King Salman Center Launches Fourth Cycle of International Disability Research Prize
Tirana, 21.01.2026 – Research on disability has increasingly moved into the centre of international scientific and policy discussions, reflecting broader debates about inclusion, quality of life and access to public space. Against this wider backdrop, the King Salman Center for Disability Research (KSCDR) has opened nominations for the 4th cycle of …
Albania to Join Trump Peace Board, Other Balkan Countries Silent
While Albania’s Edi Rama welcomed an invitation to join Donald Trump’s proposed Board of Peace, Croatia, Slovenia, Romania and Greece merely confirmed that they had received invitations. Original post Here
Brussels Freezes Albania’s Digital Funds?
When the “Choo Choo” Train Never Came It begins with a scene that now feels almost surreal. In 2022, during a staged media event in Tirana, Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku enthusiastically explained to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen that the Tirana–Durrës–Rinas railway would be completed by 2024. …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 19, 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
America’s Warning on Drug Cartels: Why Europe’s Silence in Albania Matters
The United States has once again issued an unusually clear and public warning about the threat posed by Albanian organized crime groups and their links to Latin American drug cartels, framing the issue not only as a criminal challenge but as a direct risk to Albania’s national security and economic …
Week in Review: Hopes, Dreams and Reality Checks in 2026
As the new year gets off to a cold start in the region, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories takes a look at the high expectations and sobering realities of what 2026 holds in store. Original post Here
Albania’s Fiscal Peace Sparks Concern
Critics warn of deepening inequality, impunity and potential money-laundering exposure. Tirana Times, January 16,2025 – Albania’s newly adopted “fiscal peace” package framed by the government as a reset of relations between businesses and the tax authorities, has sparked sharp criticism from economists, business associations, the opposition and international observers. Although …
Albanian Mystery ‘Journalist’ Sparks Suspicion with Pro-Govt Articles
Opinion articles under the pseudonym ‘Endri Kajsiu’ have for years promoted pro-government narratives in the Albanian media – leading some to wonder if the author could even be the prime minister. Original post Here
Albanian Banks Brace for Rising Bad Loans
Tirana Times, January 15, 2026 – Albania’s banking sector enters 2026 with growing caution, as banks operating in the country anticipate an increase in non performing loans despite strong demand for credit. According to the latest CESEE Banking Lending Survey conducted by the European Investment Bank for the second half …
Trump Visa Freeze Sparks Blame Game in Albania
After the US paused visa processing for 75 countries, including Albania, the opposition in Tirana has accused the government of getting the country put on Trump’s “blacklist”. 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 …