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Behind Albania’s Collapsing Roads: Clientelism and Corruption

Tirana Times, February 12 2026 – The rapid deterioration of newly inaugurated roads and tunnels across Albania has exposed far more than technical shortcomings. What authorities have sought to explain as weather-related damage is increasingly understood as a symptom of deeper governance failures rooted in clientelism, weak oversight, and systemic …

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Solar Energy Revolution Comes at a Cost in Rural Albania

Photovoltaic parks are multiplying across Albania as the country aims for ‘energy sovereignty’ – but locals say losing agricultural land to solar panels is a blow to their livelihoods. Original post Here

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Albania’s TikTok Ban Expires, But Promised Protections Still Pending

As a one-year ban ends, Albanian authorities say they are still working with TikTok on ‘relevant filters’ to better protect young users of the video-sharing app. Original post Here

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Letter From Brussels: The Epstein Effect Hits Europe

In her latest monthly dispatch from Brussels, Gjeraqina Tuhina looks at the ripple-effects of the Jeffrey Epstein saga, while Serbia falls behind on the long march to EU accession. Original post Here

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Opposition Takes to the Streets as Corruption Scandal Reaches the Heart of Power

Tirana Times, February 10, 2026 – Thousands of Albanians filled the streets of Tirana on Tuesday evening in a national protest called by the opposition Democratic Party, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the dismissal of his government, and the establishment of a technical cabinet to lead the …

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Balkans Seeing ‘Serious Stagnation’ in Tackling Corruption: Transparency International

As Transparency International releases its latest corruption perception index, the watchdog’s Lidija Prokic tells BIRN that anti-graft drives have faltered across the Western Balkans – in Serbia especially. Original post Here

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BIRN Reality Check: With Its Mayor Behind Bars, Stasis Grips Albania’s Capital

Awaiting trial on graft charges, Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj has fought hard to maintain his position after the Albanian government tried to dismiss him – but how is the city being governed while he’s in a cell? Original post Here

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EU Presses Parliament Over Deputy PM Immunity

Albania’s choice now will signal whether it is converging with that standard or drifting toward a system where, as Orwell warned, all are equal, but some remain more equal than others. Tirana Times, 09 February 2026 – The European Union has publicly urged the Albanian Parliament to address without delay …

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Is A Storm Gathering Over Justice in Albania?

By Zef Preçi Tirana Times, 09 February 2026 – The campaign that Albania’s ruling Socialist Party appears to be preparing against the Special Anti Corruption Structure (SPAK) raises serious concerns not only about the future of the rule of law in the country but also about the credibility of Albania’s …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 9, 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

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Foreign Affairs Ministry Warns of Fake Visa Website and Urges Use of Official Platform

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs announced today that it identified a website during its ongoing monitoring of open online sources. The site contains materials similar to those published on the institution’s official page for entry visas. The website is: https://evisia-al.com/albaniavisaenquirylive/ Moreover, the Ministry clarified that this site includes …

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Record Budget Revenues – Edi Rama: Over €1 Billion More Without Raising Taxes

Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that budget revenues have reached a historic level. He said this reflects the strengthening of Albania’s economy. During the podcast “Flasim,” he added that projections show over 1 billion euros in additional revenue. Moreover, he stressed that this increase comes not from higher taxes, but …

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Union of Albanian Journalists Raises Alarm Over Violations of Albanian Language Rights in North Macedonia

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8c68888a-cf23-446d-8b54-24fa1d5e94ea-48″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-2″ data-scroll-anchor=”true” data-turn=”assistant”> The Union of Albanian Journalists (UGSH) has raised concern about the failure to enforce the law on the use of the Albanian language in North Macedonia. It views this as a violation of fundamental rights and constitutional principles. In a press release, UGSH …

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Kosovo Investment in Albania Surges, Signaling Deeper Economic Integration

Kosovo-based companies increased their investments in Albania sharply over the past year. As a result, Kosovo now ranks among the country’s leading foreign investors. According to the latest data from the Bank of Albania, investment inflows from Kosovo rose significantly. In the first nine months of 2025, they reached €153 …

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Rama Greets Catholic Easter: “Happy New Day”

Catholic believers celebrate Easter today. They mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It stands as one of the most important moments in the Catholic calendar. Prime Minister Edi Rama sent his greetings through an AI-generated video. He wrote: “Happy New Day.” Believers celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The New Testament …

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Begaj Greets Catholic Believers: Easter Shows Good Defeats Evil

President Bajram Begaj greeted Catholic believers this morning for Easter. He wished joy, peace, and blessings to their families. He shared the message on social media. Begaj said Easter shows that good defeats evil. He said effort overcomes injustice. He said love is stronger than force. He said light defeats …

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Easter Mass in Pristina: Bishop Dodë Gjergji Calls for Peace and Responsibility

