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
Elbasan County Council Honors Saudi Ambassador for Humanitarian Contributions
Tirana Times, January 29, 2026 – This Tuesday, the Elbasan County Council has formally honored the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Albania, Faisal Ghazi Al-Hafthi, in recognition of his humanitarian engagement and his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations at the local level. The ceremony, held in Elbasan, …
Albania’s EU Progress ‘Says More About Brussels Than Tirana’
Albania has opened every negotiation ‘cluster’ as it races along the road to EU accession, but who should get the credit – Edi Rama’s government? Anti-graft prosecutors? Or even Vladimir Putin? Original post Here
How a Balkan Wind Farm Aids US National Security
Energy suppliers in southeastern Europe are heavily politicized and sometimes nefarious. The US can aid democratic stability through energy engagement. By David J. Kostelancik When Congress passed the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), it sent a clear signal: energy security in Southeastern …
Albanian Law Only Partially Decriminalising Defamation Disappoints Media Groups
New changes to the Albanian criminal code that only partially abolish defamation as an offence have been criticised by media freedom organisations, citing concerns over freedom of speech. Original post Here
TIRANA, June 2 – Albania’s national football team started preparations at the “House of Football” for friendly matches against Israel and Luxembourg. The full squad took part in the opening training session, while Naser Aliji trained separately after completing a recovery session following 90 minutes for his club. The group …
The city of Korçë has closed the 30th edition of the International Festival of Poets and Authors “Korça Poetry Nights.” The event brought together poets from Albania, the region, and across Europe. Korçë Mayor Sotiraq Filo described the festival as a celebration of the beauty of words. He said it …
TIRANA, June 2 – The 13th edition of the Dea Open Air International Film Festival opened on Sunday. The event will run until June 5 and will showcase 40 films from 25 countries. The festival began with a welcome event in front of the University of Arts. Festival Director Edmond …
TIRANA, June 2 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu presented the government’s 2026 recommendations on combating crime. He addressed Prosecutor General Olsian Çela, Special Anti-Corruption and Organized Crime Prosecution Office head Klodian Braho and chief prosecutors from across the country. Gogu said the recommendations cover eight areas. They align with the …
TIRANA, June 2 – President of the Republic Bajram Begaj met President of the European Council Antonio Costa on Tuesday to discuss Albania’s progress in the European Union accession process. During the meeting, the two officials welcomed Albania’s progress in the negotiations process, including the holding of the 8th EU-Albania …
TIRANA, June 3 – President of the European Council Antonio Costa arrived in Tirana on Tuesday as part of his diplomatic tour of the Western Balkans. Prime Minister Edi Rama received Costa at the Prime Minister’s Office. The two officials held talks with their respective delegations. Later, Rama and Costa …
A new gastronomic project in Elbasan is attracting attention from Italian media. The project, called Krohn, focuses on game meat, wild products, and local cuisine closely linked to the territory. The project is located in a rural area near Elbasan, about 30 minutes from Tirana. It aims to combine nature, …
International travel media outlet The Wom Travel has highlighted Ksamil as one of the most attractive coastal destinations in the Balkans. The publication praised Ksamil for its white sand beaches and crystal-clear turquoise waters. It also described the area as one of the most beautiful spots in the Mediterranean. Ksamil …
TIRANA, June 3 – European Council President Antonio Costa praised Albania’s progress toward European Union membership during a joint press conference with Prime Minister Edi Rama in Tirana. Costa congratulated Albania for its commitment to the accession process. He also acknowledged Rama’s role in advancing the country’s European agenda. Earlier, …
Albanian PM Rama with EC President Costa: Implementation of reforms remains key challenge in EU path
TIRANA, June 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama held a joint press conference with European Council President Antonio Costa in Tirana. He said Albania must maintain its pace in the European Union accession process and thanked Costa for continued support to European integration. Rama described Costa as a leader with …