Orban criticizes EU: It is shameful how slow is going the enlargement process
The Prime Minister of Hungary, Viktor Orban, at the joint media conference in Tirana, praised the diplomatic relations between the two countries, while saying that the connection between the peoples has deep roots in history. “Very interesting place. I came to Albania with great desire. I’ve been at least 12 …
Kukes mayor resigns after sex scandal
The mayor of Kukes, Safet Gjici, has publication of a video scandal where he is seen having sex in the office. Gjici emphasized that he fell prey to a trap prepared with details and that he has been in an intimate relationship with the girl who appears in the footage …
Op-ed: A rebuttal for Prime Minister Rama’s conceptual comments on Kosovo
By VETON SURROI Prime Minister Rama does not have to be a mediator between the “Euro-Atlantic community” and Kosovo. The Albanian language, technically, does not constitute any added value in communication between the “Euro-Atlantic community” and Kosovo. I listened to the presentation of the Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, …
Q&A: Türkiye-Albania relations face a bright future, says Ambassador Atay
Marking 100 years of diplomatic relations between Albania and Türkiye, Tirana Times interviewed Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye Tayyar Kağan Atay. Türkiye and Albania enjoy excellent relations and they have a bright future ahead, Ambassador Atay says, citing the strategic partnership the two countries enjoy as well as their …
Fraternal Discord: Rama’s Cancellation of Meeting With Kurti Strains Kosovo-Albania Ties
The cancellation of a joint meeting between the two governments due to the tense situation in Kosovo’s Serb-majority north has further damaged already frayed relations between Albin Kurti and Edi Rama. Original post Here
UK Rights Activists Condemn Push to Classify Albania as ‘Safe’
Dozens of rights organizations in the UK have urged parliament not to classify Albania as a ‘safe country’, so clearing the way for the fast-track repatriation of Albanian asylum seekers. Original post Here
Ex-MP of Ruling Party to Lead Albania’s Public Broadcaster
Alfred Peza, a former ruling Socialist Party official and MP, was elected director at the public radio and television broadcasting service, which could cause further concerns about the political independence of the service. Original post Here
UK Parliament Deems Most Albanian Asylum Requests Unfounded
Parliamentary inquiry concludes that most Albanians crossing the Channel in small boats are drawn to the country for economic reasons, not because they are persecuted. Original post Here
Albanian leaders in Montenegro appeal to citizens to vote
Early parliamentary elections are being held today in Montenegro, which were called after the government of Albanian Prime Minister Dritan Abazovic was ousted by a motion of no confidence in the parliament last fall. In these elections, 15 parties and coalitions compete for 81 seats in the parliament. Voting centers …
PM announces return of national folklore festival in Gjirokastra’s castle
Prime Minister Edi Rama has announced this Sunday the return of the National Folk Festival in Gjirokastra Castle. On a social networks’s reaction, PM Rama emphasized that the stone city will be full of colors, rhythms and songs and dances. “GOOD MORNING and with the good news of the return …
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 …