Shadow Fleet, Weak Oversight: How Russian Sanctions Evasion Reached Albania’s Ports

Headline

Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – Albania’s ports have emerged as a potential weak point in the international

28 minutes ago

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Albania–Italy Migration Deal Continues

Headline

Tirana Times, May 13, 2026 — The Albania–Italy migration agreement remains in force, despite a brief but politically sensitive controversy

5 days ago

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Albania Says Italy Migration Deal Ends in 2030

Headline

Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha says Tirana will not extend the controversial agreement beyond 2030, arguing that Albania expects to be

6 days ago

7 mins read

Kanye West concert plan sparks controversy in Albania

Headline

Event raises concerns over antisemitism row, reported €50 million temporary stadium, wider European backlash and criticism from Jewish communities. TIRANA,

7 days ago

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Iran could target Albania?

Headline

U.S. Embassy warns of possible Iran-linked attacks against MEK and public locations. Tirana Times, April 01, 2026 – The U.S.

2 months ago

3 mins read

Albania Opposition Protest Deepens Political Crisis

Headline

Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha targeted during demonstration. Tirana Times, March 22, 2026 — Albania’s latest national opposition protest in

2 months ago

7 mins read

Headline

Shadow Fleet, Weak Oversight: How Russian Sanctions Evasion Reached Albania’s Ports

28 minutes ago

Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – Albania’s ports have emerged as a potential weak point in the international effort to enforce sanctions against Russia,

Headline

Albania–Italy Migration Deal Continues

5 days ago

Tirana Times, May 13, 2026 — The Albania–Italy migration agreement remains in force, despite a brief but politically sensitive controversy triggered by comments from Albanian Foreign

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

24 seconds ago

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OTP Bank Albania inaugurates new Private Banking premises in Tirana

1 hour ago

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The Forgotten Synagogue and the Belated Love for Jewish Culture

5 days ago

13 mins read

Albania’s Recurrent Gasification Mirage

7 days ago

6 mins read

Latest

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 its rocky shores lie hidden tons of unexploded ordnance. by Vladimir Karaj Unexploded ordnance among the rocks of Sazan On the western side of the island

25 seconds ago

12 mins read

OTP Bank Albania inaugurates new Private Banking premises in Tirana

Business & Economy

Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – OTP Bank Albania has inaugurated new premises dedicated to the Private Banking segment, unveiling an exclusive space designed for clients seeking personalized service and advanced financial standards. Located in the heart of Tirana, the premises have been designed in line with OTP Group standards,

1 hour ago

2 mins read

The Forgotten Synagogue and the Belated Love for Jewish Culture

Culture

By Auron Tare These days, in the noisy marketplace of Albanian opinions, a new theme is being articulated: the “love” of certain Albanian public gentlemen for Jewish culture and, beyond it, for Israeli politics. Some say it is pure love; others suspect it is interest; and others see it as

5 days ago

13 mins read

Albania’s Recurrent Gasification Mirage

Op-Ed

Before Albania can have gasification, it will need to have a functioning economy, a population wealthy enough to afford the costs of central heating and cooling, schools, kindergartens and nurseries equipped with air conditioning, and a substantial industrial base capable of consuming a volume of gas large enough to justify

7 days ago

6 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 was no more than nine years old. She and her parents could hardly have known much about Albania, a small, poor and underdeveloped country on the

1 week ago

13 mins read

Opposition Calls for Rama’s Resignation Over Corruption

News

Tirana protest unfolds amid EU concerns over shrinking parliamentary oversight. TIRANA, May 08, 2026 — Albania’s opposition staged a national protest in Tirana on Friday evening, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama and what it described as his corrupt government, while accusing the ruling majority of abuse of

1 week ago

4 mins read

Latest

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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

25 seconds ago

12 mins read

OTP Bank Albania inaugurates new Private Banking premises in Tirana

Business & Economy

Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – OTP Bank Albania has inaugurated new premises dedicated to the Private Banking segment, unveiling an exclusive space designed

1 hour ago

2 mins read

Albania – Greece: No Progress, Just Promises

2 weeks ago

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EU Integration as Compass: Albania’s Foreign Policy Vision in a Shifting World

2 weeks ago

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Frozen Courtesies: Albania–Greece Relations Between Rhetoric and Reality

2 weeks ago

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On Autocracy, Hungary, and the Cost of Crying Wolf

4 weeks ago

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Business and Economy

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OTP Bank Albania inaugurates new Private Banking premises in Tirana

Business & Economy

Tirana Times, May 18, 2026 – OTP Bank Albania has inaugurated new premises dedicated to the Private Banking segment, unveiling an exclusive space designed for clients seeking personalized service and advanced financial standards. Located in the heart of Tirana, the premises have been designed in line with OTP Group standards,

