Letter From Brussels: The Epstein Effect Hits Europe
In her latest monthly dispatch from Brussels, Gjeraqina Tuhina looks at the ripple-effects of the Jeffrey Epstein saga, while Serbia falls behind on the long march to EU accession. Original post Here
Opposition Takes to the Streets as Corruption Scandal Reaches the Heart of Power
Tirana Times, February 10, 2026 – Thousands of Albanians filled the streets of Tirana on Tuesday evening in a national protest called by the opposition Democratic Party, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the dismissal of his government, and the establishment of a technical cabinet to lead the …
Balkans Seeing ‘Serious Stagnation’ in Tackling Corruption: Transparency International
As Transparency International releases its latest corruption perception index, the watchdog’s Lidija Prokic tells BIRN that anti-graft drives have faltered across the Western Balkans – in Serbia especially. Original post Here
BIRN Reality Check: With Its Mayor Behind Bars, Stasis Grips Albania’s Capital
Awaiting trial on graft charges, Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj has fought hard to maintain his position after the Albanian government tried to dismiss him – but how is the city being governed while he’s in a cell? Original post Here
EU Presses Parliament Over Deputy PM Immunity
Albania’s choice now will signal whether it is converging with that standard or drifting toward a system where, as Orwell warned, all are equal, but some remain more equal than others. Tirana Times, 09 February 2026 – The European Union has publicly urged the Albanian Parliament to address without delay …
Is A Storm Gathering Over Justice in Albania?
By Zef Preçi Tirana Times, 09 February 2026 – The campaign that Albania’s ruling Socialist Party appears to be preparing against the Special Anti Corruption Structure (SPAK) raises serious concerns not only about the future of the rule of law in the country but also about the credibility of Albania’s …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 9, 2026
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
How “Diella” Was Used by the Russian Pravda Network to Spread Disinformation
By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – In early December, a Croatian satirical outlet published a humorous article claiming that Albania’s AI minister had been arrested after allegedly accepting a bribe worth 14 bitcoins. The satire quickly went viral online, but it was subsequently misinterpreted as factual information …
The Kurum Case and the Collapse of Environmental Oversight in Albania
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 …
Russian Propaganda in North Macedonia
by Agron Vrangalla Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – Moscow systematically uses information manipulation as an instrument of foreign policy. In North Macedonia, Russian propaganda relies on several recurring narratives that exploit domestic political tensions and social vulnerabilities. The impact of Russian propaganda in the Western Balkans is neither new …
Kosovo faces Turkey tonight at 20:45 at Prishtina’s “Fadil Vokrri” Stadium. The match is part of the 2026 World Cup play-offs, hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada. President Bajram Begaj wished the Kosovo team success. “Heart in Prishtina. Go, Kosovo!” Begaj wrote on social media. The match is seen …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, also Socialist Party leader, announced the creation of a state oil company. He said it will transform the hydrocarbon market and protect consumers. At the Socialist Party Assembly in Unit 7, Rama addressed rising fuel prices due to the Middle East conflict. He explained that removing …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, also Socialist Party leader, said today that Albania fights corruption more than ever. He credited government reforms that make systems less vulnerable to corruption. At the Socialist Party Assembly in Unit 7, Rama highlighted that Albania leads the region in public procurement quality. Ministries and agencies …
Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said Albania faces no blockage in its EU accession process. He stressed that the country has advanced in closing chapters, but member states make the final decisions. “Reforms are our key to joining the European family,” Hoxha told Top Channel. He rejected claims of any obstacles …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj attended the presentation of a report on Albanian businesses’ readiness for the EU single market. She called it the starting point for a new support program for the private sector. The program will guide businesses over the next four years. It will help them …
Albania participated in the 2026 OECD Global Forum on Anti-Corruption and Integrity in Paris, the Public Administration Department (DAP) announced. Marcela Kërëku, Director of Integrity, Oversight, and Administrative and Judicial Complaints at DAP, represented the country. She highlighted integrity as a key factor for competitiveness and development. During the session …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, also Socialist Party (PS) leader, said PS will succeed in the next local elections. At the PS Assembly in Unit 7, Rama said, “We start preparing for elections long before others. When others watch us, we focus on ourselves.” He added the party balances election planning …
Prime Minister Edi Rama, also Socialist Party leader, said Albania’s EU negotiation process is on track. At the PS Assembly in Unit 7, Rama rejected media claims of a stalled integration. “These reports are 100% false,” he said. He added, “We follow an agreed calendar with the EU. The European …
Italian newspaper Corriere dello Sport describes Kosovo as a Balkan fairy tale, a mix of roots, departures, returns, and children scattered across Europe. Kosovo dreams of its first World Cup, and today, that goal in America no longer seems distant. The dramatic 4-3 victory over Slovakia, which boosted the team’s …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi met today with co-rapporteurs of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, Ionut-Marian Stroe and Pavel Jablonski, to discuss Albania’s reform progress and democratic standards. During the meeting, Peleshi highlighted that since exiting the monitoring system in April 2024, Albania has made significant advances …