Albania Arrests 20 for Toxic Waste-Trafficking to Thailand
The suspects are among 33 people accused of involvement in shipping a cargo of dangerous industrial waste from Albania to Thailand. Original post Here
As Trump’s Family Eyes Pristine Albanian Coast, Villagers Cry Foul
The US president’s son-in-law wants to build a tourism development in southern Albania, but residents of the unspoilt strip around Zvernec say a dispute over ownership of the land is being ignored. Original post Here
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
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha reacted today to the death in prison of Ratko Mladić, who received a life sentence for genocide and war crimes. Hoxha described Mladić as a brutal killer who faced convictions for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Tribunal …
TIRANA, August 28 – Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the Thoma Turtulli Children’s Library in Korça on social media this morning. The library has been transformed into a modern space for children. In his Facebook post, Rama highlighted the renovated facilities and the spaces created for reading, learning …
TIRANA, August 28 – Albania will have mostly stable weather on Friday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. Temperatures will remain high. The weather will alternate between clear skies and moderate cloud cover around midday and in the afternoon. Mountainous areas will mainly see these conditions. Meanwhile, isolated light rain …
TIRANA, August 28 – British newspaper Daily Mail has highlighted Tirana as Europe’s most affordable destination for short breaks. The report cited a new study by British travel agency Thomas Cook. The study ranked 51 popular European destinations. It found that 18 destinations could be visited for less than 100 …
“Sophie” Guesthouse in Libohovë, Gjirokastër, has received support through the IPARD Programme. The investment has helped develop rural tourism and promote local products. Prime Minister Edi Rama shared images of the guesthouse, which Marika Karanxha runs. The property offers 11 rooms and combines local traditional elements with modern comfort. Moreover, …
TIRANA, August 28 – The former home of Albanian poet Migjeni still stands in Shkodër. The building now links the poet’s literary legacy with the religious mission of the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Child Jesus. Migjeni remains one of Albania’s most important poets. His work focused on poverty, hardship …
Brazilian magazine “Estado de Minas” has highlighted one of Albania’s most remarkable natural wonders: Lake Neuron in the Vjosa Valley. The underground thermal lake lies near Përmet and the Bënjë thermal springs. It holds around 8.3 million liters of water. The magazine described Lake Neuron as a hidden treasure beneath …
World Lakes Day, marked on August 27, highlights the importance of scientific research and innovation in protecting and sustainably managing lakes. The National Agency for Scientific Research and Innovation (AKKSHI) said people should view lakes not only as natural treasures and beautiful landscapes, but also as natural laboratories for scientific …
The High Scardus Trail is emerging as a major mountain tourism destination in the Western Balkans. The cross-border route connects Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia. The German Embassy in Albania says the trail offers more than spectacular mountain landscapes. It also creates economic opportunities for local communities and helps protect …
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the “Pasqyra Albania” platform will allow citizens to compare product prices and find where they can buy them more cheaply. At the same time, the government will use the platform to analyze how prices form across the entire value chain. Ibrahimaj told ATSH …