Albania’s TikTok Ban Violated Free Expression, Court Rules
Journalists’ union welcomes ruling that says government-imposed one-year ban on social media platform was a ‘violation of freedom of expression and freedom of the press’. Original post Here
Albanian Parliament Under Cyberattack Linked to Iran
Tirana Times, March 10, 2026 – A cyberattack targeting Albania’s Parliament has revived one of the country’s most serious national security concerns, underscoring the return of a threat that Albanian institutions have come to associate with Iran linked retaliation. The breach, confirmed by Parliament on Tuesday, involved unauthorized access to …
Belinda Balluku: Albanian PM’s Loyal Ally at Centre of Political Firestorm
The criminal charges facing former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku have dominated headlines in Albania for months – prompting her boss, Edi Rama, to pick a fight with the judiciary. Original post Here
Parliament Blocks Arrest Bid for Former Deputy Prime Minister Balluku
Shielding Balluku Could Cost Albania More Than a Court Case. Tirana Times, March 09, 2026 – Albania’s ruling Socialist majority moved Monday to block the arrest of former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, in a decision expected to be ratified by parliament this week and one that is rapidly becoming …
Albanian Ruling Party Refuses to Support Lifting of Former Deputy PM’s Immunity
Ahead of a vote in parliament on Thursday, the ruling Socialists reject a prosecution request to support lifting the immunity of dismissed former Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku, allowing for her arrest. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 9, 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
Do the Balkans really want EU membership?
By Daniel Serwer Tirana Times, March 06, 2026 – While all eyes are on the Iran war, subtle but important changes are taking place with respect to the Balkans. I think the two most important are these: The Trump Administration is abandoning state-building and instead wants local people to make the basic …
Marx on the Beach
By Zef Preci Tirana Times, March 06, 2026 – Two centuries ago, Karl Marx offered a blunt description of how capitalism is sometimes born and consolidated: through what he called “primitive accumulation,” a historical process—often violent—by which people are separated from their land and productive assets, while wealth is concentrated …
Week in Review: Friends, Foes and Chocolate Thieves
From European Union accession hopes to ongoing corruption investigations, our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at the political wheeling and dealing going on behind the scenes in the region. Original post Here
The Biblical Dog and our chances for full EU membership
by Genc Pollo Let’s start with the dog. “As a dog returns to its vomit, so fools repeat their folly,” says the Old Testament (Proverbs 26:11), offering a blunt metaphor for stupidity and the stubborn repetition of mistakes. That proverbial dog may be the right analogy for Prime Minister Edi …
State Police Director Skënder Hita met with Swedish Ambassador Niklas Ström to discuss ongoing cooperation in law enforcement and police modernization. During the meeting, Hita praised the strong partnership with Swedish law enforcement agencies. He highlighted the Community Policing Strengthening Programme, which will continue until 2029, as well as support …
Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi held meetings in Latvia with Inara Murniece and Edmunds Cepurītis. During the discussions, the participants focused on Albania’s accession process to the European Union. They also examined parliamentary and public support within EU member states, as well as the role of parliamentary diplomacy in advancing …
The Tirana Chamber of Commerce and Industry says large foreign investments are essential for strengthening high-quality tourism in Albania. According to the Chamber, Albania has seen steady growth in visitor numbers in recent years. However, the main challenge remains increasing tourist spending and the overall value generated by each visitor. …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the government is working to simplify procedures for citizens and businesses through deeper digital integration between public institutions and the banking sector. Speaking at the workshop on digitalization, public services and commercial banks, Ibrahimaj highlighted efforts to expand digital services, reduce paperwork and …
The Albanian government has approved the Hospitality Albania program, which will be managed by the Albanian Investment Corporation. Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the initiative will focus on the management of government villas in Vlorë and Velipojë. According to Ibrahimaj, the program aims to renovate and use state …
Marta Kos attended a ceremony at Albania’s mission to the European Union in Brussels, where she praised Albania’s progress in the EU accession process. The event was hosted by Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha following the eighth Intergovernmental Conference and the approval of the IBAR report. Furthermore, Kos said Albania’s achievements …
Albulena Haxhiu stated that Kosovo’s path toward the European Union is a strategic state interest and a democratic choice of its citizens. She made the remarks during a meeting in Prishtina with European Council President António Costa, where they discussed Kosovo’s EU integration process, the EU Growth Plan for the …
On June 3, 1917, the pan-Albanian organization Vatra launched the “Save Albania” campaign (“Të shpëtojmë Shqipërinë”) to raise funds in support of the national cause. The initiative was led by delegates Mehmet Bej Konica and Mihal Turtulli. Furthermore, they stressed that Albania’s future depended on the support of Albanians living …
Niko Peleshi held a meeting with Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs to discuss bilateral relations and shared European and Euro-Atlantic priorities. The discussions focused on strong relations between the two countries. Furthermore, both sides highlighted trust, solidarity, and a common vision for Europe’s future. In addition, Peleshi expressed gratitude for Latvia’s …
Ermal Nufi expressed deep sorrow following the tragic incident in Shëngjin, where two young visitors from Kosovo lost their lives. He said his thoughts and prayers are with the injured individuals and their families. Furthermore, he wished them a quick recovery from the difficult situation. In addition, Nufi praised volunteers, …