SPAK arrests head of Tirana traffic police and two officers over bribery allegations

Published on April 20, 2025
The head of Tirana’s traffic police, Roven Zeka, along with two subordinates, is under investigation for allegedly accepting a bribe of around €2,000 to favor...

Why is this important: The arrest of high-ranking police officers underlines the growing role of SPAK in investigating public sector conduct. While the investigation is ongoing and the accused deny wrongdoing, the case highlights the need for transparency and trust in institutions that directly interact with citizens.


In Focus


1. Albania launches 24/7 traffic monitoring on major highways with smart camera system

April 20, 2025
Four of Albania’s busiest national highways — the Tirana-Durrës, Durrës-Rrogozhinë, Rrogozhinë-Fier, and Fier-Vlorë segments — will now be monitored 24 hours a day by a new smart camera system that...

Why is this important: The launch of the National Traffic Monitoring Center marks the first phase of a wider government plan to digitally oversee Albania’s entire road network. The initial 200 kilometers under surveillance will expand to cover all 3,650 km of national roads under the authority of the Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH). The system aims to reduce road accidents, ease police workload, and speed up emergency response.


All latest stories


SPAK arrests head of Tirana traffic police and two officers over bribery allegations

Published on April 20, 2025
The head of Tirana’s traffic police, Roven Zeka, along with two subordinates, is under investigation for allegedly accepting a bribe of around €2,000 to favor...

Why is this important: The arrest of high-ranking police officers underlines the growing role of SPAK in investigating public sector conduct. While the investigation is ongoing and the accused deny wrongdoing, the case highlights the need for transparency and trust in institutions that directly interact with citizens.


Kosovo’s new Parliament is constituted after two failed attempts but uncertainty remains

Published on April 20, 2025
After two prior delays, the Assembly of Kosovo emerging from the February 9 elections officially convened on Saturday, completing the process of verifying mandates and...

Why is this important: The constitution of the new Parliament ends a weeks-long deadlock and allows the formal political process to proceed — though Saturday’s developments also highlighted Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s struggle to secure a majority needed to form a new government.


Valiev and Abakarov honored after medal wins at 2025 European Wrestling Championships

Published on April 20, 2025
Albania’s wrestling federation has officially honored Chermen Valiev and Zelimkhan Abakarov, following their medal-winning performances at the 2025 European Wrestling Championships. Valiev claimed gold, while...

Why is this important: Valiev’s gold is Albania’s first European title in wrestling, adding to his Olympic bronze. Abakarov, a former world champion, returned to the podium, marking an important step in his comeback. Their achievements not only bring international recognition but also set a new standard for the next generation of Albanian wrestlers.


British daily Metro spotlights Tirana as a vibrant, affordable European getaway

Published on April 20, 2025
The UK-based newspaper Metro has featured Tirana in a new travel piece, praising the Albanian capital for its mix of history, color, and urban ambition....

Why is this important: Positive international media coverage is crucial for Albania’s growing tourism sector. As Tirana looks to expand its appeal to urban travelers, articles like this reinforce its image as an up-and-coming European destination — blending affordability with cultural depth.


Albania launches 24/7 traffic monitoring on major highways with smart camera system

Published on April 20, 2025
Four of Albania’s busiest national highways — the Tirana-Durrës, Durrës-Rrogozhinë, Rrogozhinë-Fier, and Fier-Vlorë segments — will now be monitored 24 hours a day by a...

Why is this important: The launch of the National Traffic Monitoring Center marks the first phase of a wider government plan to digitally oversee Albania’s entire road network. The initial 200 kilometers under surveillance will expand to cover all 3,650 km of national roads under the authority of the Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH). The system aims to reduce road accidents, ease police workload, and speed up emergency response.


Albania to revive arms production industry, starting with Rubik weapons factory

Published on April 20, 2025
Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed today that the government’s plan to revive Albania’s long-defunct military industry will begin with the transformation of the former copper...

Why is this important: Since the war in Ukraine, Albania has signaled its intent to redevelop its defense manufacturing sector. The country is home to three former weapons and munitions factories, all degraded after years of inactivity. Now, the government says it is in talks with major NATO-aligned defense companies to reopen these plants — not only to meet domestic defense needs but also to export military equipment.


Kristi Ramadani wins two bronze medals at 2025 European Weightlifting Championships

Published on April 20, 2025
Albanian weightlifter Kristi Ramadani claimed two bronze medals at the 2025 European Weightlifting Championships held in Chișinău, Moldova, adding to his growing list of international...

Why is this important: Ramadani’s consistent performance on the continental stage marks a significant milestone for Albania’s weightlifting program and positions him as one of the nation’s top Olympic prospects heading into the next competitive cycle.


UNESCO adds Marubi Archive to Memory of the World Register

Published on April 20, 2025
UNESCO has officially inscribed the Marubi Photographic Archive — including negatives, objects, and documents from Pietro and Kel Marubi — into its Memory of the...

Why is this important: This is the first time an element from the city of Shkodra is included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World, recognizing not only the pioneering work of the Marubi family in photography but also the broader historical and cultural identity of Albania captured through their lens. For Shkodra which is working hard to develop its touristic sector it is important that its photographic legacy has received the highest global recognition.


Rama and Berisha both claim victory ahead of May 11 elections

Published on April 17, 2025
With 25 days to go until Albania’s parliamentary elections, both Prime Minister Edi Rama and opposition leader Sali Berisha are publicly confident their camp will...

Why is this important: A wave of pre-election polls has projected a clear lead for the ruling Socialist Party (SP), showing it in position to form a government without needing a coalition. But Berisha and his allies dismiss the findings as manipulated, insisting that internal polling favors the opposition. The dispute over numbers sets the stage for a campaign increasingly defined by competing claims of momentum and legitimacy.


