We Were Always Here: The Balkans Should Honour Its LGBTQ+ Pioneers
Balkan LGBTQ+ people, both in the region and in the diaspora, are often told that their identities are incompatible. It’s time to hear a different story – and learn more about the region’s pioneers. Original post Here
Ivanka Trump Visit Reignites Property Dispute in Zvërnec
Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents and their property claims, while intersecting with a long-running court battle involving controversial real estate businessman Artur Shehu. By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 2, 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
Tunnel Revelation Raises Awkward Questions for Albanian Government
The Murrizi Tunnel was opened to much fanfare in March last year, not long before a parliamentary election. Now the Albanian Road Authority says it has yet been certified for use. Original post Here
Albania and the Balkans in the Epstein Files
Tirana Times, 01 February 2026 – The release of more than three million pages of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case by the United States Department of Justice has expanded the scope of one of the most disturbing scandals of the past decade far beyond the United States. The …
Week in Review: Plots, Twists and Chaos
Expecting the unexpected seems to be the name of the game in both global politics and the domestic politics of the region, as 2026 kicks off with a few unexpected twists. Original post Here
Unlikely Friendship: Albanian PM Eyes Potential Gains From Israel Alliance
Critics accused Edi Rama of overlooking Palestinian suffering during his recent visit to Israel. But both he and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, see advantages in a closer relationship. Original post Here
Elbasan County Council Honors Saudi Ambassador for Humanitarian Contributions
Tirana Times, January 29, 2026 – This Tuesday, the Elbasan County Council has formally honored the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Albania, Faisal Ghazi Al-Hafthi, in recognition of his humanitarian engagement and his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations at the local level. The ceremony, held in Elbasan, …
Albania’s EU Progress ‘Says More About Brussels Than Tirana’
Albania has opened every negotiation ‘cluster’ as it races along the road to EU accession, but who should get the credit – Edi Rama’s government? Anti-graft prosecutors? Or even Vladimir Putin? Original post Here
How a Balkan Wind Farm Aids US National Security
Energy suppliers in southeastern Europe are heavily politicized and sometimes nefarious. The US can aid democratic stability through energy engagement. By David J. Kostelancik When Congress passed the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), it sent a clear signal: energy security in Southeastern …
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 …
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 …
*]: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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …