50 arrested by Rapid Intervention Force in Elbasan
New details are learned about the Police and Rapid Intervention Force operation in the city of Elbasan. It is reported that 50 people have been arrested, while most of them are suspected of being involved in the production and sale of narcotics. The action started at midnight and the city …
One injured in Korça-Pogradec road car accident
Another accident happened today on the road axis, Pogradec – Korçë. At the entrance to the city of Maliqi, a “Golf” type vehicle overtook a pedestrian who was crossing from one side of the road to the other. According to the witnesses of the event, the ambulance arrived very late, …
Hospital autonomy, Manastirliu: Doctors can do consultations outside ordinary working hours
The Minister of Health Ogerta Manastirliu, after the end of the government meeting this Thursday, announced the decisions that were approved by the Council of Ministers. Manastirliu has stated that the reform for hospital autonomy that supports professionals in these hospital systems has been approved. With this decision, doctors have …
Kosovo declares “Civil Defense” and “Northern Brigade” terrorist organizations
The Government of Kosovo has declared the “Civil Defense” and the “Northern Brigade”, organizations that operate in the northern part of the country, inhabited by a Serbian majority, as terrorist organizations, saying that they are responsible for recent tensions in this area. “Based on the assessments of the security institutions …
Murder of Pjerin Xhuvani in Elbasan/ The prosecution demands 25 years in prison for Arber Paplekaj
The Prosecutor’s Office requested 25 years in prison for Arber Paplekaj, who was arrested for the murder of Pjerin Xhuvani in Elbasan. The event took place in April 2021 in Elbasan, 4 days before the April 2021 parliamentary elections, where the main accused is former RENEA official, Arber Paplekaj. The …
European Council supports Rama’s idea for an international conference for Kosovo and Serbia
The President of the European Council, Charles Michel, supported the idea of an international conference for Kosovo and Serbia, with the aim of reducing tensions between them. Michel made the comments on the eve of an EU summit, which takes place today and tomorrow in Brussels. “I want to say …
Nearly 5500 cannabis plants destroyed in Lezha
20th phase of the “Imazhi” anti-cannabis mega-operation has seen conducted this Wednesday in Lezha, thanks to whichit became possible to seize 5490 cannabis sativa narcotic plants. Police revealed that these narcotic plants were found cultivated on the ground, in 4 different villages of the Lezhë and Kurbin district, while 1,200 …
Drug charges, Albanian declared innocent after 15 years in italian prison
An Albanian has been declared innocent after being arrested for drug trafficking in Italy 15 years ago. Italian media reported that the 41-year-old Albanian was arrested in September 2008 by the Guardia di Finanza, accused of involvement in drug trafficking, along with three other Albanians. According to the theory of …
Rama wished to all muslim believers Happy Eid al-Adha
Prime Minister Rama has started this Wednesday with a greeting to all Muslim believers in Albania and everywhere in the world, who celebrate one of their most important holidays. This congratulatory message by the Head of Government came after thousands of believers in Tirana and other cities of the country …
Man arrested for Tirana exchange shop’s robbery
Enio Mecaj, a 35-year-old resident of Fier, has been arrested by the Tirana police and another person is wanted who is suspected of being the author of the robbery of an exchange point in Tirana. According to the police, it has been learned that a person has been handcuffed because …
During last week’s visit to Israel, Albania’s Prime Minister used a private jet once owned by Sam Bankman Fried, now-jailed owner of crypto exchange FTX – but it’s unclear who footed the bill. Original post Here
The suspects are among 33 people accused of involvement in shipping a cargo of dangerous industrial waste from Albania to Thailand. Original post Here
The US president’s son-in-law wants to build a tourism development in southern Albania, but residents of the unspoilt strip around Zvernec say a dispute over ownership of the land is being ignored. Original post Here
Tropojë Mayor Indicted for Illegal Roadworks Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 – In a case related to alleged abuse of office, Albania’s Special Court has sent Tropojë’s mayor Rexhë Byberi and his deputy Abedin Kërrnaja to trial on charges of “abuse of office” related to local infrastructure projects. The officials are …
The Italy-Albania asylum ‘offshoring’ scheme is being studied by other Western European governments wanting to look tough on migration. But the case of Hamid Badoui, who took his own life after being held at an Albanian migrant detention camp, highlights the human cost. Original post Here
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
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 …
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
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
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 …