admitting countries before they are ready. In her recent paper, Marta Szpala broadens the debate by examining what prolonged delay means for both candidate countries and the European Union itself. Tirana Times spoke with Szpala about how prolonged uncertainty

2 months ago

9 mins read

Spain Rules the World Again

Culture

Spain clinches second FIFA World Cup title as Europe continues its dominance on football’s biggest stage By Gautam Karve, Editor-in-Chief, World Media Organization Tirana Times, July 22, 2026 – Spain secured its second FIFA World Cup title with a commanding performance, defeating Argentina in a final that showcased the Spanish

2 months ago

2 mins read

Beyond Diplomacy: Ambassador Elissa Golberg on the Future of Canada–Albania Ties

Features·International

Tirana Times, July 21, 2026 – Relations between Albania and Canada have expanded steadily in recent years, from growing trade and new bilateral agreements to closer cooperation within NATO and the launch of the first direct flight between the two countries. In an interview with Tirana Times, Canada’s Ambassador to Albania,

2 months ago

10 mins read

K’cimi dancing of Tropojë – Gazmend Freitag

Culture

by Monika Grill Tirana Times, July 11, 2026 – “K’cimi i Tropoja” – the dance that endured over centuries and kept the Albanian identity alive, has been officially declared part of the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. “K’cimi i Tropoja” refers to a traditional

3 months ago

1 min read

Features and Culture

View All

Gazmend Freitag Named “Painter of the Year 2025” in Gjirokastër

Culture

Kosovo-born, Austria-based artist honored for a career that has turned memory, displacement and identity into a bridge between cultures Tirana Times, September 29, 2026 – Kosovo-born Albanian painter Gazmend Freitag, who has built his artistic career in Austria, has been awarded the title “Painter of the Year 2025”, receiving the distinction

4 days ago

4 mins read

Most Viewed

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

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

Gjirokastra Qifqi: The magic of traditional cooking

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

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

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

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

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

Albanian-Serb musical duo breaks Balkan stereotypes in Italy

2025- Tirana the Mediterranean capital of culture and dialogue

Western Balkans

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September 16: Justice, History and Kosovo’s Statehood

Op-Ed·Western Balkans

By Sylë Ukshini Tirana Times, Sept. 15, 2026 – The September 16 judgment at the Kosovo Specialist Chambers in the trial of former Kosovo

3 weeks ago

18 mins read

Zelensky Visit to Belgrade: What Could He Learn from Israeli Experience

Western Balkans

by Edward P. Joseph Tirana Times, August 21, 2026 – At the NATO Summit in Ankara last month, I had the high honor of

1 month ago

7 mins read

Concrete, Cocaine and Corruption: Albania’s Fragile Growth Model

Business & Economy·Western Balkans

Albania’s Concrete Economy: How Construction Became the Country’s Dominant Growth Model Tirana Times, July 10, 2026 – A booming construction sector has made Albania

3 months ago

7 mins read

The Cost of Non Enlargement: Why the EU Cannot Afford to Leave the Western Balkans Behind

Western Balkans

Tirana Times, June 29, 2026 – For years, the debate on European Union enlargement has been dominated by the presumed costs of admitting new

3 months ago

7 mins read

EU-Western Balkans Summit 2026: New Impetus for the Enlargement Debate?

Features·Western Balkans

By Odeta Barbullushi and Marina Vulovic Tirana Times, June 09, 2026 – A new proposal on enlargement was tabled by the French President Emmanuel

4 months ago

10 mins read

Serbia Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Democratic Backsliding Deepens

Western Balkans

Serbia could lose €1.36 billion from the EU Growth Plan over rule of law and democratic concerns, according to the European Movement in Serbia.

6 months ago

3 mins read

Do the Balkans really want EU membership?

Western Balkans

By Daniel Serwer Tirana Times, March 06, 2026 – While all eyes are on the Iran war, subtle but important changes are taking place

7 months ago

4 mins read

Strategic-Sector Governance Under Stress: The Bankers Petroleum Case and China’s Economic Footprint in Albania

Western Balkans

by Nora Ahmeti & Vilson Blloshmi Albania’s investigation into Bankers Petroleum Albania Ltd. is often narrated as a “China case” because the operator has

7 months ago

22 mins read

Premium

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Full Report: House Arrest Ordered for Albania’s Intelligence Chief

Headline·Premium

SPAK investigation reaches the heart of Albania’s security establishment, raising unprecedented questions over classified information, organized crime and institutional integrity in a NATO member

2 weeks ago

11 mins read

Kanye West in Tirana: Has a Global Spectacle Become a Political Backfire?

Headline·Premium

Planned before Albania’s protest movement began, the concert was intended to strengthen the country’s international profile. But public financing, free tickets and a radically

3 months ago

12 mins read

Diana Gellçi’s Question to Reinier de Graaf: What Would You Say Today?

Op-Ed·Premium

Tirana Times , July 09, 2026 – Tirana Times is publishing below an open public question addressed by Albanian scholar Diana Gellçi, PhD, an Albanian

3 months ago

11 mins read

Reinier de Graaf Explains Reinier de Graaf

Headline·Premium

Tirana Times, June 30, 2026 – When Tirana Times published Reinier de Graaf’s open letter from The Albanian Files, it did so because the text

3 months ago

6 mins read

Are Europe’s Star Architects Helping Launder Albania’s Criminal Economy?

News·Premium

The Albanian Files suggests that international architecture may have served not only as design, but as a prestigious façade for opaque money, captured institutions

3 months ago

12 mins read

Unexploded Ordnance Puts Jared Kushner’s Resort in Albania at Risk

Features·Premium

The government has paved the way for the construction of a resort on the island of Sazan, but beneath its crystal-clear waters and along

5 months ago

12 mins read

From a Unique Story of Bravery to the Dangers of Holocaust Denial

Premium

Challenging Communism’s Legacy and Conspiracy Theories on Anti-Semitism in Albania. By Albert Rakipi, PhD When Johanna Juta Neumann arrived in Durrës from Hamburg, she

5 months ago

13 mins read

Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption?

Premium

The question posed today is not whether there is corruption in governance, but whether there is any aspect of governance without corruption. by Blendi

8 months ago

9 mins read

Premium

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Full Report: House Arrest Ordered for Albania’s Intelligence Chief

Headline·Premium

SPAK investigation reaches the heart of Albania’s security establishment, raising unprecedented questions over classified information, organized crime and institutional integrity in a NATO member

2 weeks ago

11 mins read

Kanye West in Tirana: Has a Global Spectacle Become a Political Backfire?

Headline·Premium

Planned before Albania’s protest movement began, the concert was intended to strengthen the country’s international profile. But public financing, free tickets and a radically

3 months ago

12 mins read

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

1 year 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?

2 years ago

6 mins read

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

2 years ago

6 mins read

News Analysis: A Geopolitical Shift in the Western Balkans?

2 years ago

7 mins read

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

3 years ago

13 mins read

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

3 years ago

10 mins read

Books

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The Heart Of A Patriot That Beats For The People

by Dr. Jorgji Kote Tirana Times, June 11, 2026 – ”Heart of a patriot” is the new book dedicated to Binali Yildirim, an outstanding political leader

4 months ago

12 mins read

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,

10 months ago

5 mins read