Local roads, national standards: Tropojë case tests Albania’s procurement and oversight
Tropojë Mayor Indicted for Illegal Roadworks Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 – In a case related to alleged abuse of office, Albania’s Special Court has sent Tropojë’s mayor Rexhë Byberi and his deputy Abedin Kërrnaja to trial on charges of “abuse of office” related to local infrastructure projects. The officials are …
Hamid’s Story: A Tale of Death and Europe’s Drift Towards Offshore Detention
The Italy-Albania asylum ‘offshoring’ scheme is being studied by other Western European governments wanting to look tough on migration. But the case of Hamid Badoui, who took his own life after being held at an Albanian migrant detention camp, highlights the human cost. Original post Here
We Were Always Here: The Balkans Should Honour Its LGBTQ+ Pioneers
Balkan LGBTQ+ people, both in the region and in the diaspora, are often told that their identities are incompatible. It’s time to hear a different story – and learn more about the region’s pioneers. Original post Here
Ivanka Trump Visit Reignites Property Dispute in Zvërnec
Plans by relatives of U.S. President Donald Trump to build a luxury resort in the scenic coastal area of Zvërnec have sidelined local residents and their property claims, while intersecting with a long-running court battle involving controversial real estate businessman Artur Shehu. By Vladimir Karaj Tirana Times, 02 February 2026 …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 2, 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
Tunnel Revelation Raises Awkward Questions for Albanian Government
The Murrizi Tunnel was opened to much fanfare in March last year, not long before a parliamentary election. Now the Albanian Road Authority says it has yet been certified for use. Original post Here
Albania and the Balkans in the Epstein Files
Tirana Times, 01 February 2026 – The release of more than three million pages of documents linked to the Jeffrey Epstein case by the United States Department of Justice has expanded the scope of one of the most disturbing scandals of the past decade far beyond the United States. The …
Week in Review: Plots, Twists and Chaos
Expecting the unexpected seems to be the name of the game in both global politics and the domestic politics of the region, as 2026 kicks off with a few unexpected twists. Original post Here
Unlikely Friendship: Albanian PM Eyes Potential Gains From Israel Alliance
Critics accused Edi Rama of overlooking Palestinian suffering during his recent visit to Israel. But both he and his Israeli counterpart, Benjamin Netanyahu, see advantages in a closer relationship. Original post Here
Elbasan County Council Honors Saudi Ambassador for Humanitarian Contributions
Tirana Times, January 29, 2026 – This Tuesday, the Elbasan County Council has formally honored the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to Albania, Faisal Ghazi Al-Hafthi, in recognition of his humanitarian engagement and his contribution to strengthening bilateral relations at the local level. The ceremony, held in Elbasan, …
Our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at future goals as well as lost opportunities from the past. Original post Here
TIRANA, April 10 – Foreign Minister Ferit Hoxha said the Fourth Diaspora Summit represents an important national event aimed at strengthening ties between Albanian institutions and citizens living abroad. He spoke during a media conference ahead of the gathering. He said the main objective is to turn the summit into …
TIRANA, April 10 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj met tourism businesses in Berat to discuss sector challenges and tax compliance. He was joined by Tax Administration Director General Ilir Binaj. The meeting focused on cooperation with tax authorities and progress in implementing the operational plan for the region. During the …
TIRANA, April 10 – Prime Minister Edi Rama met pensioners in Tirana’s Unit 2 to discuss economic growth, social policies, and pension reform. He said the government will continue support through annual bonuses and gradual pension increases across categories. During the discussion, Rama said the government has entered a new …
The Albanian government has approved a new project for the Shkodër region called “Gateway to the Alps.” Through this project, €100 million in infrastructure investments are planned across the entire region, aiming to give a significant boost to tourism development, from the Alps all the way to the coast of …
The Kosovo Security Force has announced that, in a solemn ceremony held today at the “Skënderbeu” barracks in Ferizaj, 36 recruits from non-majority communities were certified and have officially joined the force as its soldiers. During the ceremony, it was stated that the recruits came from Turkish, Ashkali, Bosniak, Roma, …
The Constitutional Court and the National Chamber of Advocates held a conference where one of the fundamental principles of criminal law was discussed — the prohibition of double trial or punishment for the same criminal offense. In essence, this principle guarantees that a person cannot be prosecuted or punished more …
The Council of Ministers approved this Friday the rules for the organization and functioning of the Project Support Council, a new structure established under the Gambling Supervision Authority. The decision defines in detail the procedures for establishing, organizing, and operating this council, which will play a key role in supporting …
Journalist: I’m in the TV studio with the Ambassador of the European Union in our country, Mr. Silvio Gonzato. Z. Ambasador, thank you for joining us. I would like to start with a question that every Albanian asks, although we hear at the news every day, and political parties give …
Prime Minister Edi Rama held a meeting on Friday with pensioners from Unit No. 2. Rama stated that the real increase in pensions began in January and will continue progressively every January. “At last, the moment has come when the economy has made this possible; starting from January, you are …