Powerful Interests are Driving Digital Repression in Southeast Europe
Digital spaces are the new frontlines for challenging entrenched political and economic interests, but the backlash against civic groups trying to expose corruption and environmental destruction or demand official accountability can be fierce. Original post Here
Government Moves to Shield Cabinet from Prosecution as Judiciary–Executive Clash Deepens
Proposed changes to the Criminal Procedure Code following the suspension of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku trigger opposition backlash, institutional tension, and renewed concerns over judicial independence and EU accession. Tirana Times, February 16 2026 – The Albanian government has launched an urgent legislative initiative to amend the Criminal Procedure …
Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption?
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption? appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Albanian Ruling Party Proposes Law Granting Senior Officials Immunity
Proposed legal changes, which would protect ministers and other top officials from suspension by the courts, draw condemnation as a move to block anti-corruption investigations. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 16, 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
Albania’s AI Minister Diella Sued by Actor Over Image Use
Tirana Times, February 15, 2026 – Albania’s much publicized artificial intelligence “minister” Diella is now at the center of a legal and political controversy after actor Anila Bisha filed a lawsuit against the Albanian government, accusing state institutions of unlawfully using her image and voice. The case, filed at the Administrative …
Shielding Power from Justice
How legislative moves to protect senior officials are putting Albania’s rule of law and EU path at risk By Zef Preçi When governments begin rewriting the rules to protect themselves from the courts, the problem is no longer legal. It is political. Albania’s latest debate over judicial measures against senior …
Week in Review: Commitment, Stasis and the Epstein Effect
An unfolding scandal of global proportions combines with eventful developments in the region in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week. Original post Here
Kosovo, Albania Parliaments Adopt Resolutions Seeking Justice for Thaci
MPs in both Kosovo and Albania on Thursday adopted declarations in support of the four former guerilla KLA leaders, including Thaci, whose trial for war crimes in The Hague is coming to an end. Original post Here
Actress Sues Albanian Govt for Using Her Image for AI ‘Minister’
Actress Anila Bisha told BIRN that her image was used as the face of Albania’s AI-generated public procurements ‘minister’ without proper permission. 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 …