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Letter From Brussels: The Epstein Effect Hits Europe

In her latest monthly dispatch from Brussels, Gjeraqina Tuhina looks at the ripple-effects of the Jeffrey Epstein saga, while Serbia falls behind on the long march to EU accession. Original post Here

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Opposition Takes to the Streets as Corruption Scandal Reaches the Heart of Power

Tirana Times, February 10, 2026 – Thousands of Albanians filled the streets of Tirana on Tuesday evening in a national protest called by the opposition Democratic Party, demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Edi Rama, the dismissal of his government, and the establishment of a technical cabinet to lead the …

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Balkans Seeing ‘Serious Stagnation’ in Tackling Corruption: Transparency International

As Transparency International releases its latest corruption perception index, the watchdog’s Lidija Prokic tells BIRN that anti-graft drives have faltered across the Western Balkans – in Serbia especially. Original post Here

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BIRN Reality Check: With Its Mayor Behind Bars, Stasis Grips Albania’s Capital

Awaiting trial on graft charges, Tirana mayor Erion Veliaj has fought hard to maintain his position after the Albanian government tried to dismiss him – but how is the city being governed while he’s in a cell? Original post Here

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EU Presses Parliament Over Deputy PM Immunity

Albania’s choice now will signal whether it is converging with that standard or drifting toward a system where, as Orwell warned, all are equal, but some remain more equal than others. Tirana Times, 09 February 2026 – The European Union has publicly urged the Albanian Parliament to address without delay …

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Is A Storm Gathering Over Justice in Albania?

By Zef Preçi Tirana Times, 09 February 2026 – The campaign that Albania’s ruling Socialist Party appears to be preparing against the Special Anti Corruption Structure (SPAK) raises serious concerns not only about the future of the rule of law in the country but also about the credibility of Albania’s …

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Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 9, 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

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How “Diella” Was Used by the Russian Pravda Network to Spread Disinformation

By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – In early December, a Croatian satirical outlet published a humorous article claiming that Albania’s AI minister had been arrested after allegedly accepting a bribe worth 14 bitcoins. The satire quickly went viral online, but it was subsequently misinterpreted as factual information …

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The Kurum Case and the Collapse of Environmental Oversight in Albania

Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – The Kurum waste file has exposed one of the most serious environmental and governance scandals in Albania in recent years, revealing not only the illegal export of hazardous waste but also the disappearance of tens of thousands of tons of industrial byproducts inside the …

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Russian Propaganda in North Macedonia

by Agron Vrangalla Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – Moscow systematically uses information manipulation as an instrument of foreign policy. In North Macedonia, Russian propaganda relies on several recurring narratives that exploit domestic political tensions and social vulnerabilities. The impact of Russian propaganda in the Western Balkans is neither new …

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Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë

Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …

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Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games

Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …

News
Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”

The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …

News
Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …

News
Edi Rama: No Compromise on Food Safety for EU Integration

Edi Rama said there will be no compromise on food safety. He spoke in Berat with olive oil producers. First, he highlighted food safety as a key condition for EU integration. He said standards must match those of the European Union. Then, he warned producers. He said non-compliant products will …

News
Delina Ibrahimaj said investment and cooperation in agro-processing are key for exports and EU integration

She spoke during a visit to an olive oil processing business. Edi Rama and other cabinet members were present. First, she stressed higher standards in production. She said agriculture and agro-processing must improve to enter the EU market. Then, she highlighted a new model of cooperation. Over 70 olive oil …

News
Blendi Gonxhja said traditional crochet art is a candidate for UNESCO recognition

Blendi Gonxhja said traditional crochet art is a UNESCO candidate. He announced the nomination of “ojnat.” He submitted it in a joint file with Romania and Turkey. First, he highlighted its cultural value. He said Albanian women passed it down through generations. Then, he explained the technique. Artisans use fine …

News
Orthodox Believers Mark Good Friday with Holy Procession in Tirana

Joani of Tirana, Durres and All Albania led the Holy Epitaph procession in Tirana. Orthodox believers marked Good Friday. They gathered at the Cathedral “Resurrection of Christ.” First, they lit candles. They prayed together. They remembered the Passion of Christ. Then, the procession moved through the streets of Tirana. Clergy …

