The government will make their own passports, EU for ABC News: Apply strong security standards, key to the visa-free regime
As the government prepares to produce Albanian passports itself, a reaction comes from the EU delegation in Tirana. In response to ABC News’ interest in this matter, the EU delegation says it expects to be informed by the Albanian authorities about the security standards that will be applied to the …
Over 20,000 tons of russian diesel busted in Durres port
A ship with a Liberian flag, which was transporting 22,500 tons of diesel with forged documentation, which was going to be smuggled in Albania, has been blocked this Monday in Durres Port. From the first investigative actions, it is suspected that this oil shipment was taken from countries with an …
The Constitutional Court is expected to choose its president today
After the failure of two rounds, the Constitutional Court is expected to hold the third round of voting today to elect its head. In the competition are Fiona Papajorgji, Marjana Semini and Holta Zaçaj. None of the candidates in the first two rounds received the majority of legal votes, out …
New head of constitutional court elected
Holta Zacaj has been elected this Monday morning as new president of the Constitutional Court. For this position expressed interest 3 judges: Fiona Papajorgji; Marjana Semini; Holta Zacaj. After the failure of two previous election rounds, Zacaj was elected with 5 votes in favor. /abcnews.al […] Read More… Original post …
Ex-official Klosi to remain in prison on money laundering charges
Former official Alda Klosi, will continue to stay in prison, as in this Monday’s hearing, the Court of Appeal of the General Jurisdiction, it was decided to leave in force the measure of “arrest in prison”, in absenta. Alda Klosi asked for a milder security measure than prison, on the …
Rama will pay an official visit to Japan
Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, will pay an official visit to Tokyo, Japan, from February 21 to 25, within the framework of the 42nd anniversary of the official establishment of Diplomatic Relations between Albania and Japan. During his official visit to Tokyo, Prime Minister Rama will hold a series …
New details over domestic murder in Maliq
The serious incident that happened yesterday afternoon in the village of Zvezdë in Maliqi has been clarified. It is known that Shefki Bylykbashi has been arrested, as the suspected author of the murder of his son, Hamdi Bylykbashi. According to the police, initially his family members stated that the victim, …
Manastirliu: We are proud of the medical staff and the investments made in the hospital of Korca
The Minister of Health, Ogerta Manastirliu together with the mayor of Korça, Sotiraq Filo, visited today the Regional Hospital of Korça, where they saw the latest investments. She has announced that these years they have invested in increasing technology and equipment in the hospital of Korça, more specifically in imaging …
PM Rama meets ‘Rotal Energy Group’ boss
during his stay in Germany, the head of government Edi Rama held a meeting with the head of “Total Energy Group”, Patrick Poyanné. Rama shared the details of the meeting with his followers on Facebook. “Working morning with the boss of “Total Energy Group”, Patrick Poyanné, about the investments of …
15 years of statehood, Begaj: Kosovo’s Euro-Atlantic path is ahead
The President of Albania, Bajram Begaj, together with representatives of Kosovo’s institutions, paid tribute at the “Adem Jashari” Memorial Complex in Prekaz. From there, President Begaj emphasized that the state of Kosovo is the trust and legacy of Ibrahim Rugova and Adem Jashari. “It is a pleasure to be here …
Energy suppliers in southeastern Europe are heavily politicized and sometimes nefarious. The US can aid democratic stability through energy engagement. By David J. Kostelancik When Congress passed the Western Balkans Democracy and Prosperity Act as part of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), it sent a clear signal: energy security in Southeastern …
New changes to the Albanian criminal code that only partially abolish defamation as an offence have been criticised by media freedom organisations, citing concerns over freedom of speech. 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
Tirana Times, January 26, 2026 – Albania’s attempted entry into the Peace Board has become a revealing episode, not because of the significance of the initiative itself, but because of the way Albania’s leadership chose to stage and communicate it domestically. The Peace Board represents a new and ambitious international …
Tirana Times, January 25, 2026 – Albania has joined the Peace Board, a newly established international mechanism initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, aimed at overseeing peace agreements and post-conflict stabilization efforts, with an initial focus on the Gaza Strip. The Peace Board was formally launched during the World Economic …
The crisis deepens as the government shields Deputy PM Balluku and a criminal network emerges in AKSHI Tirana Times, January 25, 2026 – Albania’s main opposition party returned to the streets on Saturday with a second national protest against Prime Minister Edi Rama, challenging the legitimacy of his fourth term …
Forty-one environmental organisations from 28 countries have called for a halt to the planned development by Jared Kushner of Albania’s Sazan island as a luxury resort, saying it threatens the valuable biodiversity of the area. Original post Here
Kosovo, Bulgaria and Turkey have signed the Board of Peace Charter, under Donald Trump’s auspices, but several other Balkan countries are still pondering whether to join the initiative. Original post Here
Balkan countries are continuing to sacrifice their remaining clean river stretches to development and pollution, a new assessment warns. Original post Here
The Bulgarian mystic’s doomy predictions continue to grab headlines in Albania and elsewhere – even though many seem fabricated and sometimes appear to serve Russian geopolitical narratives. Original post Here