Rama’s Collision With Justice Shatters Illusions About Albania’s Democracy
The prime minister’s moves to shield his deputy from arrest feel like the beginning of the end of an era for Albanians’ hopes that the powerful would finally be held accountable. Original post Here
Albania Slips Into Electoral Autocracy
V Dem places Albania in a category dominated by African states, with Serbia and Bosnia and Herzegovina the only Western Balkan countries in the same group. Tirana Times, March 23, 2026 – Albania has been placed in the category of electoral autocracy in the latest Democracy Report 2026 by the …
Middle East Crisis: Balkan Countries Act to Ease Spike in Oil Prices
As oil and gas prices surge amid the Iran war, Balkan countries are pondering ways to reduce the impact on households and businesses. Original post Here
Timeline: Albania’s High-Level Corruption Cases Raise Political Temperature
The controversy over Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku has put the spotlight on prosecution efforts to target high-level corruption – but she is only the latest senior politician to face charges. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 23, 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
Albania Opposition Protest Turns Violent
Democratic Party leader and former President Sali Berisha injured during clashes. Tirana Times, March 22, 2026 — Albania’s latest national opposition protest in Tirana, which ended in violent clashes between protesters and police, exposed not only rising anger against Prime Minister Edi Rama’s government but also a broader crisis of …
US Targets Iran Linked Cyber Network as Albania Emerges as Key Victim
Tirana Times, March 17, 2026 – The United States has moved to dismantle a cyber network linked to Iran’s intelligence apparatus, seizing four domains used for hacking operations, disinformation campaigns and threats, in a case that places Albania at the center of a broader geopolitical confrontation. The U.S. Department of …
Albania Draws a Red Line on Iran
Parliament’s decision to label Tehran a state sponsor of terrorism formalizes a break years in the making and reflects a broad Albanian consensus that Iran has become a direct security threat Tirana Times, March 18, 2026 – Albania has taken one of its toughest political steps yet against Iran, with …
Europe’s Next Enlargement: Why Berlin, Paris and The Hague Could Decide the Fate of the Western Balkans
TIRANA TIMES, March 19, 2026 – The European Union’s enlargement debate has entered a new and unusually sensitive phase. What initially appeared to be a Brussels-driven discussion about how to accelerate Ukraine’s accession has quickly evolved into a broader political reckoning inside key member states over the future shape, pace, …
Albanian MPs Adopt Resolution Declaring Iran ‘State Sponsor of Terrorism’
Ruling Socialist Party MPs aiming to support the US on the Iran war push through resolution – but opposition MPs boycott the vote they claim was staged ‘for the personal agenda of the Prime Minister’. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 8 – Kruja, a town known for its history, scenic landscapes, and welcoming residents, attracts tourists year-round. Visitors explore its winding streets, artisan shops, and traditional cuisine, creating experiences that keep them returning. The town’s centerpiece, Skanderbeg Castle, sits amid modern neighborhoods and well-maintained streets. This mix of …
TIRANA, April 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama released a welcome video today ahead of the Fourth Albanian Diaspora Summit, showcasing the nation’s most notable figures from George Kastrioti Skanderbeg to Ismail Qemali and Mother Teresa. The video opens with Gjon Buzuku, author of the first book in Albanian, and …
The women’s national team returned to the field today. It resumed training one month after the last match. Now, the squad prepares for the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. Coach Armir Grima gathered the team in Tirana. The players will train at the “House of Football.” They prepare for two important …
TIRANA, April 8 – The Parliamentary Committee on Administrative-Territorial Reform held a hearing with Minister of State for Local Governance Ervin Demo to review the current state of local government and its challenges. Demo presented the performance and services achieved under the 2014 territorial reform, implemented in 2015. He noted …
Orthodox Easter is historically celebrated beautifully in Korçë. This city is known for its rich traditions. This Easter, visitors to Korçë can enjoy a unique artistic experience. The exhibition “Code of Life” by Maria Shukulli opens at the Guri Madhi Gallery. The exhibition presents for the first time in Albania …
TIRANA, April 8 – Holy Tuesday, observed weekly since March 17, has made St. Anthony Church in Laç a center for prayers. People come from across Albania. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared footage today on social media. The video shows the sacred site, which has become a place of unity …
TIRANA, April 8 – On April 8, 1937, Gjergj Fishta’s epic poem Lahuta e Malcís was published in full. It is one of the most remarkable works in Albanian literature. The poem contains 15,613 verses. It is the result of thirty years of work. Fishta combined historical documentation with poetic …
TIRANA, April 8 – Prime Minister Edi Rama visited the new facilities of the Regional Hospital in Lezha and addressed concerns raised by doctors over inequality between specialists and emergency physicians. He said the government will resolve the issue in June through budget changes. The plan will include emergency doctors …
The Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Sports, Blendi Gonxhja, announced a new appointment today. Arta Marku now leads the National Center for Books and Reading. She began her career in 1993 at the newspaper Koha Jonë. Later, she worked at Gazeta Shqiptare, Shekulli, and Panorama. She always focused on books …
TIRANA, April 8 – Parking services in Tirana have moved to a fully digital system, allowing users to access all services through the “Tirana Parking” mobile application. Authorities say the platform aims to simplify procedures and improve access for residents. Through the app, users can apply for resident parking permits, …