News
Karakaçi Meets Lorkowski to Review Albania’s Energy Progress

Karakaçi meets Lorkowski to review Albania’s energy progress. Officials discuss Albania’s energy sector performance. The Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Enea Karakaçi, hosts Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, in Tirana. Both sides review Albania’s progress report in the energy sector. They exchange views on expectations for 2026. …

News
Rama: No blockage in Albania’s EU negotiation process

Rama says there is no blockage in Albania’s EU negotiation process. He makes the statement during a meeting in Berat with pensioners. First, he presents government support policies. Then, he updates citizens on EU integration progress. Next, he responds to the EU Ambassador, Silvio Gonzato. He says negotiations continue normally. …

News

Niko Peleshi Meets Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë

Niko Peleshi met Gunnar Schellenberger in Korçë. They discussed cooperation and city development. They focused on education, technology, culture, and art. They highlighted their role in Korçë’s future. They also discussed University of Fan S. Noli. They called it an important bridge for academic cooperation. They mentioned student exchanges and …

News

Blerim Gashani: Kosovo Will Shine by Hosting Mediterranean Games

Blerim Gashani said Kosovo will successfully host the Mediterranean Games. He spoke about preparations for the event. He said work continues despite global challenges. He said institutions are moving forward. Gashani said the legal framework is ready. He said the government will approve it soon. He added that the process …

News

Replay Elka Cup 2026 held its Tirana semifinals at the “House of Football”

The event promoted school football and youth participation in sports. It brought strong support from students and fans. The semifinals delivered strong competition. Both matches were decided by penalties. Petro Nini Luarasi Gymnasium beat Sami Frasheri Gymnasium 4–3 on penalties after a 0–0 draw. Qemal Stafa Gymnasium defeated Ismail Qemali …

News

Ermal Nufi Meets U.S. General McKinney to Strengthen Defence Cooperation

Ermal Nufi met U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris McKinney from United States European Command. They discussed regional security issues. They focused on defence cooperation and increased military spending. They also talked about military mobility. They highlighted the importance of the Pan-European Corridor VIII. Both sides discussed cyber defence. They noted …

News

Edi Rama: No Compromise on Food Safety for EU Integration

Edi Rama said there will be no compromise on food safety. He spoke in Berat with olive oil producers. First, he highlighted food safety as a key condition for EU integration. He said standards must match those of the European Union. Then, he warned producers. He said non-compliant products will …

News

Delina Ibrahimaj said investment and cooperation in agro-processing are key for exports and EU integration

She spoke during a visit to an olive oil processing business. Edi Rama and other cabinet members were present. First, she stressed higher standards in production. She said agriculture and agro-processing must improve to enter the EU market. Then, she highlighted a new model of cooperation. Over 70 olive oil …

News

Blendi Gonxhja said traditional crochet art is a candidate for UNESCO recognition

Blendi Gonxhja said traditional crochet art is a UNESCO candidate. He announced the nomination of “ojnat.” He submitted it in a joint file with Romania and Turkey. First, he highlighted its cultural value. He said Albanian women passed it down through generations. Then, he explained the technique. Artisans use fine …

News

Orthodox Believers Mark Good Friday with Holy Procession in Tirana

Joani of Tirana, Durres and All Albania led the Holy Epitaph procession in Tirana. Orthodox believers marked Good Friday. They gathered at the Cathedral “Resurrection of Christ.” First, they lit candles. They prayed together. They remembered the Passion of Christ. Then, the procession moved through the streets of Tirana. Clergy …

News

Karakaçi Meets Lorkowski to Review Albania’s Energy Progress

Karakaçi meets Lorkowski to review Albania’s energy progress. Officials discuss Albania’s energy sector performance. The Minister of Infrastructure and Energy, Enea Karakaçi, hosts Artur Lorkowski, Director of the Energy Community Secretariat, in Tirana. Both sides review Albania’s progress report in the energy sector. They exchange views on expectations for 2026. …

News

Rama: No blockage in Albania’s EU negotiation process

Rama says there is no blockage in Albania’s EU negotiation process. He makes the statement during a meeting in Berat with pensioners. First, he presents government support policies. Then, he updates citizens on EU integration progress. Next, he responds to the EU Ambassador, Silvio Gonzato. He says negotiations continue normally. …