Albania’s EU Progress ‘Says More About Brussels Than Tirana’
Albania has opened every negotiation ‘cluster’ as it races along the road to EU accession, but who should get the credit – Edi Rama’s government? Anti-graft prosecutors? Or even Vladimir Putin? Original post Here
How a Balkan Wind Farm Aids US National Security
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 …
Albanian Law Only Partially Decriminalising Defamation Disappoints Media Groups
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
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 26, 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
A Case of Theatrical Diplomacy
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 …
Albania Joins the Peace Board
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 …
Opposition Protests as Corruption Case Deepens Political Crisis
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 …
Environmentalists Urge Suspension of Kushner Island Resort Project in Albania
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, Turkey Join Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’
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
‘Worrying’ Loss of Pristine Rivers in Balkans Highlighted by Study
Balkan countries are continuing to sacrifice their remaining clean river stretches to development and pollution, a new assessment warns. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 9 – Korça’s central square in front of the Orthodox Cathedral came alive with the Spring Fair ahead of Easter. The event, now a local tradition, brings together artisans and visitors from across the country. Stalls showcase handmade crafts, traditional products, and souvenirs, creating a lively and authentic …
Tourism, Culture, and Sports Minister Blendi Gonxhja visited the Gjuhadol neighborhood in Shkodra. Mayor Benet Beci joined him. The area includes many historic buildings. Authorities plan to revitalize them and restore their identity. Gonxhja said they will implement a structured intervention plan. The plan targets historic zones and centers. The …
TIRANA, April 9 – Today marks 27 years since the Battle of Koshare, a key confrontation that broke the border between Kosova and Albania. The battle began on April 9, 1999, during Operation “Shigjeta” (The Arrow). It involved fierce clashes with Serbian forces and stands among the bloodiest and most …
The comedy “I Don’t Hear, I Don’t See, I Don’t Speak” premiered at Elbasan’s Skampa Theater, creating a special atmosphere for the audience. Directed by Donard Hasani, the play features performances by Laerti Vasili, Hervin Culi, Atalanta Kërçyku, and Helidon Fino. The comedy tells the story of three characters with …
TIRANA, April 9 – Albania moves closer to a modern, competitive energy market with a new draft law. Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Enea Karakaçi, presented the proposed changes at a roundtable today. The session included all key stakeholders in the energy sector. Karakaçi emphasized that the law forms a …
TIRANA, April 9 – The 4th Diaspora Summit will take place in Tirana on April 13–15, bringing together Albanians from around the world to share ideas and foster collaboration. The summit, under the slogan “From our roots we rise,” aims to strengthen connections between the Albanian diaspora and institutions in …
TIRANA, April 9 – The National Food Authority (AKU) has launched a program to categorize fish processing and standardization plants across Albania. AKU Director Blerina Gjylameti said the project aims to ensure food safety, increase market transparency, and bring the sector closer to European Union standards. The initiative runs from …
TIRANA, April 9 – The “Taulantia” promenade in Durrës will soon welcome visitors with a fresh design. Prime Minister Edi Rama, with Durrës Mayor Emiriana Sako, inspected the site today. Construction is moving fast, and the promenade will open by June. Workers have begun installing shaded structures designed by Bofill …
The University of Sofia “St. Kliment Ohridski” hosted an evening full of words, memories, and emotions that celebrated two of the greatest voices of Albanian literature, Ismail Kadare and Dritëro Agolli, the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs reported today. Under the title “Albanian Voices in European Literature”, the event, …
TIRANA, April 9 – German Brigadier General Thomas Schulte-Borghoff has officially taken over as Director of NATO’s Advisory and Liaison Team in Kosova. He succeeds Doctor Sven Lange. The handover ceremony took place at the Ministry of Defence in Prishtina, according to a KFOR statement. General Lange, who led the …