EU Ambassador: Democracy is measured not only by elections, but also by Parliament’s role
EU Ambassador Sofia Moreira de Sousa addressed an Interparliamentary Conference on Monday, attended by representatives of Albanian institutions, the European Parliament and national parliaments from across Europe. She said Albania’s path towards the European Union has transformed the country, but stressed that this transformation must continue. She also noted that …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: September 28, 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
Albanian MPs join regional meeting on parliamentary integrity
A delegation of the Albanian Parliament took part in the Regional Parliamentary Anti-Corruption Clinic in Beciq, Montenegro, on September 24–26. MPs Milva Ekonomi, Antoneta Dhima and Kliti Hoti represented the Parliament. The National Democratic Institute organised the event with the Parliament of Montenegro. The meeting brought together MPs and parliamentary …
Speaker Peleshi: Public support in EU states key to Albania’s accession
Albanian Parliament Speaker Niko Peleshi said direct engagement with citizens and communities in EU member states is essential for the success of Albania’s EU integration process. He made the remarks at a conference with representatives of Albanian institutions and the European Parliament. Peleshi said enlargement cannot rely only on political …
Health Minister Spahiu: Health structures to be reorganised around citizens’ needs
Health and Social Protection Minister Klodiana Spahiu visited health facilities in Mallakastër to review investments, services and staff work. The visit took place as part of a process to restructure and reorganise health facilities. The process aims to align their capacities with community needs. Spahiu said the reorganisation aims to …
PM Rama: EU must not leave Western Balkans behind again
Prime Minister Edi Rama has called on the European Union not to leave the Western Balkans behind again. He said failure to integrate the region would also be a major failure for Europe. Rama spoke at the Inter-parliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership”. He said Albania …
EU Enlargement Commissioner Kos says Albania is on track for membership
European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos said Albania is on the right track toward European Union membership in an interview with France 24. She included Albania among four countries currently making the most progress in the accession process. Kos described 2026 as a high-paced year for EU enlargement. She said …
European Parliament Albania rapporteur Schieder: Albania can join EU within decade
Andreas Schieder, the European Parliament rapporteur for Albania, said the country has entered the final phase of its EU membership negotiations. He said Albania can close the remaining chapters within the set deadlines. Schieder spoke at the Interparliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership” in Tirana. He …
EU ambassador Moreira de Sousa: Albania advances, but reforms must be implemented
European Union Ambassador to Albania Sofia Moreira de Sousa said Albania has entered a new phase of its EU membership process. She noted that the country has opened all six negotiating clusters and provisionally closed three. Moreira de Sousa spoke at a conference with representatives of Albanian institutions and the …
European Parliament foreign affairs chief McAllister: EU should advance talks as Albania reforms
European Parliament Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman David McAllister said the European Union should advance membership negotiations whenever countries meet reform conditions. He spoke at the Interparliamentary Conference “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Membership” in Tirana. McAllister said Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has increased the strategic importance of EU …
Stronger ties among Western Balkan countries are essential to the region’s future in the European Union, while also strengthening security and resilience, the European Union Delegation in Tirana said today. The statement came during the 12th Tirana Forum on Regional Connectivity, organized by the Institute for Cooperation and Development. The …
The European Commission has unveiled its “Pre-Enlargement Policy Reviews”, setting out reforms to EU institutions, governance and safeguards ahead of the next enlargement wave. The review confirms that EU internal reforms and candidate countries’ progress will move forward in parallel. It also foresees a specific roadmap for Albania’s membership in …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha welcomed European Commissioner Marta Kos’ remarks on the European Union’s preparations for future enlargement. In a post on X, Hoxha said Albania is ready to continue its reforms and work closely with EU member states and the European Commission on an ambitious …
The government has reacted after the European Commission today formally presented its “Pre-Enlargement Policy Reviews”, setting out the framework for internal institutional and governance reforms, as well as safeguard mechanisms that will accompany the European Union’s next wave of enlargement. In its response, the government stressed that this strategic document …
Archbishop Joan of Tirana, Durrës and All Albania has attended the International Scientific Conference organised by the Ecumenical Patriarchate. The Autocephalous Orthodox Church of Albania shared details and images from the conference, noting that its theme is “The Holy and Great Council of the Orthodox Church (2016–2026): Assessments and Perspectives”. …
Numerous citizens and activists took to the streets again this Tuesday as the ongoing protest entered its 129th day. As they do every afternoon, protesters gathered in Skanderbeg Square, chanting slogans including: “Your time is up”, “A new Albania”, “Rama resign”, and “Rama in prison, Berisha in prison”. After gathering …
George Orwell’s literary classic “1984” will be staged at the Kujtim Spahivogli National Experimental Theatre in a co-production with the Shkodër’s Migjeni Theatre. Directed by Dino Mustafic and adapted for the stage by Jeton Neziraj, the production will run on October 16, 17, 18 and 22, 23, 24 and 25. …
Kosova’s acting President Albulena Haxhiu has asked the Constitutional Court to clarify who can exercise presidential powers after her six-month mandate expires if the Assembly fails to elect a new president. The Office of the President confirmed the request to Radio Free Europe on October 6, the deadline for electing …
Infrastructure and Energy Minister Enea Karakaçi said the Tirana-Durrës-Rinas Airport (TIA) rail project forms part of a broader railway modernisation programme. He spoke during a consultation with major international companies on the Public Service Contract for passenger rail transport on the corridor. The project includes rehabilitation of the existing line. …
Deputy Finance Minister Endrit Yzeiraj said proposed changes to Albania’s banking and payment laws will further align the country’s financial framework with European Union rules. Presenting the changes to the parliamentarian Economy Committee, he said the measures support Albania’s European integration process. They also address closing benchmarks for Chapter 4 …