U.S. designates Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations
Saudi Arabia welcomes Washington’s decision and reaffirms joint stance against extremism Tirana Times, January, 14, 2026 – The United States has officially designated branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon as terrorist organizations, marking a major shift in Washington’s approach toward political Islamist movements. The announcement immediately drew …
Washington suspends visas for Albania
Albania included among weak or failing states despite being a NATO member Tirana, Tirana Times, 14 January 2026 – Washington’s decision to suspend U.S. visa processing for Albania, effective January 21 and for an indefinite period, marks one of the strongest diplomatic signals sent to Tirana in years. Albania has …
NATO Values as Security Infrastructure: Evidence From Student Conversations
In the Western Balkans, “security” is rarely an abstract concept. It is encountered as a lived condition, shaped by memory, geography and a persistent awareness that stability can erode when trust is thin. Security, in this context, is not discussed only in strategic documents or institutional language, but reasoned through …
‘Fiscal Peace’: Albanian Amnesty for Tax-Dodging Businesses Branded Unfair and Opaque
Albania’s government is poised to waive business tax debts more than a decade old, as part of what it says is a reset in relations between the tax authorities and businesses. Critics say it is unfair on those who have played by the rules. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 12, 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
How Albanian Organized Crime Conquered Europe’s Cocaine Market
On a locked down November afternoon in 2020, as Europe grappled with Covid 19 restrictions, two Albanian men based in Belgium exchanged a handful of encrypted messages. Deciphered years later from the Sky ECC platform, their words captured a watershed moment in Europe’s cocaine trade. A shipment measured not in …
Port-to-Port: How Albanians Conquered the European Cocaine Market
BIRN reporters trace the rise of Albanian crime gangs to the top of the European cocaine trafficking ladder, from remote parts of Paraguay to European Union ports. Original post Here
Albania in 2026: Battles With Anti-Graft Prosecutors Risk Slowing EU Progress
Political polarisation and government pressure on the judiciary – sparked by investigations of top politicians – could hinder Albania’s rapid progress towards European Union membership. Original post Here
Heavy Rains Cause Evacuations and Discontent in Albania
Dramatic situation reported in several towns, while some locals complain of being abandoned. Original post Here
Albania Under Water: A Return to a Hobbesian State of Nature
TIRANA TIMES, December 6, 2025 – Albania is once again under water. Torrential rains over the past days have triggered massive flooding across almost the entire country, exposing not only the fragility of urban infrastructure but, more fundamentally, the long-term failure of governance. From the northern plains to the southern …
Eid al-Adha is one of the two most important holidays for Muslim believers, together with Eid al-Fitr. It marks a special moment in the Islamic calendar. Moreover, it is a day of reflection, sacrifice, and solidarity. Religious Meaning and Origins According to Islamic tradition, Eid al-Adha commemorates the willingness of …
Muslim believers across Albania are celebrating Eid al-Adha today, the holiday that symbolizes the great sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim, the father of prophets. Muslims across the country began the celebration early in the morning by gathering in mosques for prayers. In Tirana, hundreds of worshippers performed prayers on “Dëshmorët e …
Muslims across Albania today celebrate Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s most important holidays. The holiday symbolizes sacrifice, devotion, and solidarity. Early in the morning, believers gathered in mosques across the country to perform Eid prayers. In Tirana, hundreds of worshippers prayed on “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard. After the prayer, the …
President Bajram Begaj today congratulated Muslim believers on Eid al-Adha. He wished Albanian families more prosperity, health, harmony, and kindness. He also highlighted the values that the holiday represents. Begaj said Eid al-Adha reminds people of sacrifice, devotion to God, solidarity, and care for those in need. Furthermore, he stressed …
Prime Minister Edi Rama tonight congratulated Muslim believers on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. Rama shared images from the celebration at the Grand Mosque of Tirana and wrote, “Blessed day, bright night. Happy Eid al-Adha.” Today, believers performed the Eid prayer on “Dëshmorët e Kombit” Boulevard in Tirana. The Albanian …
Acting Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti visited the Mufti of Kosovo, Naim Tërnava, at the headquarters of the Islamic Community of Kosovo on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. He said the holiday obliges people to show solidarity and generosity for the common good. Kurti also recalled the sacrifice of …
President Bajram Begaj welcomed the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference on Monday. He called it a historic moment for Albania’s European path. The conference officially opens the closing phase of accession talks with the European Union. Begaj said Albania took another important step toward the European family. He described EU integration …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania remains the most pro-European country in Europe after the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference. Rama welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s focus on EU enlargement. He called the attention important and positive. He said enlargement was once a taboo topic, but that has changed. Rama called …
Cyprus Deputy Minister for European Affairs Marilena Raouna said EU enlargement remains a top priority after the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference in Tirana. Raouna spoke alongside Prime Minister Edi Rama and EU Enlargement Commissioner Marta Kos. She commented on a letter from German Chancellor Friedrich Merz about new ideas for …
Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania has entered an advanced stage in its EU integration process after the 8th Albania-EU Intergovernmental Conference. He called the conference another major milestone for the country. Rama said Albania opened all negotiation chapters in just 11 months. He described the pace as fast and …