Albania and the Balkans in the Epstein Files

Headline

Tirana Times, 01 February 2026 – The release of more than three million pages of documents linked to

2 days ago

4 mins read

Opposition Protests as Corruption Case Deepens Political Crisis

Headline

The crisis deepens as the government shields Deputy PM Balluku and a criminal network emerges in AKSHI Tirana

1 week ago

5 mins read

America’s Warning on Drug Cartels: Why Europe’s Silence in Albania Matters

Headline

The United States has once again issued an unusually clear and public warning about the threat posed by Albanian organized

2 weeks ago

4 mins read

Albania’s Fiscal Peace Sparks Concern

Business & Economy·Headline

Critics warn of deepening inequality, impunity and potential money-laundering exposure. Tirana Times, January 16,2025 – Albania’s newly adopted “fiscal peace”

3 weeks ago

4 mins read

U.S. suspends Albania from immigrant visa processing

Headline

Inclusion alongside fragile states raises concerns over governance and mass emigration Tirana Times, 15 January 2026 – Washington’s decision to

3 weeks 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, fuel concerns

4 weeks ago

7 mins read

Headline

Albania and the Balkans in the Epstein Files

2 days ago

Tirana Times, 01 February 2026 – The release of more than three million pages of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case by the

Headline

Opposition Protests as Corruption Case Deepens Political Crisis

1 week ago

The crisis deepens as the government shields Deputy PM Balluku and a criminal network emerges in AKSHI Tirana Times, January 25, 2026 – Albania’s

Local roads, national standards: Tropojë case tests Albania’s procurement and oversight

3 minutes ago

6 mins read

Ivanka Trump Visit Reignites Property Dispute in Zvërnec

1 day ago

8 mins read

Elbasan County Council Honors Saudi Ambassador for Humanitarian Contributions

5 days ago

3 mins read

How a Balkan Wind Farm Aids US National Security

6 days ago

6 mins read

Latest

Local roads, national standards: Tropojë case tests Albania’s procurement and oversight

News

Tropojë Mayor Indicted for Illegal Roadworks Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 – In a case related to alleged abuse of office, Albania’s Special Court has sent Tropojë’s mayor Rexhë Byberi and his deputy Abedin Kërrnaja to trial on charges of “abuse of office” related to local infrastructure projects. The officials are

3 minutes ago

6 mins read

Ivanka Trump Visit Reignites Property Dispute in Zvërnec

Business & Economy·Features

Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents and their property claims, while intersecting with a long-running court battle involving controversial real estate businessman Artur Shehu. By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 02 February 2026

1 day ago

8 mins read

Elbasan County Council Honors Saudi Ambassador for Humanitarian Contributions

Culture·International

Tirana Times, January 29, 2026 – This Tuesday, the Elbasan County Council has formally honored the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Albania, Faisal Ghazi Al-Hafthi, in recognition of his humanitarian engagement and his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations at the local level. The ceremony, held in Elbasan,

5 days ago

3 mins read

How a Balkan Wind Farm Aids US National Security

Op-Ed

Energy suppliers in southeastern Europe are heavily politicized and sometimes nefarious. The US can aid democratic stability through energy engagement. By David J. Kostelancik When Congress passed the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), it sent a clear signal: energy security in Southeastern

6 days ago

6 mins read

A Case of Theatrical Diplomacy

Op-Ed

Tirana Times, January 26, 2026 – Albania’s attempted entry into the Peace Board has become a revealing episode, not because of the significance of the initiative itself, but because of the way Albania’s leadership chose to stage and communicate it domestically. The Peace Board represents a new and ambitious international

1 week ago

6 mins read

Albania Joins the Peace Board

News

Tirana Times, January 25, 2026 – Albania has joined the Peace Board, a newly established international mechanism initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at overseeing peace agreements and post-conflict stabilization efforts, with an initial focus on the Gaza Strip. The Peace Board was formally launched during the World Economic

1 week ago

2 mins read

Latest

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Local roads, national standards: Tropojë case tests Albania’s procurement and oversight

News

Tropojë Mayor Indicted for Illegal Roadworks Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 – In a case related to alleged abuse of office, Albania’s Special Court has

3 minutes ago

6 mins read

Ivanka Trump Visit Reignites Property Dispute in Zvërnec

Business & Economy·Features

Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents

1 day ago

8 mins read

King Salman Center Launches Fourth Cycle of International Disability Research Prize

2 weeks ago

4 mins read

Brussels Freezes Albania’s Digital Funds?

