In Albania, Women Often Quit Local Councils to Make Way for Men
Democracy and the rights of women are being undermined in Albania by the practice of filling electoral candidate lists with women, only to have them resign en masse once the results are in and cede their seats to men. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 5, 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
Balkan States Give Divided Reactions to US Strike on Venezuela
Albania and Kosovo applauded the Trump administration’s military operation against Venezuela’s regime and the ousting of Nicolas Maduro, while other states in the region initially remained silent or called for calm and restraint. Original post Here
Roaming Like at Home and the Western Balkans
By Genc Pollo Tirana, 02 January 2026 – Today’s decision by the European Union to grant “roaming like at home” to Ukraine and Moldova deserves praise. It is a practical citizen-centered step that immediately lowers costs improves connectivity and makes Europe tangible in everyday life. Yet the non inclusion of …
Albania in the EU Fast Lane – Accelerating Without Democratising?
Tirana’s EU accession process is running in top gear – but worryingly, there’s no sign this is being matched with a democratic deepening at home. Original post Here
Albania 2026: Power Under Investigation
As Albania enters 2026, the country stands at a political and institutional crossroads shaped decisively by the shocks of 2025. What initially appeared to be a year of electoral routine and managed stability evolved instead into the most serious confrontation between executive power and the justice system since the launch …
Saudi Arabia’s Yemen Action: Between Deterrence, Diplomacy, and Regional Responsibility
The latest Saudi action in Yemen should be understood not as escalation for its own sake, but as part of a broader strategic approach that combines deterrence with diplomacy, aimed at safeguarding regional stability and preserving internationally recognized state authority. Riyadh’s move comes in response to concrete security concerns arising …
Exposing Scams, Probing the Powerful: A Year of BIRN Investigations
As 2026 begins, we look back on some of the most important investigations published by BIRN in its 20th anniversary year – from brutal migrant-smuggling gangs and arms deals with Israel to state surveillance of protesters and online frauds. Original post Here
Letter From Washington: The US Just Blasted Balkan Authoritarians – Or Did It?
The recently-passed Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act shows that some US lawmakers still care about the region. But it doesn’t mean that Donald Trump is going to tell Aleksandar Vucic to be nicer to student protesters. Original post Here
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said Zvërnec remains a protected area and will continue to hold that status. Rama made the statement on Monday during the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party in Berat. He said the government has taken strong action to protect nature. He pointed …
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said the incident in Zvërnec was serious and unacceptable. However, he stressed that the state responded quickly and firmly. Rama made the comments on Monday during the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Berat. He said every country faces difficult situations. However, …
Deputy Speaker of Parliament Klodiana Spahiu visited China last week to strengthen ties between the two countries. During the visit, Spahiu met with Zhu Kaigou in Dezhou. Albanian Ambassador Riza Poda also attended the meeting. Spahiu said Albania and China can expand cooperation through joint efforts. She stressed the importance …
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama said improving the quality of tourism is key to Albania’s long-term economic growth. Rama made the remarks on Monday during the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in Berat. He said the real debate today is about Albania’s future and the kind of …
Prime Minister and Socialist Party leader Edi Rama praised Berat on Monday as one of Albania’s clearest examples of transformation. Speaking during the Socialist Party’s 35th anniversary event in the city, Rama thanked Berat residents for their trust and continued support. He said Berat reflects the progress Albania has made …
Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari took part on Monday in a consultation meeting on Albania’s new national strategy against organized crime and serious criminal offenses for 2026–2030. The strategy will guide government policies in this area over the next five years. Meanwhile, Lamallari said the new document aims to build a …
Albania’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha praised the vital role of KFOR in maintaining peace, security and stability in Kosovo. Hoxha made the remarks on Monday during a meeting with KFOR commander Özkan Ulutaş. In a message shared on X, Hoxha thanked NATO member states involved in …
Albania’s Customs Authority has approved a new instruction on global guarantees. It aims to simplify procedures for businesses. It also reduces administrative costs. Customs Director General Besmir Beja signed the new manual. It sets standard procedures for global guarantees, reduced guarantees, and exemptions. It also defines how these tools will …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted to reports from Greek media about developments in Zvërnec. He shared comments from the head of the Albanian diaspora in Greece, Edmond Guri. Rama said Greek media attention has increased significantly. He added that he has not seen such a reaction in 35 years. Meanwhile, …
President Bajram Begaj and First Lady Armanda Begaj hosted a special Children’s Day event on 1 June in Tirana. They welcomed children of women serving in the Albanian Armed Forces. They organized the annual reception to celebrate 1 June, International Children’s Day. The President praised the service of female military …