US Senator: Washington Should Focus on Economy and Stability in Western Balkans
US Senator Jeanne Shaheen said in Tirana on Friday that the United States should focus its policy towards the Western Balkans on three key areas: economic opportunities, stability and democratic institutions. Shaheen, the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, is leading a US congressional delegation on a multi-day …
Rama: Albania Closes Fourth Chapter in EU Negotiations, Countdown Begins Towards Historic Goal
Prime Minister Edi Rama has commented on the progress of Albania’s European Union accession negotiations in a social media post. He announced the closure of the fourth chapter in the European integration process, stressing that this would strengthen prospects for investment, employment and competitiveness. “Albania closes its fourth chapter, and …
Week in Review: Realities Old and New
A string of long-awaited elections, as well as changing international dynamics, are reshaping the region, as our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week highlights. Original post Here
Albania sets new maximum fuel prices from 13:00
Albania’s Transparency Board has set new maximum wholesale and retail prices for diesel and petrol. The new prices will take effect on October 9 at 13:00 and will remain in force until the board’s next meeting. The maximum retail price for diesel will be ALL 213 per litre, while the …
Anti-corruption chief Braho meets European Commissioner McGrath
Klodjan Braho, head of Albania’s Special Structure against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK), met European Commissioner Michael McGrath on Thursday. McGrath is responsible for democracy, justice, the rule of law and consumer protection. The talks covered the Code of Criminal Procedure, political rhetoric towards the anti-corruption structure and continued cooperation …
Kosovo to Compete at European Individual Table Tennis Championships
Kosovo will compete at the 2026 European Individual Table Tennis Championships in Ljubljana, Slovenia. The European Table Tennis Union (ETTU) will host the tournament at Arena Stozice, bringing together the continent’s top players. Kreshnik Mahmuti and Shega Hashani will represent Kosovo, with Ridvan Hashani as their coach. FPPK President Nehat …
Restoration Work Begins at Selca Monumental Tombs
Specialists from the Korçë Regional Directorate of Cultural Heritage have started maintenance work at the Monumental Tombs of Lower Selca. They are replacing and restoring the protective shelters over the ancient tombs to shield the structures from weather damage and preserve the site. The tombs stand in the Mokër area, …
Tickets on sale for Albania-Finland Nations League match
Tickets are now on sale for Albania’s UEFA Nations League match against Finland at Air Albania Stadium on November 12. Kick-off is scheduled for 20:45. The match will be the penultimate fixture in Group C1. The Albanian Football Association has announced that fans can buy tickets in the stadium’s designated …
Kosova Security Force wins gold at Cambrian Patrol 2026
The Kosova Security Force won a gold medal at the Cambrian Patrol 2026 competition in the United Kingdom. Kosova’s Defence Minister Ejup Maqedonci announced the result, achieved among 120 participating teams. Maqedonci said the award reflects the force’s professionalism, discipline and high level of training. Meanwhile, members of the team …
Albania’s foreign currency reserves exceed 8.4 billion euros
Albania’s foreign currency reserves exceeded 8.4 billion euros at the end of August 2026. This marked their highest recorded level. According to the Bank of Albania, reserves increased by 15.1% from the end of 2025. They also rose by 18.7% year on year. Foreign currency purchases by the central bank …
The United Nations in Albania has reacted to the protests in Tirana, expressing concern over acts of violence and escalating tensions. In its statement, the UN called on all parties to refrain from violence and engage in dialogue, emphasizing the importance of respecting fundamental rights and ensuring proportionality in law …
Prime Minister Edi Rama has reacted on social media to the ongoing protests by university and high school students in Tirana. Rama published a message expressing his love for Albania, accompanying the post with a photograph of a fallen road sign. “I loved Albania unconditionally when it had been brought …
Albania’s religious leaders have issued a joint statement regarding the situation arising from student protests held across the country in recent days. In the statement, religious leaders called for peace, justice, responsibility and dialogue. The Interreligious Council stressed that young people must be heard and that institutions must provide responses …
Tirana Police have issued an official statement regarding protesters detained during Thursday’s protests. According to police, 56 people have been arrested and criminal proceedings have been initiated against 97 others. In the statement, police said protesters had engaged in acts of violence, throwing stones, hard objects and pyrotechnic devices at …
Sokol Sadushi officially handed over his duties as President of the Supreme Court to Ilir Panda during a ceremony held this Friday in Tirana, in the Joint Chambers Hall. The ceremony was attended by Supreme Court judges, legal advisers, and members of the court’s administrative staff. The handover marks the …
The Director of the Department for Public Order and Security, Dhimitraq Ziu, said in a public statement on Friday that 127 people have so far been arrested in Tirana, while another 244 have been placed under investigation without being detained. The senior police official also stated that the Cybercrime Investigation …
Interior Minister Ervin Demo has once again responded to the protests and violent incidents reported over the past four days. In a statement, Demo provided an overview of the situation, revealing that 156 people had been injured, including 97 police officers, 45 protesters and 12 bystanders. The minister paid particular …
Tirana University Hospital Centre (QSUT) has updated its figures on the condition of those injured during the protest, as of 6:45 p.m. According to the statement, a total of 11 people have sought medical assistance, including protesters, minors, police officers and bystanders. Full statement: Update / Injuries during the October …
After the capital endured a third night of violent clashes between student-led protesters and police, Edi Rama vowed not to bow to the demands for him to quit. Original post Here
Our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week takes a look at salacious tales making unpleasant headlines, political deals being mooted and insiders spilling secrets. Original post Here