2 weeks ago

4 mins read

Albanian Banks Brace for Rising Bad Loans

3 weeks ago

3 mins read

U.S. designates Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations

3 weeks ago

2 mins read

Business and Economy

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Ivanka Trump Visit Reignites Property Dispute in Zvërnec

Business & Economy·Features

Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents and their property claims, while intersecting with a long-running court battle involving controversial real estate businessman Artur Shehu. By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 02 February 2026

1 day ago

8 mins read

Most Viewed

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

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 faces international scrutiny over suspected toxic waste trafficking

Albania’s TikTok ban draws debate

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

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

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

OP-ED

View All

Op-Ed

How a Balkan Wind Farm Aids US National Security

Energy suppliers in southeastern Europe are heavily politicized and sometimes

6 days ago

6 mins read

Op-Ed

A Case of Theatrical Diplomacy

Tirana Times, January 26, 2026 – Albania’s attempted entry into

1 week ago

6 mins read

Op-Ed

Brussels Freezes Albania’s Digital Funds?

When the “Choo Choo” Train Never Came It begins with

2 weeks ago

4 mins read

Op-Ed

Europe Tightens the Fight Against Corruption, Albania at a Crossroad

By Zef Preçi, Executive Director of ACER As Albania presents

4 weeks ago

4 mins read

Op-Ed

Roaming Like at Home and the Western Balkans

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

1 month 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

2 months ago

4 mins read

Op-Ed

Budget 2026 – Big on Paper, Poor in Reality

By Nikola Kedhi On paper, Albania enters 2026 as a

2 months 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

2 months ago

8 mins read

OP-ED

View All

How a Balkan Wind Farm Aids US National Security

Op-Ed

Energy suppliers in southeastern Europe are heavily politicized and sometimes nefarious. The US can aid democratic stability through energy engagement. By David J. Kostelancik When

6 days ago

6 mins read

A Case of Theatrical Diplomacy

Op-Ed

Tirana Times, January 26, 2026 – Albania’s attempted entry into the Peace Board has become a revealing episode, not because of the significance of

1 week ago

6 mins read

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

2 months ago

15 mins read

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

2 months ago

4 mins read

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

2 months ago

3 mins read

Albania: Between Reform Dynamics and Democratic Fragility

2 months ago

21 mins read

Features and Culture

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Ivanka Trump Visit Reignites Property Dispute in Zvërnec

Business & Economy·Features

Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents and their property claims, while intersecting with a long-running court battle involving controversial real estate businessman Artur Shehu. By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 02 February 2026

1 day ago

8 mins read

Elbasan County Council Honors Saudi Ambassador for Humanitarian Contributions

Culture·International

Tirana Times, January 29, 2026 – This Tuesday, the Elbasan County Council has formally honored the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Albania, Faisal Ghazi Al-Hafthi, in recognition of his humanitarian engagement and his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations at the local level. The ceremony, held in Elbasan,

5 days ago

3 mins read

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

2 months 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

2 months 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

2 months ago

2 mins read

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

2 months ago

6 mins read

Features and Culture

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Ivanka Trump Visit Reignites Property Dispute in Zvërnec

Business & Economy·Features

Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents and their property claims, while intersecting with a long-running court battle involving controversial real estate businessman Artur Shehu. By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 02 February 2026

1 day ago

8 mins read

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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

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

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

Roman tales: RUN, BABY, RUN

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Film “The Life of Sheep”

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

Western Balkans

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NATO Values as Security Infrastructure: Evidence From Student Conversations

Western Balkans

In the Western Balkans, “security” is rarely an abstract concept. It is encountered as a lived condition, shaped by memory, geography and a persistent

3 weeks ago

6 mins read

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

2 months ago

7 mins read

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

2 months 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

3 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.

7 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

8 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

9 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

10 months ago

4 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

10 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

11 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

11 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

View All

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

10 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

10 mins read

Albanian-Turkish relations: The perils of change

4 years ago

65 mins read

Albanian-Greek relations hunted by paradoxes

4 years ago

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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,

2 months 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

4 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,

5 months ago

5 mins read

Books

View All

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,

2 months ago

5 mins read