PM Rama’s Big Shake-Up as SPAK Closes In
Tirana Times, February 26, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama carried out one of the deepest cabinet reshuffles of his fourth term, replacing officials across several of the most powerful ministries in a move that comes as his government faces rising scrutiny, swelling scandal pressure and an intensifying anti-corruption push …
Letter from Washington: Buying Friends and Finding Common Foes
As Milorad Dodik comes in from the cold, Albanians impress on Trump that they have an enemy in common. Original post Here
Strategic-Sector Governance Under Strain:The Bankers Petroleum Case and China-Linked Risk Exposure in Albania
Tirana Times, February 25 2026 – Domestic governance gaps are the primary entry points through which foreign actors can generate corrosive outcomes in strategic sectors. The Bankers Petroleum illustrates how this happens: when fiscal terms are unclear, cost verification is weak and enforcement is irregular, revenue disputes can last for …
Balkan Leaders Vow Solidarity with Ukraine on Anniversary of Invasion
Croatian’s premier paid a visit to Kyiv alongside other EU leaders, while most Balkan leaders voiced strong support for Ukraine’s self-defence on the fourth anniversary of Russia’s military assault. Original post Here
Croatian President and Govt Wrangle over Israel Arms Sales
As Defence Minister talks defence sector collaboration with Israel, President Milanovic reminds government that last year he ordered an end to all cooperation with the Israeli army, citing its ‘unacceptable behaviour’. Original post Here
Growing Pains: Albania’s Farmers Find Pathway to EU Markets Hard to Follow
Albania’s huge agricultural sector is seeking to expand into European markets to flourish – but issues over old-fashioned methods, low productivity, banned pesticides and corruption stand in the way. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 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
Share Your Experience: Overtourism from Spain to Turkey and the Balkans
Are you living in a hotspot destination? Struggling with rising rent in a popular neighbourhood or frustrated by the disruption caused by tourists? Tell us your story. Original post Here
Opposition protests mark renewed political tensions in Albania
Protest against the government on the anniversary of the fall of dictator Enver Hoxha’s statue Tirana Times, February 21, 2026 – The national opposition protest held in Tirana on 20 February 2026 marked a new and more volatile phase in Albania’s political confrontation, as long-standing institutional disputes spilled decisively into …
Albania to Contribute Troops to Gaza
PM Rama urges Trump to act on The Hague court and Kosovo leaders. Tirana Times, February 20 2026 – Albania has confirmed it will contribute troops and police personnel to the international stabilization mission in Gaza under the newly created Peace Board, an initiative announced by U.S. President Donald Trump …
Albania’s Ministry of Justice hosted representatives from partner institutions in Kosovo and North Macedonia during the Regional Forum on Strengthening Mediation Mechanisms. During the event, officials officially launched the “SEE Mediation – Strengthening Mediation Systems in Southeast Europe” project. The forum brought together justice sector representatives, judges, prosecutors, and mediators …
Taulant Balla meets residents of Bago in Kavaja and discusses key issues affecting daily life. He focuses on agriculture, legalization, and pensions. He says the government restores attention to irrigation systems under Prime Minister Edi Rama. He explains that investments bring around 300,000 hectares of agricultural land back under irrigation …
The latest episode of the podcast “Flasim” highlights Albanian success stories in medical tourism, sustainable construction, and tourism entrepreneurship. The program focuses on how these sectors support economic growth and expand Albania’s international profile. Edi Rama hosts the episode and presents guests who share their experiences and business developments. He …
Edi Rama highlights the importance of vocational education and human capital as key drivers of Albania’s economic development over the next decade. He opens the latest episode of the podcast “Flasim” and stresses that a strong workforce determines much of the country’s future economic success. First, he explains that Albania …
Edi Rama states that the 35th anniversary of the Socialist Party finds Albania in its strongest position ever and closer than ever to European Union membership. He opens the podcast “Flasim” and explains that the anniversary was planned in advance. He also frames the moment as both a celebration and …
Ermal Nufi meets senior officials at the U.S. Department of State in Washington, where both sides reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the strategic partnership between Albania and the United States. He holds talks with Sonata Coulter and Rachel Schiller. During the meetings, he focuses on cooperation within the NATO alliance. …
Entrepreneur Hudi Shehu says technology and the Albanian diaspora play a decisive role in helping young people build careers and businesses in global markets. He explains that technology reduces geographical barriers and allows entrepreneurs to operate internationally from anywhere. As a result, he says location matters less than skills and …
The exhibition “Gjon Mili: Retrospective” opens at the National Museum of Photography Marubi National Museum of Photography and brings the work of photographer Gjon Mili back to Albania. The museum presents original works curated by Howard Greenberg. It showcases Mili as a pioneer of modern photography. First, the exhibition displays …
Two nights of concerts by Yll Limani bring tens of thousands of young people to Tirana and turn the capital into a major center of music and entertainment. The events take place at the Athletics Track near the Grand Park of Lake Tirana. As a result, the concerts attract audiences …
Prime Minister Edi Rama stated that the recent protests are negatively affecting the tourism sector, leading to cancellations of bookings by foreign tourists for the summer season. Speaking on the podcast “Flasim,” Rama said he has received complaints and messages from tourism operators across different parts of the country, who …