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Albania

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Albania. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Tirana

Head of State

President Bajram Begaj

Head of Government

Prime Minister Edi Rama

Police block a protester during a demonstration in Tirana, Albania, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters

Donald Trump

Albania protests against Trump-linked development turn violent after 100th day

Dubbed the ‘flamingo revolution’, the demonstrations seek to halt the massive project over the environmental damage it could cause.

9 Sep 2026 - 5:59AM

Israel-Gaza war

East African troops prepare for Gaza peacekeeping role in US-backed plan

24 Aug 2026 - 2:22PM

United States

Fury over Jared Kushner’s Albania project reaches doors of political elite

11 Jun 2026 - 9:00PM

European Union

Protests grow over Trump family-linked resort project in Albania

Luxury project linked to Jared Kushner is planned for an uninhabited island and pristine coastline, sparking resistance.

4 Jun 2026 - 2:23PM

A demonstrator is hit with a water cannon used by police during a protest in Tirana, Albania, against the luxury resort. Photo: Reuters

Italy

Italy bans Kanye West concert over security concerns

Authorities scrap festival performance following pressure from local Jewish groups over rapper’s controversial history.

1 Jun 2026 - 9:58AM

Ukraine war

36 nations approve tribunal creation to prosecute Russia over Ukraine

The move came on the same day the WHO said Ukraine’s mental health crisis is growing, with ‘work to do until the end of the century’.

15 May 2026 - 9:44PMvideocam

Nato

Nato considers end to annual summits to shield alliance from Trump

Nato summits have seen scenes of tension with the US president, and some members want fewer of them, possibly none in 2028.

28 Apr 2026 - 5:51PM

US President Donald Trump at last year’s Nato summit in the Netherlands. Photo: Reuters

Malaysia

Can Malaysia’s ban stop global flow of toxic e-waste?

Malaysian customs recently intercepted nearly 200 tonnes of e-waste, but high shipping volumes make detection a ‘challenge’, officials say.

15 Feb 2026 - 4:00PMvideocam

Protests around the world

Corruption charges spark violent protests against Albanian government

Demonstrators in Tirana demand prime minister’s resignation as his deputy and other officials are embroiled in a massive infrastructure scandal.

23 Dec 2025 - 12:08PM

Crime

Man on trial in Albania shoots judge dead in court, injures 2 others

Local media reports suggest the shooter, who was promptly arrested, attacked the judge because he expected to lose his case.

7 Oct 2025 - 10:34AM

Police outside the court where a judge was shot dead in Tirana, Albania on Monday. Photo: AFP

Artificial intelligence

Albania appoints ‘world’s first’ AI government minister

AI minister ‘Diella’ to oversee public tenders, an area long plagued by corruption in Albania.

12 Sep 2025 - 12:37PM

Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama. File photo: Reuters

Archaeology and palaeontology

Monumental tomb of Roman period discovered in Albania

The large tomb is the first discovery in Albania of what the experts believe to be a wealthy person’s resting place.

8 Sep 2025 - 6:23PM

European Union

Europe’s ‘out of control’ wildfires hit tourism spots, forests

Europe battles record wildfires as a heatwave scorches Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey, threatening towns, tourism, and ecosystems.

12 Aug 2025 - 9:03PM

Crime

US professor’s ex-wife charged in connection with his murder in Greece

Four men, including the ex-wife’s boyfriend, are also accused of being involved in the fatal shooting of Przemyslaw Jeziorski.

18 Jul 2025 - 2:49AM

Professor Przemyslaw Jeziorski speaks to a student in 2023.
Photo: UC Berkeley via TNS

Britain

UK talking with several countries to host rejected asylum seekers

The British leader is under pressure to reduce immigration and cut the number of irregular migrants arriving on UK shores.

16 May 2025 - 3:10PM

Migrants in an inflatable boat attempt to cross the English Channel. File photo: AFP

European Union

‘Albania belongs in EU,’ von der Leyen tells re-elected PM Rama

The EU saw the vote as a test of the democratic maturity of the Balkan nation, by far the most Europe-oriented in the region.

