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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

A neighbour hugs a crying woman at the site of a fatal Russian missile attack on a residential building in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Thursday. Photo: AP

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

28 Apr 2026 - 5:51PM

Malaysia

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

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

Police officers react to a Molotov cocktail as supporters of the opposition attend an anti-government protest in Tirana, Albania on Monday. Photo: Reuters

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

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

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

Erikson Nikolli, an archaeologist, gestures as he and his colleagues work on Albania’s first discovered monumental tomb in Strikcan, Albania, on Thursday. Photo: Reuters

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

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

Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama. Photo: Reuters

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

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

Pop star Bruno Mars is scheduled to perform in Kuala Lumpur on September 17. Photo: AP

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

France midfielder Antoine Griezmann could line up in Hong Kong in August. Photo: AFP

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

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

Italy (in white) are outnumbered on a night when Spain gave a statement of intent. Photo: EPA-EFE

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

Lesley Williamson (pictured in La Rochelle, France) prefers regional cities to capitals. Photo: Lesley Williamson

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

Euro 2024

Slick Spain hammer Croatia at Euro 2024 as Barcelona’s Yamal, 16, makes history

Three-time European champions dismantle disappointing Croatia in Berlin, with Lamine Yamal providing an assist.

16 Jun 2024 - 5:28PM

Euro 2024

Moment of truth for revamped Italy as Euros title defence begins against Albania

Holders and four-time world champions are quietly confident despite missing out on the last World Cup and starting in a tough group that also includes Spain and Croatia.

15 Jun 2024 - 6:34AM

Italy are sweating on the fitness of several key players, including midfielder Davide Frattesi, who scored the goal in their 1-0 win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in a friendly last weekend. Photo: AFP

European Union

Opinion | EU elections: far-right rose on the back of centrist parties’ empty promises

Instead of offering policy solutions or addressing sceptics, traditional parties in Brussels have left a vacuum for the far-right to fill.

13 Jun 2024 - 8:30PMvideocam

Supporters of the French far-right party, National Rally, react to the European election on June 9 in Paris, France. Photo: AP

TV shows and streaming video

How did Netflix win the streaming wars? It stayed true to its nerdy roots

Netflix has been mining its viewing data for more than a decade. Knowing what its users want – from preferred genres to regional programmes – has helped it refine its winning recipe.

10 Jun 2024 - 6:45PM

Euro 2024

Italy, unfancied after World Cup shocker, look to retain trophy at Euro 2024

Holders dipped after winning last Euros and failed to reach Qatar, but boss Roberto Mancini has since left for Saudi Arabia with Luciano Spalletti taking over.

5 Jun 2024 - 8:00PM

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Albania

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

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

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.

Slick Spain hammer Croatia at Euro 2024 as Barcelona’s Yamal, 16, makes history

Three-time European champions dismantle disappointing Croatia in Berlin, with Lamine Yamal providing an assist.

Moment of truth for revamped Italy as Euros title defence begins against Albania

Holders and four-time world champions are quietly confident despite missing out on the last World Cup and starting in a tough group that also includes Spain and Croatia.

Opinion | EU elections: far-right rose on the back of centrist parties’ empty promises

Instead of offering policy solutions or addressing sceptics, traditional parties in Brussels have left a vacuum for the far-right to fill.

How did Netflix win the streaming wars? It stayed true to its nerdy roots

Netflix has been mining its viewing data for more than a decade. Knowing what its users want – from preferred genres to regional programmes – has helped it refine its winning recipe.

Italy, unfancied after World Cup shocker, look to retain trophy at Euro 2024

Holders dipped after winning last Euros and failed to reach Qatar, but boss Roberto Mancini has since left for Saudi Arabia with Luciano Spalletti taking over.

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