1 hour ago

2 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

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

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

Albania’s TikTok ban draws debate

Albania faces international scrutiny over suspected toxic waste trafficking

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

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

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

OP-ED

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Op-Ed

Albania’s Recurrent Gasification Mirage

Before Albania can have gasification, it will need to have

7 days ago

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Op-Ed

EU Integration as Compass: Albania’s Foreign Policy Vision in a Shifting World

By Ferit Hoxha Anyone who knows even a little about

2 weeks ago

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Op-Ed

On Autocracy, Hungary, and the Cost of Crying Wolf

by Nikola Kedhi Tirana Times, April 20, 2026 – On

4 weeks ago

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Op-Ed

A US Kosovo Pull-Out? The Wrong Move at a Bad Time

Reports say Washington is considering the withdrawal of US forces

1 month ago

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Op-Ed

Corruption Has Already Killed the Economy

By Gjergj Erebara Tirana Times, April 11, 2026 – Prime

1 month ago

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Op-Ed

The Illusionists of Brussels

by Genc Pollo, President of Paneuropa-Albania On March 30, at

1 month ago

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Op-Ed

Foreign Interference and Election Observation in Hungary’s 2026 Parliamentary Vote

by David J. Kostelancik Tirana Times, April 09, 2026 –

1 month ago

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Marx on the Beach

By Zef Preci Tirana Times, March 06, 2026 – Two

2 months ago

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OP-ED

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Albania’s Recurrent Gasification Mirage

Op-Ed

Before Albania can have gasification, it will need to have a functioning economy, a population wealthy enough to afford the costs of central heating

7 days ago

6 mins read

EU Integration as Compass: Albania’s Foreign Policy Vision in a Shifting World

Op-Ed

By Ferit Hoxha Anyone who knows even a little about Albania is aware that the cornerstone of Albanian foreign policy in the post-communist period

2 weeks ago

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The Biblical Dog and our chances for full EU membership

2 months ago

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Albania Must Not Mirror Serbia’s EU Rejection

3 months ago

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The War in Iran and Albania in a Fragmenting International Order

3 months ago

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Shielding Power from Justice

3 months ago

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Features and Culture

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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 its rocky shores lie hidden tons of unexploded ordnance. by Vladimir Karaj Unexploded ordnance among the rocks of Sazan On the western side of the island

26 seconds ago

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The Forgotten Synagogue and the Belated Love for Jewish Culture

Culture

By Auron Tare These days, in the noisy marketplace of Albanian opinions, a new theme is being articulated: the “love” of certain Albanian public gentlemen for Jewish culture and, beyond it, for Israeli politics. Some say it is pure love; others suspect it is interest; and others see it as

5 days ago

13 mins read

The 5Ps of Service Excellence: A Practical Roadmap for Albanian and Western Balkan Service Providers

Features

By Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, April 07, 2026 – In my earlier article for Tirana Times, I described Albania as a country that moves from being visited to being remembered. Having since deepened my engagement with the Albanian health tourism and hospitality ecosystem, and having had the privilege of

1 month ago

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AIIS Honors Ilir Ikonomi with “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize

Culture

Tirana Times, March 26 , 2026 – The Albanian Institute for International Studies (AIIS) has awarded its prestigious annual “Jorgji Qirjako” Translation Prize for 2025 to historian and translator Ilir Ikonomi, recognizing his outstanding contribution to bringing major works of international scholarship to the Albanian audience. Ilir Ikonomi received the award

2 months ago

2 mins read

Building a Trusted Health Tourism Ecosystem: Albania’s Next Competitive Advantage

Business & Economy·Features

by Professor Alaa Garad Tirana Times, March 17, 2026 – There are countries you visit, and there are countries you remember. Albania is rapidly becoming the latter. I began writing this article before travelling to Albania, drawing on the country’s remarkable tourism growth and the strategic opportunities it presents. Yet

2 months ago

7 mins read

The Kurum Case and the Collapse of Environmental Oversight in Albania

Business & Economy·Features

Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – The Kurum waste file has exposed one of the most serious environmental and governance scandals in Albania in recent years, revealing not only the illegal export of hazardous waste but also the disappearance of tens of thousands of tons of industrial byproducts inside the

3 months ago

5 mins read

Features and Culture

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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 its rocky shores lie hidden tons of unexploded ordnance. by Vladimir Karaj Unexploded ordnance among the rocks of Sazan On the western side of the island

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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

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2025- Tirana the Mediterranean capital of culture and dialogue

THE HISTORY OF AN ART GALLERY

Western Balkans

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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.

1 month ago

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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

2 months ago

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Strategic-Sector Governance Under Strain:The Bankers Petroleum Case and China-Linked Risk Exposure in Albania

Western Balkans

Tirana Times, February 25 2026 – Domestic governance gaps are the primary entry points through which foreign actors can generate corrosive outcomes in strategic

3 months ago

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Russian Propaganda in North Macedonia

News·Western Balkans

by Agron Vrangalla Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – Moscow systematically uses information manipulation as an instrument of foreign policy. In North Macedonia, Russian

3 months ago

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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

4 months ago

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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

5 months ago

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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

5 months ago

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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

6 months ago

7 mins read

Premium

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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

27 seconds ago

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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

1 week ago

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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

3 months ago

9 mins read

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

12 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

1 year 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

1 year 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

1 year 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

13 mins read

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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

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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

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

3 years ago

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Why tensions between Serbia and Kosovo are flaring

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What do Albania’s upcoming municipal elections mean for foreign investors?

3 years ago

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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

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Albania’s demographic bill comes due

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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,

5 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

7 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,

8 months ago

5 mins read

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,

5 months ago

5 mins read