14 May 2025 - 7:43PM

Diplomacy

Opinion | A world on edge is headed for a geopolitical reckoning – in May

Lasting changes could arise from the Trump vs Xi diplomatic chess, EU’s emerging strategy and political flux in Seoul, Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

19 Apr 2025 - 5:48AMvideocam

TikTok

Albania PM says TikTok ban was not a ‘rushed reaction to a single incident’

Albania’s prime minister defends TikTok ban, citing careful consideration and concern for youth safety.

23 Dec 2024 - 10:16AM

The TikTok application is particularly popular with young people around the world. File photo: AP

Malaysia

Bruno Mars’ Malaysia show caught in cross hairs of anti-Israel boycott

Fans divided over September 17 event as calls grow to shun the singer for staying silent on Israel’s military campaign against Palestinians.

28 Jun 2024 - 11:01AMvideocam

The Football Association of Hong Kong, China

No Messi repeat? Star names, ticket price revealed for Atletico’s Hong Kong game

Euro 2024 and Copa America stars will appear, host club Kitchee say, raising prospect of seeing likes of World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann.

27 Jun 2024 - 9:53PM

Euro 2024

Zaccagni rescues Italy with last-gasp goal leaving Croatia in Euro 2024 limbo

Italy progress in second place behind winners Spain with 1-1 draw against Croatia and will face Switzerland in the last 16.

25 Jun 2024 - 2:12PM

Italy forward Mattia Zaccagni is jubilant at full-time in Leipzig after his crucial late goal. Photo: AFP

Euro 2024

Spain complete perfect group stage despite wholesale changes against Albania

Match was not a cruise for a Spain team showing 10 changes to the side which started their 1-0 win over Italy four days earlier.

25 Jun 2024 - 2:16PM

Euro 2024

Spain impress again at Euro 2024 but get helping hand from Italy to reach last 16

Spanish could have had the match won before Italy suffer stroke of misfortune in the tournament’s biggest match to date.

21 Jun 2024 - 5:50AM

Euro 2024

Serbia’s belief hailed by Stojkovic after late Euro 2024 goal shatters Slovenia

‘We do not give up,’ manager Dragan Stojkovic says, praising persistent attacks that earned a last-gasp equaliser, keeping Serbia’s tournament hopes alive.

21 Jun 2024 - 5:16AM

Euro 2024

Germany through, Scotland still alive as Croatia, Albania play thrilling draw

A round-up of all the action from day six, which produced our first last-16 entrant and more last-minute drama in which an Albania midfielder went from villain to hero.

20 Jun 2024 - 1:28PM

Euro 2024

Ruiz ready to play starring role again for Spain in crunch Euro tie against Italy

Coach Luis de la Fuente is hoping for more of the same from his ‘fantastic’ Paris Saint-Germain playmaker, who was outstanding in the win over Croatia.

20 Jun 2024 - 2:53AM

Midfielder Ruiz (left) set up the opener and scored himself as he outshone all those around him, including Croatia captain Luka Modric (right). Photo: AFP

Tourism

Dupe travel: how to find cheaper, quieter alternatives to holiday hotspots

Santa Barbara, California, as a stand-in for the French Riviera, Albania instead of Greece – travel experts offer their tips on alternatives to popular destinations that are less tourist-infested and not as pricey.

25 Jun 2024 - 11:15AM

Euro 2024

Italy concede record early goal but bounce back to beat Albania in opening game

Holders suffered worst-possible start but first-half recovery ensured they started their bid to retain their crown with victory.

16 Jun 2024 - 11:03AM

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Albania

Albania protests against Trump-linked development turn violent after 100th day

Dubbed the ‘flamingo revolution’, the demonstrations seek to halt the massive project over the environmental damage it could cause.

East African troops prepare for Gaza peacekeeping role in US-backed plan

Fury over Jared Kushner’s Albania project reaches doors of political elite

Protests grow over Trump family-linked resort project in Albania

Luxury project linked to Jared Kushner is planned for an uninhabited island and pristine coastline, sparking resistance.

Italy bans Kanye West concert over security concerns

Authorities scrap festival performance following pressure from local Jewish groups over rapper’s controversial history.

36 nations approve tribunal creation to prosecute Russia over Ukraine

The move came on the same day the WHO said Ukraine’s mental health crisis is growing, with ‘work to do until the end of the century’.

