NATO Plans Gradual Withdrawal of Troops from Kosovo
*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(–scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(–thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-4″ data-turn-id-container=”request-WEB:38cc3b2b-e731-4415-9e5b-413bf9f537e1-4″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-10″ data-scroll-anchor=”false” data-turn=”assistant”> The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) has announced that it will “optimize” its presence and gradually reduce the number of troops serving in the KFOR mission in Kosovo. The decision to decrease troop numbers over the coming year follows the …
Rama at Socialist Party’s 35th Anniversary: Konica Used to Say, “Be Patient, Albanians Have a Habit of Opposing Without Understanding”
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama opened his speech at the 35th anniversary celebration of the Socialist Party by addressing recent events related to the civic protests in Tirana. Referring to the situation, Rama recalled a quote attributed to Faik Konica: “Be patient, because Albanians have a habit of opposing things …
Rama Highlights Fatos Nano: He Remains Someone I Hold in Special Esteem; I Do Not Claim I Have Never Wronged Anyone
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke this Friday at Piazza Italia during the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary celebration, addressing recent developments in Albania, including the ongoing civic protests. Rama paid special tribute to former Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Fatos Nano, expressing his enduring respect for him. He also acknowledged …
Albania’s Cocaine Economy Comes Home
Towers, resorts and cocaine money put Albania’s criminal economy in plain sight. A SPAK investigation into alleged drug-money laundering has linked the Zvërnec resort controversy, Tirana’s tower boom and Albania’s strategic investment model, deepening public anger after nearly two weeks of anti-government protests. Tirana Times, June 12, 2026 – A …
Week in Review: Flamingos, Think Tankers and Returning Radicals
Our selection of Premium stories digs deep into a lively week, as Europe limps towards rebooting the enlargement system, votes in Kosovo are counted and Albanians throw off a reputation for apathy. Original post Here
State Minister for Local Government: Strong local communities build Europe
TIRANA, June 12 – State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo highlighted the importance of territorial cooperation and strong local government during an event marking the 20th anniversary of the Adriatic-Ionian Euroregion. During his remarks, Demo praised the Euroregion’s role in bringing together countries, institutions and citizens over the past …
Beach agency monitors public beach access in Lezha
TIRANA, June 12 – The National Coastline Agency continues field inspections along the Lezha coastline. Authorities are focusing on protecting public beach areas and ensuring free access for visitors. Officials are carrying out the inspections under the beach station map. Municipal authorities proposed the map, while the Tourism Season Management …
Director General of Customs, Beja: Customs cooperation as key mechanism for economic integration
TIRANA, June 12 – Director General of Customs Besmir Beja participated in the Third Conference of Directors General of Customs of the Western Balkans and European Union member states in Athens. The conference focused on “Connecting Markets, Harmonising Standards: Green Lanes as a pillar of enhanced integration in the EU …
PM Rama denies provocation over Zvërnec investment protest timing
TIRANA, June 12 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said there is no provocation or confrontation linked to the timing of the Socialist Party anniversary event and a planned protest against the Zvërnec investment. He made the remarks in an interview on “Shqipëria Live” on Top Channel. He also commented on …
US Lifts Albanian Opposition Leader Berisha’s ‘Persona Non Grata’ Status
State Department says removing Albanian opposition leader Sali Berisha’s designation, imposed in 2021 over alleged corruption, serves US ‘national interest’. Original post Here
TIRANA, August 31 – Albania plans to provide more than 5,700 learning packages for children in the diaspora during the 2026–2027 school year. The packages contain around 17,000 textbooks. They will reach 15 European countries, the United States and Canada. The materials include the joint textbooks “Albanian Language” and “Albanian …
TIRANA, August 31 – President Bajram Begaj received the new Dutch ambassador to Albania, Marleen Monster, on Monday. The ambassador presented her credentials during the meeting. Begaj reaffirmed Albania’s commitment to stronger relations with the Netherlands. He described the country as an important European partner and a trusted NATO ally. …
TIRANA, August 31 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met regional leaders of the tax and customs administrations to discuss priorities for the coming period. The talks also focused on improving services for citizens and businesses. Malaj met the general directors of the Tax Administration and Customs Administration. They discussed efforts …
TIRANA, August 31 – Acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti has called for stronger cooperation between central institutions and municipalities to address the needs of minority communities in Kosova. Kurti made the call at a meeting with heads of municipal offices for communities and return. Kurti said challenges vary among communities …
TIRANA, August 31 – The Institute of GeoSciences has warned of a high fire risk in several Albanian counties this afternoon and on Tuesday, September 1. The institute expects high risk levels in Lezha, Tirana and Fier. Other counties will face moderate risk. Some areas in Shkodra, Kukës, Dibra, Durres, …
TIRANA, August 31 – The Self-Determination Movement and the Democratic League of Kosova have agreed on professor Bekim Sejdiu as their joint candidate for president. Self-Determination leader Albin Kurti and Democratic League leader Lumir Abdixhiku presented Sejdiu at a joint news conference. Abdixhiku said the negotiations had not been easy. …
TIRANA, August 31 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said on Monday that 20 schools in Tirana now have smart cameras under the Smart City project. The investment aims to strengthen security in schools. Rama said the government decided to invest in new security technology after a 14-year-old boy was fatally …
Cash outside Albania’s banking system reached a record 5.6 billion euros, last month. Tirana Times, August 30, 2026 – The amount of cash circulating outside Albania’s banking system has reached a record high, raising fresh concerns over the scale of the informal economy, the possible presence of illicit money and …
Thousands honor the convicted Bosnian Serb commander as reactions from Belgrade to Podgorica and Skopje reveal how deeply the wars of the 1990s still shape the region’s European future. Tirana Times, August 31, 2026 – PALE, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Candles burned and flares lit the Olympic Park as several thousand …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here