From Declaration to Deterrence: A Turning Point for Southeast Europe’s Security?
By Albert Rakipi On March 18, 2025, the Defense Ministers of Kosovo, Albania, and Croatia signed a Joint Declaration on military cooperation. Though not a formal treaty or binding alliance, the Declaration marks a pivotal moment for regional security in Southeast Europe. It reflects a growing recognition among these countries …
Albania Turns to Filipino Workers as Emigration Crisis Drains Domestic Labor Force
News Analysis Albania Turns to Filipino Workers as Emigration Crisis Drains Domestic Labor Force TIRANA, Albania Tirana Times, March 5th — Confronted by a dramatic labor shortage and a shrinking population, Albania’s government is doubling down on foreign labor as a solution — most notably by negotiating to bring in …
Follow Me: Albania’s Politicians Sharpen Social Media Skills as Election Looms
Ahead of polls in May, warring politicians are focusing their campaigning on social networks – which are steadily displacing traditional media as ways of persuading voters. Original post Here
Balkan Countries Weigh Potential Damage Inflicted by Trump’s Tariffs
Serbia, Bosnia and North Macedonia were the Balkan countries worst hit by the new tariffs announced by US President Donald Trump as he sought to boost the American economy at the expense of its trading partners. Original post Here
What is the aim of the Declaration on military cooperation between Croatia, Albania and Kosovo?
Albania, Croatia and Kosovo signed a joint declaration of cooperation on defence on 18 March in Tirana, which sparked anger among the Serbian officials, who interpreted such a move as a threat to both the country’s territorial integrity and regional stability. The document focuses on “strengthening the defence and security …
Balkan Crime Groups Tightening Grip on South American Drug Trade: Report
Organised crime groups from the Western Balkans are emerging as key players in smuggling cocaine from Latin America, according to a new report. Original post Here
In a depopulating Albania, why is the PM campaigning on a promise to make it easier for young people to leave?
If Rama wants to be the prime minister who ushers Albania into the European Union, he must first be the leader who makes Albania worth staying in. By ANDI BALLA In his recent campaigning for the upcoming May parliamentary elections, Prime Minister Edi Rama has come up with an interesting …
‘Make Albania Great’: Opposition Chief Plots Return with Trump-Style Campaign
Opposition leader Sali Berisha hopes that borrowing MAGA-style rhetoric will being him victory in May’s elections – but many experts doubt that will work. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 31, 2025
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here
Money Laundering Causes Poverty, Income Disparity in Balkans, Says BIRN Film
A new BIRN documentary shows how money laundering has been increasing poverty, prices and income inequality in Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro. Original post Here
Political polarisation and government pressure on the judiciary – sparked by investigations of top politicians – could hinder Albania’s rapid progress towards European Union membership. Original post Here
Dramatic situation reported in several towns, while some locals complain of being abandoned. Original post Here
TIRANA TIMES, December 6, 2025 – Albania is once again under water. Torrential rains over the past days have triggered massive flooding across almost the entire country, exposing not only the fragility of urban infrastructure but, more fundamentally, the long-term failure of governance. From the northern plains to the southern …
By Zef Preçi, Executive Director of ACER As Albania presents itself as closer than ever to the European Union, a troubling contradiction has emerged in its domestic legal and political debate. While the EU is moving decisively toward tougher and more harmonized criminal rules against corruption, Albania is simultaneously discussing …
Allegations of money laundering in construction and claims of informal power networks, including the case of Ergys Agasi, fuel concerns over a distorted housing market Tirana Times, TIRANA, 05 January 2026 – For many middle income families in Tirana, buying an apartment has shifted from a realistic life goal to …
Democracy and the rights of women are being undermined in Albania by the practice of filling electoral candidate lists with women, only to have them resign en masse once the results are in and cede their seats to men. 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
Albania and Kosovo applauded the Trump administration’s military operation against Venezuela’s regime and the ousting of Nicolas Maduro, while other states in the region initially remained silent or called for calm and restraint. Original post Here
By Genc Pollo Tirana, 02 January 2026 – Today’s decision by the European Union to grant “roaming like at home” to Ukraine and Moldova deserves praise. It is a practical citizen-centered step that immediately lowers costs improves connectivity and makes Europe tangible in everyday life. Yet the non inclusion of …
Tirana’s EU accession process is running in top gear – but worryingly, there’s no sign this is being matched with a democratic deepening at home. Original post Here