Nato considers end to annual summits to shield alliance from Trump

Nato summits have seen scenes of tension with the US president, and some members want fewer of them, possibly none in 2028.

Can Malaysia’s ban stop global flow of toxic e-waste?

Malaysian customs recently intercepted nearly 200 tonnes of e-waste, but high shipping volumes make detection a ‘challenge’, officials say.

Corruption charges spark violent protests against Albanian government

Demonstrators in Tirana demand prime minister’s resignation as his deputy and other officials are embroiled in a massive infrastructure scandal.

Man on trial in Albania shoots judge dead in court, injures 2 others

Local media reports suggest the shooter, who was promptly arrested, attacked the judge because he expected to lose his case.

Albania appoints ‘world’s first’ AI government minister

AI minister ‘Diella’ to oversee public tenders, an area long plagued by corruption in Albania.

Monumental tomb of Roman period discovered in Albania

The large tomb is the first discovery in Albania of what the experts believe to be a wealthy person’s resting place.

Europe’s ‘out of control’ wildfires hit tourism spots, forests

Europe battles record wildfires as a heatwave scorches Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Turkey, threatening towns, tourism, and ecosystems.

US professor’s ex-wife charged in connection with his murder in Greece

Four men, including the ex-wife’s boyfriend, are also accused of being involved in the fatal shooting of Przemyslaw Jeziorski.

UK talking with several countries to host rejected asylum seekers

The British leader is under pressure to reduce immigration and cut the number of irregular migrants arriving on UK shores.

‘Albania belongs in EU,’ von der Leyen tells re-elected PM Rama

The EU saw the vote as a test of the democratic maturity of the Balkan nation, by far the most Europe-oriented in the region.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | A world on edge is headed for a geopolitical reckoning – in May

Lasting changes could arise from the Trump vs Xi diplomatic chess, EU’s emerging strategy and political flux in Seoul, Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

Albania PM says TikTok ban was not a ‘rushed reaction to a single incident’

Albania’s prime minister defends TikTok ban, citing careful consideration and concern for youth safety.

Bruno Mars’ Malaysia show caught in cross hairs of anti-Israel boycott

Fans divided over September 17 event as calls grow to shun the singer for staying silent on Israel’s military campaign against Palestinians.

No Messi repeat? Star names, ticket price revealed for Atletico’s Hong Kong game

Euro 2024 and Copa America stars will appear, host club Kitchee say, raising prospect of seeing likes of World Cup winner Antoine Griezmann.

Zaccagni rescues Italy with last-gasp goal leaving Croatia in Euro 2024 limbo

Italy progress in second place behind winners Spain with 1-1 draw against Croatia and will face Switzerland in the last 16.

Spain complete perfect group stage despite wholesale changes against Albania

Match was not a cruise for a Spain team showing 10 changes to the side which started their 1-0 win over Italy four days earlier.

Spain impress again at Euro 2024 but get helping hand from Italy to reach last 16

Spanish could have had the match won before Italy suffer stroke of misfortune in the tournament’s biggest match to date.

Serbia’s belief hailed by Stojkovic after late Euro 2024 goal shatters Slovenia

‘We do not give up,’ manager Dragan Stojkovic says, praising persistent attacks that earned a last-gasp equaliser, keeping Serbia’s tournament hopes alive.

Germany through, Scotland still alive as Croatia, Albania play thrilling draw

A round-up of all the action from day six, which produced our first last-16 entrant and more last-minute drama in which an Albania midfielder went from villain to hero.

Ruiz ready to play starring role again for Spain in crunch Euro tie against Italy

Coach Luis de la Fuente is hoping for more of the same from his ‘fantastic’ Paris Saint-Germain playmaker, who was outstanding in the win over Croatia.

Dupe travel: how to find cheaper, quieter alternatives to holiday hotspots

Santa Barbara, California, as a stand-in for the French Riviera, Albania instead of Greece – travel experts offer their tips on alternatives to popular destinations that are less tourist-infested and not as pricey.

Italy concede record early goal but bounce back to beat Albania in opening game

Holders suffered worst-possible start but first-half recovery ensured they started their bid to retain their crown with victory.

Opinion | A world on edge is headed for a geopolitical reckoning – in May