PM Rama appeals to Europe: Don’t leave the Balkans behind
Prime Minister Edi Rama spoke about Albania’s European integration process at the Interparliamentary Conference, “Strategic Agenda for EU Enlargement and Albania’s Accession,” where he also addressed the country’s social and political climate. Referring to the “Flamingo Revolution” protests, Rama said they had become an example of rising expectations among Albanian …
Details emerge from National Security Council discussions on Hyseni case; SPAK chief also attends
President Bajram Begaj convened a meeting of the National Security Council on Monday, focusing on recent developments and their impact on the country’s security institutions. In addition to the members designated by law, representatives of the General Prosecutor’s Office and the Special Prosecution against Corruption and Organised Crime (SPAK) were …
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 …
As patients increasingly arrive at surgeries armed with diagnoses drawn from artificial intelligence chatbots, doctors fear their authority is being undermined – and that people may suffer as a result of AI-generated errors. Original post Here
The 131st day of protests took a different turn this Thursday, as demonstrators moved from Skanderbeg Square towards Parliament, unlike previous gatherings held near the Prime Minister’s Office. The relocation of the protest comes on a day when Parliament is expected to vote on the territorial reform proposed by the …
European Commissioner Michael McGrath has described Albania as one of the leading countries in the EU accession process. “Albania belongs in the EU,” he said in a social media post after meeting Prime Minister Edi Rama. He pledged continued EU support but stressed that important work remains. The meeting focused …
Albania has reached an advanced stage in its bid to join the Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO). Prime Minister’s Office officials shared updates on the visit of DCO Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya, which supports the accession process. The visit highlights Albania’s digital transformation achievements, outlines the next steps toward membership and reinforces …
Constitutional Court President Fiona Papajorgji met European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection Michael McGrath during his first visit to Albania. They discussed the court’s work, institutional capacity and the implementation of its decisions. The talks also focused on strengthening judicial reform and safeguarding the …
Albania has taken a step toward expanding green finance and directing investment into sustainable activities. The Bank of Albania presented the final draft of the National Green Activities Classification with support from the European Investment Bank. Second Deputy Governor Natasha Ahmetaj said the framework will influence how banks and investors …
German Ambassador to Kosovo Rainer Rudolph said Kosovo can now pursue its European agenda more actively after resolving its institutional crisis. He spoke at a reception marking German Unity Day. Rudolph said stable institutions will allow Kosovo to renew its focus on European integration. He warned that the process will …
European Commissioner for Democracy, Justice, the Rule of Law and Consumer Protection, Michael McGrath, has stated that Albania is one of the frontrunners in the European Union accession process. In a social media post following his meeting with Prime Minister Edi Rama, McGrath stressed that Albania “belongs in the EU”, …
The Osman Taka Dance has been included in Albania’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The announcement was made by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport Blendi Gonxhja, while Prime Minister Edi Rama also commented on the decision, describing the dance as one of the expressions of Cham identity and tradition. …
Albania’s garment manufacturing industry is facing increasingly serious difficulties. From around 65,000 employees previously working in the manufacturing sector, the workforce has now fallen to approximately 40,000, while nearly 150 garment factories have shut down in recent years. The alarm was raised in Elbasan during a meeting between the Albanian …