Albanian, Spanish Police Bust Illegal Scheme to Help Albanians Enter UK
Albanian and Spanish Police in a two-year investigation have uncovered a crime group that forged documents to enable Albanians to illegally enter the UK and Ireland. Original post Here
Albanian Court Hands Opposition Democratic Party Back to Berisha
Tuesday’s court ruling effectively ends a two-year battle for control of Albania’s once-mighty Democratic Party. Original post Here
Albania-Greece Tensions Intensify as Jailed Mayor-Elect Becomes European MP
Fredi Beleri, a mayor-elect in Albania who has been in prison since May 2023, is expected to enter the European parliament after standing as a Greek MEP, further complicating already strained relations between Albania and Greece. Original post Here
‘Administrative Silence’: FOI Requests Go Unanswered in Balkans, BIRN Report Says
Public institutions in the six Western Balkan countries routinely refuse to respond to freedom of information requests, and it’s getting worse, a new report from the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network warns. Original post Here
Balkan Countries Push for Record Tourism Year, Despite Growth Concerns
As beaches, historic sites and natural beauties in Croatia, Montenegro, Albania, Greece and Turkey draw increasing numbers of tourists, governments eye bumper profits – though experts warn that relentless growth in the sector comes with costs. Original post Here
Albania’s Former PM Berisha Loses Appeal Against UK Ban
UK court dismisses appeal by opposition leader Sali Berisha to lift sanctions against him for alleged corruption, ruling that the ban was based on sufficient information. Original post Here
No Children, No Schools: Emigration Empties Northern Albania
In Albania’s northern Kukes and Shkodra regions, dozens of schools have shut their doors over the past several years as a result of staggering rates of emigration. Original post Here
Turkish-Albanian YouTuber Wanted in Turkey Denies Insulting Islam
YouTuber Diamant Tema, who faces an arrest warrant in Turkey for alleged insults to Islam and Muhammad, has denied the accusations, saying he is being ‘judged without a court hearing’. Original post Here
Growing Diaspora Vote Becomes Game-Changer in Balkan Elections
Balkan diaspora communities are expanding in size, becoming more interested in electoral battles back home – and are increasingly aware of their key role in shaping outcomes in an important year for elections across the region. Original post Here
Anti-Corruption Fight in Balkans Sees Progress, But Also Regression: Report
A new report on the Western Balkans and Turkey by watchdog organisation Transparency International says the progress against corruption made by a number of countries is counter-balanced by backsliding in others. Original post Here
The Italy-Albania asylum ‘offshoring’ scheme is being studied by other Western European governments wanting to look tough on migration. But the case of Hamid Badoui, who took his own life after being held at an Albanian migrant detention camp, highlights the human cost. Original post Here
Balkan LGBTQ+ people, both in the region and in the diaspora, are often told that their identities are incompatible. It’s time to hear a different story – and learn more about the region’s pioneers. Original post Here
Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents and their property claims, while intersecting with a long-running court battle involving controversial real estate businessman Artur Shehu. By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 02 February 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
The Murrizi Tunnel was opened to much fanfare in March last year, not long before a parliamentary election. Now the Albanian Road Authority says it has yet been certified for use. Original post Here
Tirana Times, 01 February 2026 – The release of more than three million pages of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case by the United States Department of Justice has expanded the scope of one of the most disturbing scandals of the past decade far beyond the United States. The …
Expecting the unexpected seems to be the name of the game in both global politics and the domestic politics of the region, as 2026 kicks off with a few unexpected twists. Original post Here
Critics accused Edi Rama of overlooking Palestinian suffering during his recent visit to Israel. But both he and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, see advantages in a closer relationship. Original post Here
Tirana Times, January 29, 2026 – This Tuesday, the Elbasan County Council has formally honored the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Albania, Faisal Ghazi Al-Hafthi, in recognition of his humanitarian engagement and his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations at the local level. The ceremony, held in Elbasan, …
Albania has opened every negotiation ‘cluster’ as it races along the road to EU accession, but who should get the credit – Edi Rama’s government? Anti-graft prosecutors? Or even Vladimir Putin? Original post Here