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
Elbasan County Council Honors Saudi Ambassador for Humanitarian Contributions
Tirana Times, January 29, 2026 – This Tuesday, the Elbasan County Council has formally honored the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Albania, Faisal Ghazi Al-Hafthi, in recognition of his humanitarian engagement and his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations at the local level. The ceremony, held in Elbasan, …
Albania’s EU Progress ‘Says More About Brussels Than Tirana’
Albania has opened every negotiation ‘cluster’ as it races along the road to EU accession, but who should get the credit – Edi Rama’s government? Anti-graft prosecutors? Or even Vladimir Putin? Original post Here
The Council of Ministers has approved a new decision to create a reserve of weapons and technological equipment for the Armed Forces. First, the reserve will be supplied by licensed companies operating in the production and trade of arms and military technology. Then, the proposal was submitted by the Minister …
Government Approves 870 Million ALL Compensation for Property Owners Affected by Legalized Buildings
The Council of Ministers has approved a financial compensation fund for owners of immovable property affected by legalized constructions across several regions of Albania. First, the decision was taken under the law on the completion of transitional property processes. It was proposed by the Prime Minister. The total compensation amount …
TIRANA, June 10 – State Minister for Public Administration and Anti-Corruption Adea Pirdeni reported to the Parliamentary Committee on Legal Affairs and Public Administration on the 2025 annual performance report of the Department of Public Administration. Pirdeni said the report comes shortly after the European Union’s 27 member states approved …
TIRANA, June 10 – Academician Luan Omari, one of the founders of the Academy of Sciences of Albania, celebrated his 101st birthday on Tuesday. Omari was born on June 10, 1925, in Gjirokastër. He completed his early education in Bari and graduated from the Italian high school in Tirana. Later, …
The European Union and the Albanian government reviewed progress on reforms and investments during annual monitoring meetings in Tirana. Officials assessed achievements. They discussed challenges. They also set priorities for the coming year. The meetings focused on the Reform and Growth Facility (RGF) and the Instrument for Pre-Accession Assistance (IPA). …
Foreign direct investment in Albania reached €404 million in the first quarter of 2026. The figure marks an 11.6% increase compared with the same period last year. According to the Bank of Albania balance of payments report, real estate remained the leading destination for foreign investment. The sector attracted €174 …
President Bajram Begaj attended the South-East European Cooperation Process (SEECP) Summit in Sofia on Tuesday. The summit marked the 30th anniversary of SEECP. Leaders gathered to discuss regional unity, security, and sustainable development. During the meeting, Begaj emphasized the importance of EU integration for the Western Balkans. He also called …
Prime Minister Edi Rama reacted on social media about foreign investments and tourism development. He shared a Greek media article. The article reported new luxury hotel investments in Mykonos by major international brands. First, Rama linked the topic to ongoing debates in Albania over large-scale investments, including the project in …
The Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA) launched today its “Aftercare” meetings campaign in Tirana. The initiative follows up on foreign investors and improves their experience in Albania. First, AIDA set the goal of the campaign. It aims to monitor existing foreign investments. It also aims to identify investor needs and …
Managers and executives of institutions and businesses continue to top the list of the highest-paid professions in Albania. Data published by INSTAT in its report “Wage Statistics, First Quarter 2026” show that income disparities remain significant between highly qualified professions and jobs requiring basic skills. According to the data, managers …