Albania signs long-awaited social insurance deal with Italy
By JERINA ZALOSHJA-RAKIPI ROME, Feb. 7, 2024 – After years of negotiations, Albania and Italy have signed a long-awaited deal on recognizing each other’s social insurance contributions, which will benefit more than 500,000 Albanian residents in Italy and any Italians who have worked in Albania. “This agreement guarantees at least …
From exile, Albania’s ex deputy PM alleges massive corruption at top of SP leadership
TIRANA, Feb. 6, 2024 – In an lengthy television interview from exile in Switzerland, Albania’s former deputy prime minister, Arben Ahmetaj, has made startling accusations of massive corruption at the top of the country’s ruling Socialist Party, involving misuse of public funds in waste management and other taxpayer-funded projects. The …
Albanian saw quality of life stagnate as rest of region improved, according to EBRD report
TIRANA, Jan. 31, 2024 – A recent report by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has highlighted a stark contrast in the perception of quality of life between Albania and other countries in Southeast Europe and the Western Balkans. While most nations in the region have seen significant …
Chief justice denounces unprecedented disregard from Socialist-controlled parliament over key ruling
TIRANA, Feb. 5, 2024 – In a rare press conference, the head of Albania’s Constitutional Court, Chief Justice Holta Zacaj, has rebuked Albania’s Socialist-controlled parliament for its refusal to adhere to a crucial court ruling regarding the mandate of Socialist MP and former foreign minister Olta Xhacka. Zacaj’s remarks came …
500K Albanians in Italy benefit from pensions deal
Albania and Italy will sign this Tuesday the final document of the agreement on the mutual recognition of social security. Prime Minister Edi Rama, with a note on the official Facebook page, writes that over 500,000 Albanians and many Italians in our country benefit from this agreement. The agreement will …
Tirana, two arrested with 1.5 kg of cocaine
Two have been arrested in the capital of Albania, Tirana, after being caught with 1.5 kg of cocaine. The arrested are the citizens E.G. and F.C from Tirana, while another one was declared wanted by police. Drugs was found during the controls that police made in their houses. Police seized …
Man arrested for violating and ‘imprisoning’ wife
A man was arrested this early morning in Tirana, as he ‘imprisoned’ his wife, mother of four and violates her.Police identified that the man, Asqeri Mandri, 34-year-old, violated his wife and at the same time monitored with camera all her moves. Their home was all equipped with cameras and did …
Albania and Italy sign the agreement, thousands of Albanians benefit
Albania and Italy have signed this Tuesday morning the final document of the agreement on the mutual recognition of social security. The agreement in question was signed by the Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of Albania, Igli Hasani, and his Italian counterpart, Antonio Tajani. This historic agreement will benefit …
Zacaj: No more backlog files at the Constitutional Court
The Constitutional Court in Albania doesn’t have backlog files any more, like usually other courts have. The news was made public by the head of the court, Holta Zacaj, who said that this is thanks to the new digital system applied by this court. Presenting the work done by this …
Explosive at a notary office, three Arrested
Three people were arrested for the explosive that happened on January 30 in a notary office in Tirana. The arrested are Real Zefi 33-year-old, Korrado Katana 33-year-old and Eno Flamuraj 36-year-old. According to the director of Tirana Police, Tonin Vocaj, the three citizens were payed to put the explosive at …
As Milorad Dodik comes in from the cold, Albanians impress on Trump that they have an enemy in common. Original post Here
Tirana Times, February 25 2026 – Domestic governance gaps are the primary entry points through which foreign actors can generate corrosive outcomes in strategic sectors. The Bankers Petroleum illustrates how this happens: when fiscal terms are unclear, cost verification is weak and enforcement is irregular, revenue disputes can last for …
Croatian’s premier paid a visit to Kyiv alongside other EU leaders, while most Balkan leaders voiced strong support for Ukraine’s self-defence on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s military assault. Original post Here
As Defence Minister talks defence sector collaboration with Israel, President Milanovic reminds government that last year he ordered an end to all cooperation with the Israeli army, citing its ‘unacceptable behaviour’. Original post Here
Albania’s huge agricultural sector is seeking to expand into European markets to flourish – but issues over old-fashioned methods, low productivity, banned pesticides and corruption stand in the way. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Are you living in a hotspot destination? Struggling with rising rent in a popular neighbourhood or frustrated by the disruption caused by tourists? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Protest against the government on the anniversary of the fall of dictator Enver Hoxha’s statue Tirana Times, February 21, 2026 – The national opposition protest held in Tirana on 20 February 2026 marked a new and more volatile phase in Albania’s political confrontation, as long-standing institutional disputes spilled decisively into …
PM Rama urges Trump to act on The Hague court and Kosovo leaders. Tirana Times, February 20 2026 – Albania has confirmed it will contribute troops and police personnel to the international stabilization mission in Gaza under the newly created Peace Board, an initiative announced by U.S. President Donald Trump …
Balkan and Turkish leaders lauded the Board of Peace at its Washington launch on Thursday – while the participation of an EU Commissioner from Croatia drew criticism from some EU states about her presence. Original post Here