Week in Review: Commitment, Stasis and the Epstein Effect
An unfolding scandal of global proportions combines with eventful developments in the region in our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories this week. Original post Here
Kosovo, Albania Parliaments Adopt Resolutions Seeking Justice for Thaci
MPs in both Kosovo and Albania on Thursday adopted declarations in support of the four former guerilla KLA leaders, including Thaci, whose trial for war crimes in The Hague is coming to an end. Original post Here
Actress Sues Albanian Govt for Using Her Image for AI ‘Minister’
Actress Anila Bisha told BIRN that her image was used as the face of Albania’s AI-generated public procurements ‘minister’ without proper permission. Original post Here
Albania’s AI Facade Cracks While Neighbors Win EU Funds
Tirana Times, February 10, 2026 – Serbia and North Macedonia have secured concrete European Union funding to integrate into Europe’s emerging artificial intelligence infrastructure, while Albania—despite high-profile political messaging around AI—has been left outside the first wave of financed projects. According to the latest map and project list published by …
Behind Albania’s Collapsing Roads: Clientelism and Corruption
Tirana Times, February 12 2026 – The rapid deterioration of newly inaugurated roads and tunnels across Albania has exposed far more than technical shortcomings. What authorities have sought to explain as weather-related damage is increasingly understood as a symptom of deeper governance failures rooted in clientelism, weak oversight, and systemic …
Solar Energy Revolution Comes at a Cost in Rural Albania
Photovoltaic parks are multiplying across Albania as the country aims for ‘energy sovereignty’ – but locals say losing agricultural land to solar panels is a blow to their livelihoods. Original post Here
Albania’s TikTok Ban Expires, But Promised Protections Still Pending
As a one-year ban ends, Albanian authorities say they are still working with TikTok on ‘relevant filters’ to better protect young users of the video-sharing app. Original post Here
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
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 …
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
Tirana Times, September 02, 2026 — The resignation of Health and Social Welfare Minister Evis Sala after less than a year in office has opened a new political controversy, with the opposition alleging that her departure followed a dispute over government plans to restructure the health sector. Sala announced Wednesday …
TIRANA, September 3 – Albania will experience relatively unstable weather conditions on Wednesday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will alternate between clear spells and moderate to dense cloud cover. Cloudiness will be more pronounced over mountainous areas, mainly in the east and southeast. Light rain is expected …
TIRANA, September 3 – Albania has been included among 8 destinations that travel reporter Becca Blond recommends visiting now, before mass tourism reaches them, in an article published by Yahoo Creators. Blond describes Albania as one of Europe’s less-discovered and most authentic destinations. She highlights its wild landscapes, untouched beaches, …
The Council of Ministers has approved official criteria for assessing immediate threats of environmental damage and determining environmental harm. The Ministry of Environment proposed the new regulation under Albania’s environmental protection law. The measure aims to support rapid preventive and rehabilitation measures across the country. The decision establishes a clear …
TIRANA, September 3 – Justice Minister Toni Gogu has highlighted the responsibility and daily challenges faced by penitentiary police officers at the Pojska Penitentiary in Pogradec. In a video shared on social media, Gogu said work in penitentiaries requires constant vigilance, accurate implementation of procedures and careful decision-making in different …
TIRANA, September 3 – Around 14,000 visitors visited the National Iconographic Museum “Onufri” in Berat during August, 4,000 more than in the same month last year. State Minister for Local Government Ervin Demo said the figure shows growing interest in Berat’s history and cultural heritage. The museum remains one of …
TIRANA, September 3 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met his Montenegrin counterpart, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ervin Ibrahimovic, at the Bled Strategic Forum. Hoxha highlighted the friendly relations between Albania and Montenegro, describing the two countries as good neighbours, trusted partners and NATO allies. …
TIRANA, September 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama received the Student Council of the Faculty of History and Philology at the University of Prishtina for a discussion on the role of politics and the importance of civic engagement. Rama said politics offers an opportunity to bring people together and advance …
TIRANA, September 3 – Finance Minister Petrit Malaj said magistrates’ salaries have not been blocked by the Ministry of Finance. He said the issue concerns the methodology used by the High Judicial Council and High Prosecutorial Council to prepare their August payrolls. According to Malaj, the two institutions submitted the …
TIRANA, September 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania must address three major problems in the relationship between citizens and the state, describing “Pasqyrë Albania” (Dashboard Albania) and the “Merit Scale” as part of that effort. Speaking to the parliamentary group of the Socialist Party and the government cabinet, …