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, June 2 – Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja invited citizens to join a public consultation on the National Culture Strategy 2026–2030. He said the process aims to present the vision for cultural development in the coming years. The strategy will be presented on June 3. Meanwhile, …
TIRANA, June 2 – Albania attracts growing attention in the international tourism market. Juliet Dennis reports this in “Travel Week”. Meanwhile, British operator Travelpack launches its first dedicated Albania programme. The move responds to rising demand. The company describes the country as one of Europe’s hottest tourism markets. A 32-page …
TIRANA, June 3 – Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani said a social security agreement between Albania and Poland will strengthen social protection for citizens who live and work in both countries. Speaking at the Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration, Manjani said the agreement ensures recognition …
TIRANA, June 2 – Work continues at the National Theatre of Opera and Ballet stage. The Spring Festival on Albanian Radio and Television approaches. Preparations move at a fast pace ahead of the two-night event. Stage designer Albi Çifligu leads the visual concept. He focuses on detailed design elements. He …
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 …