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, …
Egnatia earned an important 3-1 away victory over Vora in the second week of the Albanian Super League. The defending champions faced strong pressure from the hosts in the first half. Coach Nevil Dede rested several regular starters after the team’s Europa League clash with Lillestrøm last week. Vora created …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met with Austrian Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger during his participation in the European Forum Alpbach in Austria. Hoxha thanked his Austrian counterpart for Austria’s continued support for Albania’s path toward EU membership. The two ministers highlighted Austria’s strong role in promoting the …
The “Startup Albania” program continues to support new and innovative businesses across Albania. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu highlighted a new success story. For the first time, a startup from Kukës County has won the program’s grant. Jurgenti, founder of North Venture, won the 2026 Grant through “Startup Albania”. His …
Minister of Defense Ermal Nufi, who also leads the Socialist Party in Lezhë County, met today with the county’s MPs, mayors and local party leaders. The meeting focused on putting citizens at the center of every decision and responsibility. Nufi said officials must listen to citizens and address their concerns …
More than 17,000 textbooks will be distributed to Albanian children in the Diaspora during the new 2026–2027 school year. The announcement was made by Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha through a video message. According to the minister, more than 5,700 educational packages have been planned for students …
After a prolonged political crisis and three repeated election processes, Vetëvendosje (VV) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) have reached an agreement to unblock the process of electing the President of Kosovo. The two parties have agreed to put forward a joint candidate, proposing former ambassador Bekim Sejdiu for …
Prime Minister Edi Rama announced on Monday that 20 schools in Tirana have been equipped with smart cameras, linking the initiative to a pledge he made following the tragic killing of 14-year-old Martin Cani near his school. In a social media post, Rama recalled the serious incident that shocked the …
Starting September 1, urban bus lines in Tirana will operate with a reduced fleet. Transport associations have announced that they will put 20 to 30% fewer buses into service due to rising fuel costs. According to operators, high diesel prices have made it increasingly difficult to cover operating costs, forcing …
The Ministry of Defense has provided an update on the wildfire situation across the country. According to the official statement, which includes complete data as of August 31 at 2:00 p.m., a total of 10 wildfires have been reported across the country. Of these, five remain active, four are under …
Kosovo’s Acting President, Albulena Haxhiu, has welcomed the agreement reached between the Vetëvendosje Movement (LVV) and the Democratic League of Kosovo (LDK) on the presidential candidate. In a Facebook post, she wrote that today’s agreement represents an important step toward overcoming the deadlock and ensuring the full functioning of the …