The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals
William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid.
Today: Jun 13, 2025
Detention of Tirana Mayor Without Charges Highlights Rule-of-Law Concerns in Albania
TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times — The prolonged pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj — still held without
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Albania-Serbia Match Highlights Political Fault Lines Amid Fragile Rapprochement
Tirana Times, June 8, 2025 ,The goalless draw between Albania and Serbia on Saturday in Tirana was more than just
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Albania Legalizes Cannabis Amid Crime and State Capture Fears
Albanian police during an anti-cannabis operation. Photo: State Police. TIRANA, 4 June 2025 , (TT) — The Albanian government has
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Albania-Italy Crime Nexus: Power, Profit, and Corruption
By | Tirana Times | May 29, 2025 ROME — Albanian criminal networks have entrenched themselves across Italy, forging strong
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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 formally indicted
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The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals
22 hours ago
William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising
Detention of Tirana Mayor Without Charges Highlights Rule-of-Law Concerns in Albania
2 days ago
TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times — The prolonged pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj — still held without formal charges — is raising fresh
What’s driving Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans – and what should be done about it?
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Russian Propaganda Campaign Targets European Summit in Albania
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Italy and Albania: Building a Shared Future Through Action and Partnership
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Albania, Greece Signal Readiness to Restart Maritime Talks Amid Lingering Tensions
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What’s driving Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans – and what should be done about it?
12 June 2025 Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans has increased substantially, but won’t catch up with EU FDI any time soon. Governments must ensure that China’s investments comply with environmental and labour standards. Attracting high-quality FDI should be the goal image credit: unsplash.com/vxhorse By Branimir Jovanović Recent trends in Chinese
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The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals
William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising the idealistic sentiment behind foreign aid, and the harsh reality of its lacklustre execution. In his cutting and astute observations, Easterly points to the fact that
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Russian Propaganda Campaign Targets European Summit in Albania
By Vladimir Karaj TIRANA, Albania— A Kremlin-aligned propaganda network unleashed a flurry of disinformation targeting last month’s European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana, seeking to mock Western leaders, amplify Russian narratives, and sow distrust — even as Albania, a staunch NATO ally, hosted the high-profile event. In the days
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Italy and Albania: Building a Shared Future Through Action and Partnership
By Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania The Italian anthem was written by Goffredo Mameli, a young man who sacrificed his life for Italy’s freedom— the same desire for freedom that has always characterized the Albanian people. This sense of freedom unites us. The very first word of our
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Albania, Greece Signal Readiness to Restart Maritime Talks Amid Lingering Tensions
Albania (Tirana Times) — June 5, 2025, Albania and Greece may be poised to revive negotiations over their long-disputed maritime border, a development that could mark a turning point in relations marred by legal battles, ethnic tensions, and political provocations. The possible reopening of talks was hinted at during a
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Albania’s Healthcare Plagued by High-Level Corruption and Broken Promises
Tirana Times, 5 June 2025 — More than a decade after promising “free healthcare” to all citizens, Albania’s Socialist government faces mounting public outrage and a credibility crisis, as a new report reveals that 8 in 10 Albanians believe the country’s healthcare system is deeply corrupt. The study, conducted by
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What’s driving Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans – and what should be done about it?
12 June 2025 Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans has increased substantially, but won’t catch up with EU FDI any time soon. Governments must
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The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals
William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising
22 hours ago
25 mins read
Western Powers Push to Turn Balkans into Migrant Buffer Zone, Stirring Rights Alarm
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Trump’s Tariffs Hit Albanian Exports Hard, Exposing Weakness in U.S.-Albania Economic Ties
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Business and Economy
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What’s driving Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans – and what should be done about it?
12 June 2025 Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans has increased substantially, but won’t catch up with EU FDI any time soon. Governments must ensure that China’s investments comply with environmental and labour standards. Attracting high-quality FDI should be the goal image credit: unsplash.com/vxhorse By Branimir Jovanović Recent trends in Chinese
17 hours ago
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OP-ED
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The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals
William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote
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Italy and Albania: Building a Shared Future Through Action and Partnership
By Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania The Italian
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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
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Behind the Façade: What’s Fueling Albania’s Real Estate Boom?
In recent years, Albania—particularly its capital, Tirana—has witnessed a real
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Narco-Politics and the Erosion of Democracy in Albania
In a country where democratic institutions are already fragile, a
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European Political Community Summit in Tirana – Substance, Symbolism, and Domestic Contradictions
Tirana, 17 May 2025 The Sixth Summit of the European
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Criminal Enterprise and Investment Policy in Albania
The involvement of individuals with criminal backgrounds or ties to
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The EU Court’s Verdict on Golden Passports: Implications for Albania
Genc Pollo – President of the Paneuropa Albania MovementFormer Minister
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OP-ED
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The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals
William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising
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Italy and Albania: Building a Shared Future Through Action and Partnership
By Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania The Italian anthem was written by Goffredo Mameli, a young man who sacrificed his life for
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Call to Arms for the ‘Next Generation’
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Elmar Brok: Berisha calls for liberation – Rama’s power crumbles
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From Declaration to Deterrence: A Turning Point for Southeast Europe’s Security?
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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,
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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?
If Rama wants to be the prime minister who ushers Albania into the European Union, he must first be the leader who makes Albania
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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?
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
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Concerns raised as Tirana mulls exiting ICSID over Becchetti affair €120-million judgement
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Why Albania’s domestic PR wars are being fought abroad
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Albania’s demographic bill comes due
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Deconstructing myths in Albanian-U.S. relations
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Albanian-Turkish relations: The perils of change
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Albanian-Greek relations hunted by paradoxes
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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
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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,
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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
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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
4 months ago
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