Belinda Balluku: Albanian PM’s Loyal Ally at Centre of Political Firestorm
The criminal charges facing former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku have dominated headlines in Albania for months – prompting her boss, Edi Rama, to pick a fight with the judiciary. Original post Here
Parliament Blocks Arrest Bid for Former Deputy Prime Minister Balluku
Shielding Balluku Could Cost Albania More Than a Court Case. Tirana Times, March 09, 2026 – Albania’s ruling Socialist majority moved Monday to block the arrest of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, in a decision expected to be ratified by parliament this week and one that is rapidly becoming …
Albanian Ruling Party Refuses to Support Lifting of Former Deputy PM’s Immunity
Ahead of a vote in parliament on Thursday, the ruling Socialists reject a prosecution request to support lifting the immunity of dismissed former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, allowing for her arrest. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 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
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
Edi Rama said on Friday that the Socialist Party remains the only political force with a clear commitment to Albania’s national interest. He made the remarks during an event in Dibër marking the party’s 35th anniversary. Rama said the party made a clear break from the past when it was …
Ermal Nufi met on Friday with Radmila Šekerinska. They discussed security in the Western Balkans. They also reviewed Albania’s role in NATO and preparations for upcoming alliance summits. During the meeting, Nufi reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to remain a constructive force in Southeast Europe. He said Albania will continue to support …
Construction activity in Albania increased in the first quarter of 2026. A total of 322 building permits were approved. This marks a 24.8% rise compared to the same period in 2025. INSTAT reported that planned construction area also increased. It reached 377,000 square meters, up 12.5% year on year. The …
The town of Orikum is ready to welcome visitors this summer with a newly transformed main boulevard. Edi Rama shared images of the project on social media. He said the investment is changing both the urban landscape and daily life in the coastal town. The project adds more public spaces …
New archaeological findings have been uncovered at the Amantia Archaeological Park, located about 30 kilometres southeast of Vlorë. Archaeologists discovered traces of ancient life, including fortification walls and building structures. These remains still contain many unanswered historical questions. Blendi Gonxhja shared details from the latest excavations. He said the work …
INSTAT said on Friday that it transmits Government Finance Statistics (GFS) and Excessive Deficit Procedure (EDP) data to Eurostat in full compliance with European methodological standards. It stressed that this process does not represent “data concealment,” as some media have reported. In a statement to the media, INSTAT highlighted that …
Ermal Nufi visited the Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe (SHAPE) on Friday. There, he met Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Alexus G. Grynkewich. Nufi said the visit reflects the strong and stable partnership between the Albanian Armed Forces and NATO allies. He also reaffirmed Albania’s firm commitment to NATO, collective …
The atmosphere in the heart of Tirana for the “FIP Platinum Albania” tournament has captivated both Albanian fans and top international padel players. The event has showcased the capital’s hospitality, energy, and growing role in global sports. From Skanderbeg Square, where organizers have installed spectacular courts, international champions have shared …
The choir of the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble of Albania will perform in Albanian in Savigliano, in the Piedmont region of Italy. The performance will take place during the 36th International Choral Singing Festival “Sergio Chiarlo,” scheduled for 5–7 June 2026. The choir represents Albania at …
Vllaznia won the 2025–2026 Albanian women’s football championship after defeating Apolonia 2–0 in the final at Selman Stërmasi Stadium. With this victory, Vllaznia secured their 13th consecutive league title. First, captain Megi Doçi broke the deadlock in the first half. She gave Vllaznia the lead after a tightly contested opening …