What’s driving Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans – and what should be done about it?
12 June 2025 Chinese FDI in the Western Balkans has increased substantially, but won’t catch up with EU FDI any time soon. Governments must ensure that China’s investments comply with environmental and labour standards. Attracting high-quality FDI should be the goal image credit: unsplash.com/vxhorse By Branimir Jovanović This article draws on …
The Cost of Embezzlement: Lessons from Albania’s Grant Scandals
William Easterly, an American economist and professor at NYU, wrote an essay back in 2006 on foreign aid. His central thesis focused on scrutinising the idealistic sentiment behind foreign aid, and the harsh reality of its lacklustre execution. In his cutting and astute observations, Easterly points to the fact that …
With their Healthcare System in Decline, Some Albanians Look to Kosovo
Albanians in the north say they find cheaper treatment and a more pleasant experience if they go to hospital across the border in Kosovo. Original post Here
Detention of Tirana Mayor Without Charges Highlights Rule-of-Law Concerns in Albania
TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times — The prolonged pre-trial detention of Tirana Mayor Erion Veliaj — still held without formal charges — is raising fresh questions about Albania’s judicial practices, as critics point to growing divergence from European legal standards. Veliaj, once a key figure in the ruling Socialist Party and …
Italy and Albania: Building a Shared Future Through Action and Partnership
By Marco Alberti, Ambassador of Italy to Albania The Italian anthem was written by Goffredo Mameli, a young man who sacrificed his life for Italy’s freedom— the same desire for freedom that has always characterized the Albanian people. This sense of freedom unites us. The very first word of our …
Russian Propaganda Campaign Targets European Summit in Albania
By Vladimir Karaj TIRANA, Albania— A Kremlin-aligned propaganda network unleashed a flurry of disinformation targeting last month’s European Political Community (EPC) summit in Tirana, seeking to mock Western leaders, amplify Russian narratives, and sow distrust — even as Albania, a staunch NATO ally, hosted the high-profile event. In the days …
Village Schools Left Behind by Albania’s Digital Rollout
Schools in rural parts of Albania are being left behind when it comes to the use of digital tools in teaching and communication. Original post Here
Albania-Serbia Match Highlights Political Fault Lines Amid Fragile Rapprochement
Tirana Times, June 8, 2025 ,The goalless draw between Albania and Serbia on Saturday in Tirana was more than just a World Cup qualifying fixture. Played under the shadow of history, unresolved political tensions, and previous violent episodes between fans, this match offered a revealing glimpse into the complex relationship …
Albania’s Healthcare Plagued by High-Level Corruption and Broken Promises
Tirana Times, 5 June 2025 — More than a decade after promising “free healthcare” to all citizens, Albania’s Socialist government faces mounting public outrage and a credibility crisis, as a new report reveals that 8 in 10 Albanians believe the country’s healthcare system is deeply corrupt. The study, conducted by …
Albania, Greece Signal Readiness to Restart Maritime Talks Amid Lingering Tensions
Albania (Tirana Times) — June 5, 2025, Albania and Greece may be poised to revive negotiations over their long-disputed maritime border, a development that could mark a turning point in relations marred by legal battles, ethnic tensions, and political provocations. The possible reopening of talks was hinted at during a …
As the new year gets off to a cold start in the region, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories takes a look at the high expectations and sobering realities of what 2026 holds in store. Original post Here
Critics warn of deepening inequality, impunity and potential money-laundering exposure. Tirana Times, January 16,2025 – Albania’s newly adopted “fiscal peace” package framed by the government as a reset of relations between businesses and the tax authorities, has sparked sharp criticism from economists, business associations, the opposition and international observers. Although …
Opinion articles under the pseudonym ‘Endri Kajsiu’ have for years promoted pro-government narratives in the Albanian media – leading some to wonder if the author could even be the prime minister. Original post Here
Tirana Times, January 15, 2026 – Albania’s banking sector enters 2026 with growing caution, as banks operating in the country anticipate an increase in non performing loans despite strong demand for credit. According to the latest CESEE Banking Lending Survey conducted by the European Investment Bank for the second half …
After the US paused visa processing for 75 countries, including Albania, the opposition in Tirana has accused the government of getting the country put on Trump’s “blacklist”. Original post Here
Saudi Arabia welcomes Washington’s decision and reaffirms joint stance against extremism Tirana Times, January, 14, 2026 – The United States has officially designated branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon as terrorist organizations, marking a major shift in Washington’s approach toward political Islamist movements. The announcement immediately drew …
Albania included among weak or failing states despite being a NATO member Tirana, Tirana Times, 14 January 2026 – Washington’s decision to suspend U.S. visa processing for Albania, effective January 21 and for an indefinite period, marks one of the strongest diplomatic signals sent to Tirana in years. Albania has …
In the Western Balkans, “security” is rarely an abstract concept. It is encountered as a lived condition, shaped by memory, geography and a persistent awareness that stability can erode when trust is thin. Security, in this context, is not discussed only in strategic documents or institutional language, but reasoned through …
Albania’s government is poised to waive business tax debts more than a decade old, as part of what it says is a reset in relations between the tax authorities and businesses. Critics say it is unfair on those who have played by the rules. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here