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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

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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 …

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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

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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

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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 …

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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

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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

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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 …

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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

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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

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Albania and Sweden Strengthen Cooperation to Modernize State Police

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 …

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Peleshi Discusses European Integration During Meetings in Latvia

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 …

News
Chamber of Commerce: Strategic Foreign Investments Increase the Value of Albanian Tourism

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. …

News
Ibrahimaj: Easier Bank Access to State Data Will Reduce Bureaucracy

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 …

News
Government Launches “Hospitality Albania” to Improve Management of State Assets

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 …

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EU Enlargement Commissioner Kos Praises Albania’s Progress Toward EU Membership

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 …

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Kosovo Reaffirms EU Path as Strategic Priority in Meeting with EU Council President Costa

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 …

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Historic “Save Albania” Campaign Launched by Albanian Diaspora in America

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 …

News
Peleshi Meets Latvian President Rinkēvičs: Focus on Security Challenges and EU Support

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 …

News
Defense Minister Nufi Expresses Condolences After Tragedy in Shëngjin

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, …

News

Albania and Sweden Strengthen Cooperation to Modernize State Police

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 …

News

Peleshi Discusses European Integration During Meetings in Latvia

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 …

News

Chamber of Commerce: Strategic Foreign Investments Increase the Value of Albanian Tourism

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. …

News

Ibrahimaj: Easier Bank Access to State Data Will Reduce Bureaucracy

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 …

News

Government Launches “Hospitality Albania” to Improve Management of State Assets

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 …

News

EU Enlargement Commissioner Kos Praises Albania’s Progress Toward EU Membership

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 …

News

Kosovo Reaffirms EU Path as Strategic Priority in Meeting with EU Council President Costa

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 …

News

Historic “Save Albania” Campaign Launched by Albanian Diaspora in America

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 …

News

Peleshi Meets Latvian President Rinkēvičs: Focus on Security Challenges and EU Support

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 …

News

Defense Minister Nufi Expresses Condolences After Tragedy in Shëngjin

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, …