Do the Balkans really want EU membership?
By Daniel Serwer Tirana Times, March 06, 2026 – While all eyes are on the Iran war, subtle but important changes are taking place with respect to the Balkans. I think the two most important are these: The Trump Administration is abandoning state-building and instead wants local people to make the basic …
Marx on the Beach
By Zef Preci Tirana Times, March 06, 2026 – Two centuries ago, Karl Marx offered a blunt description of how capitalism is sometimes born and consolidated: through what he called “primitive accumulation,” a historical process—often violent—by which people are separated from their land and productive assets, while wealth is concentrated …
Week in Review: Friends, Foes and Chocolate Thieves
From European Union accession hopes to ongoing corruption investigations, our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at the political wheeling and dealing going on behind the scenes in the region. Original post Here
The Biblical Dog and our chances for full EU membership
by Genc Pollo Let’s start with the dog. “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly,” says the Old Testament (Proverbs 26:11), offering a blunt metaphor for stupidity and the stubborn repetition of mistakes. That proverbial dog may be the right analogy for Prime Minister Edi …
Albania Must Not Mirror Serbia’s EU Rejection
By Augustin Palokaj Tirana Times, March 03 2026 – EU enlargement does not lack ideas; it lacks political will. That is why the recent joint opinion piece by Albania’s Prime Minister Edi Rama and Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić, published in the German daily Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung, is troubling not so …
Share Your Experience: Child Support Payments After Divorce in the Balkans, France
Do you live in the Balkans or France, and have you been awarded child support payments after divorce? Was the process easy – and did you receive the money as the court ordered? Original post Here
The War in Iran and Albania in a Fragmenting International Order
by Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, February 28 2026 – At the very moment when diplomacy appeared to be moving toward a fragile agreement, the United States and Israel launched a unilateral strike against Iran, shifting the region from tense negotiations to open confrontation. The targets included strategic infrastructure and …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 2, 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
Balkan Govts Scramble to Safeguard Citizens in Middle East Conflict Zone
Some Balkan countries are planning to evacuate stranded citizens from the conflict zone around Iran, others have already managed to fly people out – although some have only issued security warnings. Original post Here
Albanians Pay Price of Legal Row over Wastewater Treatment Project
For decades, sewage from the Albanian capital has been discharged untreated into the waters of the Lana River in Tirana. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 2 – After more than two decades, the legendary Spring Festival (Festivali i Pranverës) returns to the stage of the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet on 6 and 7 June. The festival, organized with the support of the Albanian Radio and Television (RTSH), offers a platform for …
Democratic Party leader Sali Berisha has marked the 17th anniversary of Albania’s NATO membership, describing it as “the greatest miracle of freedom” after the country’s independence. In a public reaction on social media, Berisha praised NATO’s role in defending Western civilization and highlighted the contribution of former U.S. President George …
During a meeting with the Socialist Party Assembly in Unit 14 in Tirana, Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that for the first time Albanians are facing a real opportunity to integrate into the European Union. He emphasized that the door for the country is open and that the support of …
TIRANA, April 2 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said the European Commission is the strongest advocate Albania has had. He stressed that the country’s European Union integration process continues without delays. At the same time, he described the current phase as a decisive moment for Albania’s …
TIRANA, April 2 – State Minister and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka said Albania is advancing steadily towards European Union membership. She spoke during a discussion with students on the integration process. She stressed that accession is not only a technical exercise. Instead, it represents a deep European transformation for the …
TIRANA, April 2 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said there is no reason for concern over a possible attack by Iran in Albania. He made the statement after debates in parliament and public reactions to a recent warning. He said authorities have no information indicating a real threat. Lamallari explained …
TIRANA, April 2 – At the discussion held today at schools and libraries, children marked International Children’s Book Day. The date honours the birthday of Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. His famous stories include The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Match Girl, and Thumbelina. …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj visited the Hani i Hotit border checkpoint. He reviewed customs processes and measures to speed up procedures, increase security, and ensure transparency. Malaj spoke with staff about high traffic, waiting times, and coordination with Montenegrin authorities. He stressed that modernizing customs helps businesses and supports Albania’s …
The cruise ship Sapphire Princess arrived at Saranda Port early today with 2,776 passengers from around the world. Port Director Admir Malaj said this is the second cruise visit this month, following the March 17 stop with 2,600 tourists. Most visitors come from the U.S., UK, Canada, and Spain, with …
TIRANA, April 2 – The Albanian government will double monthly payments for around 11,000 children with disabilities. It will also recognise social and health insurance for about 14,000 caregivers and assistants. Officials announced the measures on World Autism Day during an event in Berat. Health and Social Protection Minister Evis …