Trump Visa Freeze Sparks Blame Game in Albania
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
U.S. designates Muslim Brotherhood branches as terrorist organizations
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 …
Washington suspends visas for Albania
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 …
NATO Values as Security Infrastructure: Evidence From Student Conversations
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 …
‘Fiscal Peace’: Albanian Amnesty for Tax-Dodging Businesses Branded Unfair and Opaque
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
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: January 12, 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
How Albanian Organized Crime Conquered Europe’s Cocaine Market
On a locked down November afternoon in 2020, as Europe grappled with Covid 19 restrictions, two Albanian men based in Belgium exchanged a handful of encrypted messages. Deciphered years later from the Sky ECC platform, their words captured a watershed moment in Europe’s cocaine trade. A shipment measured not in …
Port-to-Port: How Albanians Conquered the European Cocaine Market
BIRN reporters trace the rise of Albanian crime gangs to the top of the European cocaine trafficking ladder, from remote parts of Paraguay to European Union ports. Original post Here
Albania in 2026: Battles With Anti-Graft Prosecutors Risk Slowing EU Progress
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
Heavy Rains Cause Evacuations and Discontent in Albania
Dramatic situation reported in several towns, while some locals complain of being abandoned. 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 …