Catholic believers gathered for the Easter Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa in Pristina. Bishop Dodë Gjergji led the ceremony. The Mass delivered strong messages of peace. It called for reflection, love, reconciliation, and renewed hope in Albanian families. Bishop Gjergji urged political leaders to act responsibly. He …

News
From Lent to Resurrection: Albanian Catholics Celebrate Easter

Today, Albania celebrates Catholic Easter. It is a special day. We invite you to explore the spiritual meaning of this feast. Discover traditions preserved for generations in Albania. Learn the long history of the Catholic Church in the country. Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It shows life’s victory …

News
Catholic Easter: believers join Way of the Cross procession in Tirana

On the eve of Catholic Easter, many believers gathered in Mother Teresa Square in Tirana for the Way of the Cross procession. The event brought together participants for a key religious ritual. Holding candles and offering prayers, Catholic believers marked Good Friday with a solemn procession. Archbishop Arjan Dodaj of …

News
Rama: Socialist Party Has Started Work for Upcoming Elections, Opposition “Hanging Out in Cafés”

Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting this Friday with Socialist Party members from Unit No. 3 in Tirana. During his speech, Rama emphasized that the ruling majority has already begun groundwork to secure an even deeper victory in the upcoming elections, while mocking the opposition, saying that despite their …

News

Foreign Affairs Ministry Warns of Fake Visa Website and Urges Use of Official Platform

The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs announced today that it identified a website during its ongoing monitoring of open online sources. The site contains materials similar to those published on the institution’s official page for entry visas. The website is: https://evisia-al.com/albaniavisaenquirylive/ Moreover, the Ministry clarified that this site includes …

News

Record Budget Revenues – Edi Rama: Over €1 Billion More Without Raising Taxes

Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that budget revenues have reached a historic level. He said this reflects the strengthening of Albania’s economy. During the podcast “Flasim,” he added that projections show over 1 billion euros in additional revenue. Moreover, he stressed that this increase comes not from higher taxes, but …

News

Union of Albanian Journalists Raises Alarm Over Violations of Albanian Language Rights in North Macedonia

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(–header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]” dir=”auto” data-turn-id=”request-WEB:8c68888a-cf23-446d-8b54-24fa1d5e94ea-48″ data-testid=”conversation-turn-2″ data-scroll-anchor=”true” data-turn=”assistant”> The Union of Albanian Journalists (UGSH) has raised concern about the failure to enforce the law on the use of the Albanian language in North Macedonia. It views this as a violation of fundamental rights and constitutional principles. In a press release, UGSH …

News

Kosovo Investment in Albania Surges, Signaling Deeper Economic Integration

Kosovo-based companies increased their investments in Albania sharply over the past year. As a result, Kosovo now ranks among the country’s leading foreign investors. According to the latest data from the Bank of Albania, investment inflows from Kosovo rose significantly. In the first nine months of 2025, they reached €153 …

News

Rama Greets Catholic Easter: “Happy New Day”

Catholic believers celebrate Easter today. They mark the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It stands as one of the most important moments in the Catholic calendar. Prime Minister Edi Rama sent his greetings through an AI-generated video. He wrote: “Happy New Day.” Believers celebrate the resurrection of Christ. The New Testament …

News

Begaj Greets Catholic Believers: Easter Shows Good Defeats Evil

President Bajram Begaj greeted Catholic believers this morning for Easter. He wished joy, peace, and blessings to their families. He shared the message on social media. Begaj said Easter shows that good defeats evil. He said effort overcomes injustice. He said love is stronger than force. He said light defeats …

News

Easter Mass in Pristina: Bishop Dodë Gjergji Calls for Peace and Responsibility

Catholic believers gathered for the Easter Mass at the Cathedral of Saint Mother Teresa in Pristina. Bishop Dodë Gjergji led the ceremony. The Mass delivered strong messages of peace. It called for reflection, love, reconciliation, and renewed hope in Albanian families. Bishop Gjergji urged political leaders to act responsibly. He …

News

From Lent to Resurrection: Albanian Catholics Celebrate Easter

Today, Albania celebrates Catholic Easter. It is a special day. We invite you to explore the spiritual meaning of this feast. Discover traditions preserved for generations in Albania. Learn the long history of the Catholic Church in the country. Easter celebrates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It shows life’s victory …

News

Catholic Easter: believers join Way of the Cross procession in Tirana

On the eve of Catholic Easter, many believers gathered in Mother Teresa Square in Tirana for the Way of the Cross procession. The event brought together participants for a key religious ritual. Holding candles and offering prayers, Catholic believers marked Good Friday with a solemn procession. Archbishop Arjan Dodaj of …

News

Rama: Socialist Party Has Started Work for Upcoming Elections, Opposition “Hanging Out in Cafés”

Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting this Friday with Socialist Party members from Unit No. 3 in Tirana. During his speech, Rama emphasized that the ruling majority has already begun groundwork to secure an even deeper victory in the upcoming elections, while mocking the opposition, saying that despite their …