Albanian PM’s Private Jet Trip to Israel Raises Transparency Questions
During last week’s visit to Israel, Albania’s Prime Minister used a private jet once owned by Sam Bankman Fried, now-jailed owner of crypto exchange FTX – but it’s unclear who footed the bill. Original post Here
Albania Arrests 20 for Toxic Waste-Trafficking to Thailand
The suspects are among 33 people accused of involvement in shipping a cargo of dangerous industrial waste from Albania to Thailand. Original post Here
As Trump’s Family Eyes Pristine Albanian Coast, Villagers Cry Foul
The US president’s son-in-law wants to build a tourism development in southern Albania, but residents of the unspoilt strip around Zvernec say a dispute over ownership of the land is being ignored. Original post Here
Local roads, national standards: Tropojë case tests Albania’s procurement and oversight
Tropojë Mayor Indicted for Illegal Roadworks Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 – In a case related to alleged abuse of office, Albania’s Special Court has sent Tropojë’s mayor Rexhë Byberi and his deputy Abedin Kërrnaja to trial on charges of “abuse of office” related to local infrastructure projects. The officials are …
Hamid’s Story: A Tale of Death and Europe’s Drift Towards Offshore Detention
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
We Were Always Here: The Balkans Should Honour Its LGBTQ+ Pioneers
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
Ivanka Trump Visit Reignites Property Dispute in Zvërnec
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 …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 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
Tunnel Revelation Raises Awkward Questions for Albanian Government
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
Albania and the Balkans in the Epstein Files
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 …
Prime Minister Edi Rama continued his exchange with Reporters Without Borders this Thursday. Rama’s latest response came after Reporters Without Borders, through a social media post on Thursday, urged him to focus on media freedom issues rather than on their reports. In his response, Rama emphasized that he had presented …
After the government meeting, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi stated during a media communication that the mission of Albanian soldiers in Gaza is still under discussion with international partners and involved parties. According to him, given the delicate situation in Gaza, security measures and the specific duties Albanian soldiers would carry …
After nearly three decades of absence, traffic lights have returned to several of the main roads in the city of Vlora. Citizens consider this a positive step for road safety, while drivers are facing the challenge of adapting to the new traffic rules. At several intersections across the city, both …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha reacted in a post on X regarding Russia’s request for foreign diplomats to leave Kyiv. Hoxha emphasized that threatening embassies is not diplomacy and clearly expressed Albania’s decision to continue supporting Ukraine. “Albania considers Russia’s announcement calling on diplomatic personnel and foreign …
The co-chair of the Special Commission on Electoral Reform, Damian Gjiknuri, announced this Thursday that together with his colleague Oerd Bylykbashi, he held a meeting with a delegation of representatives from the Venice Commission. The delegation consisted of members Veronika Bilkova, Oliver Kask, and Saša Zagorc, as well as DGI …
Kosovo Prime Minister Albin Kurti spoke this Thursday during a press conference about the creation of Kosovo’s gendarmerie. During his remarks, Kurti stated that the gendarmerie will be responsible for securing Kosovo’s land, water, and air borders. He added that the gendarmerie will also be tasked with preventing cross-border smuggling …
Tirana Times, May 28, 2026 – The importance, depth and complexity of relations between Albania and Italy can never be overstated. Just over one year after he assumed the diplomatic post of Ambassador of Italy to Albania, Tirana Times editor in chief Jerina Zaloshnja carried out this interview with ambassador …
TIRANA, May 28 – The Centre for the Study of Democracy and Governance and the German Embassy in Albania held a discussion table with experts on justice reform and public perception. The focus was progress in the reform and citizens’ expectations. German Ambassador Karl Bergner said Albanian institutions have made …
TIRANA, May 28 – Albania will play two friendly matches against Israel on 3 June at 20:00 at the “Air Albania” stadium and against Luxembourg on 6 June at 20:00 at the same venue. Head coach Rolando Maran has announced his first squad since taking charge of the national team. …
Acting Tirana Mayor Ristani inspects “Streets for Children” project, expansion planned to 40 schools
TIRANA, May 28 – Acting Mayor of Tirana Anuela Ristani inspected the road block near “Gustav Mayer” school and Kindergarten 26. The site forms part of the “Streets for Children” project that transforms public spaces for children, parents and the community. Ristani said the project will expand to 40 additional …