Strategic-Sector Governance Under Strain:The Bankers Petroleum Case and China-Linked Risk Exposure in Albania
Tirana Times, February 25 2026 – Domestic governance gaps are the primary entry points through which foreign actors can generate corrosive outcomes in strategic sectors. The Bankers Petroleum illustrates how this happens: when fiscal terms are unclear, cost verification is weak and enforcement is irregular, revenue disputes can last for …
Balkan Leaders Vow Solidarity with Ukraine on Anniversary of Invasion
Croatian’s premier paid a visit to Kyiv alongside other EU leaders, while most Balkan leaders voiced strong support for Ukraine’s self-defence on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s military assault. Original post Here
Croatian President and Govt Wrangle over Israel Arms Sales
As Defence Minister talks defence sector collaboration with Israel, President Milanovic reminds government that last year he ordered an end to all cooperation with the Israeli army, citing its ‘unacceptable behaviour’. Original post Here
Growing Pains: Albania’s Farmers Find Pathway to EU Markets Hard to Follow
Albania’s huge agricultural sector is seeking to expand into European markets to flourish – but issues over old-fashioned methods, low productivity, banned pesticides and corruption stand in the way. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 23, 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
Share Your Experience: Overtourism from Spain to Turkey and the Balkans
Are you living in a hotspot destination? Struggling with rising rent in a popular neighbourhood or frustrated by the disruption caused by tourists? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Opposition protests mark renewed political tensions in Albania
Protest against the government on the anniversary of the fall of dictator Enver Hoxha’s statue Tirana Times, February 21, 2026 – The national opposition protest held in Tirana on 20 February 2026 marked a new and more volatile phase in Albania’s political confrontation, as long-standing institutional disputes spilled decisively into …
Albania to Contribute Troops to Gaza
PM Rama urges Trump to act on The Hague court and Kosovo leaders. Tirana Times, February 20 2026 – Albania has confirmed it will contribute troops and police personnel to the international stabilization mission in Gaza under the newly created Peace Board, an initiative announced by U.S. President Donald Trump …
Balkan Leaders Heap Praise on Trump’s Board of Peace at Ceremonial Launch
Balkan and Turkish leaders lauded the Board of Peace at its Washington launch on Thursday – while the participation of an EU Commissioner from Croatia drew criticism from some EU states about her presence. Original post Here
Rama is Turning Deputy’s Suspension Into ‘Personal Battle’ Against Albanian Judiciary
Proposed legal amendments preventing courts from suspending senior officials would be a major blow to progress on tackling corruption – and to Albania’s EU accession process, writes legal expert Gentian Serjani. Original post Here
TIRANA, June 3 – Speaker of Parliament Niko Peleshi continued his Baltic parliamentary diplomacy tour with an official visit to Latvia, where he met Speaker of the Latvian Parliament (Saeima) Daiga Mieriņa. The two officials discussed bilateral relations, Albania’s European Union accession process, European and Euro-Atlantic security, support for Ukraine, …
TIRANA, June 3 – Members of Albania’s Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs and Defence, Agron Malaj and Bujar Rexha, took part in the annual meeting of parliamentary security and defence committees from Southeast European countries in Zagreb, Croatia. The Croatian Parliament organised the event with RACVIAC (Centre for Security Cooperation), …
TIRANA, June 3 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj outlined plans for the Albanian Development Bank after a government meeting. The new financial institution will support strategic sectors of the economy and key development projects. Malaj said the bank will start with an initial capital of €100 million. He added that …
TIRANA, June 3 – The government said it completed verification of funds used for the purchase of land in Zvërnec. It said investors passed financial checks. However, it said payments to the seller remain frozen due to a separate judicial process. Prime Minister Edi Rama made the announcement after a …
President of the European Council, António Costa, visited Kosovo as part of his Western Balkans tour. First, Costa met acting President Albulena Haxhiu in Pristina. The two officials discussed issues of mutual interest and Kosovo’s European path. Afterward, Costa held talks with acting Prime Minister Albin Kurti. Meanwhile, the European …
TIRANA, June 3 – Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the government will launch the “Double Your Enterprise” programme on July 1. The scheme aims to support Albanian businesses through new financing opportunities. Ibrahimaj said the Bank of Albania has made €250 million available for the programme. In addition, …
The Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Enena Karakaçi, stated to the media following the government meeting that the ministry has given the contracting companies responsible for the construction of Vlora International Airport a 30-day deadline to resolve their commercial dispute. Karakaçi emphasized that Vlora Airport will be completed and become operational according to …
Rama on Zvërnec: Luxury Resorts Bring High Revenue to the Country, the Project Will Not Be Cancelled
Following the government meeting this Wednesday, Prime Minister Edi Rama addressed the media, also commenting on the construction of the resort in Zvërnec. Rama stated that resorts are among the main drivers of a country’s economic development and that he will not cancel the project. “I have to deal with people who say, …
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke at a press conference regarding the construction project in the Zvërnec area, following the protests that have taken place there. Rama described the land purchase transaction as a positive development and stressed that anyone claiming ownership of the property will be subject to investigation. “What I want to talk …
Thousands of book titles, dozens of publishers, and four days dedicated to Albanian-language literature. For the first time, Skopje will host the Albanian Book Fair 2026, an event aimed at bringing together publishers and book lovers from North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Albania. From June 4 to June 7, Skanderbeg Square will be transformed into a hub for the …