Euronews Albania survey: Edi Rama’s Socialists seen as clear favorites ahead of May 11

Published on April 17, 2025
A third Euronews Albania Eurobarometer national survey conducted between March 22 and April 3 confirms the dominant position of the Socialist Party (SP) ahead of...

Why is this important: The data shows a consistent wide gap between the ruling party and its challengers — not only in projected votes but also in public confidence. With just weeks to go, there’s little evidence of momentum on the opposition side, while undecided voters remain sizable.


All latest stories


Kosovo’s new Parliament is constituted after two failed attempts but uncertainty remains

Published on April 20, 2025
After two prior delays, the Assembly of Kosovo emerging from the February 9 elections officially convened on Saturday, completing the process of verifying mandates and...

Why is this important: The constitution of the new Parliament ends a weeks-long deadlock and allows the formal political process to proceed — though Saturday’s developments also highlighted Prime Minister Albin Kurti’s struggle to secure a majority needed to form a new government.


Valiev and Abakarov honored after medal wins at 2025 European Wrestling Championships

Published on April 20, 2025
Albania’s wrestling federation has officially honored Chermen Valiev and Zelimkhan Abakarov, following their medal-winning performances at the 2025 European Wrestling Championships. Valiev claimed gold, while...

Why is this important: Valiev’s gold is Albania’s first European title in wrestling, adding to his Olympic bronze. Abakarov, a former world champion, returned to the podium, marking an important step in his comeback. Their achievements not only bring international recognition but also set a new standard for the next generation of Albanian wrestlers.


British daily Metro spotlights Tirana as a vibrant, affordable European getaway

Published on April 20, 2025
The UK-based newspaper Metro has featured Tirana in a new travel piece, praising the Albanian capital for its mix of history, color, and urban ambition....

Why is this important: Positive international media coverage is crucial for Albania’s growing tourism sector. As Tirana looks to expand its appeal to urban travelers, articles like this reinforce its image as an up-and-coming European destination — blending affordability with cultural depth.


Albania launches 24/7 traffic monitoring on major highways with smart camera system

Published on April 20, 2025
Four of Albania’s busiest national highways — the Tirana-Durrës, Durrës-Rrogozhinë, Rrogozhinë-Fier, and Fier-Vlorë segments — will now be monitored 24 hours a day by a...

Why is this important: The launch of the National Traffic Monitoring Center marks the first phase of a wider government plan to digitally oversee Albania’s entire road network. The initial 200 kilometers under surveillance will expand to cover all 3,650 km of national roads under the authority of the Albanian Road Authority (ARRSH). The system aims to reduce road accidents, ease police workload, and speed up emergency response.


Albania to revive arms production industry, starting with Rubik weapons factory

Published on April 20, 2025
Prime Minister Edi Rama confirmed today that the government’s plan to revive Albania’s long-defunct military industry will begin with the transformation of the former copper...

Why is this important: Since the war in Ukraine, Albania has signaled its intent to redevelop its defense manufacturing sector. The country is home to three former weapons and munitions factories, all degraded after years of inactivity. Now, the government says it is in talks with major NATO-aligned defense companies to reopen these plants — not only to meet domestic defense needs but also to export military equipment.


Kristi Ramadani wins two bronze medals at 2025 European Weightlifting Championships

Published on April 20, 2025
Albanian weightlifter Kristi Ramadani claimed two bronze medals at the 2025 European Weightlifting Championships held in Chișinău, Moldova, adding to his growing list of international...

Why is this important: Ramadani’s consistent performance on the continental stage marks a significant milestone for Albania’s weightlifting program and positions him as one of the nation’s top Olympic prospects heading into the next competitive cycle.


UNESCO adds Marubi Archive to Memory of the World Register

Published on April 20, 2025
UNESCO has officially inscribed the Marubi Photographic Archive — including negatives, objects, and documents from Pietro and Kel Marubi — into its Memory of the...

Why is this important: This is the first time an element from the city of Shkodra is included in UNESCO’s Memory of the World, recognizing not only the pioneering work of the Marubi family in photography but also the broader historical and cultural identity of Albania captured through their lens. For Shkodra which is working hard to develop its touristic sector it is important that its photographic legacy has received the highest global recognition.


Rama and Berisha both claim victory ahead of May 11 elections

Published on April 17, 2025
With 25 days to go until Albania’s parliamentary elections, both Prime Minister Edi Rama and opposition leader Sali Berisha are publicly confident their camp will...

Why is this important: A wave of pre-election polls has projected a clear lead for the ruling Socialist Party (SP), showing it in position to form a government without needing a coalition. But Berisha and his allies dismiss the findings as manipulated, insisting that internal polling favors the opposition. The dispute over numbers sets the stage for a campaign increasingly defined by competing claims of momentum and legitimacy.


Euronews Albania survey: Edi Rama’s Socialists seen as clear favorites ahead of May 11

Published on April 17, 2025
A third Euronews Albania Eurobarometer national survey conducted between March 22 and April 3 confirms the dominant position of the Socialist Party (SP) ahead of...

Why is this important: The data shows a consistent wide gap between the ruling party and its challengers — not only in projected votes but also in public confidence. With just weeks to go, there’s little evidence of momentum on the opposition side, while undecided voters remain sizable.


IMF warns over strong lek and real estate credit risks in Albania

Published on April 16, 2025
The International Monetary Fund has flagged the overvaluation of the Albanian Lek as a growing risk to the country’s economic development and to investor confidence....

Why is this important: The ALL’s appreciation has helped contain inflation, but the IMF warns it may harm exports, deter foreign investors, and reduce the economy’s ability to absorb external shocks. The recommendations come at a time when inflationary pressures remain and credit growth — especially in real estate — continues to raise concerns.