Albania in 2026: Battles With Anti-Graft Prosecutors Risk Slowing EU Progress
Political polarisation and government pressure on the judiciary – sparked by investigations of top politicians – could hinder Albania’s rapid progress towards European Union membership. Original post Here
Heavy Rains Cause Evacuations and Discontent in Albania
Dramatic situation reported in several towns, while some locals complain of being abandoned. Original post Here
Albania Under Water: A Return to a Hobbesian State of Nature
TIRANA TIMES, December 6, 2025 – Albania is once again under water. Torrential rains over the past days have triggered massive flooding across almost the entire country, exposing not only the fragility of urban infrastructure but, more fundamentally, the long-term failure of governance. From the northern plains to the southern …
Europe Tightens the Fight Against Corruption, Albania at a Crossroad
By Zef Preçi, Executive Director of ACER As Albania presents itself as closer than ever to the European Union, a troubling contradiction has emerged in its domestic legal and political debate. While the EU is moving decisively toward tougher and more harmonized criminal rules against corruption, Albania is simultaneously discussing …
Housing Boom Prices Out Albanians
Allegations of money laundering in construction and claims of informal power networks, including the case of Ergys Agasi, fuel concerns over a distorted housing market Tirana Times, TIRANA, 05 January 2026 – For many middle income families in Tirana, buying an apartment has shifted from a realistic life goal to …
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
TIRANA, April 2 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha said the European Commission is the strongest advocate Albania has had. He stressed that the country’s European Union integration process continues without delays. At the same time, he described the current phase as a decisive moment for Albania’s …
TIRANA, April 2 – State Minister and Chief Negotiator Majlinda Dhuka said Albania is advancing steadily towards European Union membership. She spoke during a discussion with students on the integration process. She stressed that accession is not only a technical exercise. Instead, it represents a deep European transformation for the …
TIRANA, April 2 – Interior Minister Besfort Lamallari said there is no reason for concern over a possible attack by Iran in Albania. He made the statement after debates in parliament and public reactions to a recent warning. He said authorities have no information indicating a real threat. Lamallari explained …
TIRANA, April 2 – At the discussion held today at schools and libraries, children marked International Children’s Book Day. The date honours the birthday of Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen. His famous stories include The Emperor’s New Clothes, The Little Mermaid, The Ugly Duckling, The Little Match Girl, and Thumbelina. …
Finance Minister Petrit Malaj visited the Hani i Hotit border checkpoint. He reviewed customs processes and measures to speed up procedures, increase security, and ensure transparency. Malaj spoke with staff about high traffic, waiting times, and coordination with Montenegrin authorities. He stressed that modernizing customs helps businesses and supports Albania’s …
The cruise ship Sapphire Princess arrived at Saranda Port early today with 2,776 passengers from around the world. Port Director Admir Malaj said this is the second cruise visit this month, following the March 17 stop with 2,600 tourists. Most visitors come from the U.S., UK, Canada, and Spain, with …
TIRANA, April 2 – The Albanian government will double monthly payments for around 11,000 children with disabilities. It will also recognise social and health insurance for about 14,000 caregivers and assistants. Officials announced the measures on World Autism Day during an event in Berat. Health and Social Protection Minister Evis …
TIRANA, April 2 – President Bajram Begaj highlighted the importance of supporting people with autism spectrum disorder (autism). He said caring for them shows the true humanism of a society. In a statement today, Begaj emphasized that autism requires attention both socially and from the state. “We must ensure they …
TIRANA, April 2 – The Academy of Sciences today commemorated actor Aleksandër Moisiu on his birthday. Moisiu was born on 2 April 1879 in Trieste, Italy, but his family originated from Kavaja. He completed secondary school in Graz, Austria, in 1898. After his father’s death, the family moved to Vienna. …
TIRANA, April 2 – The Presidency confirmed today that all national security institutions are closely monitoring developments following recent tensions in the Middle East. The statement comes after the US Embassy in Tirana issued a message to American citizens, prompting media inquiries about the National Security Council’s activities. In a …