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 …
Week in Review: Plots, Twists and Chaos
Expecting the unexpected seems to be the name of the game in both global politics and the domestic politics of the region, as 2026 kicks off with a few unexpected twists. Original post Here
Unlikely Friendship: Albanian PM Eyes Potential Gains From Israel Alliance
Critics accused Edi Rama of overlooking Palestinian suffering during his recent visit to Israel. But both he and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, see advantages in a closer relationship. Original post Here
TIRANA, May 29 – “The End of the Golemis”, the Albanian opera by composer Nikolla Zoraqi, premiered on Thursday evening at the National Theatre of Opera, Ballet and Folk Ensemble. The monumental Albanian work returned to the stage more than six decades after its creation. The opera brings themes of …
TIRANA, May 29 – Albania on Thursday commemorated the anniversary of the death of Dom Nikollë Kaçorri, the patriot, cleric and signatory of the Albanian Declaration of Independence, who died on May 29, 1917. Kaçorri was born in Krej-Lura in 1862 and received his education in European institutions. He graduated …
TIRANA, May 29 – The Spring Festival entered its final preparation phase ahead of the June 6-7 shows on Albanian Public Radio and Television. Meanwhile, organisers published the 20 competing songs on the broadcaster’s official YouTube channel on May 28. The songs drew hundreds of views and reactions within hours …
TIRANA, May 29 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj presented Albanian Digital Solutions on Friday as a new public structure for digital innovation and public services. Prime Minister Edi Rama also attended the event. Meanwhile, Ibrahimaj said Albania has built one of the region’s most advanced electronic governance systems. …
TIRANA, May 29 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha held an official visit to Rome, where Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani received him at Palazzo della Farnesina. Meanwhile, Hoxha described the meeting as highly important in a post on X. He said Albania and Italy share a …
The Tirana Mediterranean Film Festival (TMFF) returns for its second edition from 28 to 31 May 2026 in Tirana. The festival focuses on Mediterranean cinema and promotes cultural exchange and artistic dialogue. It hosts screenings, masterclasses, discussions, and meetings with film professionals. All events take place at the Agimi Art …
TIRANA, May 29 – Two United States congress members visited the Western Balkans last week. The trip signaled renewed United States commitment to peace and stability in the region. Ivana Stradner from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies in Washington made this assessment. She referred to Republican congressman Keith Self …
TIRANA, May 29 – Minister of State for Local Government Ervin Demo on Friday met a delegation from the Venice Commission during a visit to Tirana. Meanwhile, Demo said in a social media post that the meeting focused on strengthening democratic standards, transparency and institutional accountability, describing these principles as …
TIRANA, May 29 – Ambassador of Germany to Albania Karl Bergner said at an event that an independent, professional and efficient justice system remains a central and necessary condition for Albania’s progress toward European Union membership. He added that meeting the interim benchmarks for accession, recently confirmed, represents recognition of …
TIRANA, May 29 – Tirana will host on Saturday the 27th Congress of the Federation of Albanian Doctors in Europe (AMFE). The event will gather dozens of Albanian doctors from Europe, the United States and the region. German public health authorities recognise the congress. It provides 11 professional credits. The …