The War in Iran and Albania in a Fragmenting International Order
by Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, February 28 2026 – At the very moment when diplomacy appeared to be moving toward a fragile agreement, the United States and Israel launched a unilateral strike against Iran, shifting the region from tense negotiations to open confrontation. The targets included strategic infrastructure and …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 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
Balkan Govts Scramble to Safeguard Citizens in Middle East Conflict Zone
Some Balkan countries are planning to evacuate stranded citizens from the conflict zone around Iran, others have already managed to fly people out – although some have only issued security warnings. Original post Here
Albanians Pay Price of Legal Row over Wastewater Treatment Project
For decades, sewage from the Albanian capital has been discharged untreated into the waters of the Lana River in Tirana. Original post Here
Albania Aligns With U.S. and Israel on Iran
Albania also voices solidarity with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf partners after Iran’s missile attacks. Tirana Times, March 1, 2026 – Albania threw its support behind U.S. strikes on Iran in the opening hours of the latest Middle East escalation, with Prime Minister Edi Rama declaring that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary …
Albania Backs U.S. Strikes on Iran
Kosovo and North Macedonia join support for Washington. Tirana Times, February 28, 2026 – Albania threw its support behind U.S. strikes on Iran on Friday, with Prime Minister Edi Rama declaring that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps should be officially designated a terrorist organization and saying Tirana would move to …
Albanian Prime Minister Under Pressure Dismisses Deputy Accused of Corruption
After months of defending his deputy and Minister of Infrastructure, Belinda Balluku, who faces allegations of manipulating public tenders, Edi Rama finally dismissed her on Thursday night. Original post Here
Week in Review: Trades and Betrayals
From European Union accession hopes to ongoing corruption investigations, our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at the political wheeling and dealing going on behind the scenes in the region. Original post Here
PM Rama’s Big Shake-Up as SPAK Closes In
Tirana Times, February 26, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama carried out one of the deepest cabinet reshuffles of his fourth term, replacing officials across several of the most powerful ministries in a move that comes as his government faces rising scrutiny, swelling scandal pressure and an intensifying anti-corruption push …
Letter from Washington: Buying Friends and Finding Common Foes
As Milorad Dodik comes in from the cold, Albanians impress on Trump that they have an enemy in common. Original post Here
As EU moves to prioritise geopolitical needs over old merit-based approaches, the concern is that rushed membership for Ukraine and Albania could come at a cost. Original post Here
The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires in Pristina, Anu Prattipati, called on Kosovo to enter a long-term energy partnership with the United States through liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects. First, she said the partnership would strengthen Kosovo’s energy security and support long-term economic stability. She added that the U.S. and Kosovo could …
The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MBZHR) has approved the Law on Animal Health. The government described it as an important step in Albania’s EU integration process and in the implementation of the Growth Plan. The new law aligns Albanian legislation with EU Regulation 2016/429. It strengthens the prevention …
The Albanian national team continues preparations for the second friendly match against Luxembourg. Coach Rolando Maran leads training sessions at the “House of Football.” First, midfielder Ylber Ramadani analyzed the match against Israel. He said the team played well in the first half but lost balance in the second. Next, …
TIRANA, June 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama is in Montenegro to take part in the EU Western Balkans Summit, which holds its main proceedings on Thursday in Tivat. Meanwhile, the summit brings together European Union leaders and Western Balkan leaders. It confirms the strategic partnership. It confirms the joint …
TIRANA, June 5 – The Military Meteorological Service said Albania will remain under stable weather conditions on Thursday. Meanwhile, the weather is forecast to stay mostly clear across the country. In addition, light to moderate cloudiness is expected during midday and afternoon hours. The clouds will be more present in …
TIRANA, June 5 – Saranda appears among recommended June holiday destinations in an article published by Italian media outlet “Si Viaggia”, written by Flavia Cantini. Meanwhile, the article states that June is an ideal period for seaside travel. It highlights warm weather conditions and lower tourist flows compared to July …
TIRANA, June 5 – Leaders of the European Union and the Western Balkans are gathering in Tivat for the EU–Western Balkans Summit, reported europeanwesternbalkans.com. Meanwhile, the meeting focuses on accession negotiations, the implementation of the Growth Plan for the Western Balkans, gradual integration proposals for candidate countries, and regional cooperation. …
TIRANA, June 5 – Germany and France are expected to present a new initiative to accelerate European Union accession for Western Balkan countries and Moldova. The plan aims to offer greater integration benefits before full membership. Meanwhile, a joint document states that candidate countries would receive rewards for meeting accession …
Albania is rapidly becoming one of Europe’s most attractive tourist destinations. Every year, the country welcomes a growing number of visitors from around the world. Its combination of stunning landscapes, rich history, and affordable prices continues to raise its profile on the international tourism map. One of the main drivers …