Powerful Interests are Driving Digital Repression in Southeast Europe
Digital spaces are the new frontlines for challenging entrenched political and economic interests, but the backlash against civic groups trying to expose corruption and environmental destruction or demand official accountability can be fierce. Original post Here
Government Moves to Shield Cabinet from Prosecution as Judiciary–Executive Clash Deepens
Proposed changes to the Criminal Procedure Code following the suspension of Deputy Prime Minister Belinda Balluku trigger opposition backlash, institutional tension, and renewed concerns over judicial independence and EU accession. Tirana Times, February 16 2026 – The Albanian government has launched an urgent legislative initiative to amend the Criminal Procedure …
Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption?
This content is for members only. Visit the site and log in/register to read. The post Republic of Prosecutors or Republic of Corruption? appeared first on Tirana Times. Original post Here
Albanian Ruling Party Proposes Law Granting Senior Officials Immunity
Proposed legal changes, which would protect ministers and other top officials from suspension by the courts, draw condemnation as a move to block anti-corruption investigations. Original post Here
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: February 16, 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
Albania’s AI Minister Diella Sued by Actor Over Image Use
Tirana Times, February 15, 2026 – Albania’s much publicized artificial intelligence “minister” Diella is now at the center of a legal and political controversy after actor Anila Bisha filed a lawsuit against the Albanian government, accusing state institutions of unlawfully using her image and voice. The case, filed at the Administrative …
Shielding Power from Justice
How legislative moves to protect senior officials are putting Albania’s rule of law and EU path at risk By Zef Preçi When governments begin rewriting the rules to protect themselves from the courts, the problem is no longer legal. It is political. Albania’s latest debate over judicial measures against senior …
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
Countries across the Balkan region have increasingly been doing arms deals with Israel and purchasing its military technology – while strengthening political ties too. Original post Here
Prime Minister Edi Rama has rejected claims that the government intervened to deactivate or restrict the social media accounts of people linked to the ongoing protest. In a post on X, Rama said the government has no role in decisions made by social media platforms. He also stressed that state …
UNICEF’s Executive Board has approved a new country program for Albania for 2027–2031. UNICEF Albania and the Albanian government jointly developed the program. The five-year program sets shared priorities and a roadmap to improve children’s well-being, protection and development across the country. According to UNICEF Albania, the program will focus …
Albania aims to complete the alignment of its environmental legislation with European Union rules by September 2027, as part of negotiations on Chapter 27. Environment Minister Sofjan Jaupaj said in a television interview that the process covers around 90 EU directives and regulations. Albania must incorporate these rules into around …
Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha met European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos in Dublin on Thursday. Hoxha held the meeting on the sidelines of the General Affairs Council, which is taking place in Dublin. “It was a pleasure to meet and discuss with EU Commissioner for Enlargement …
Albania is advancing its legal framework to support a greener and more sustainable economy through ecodesign, as part of its efforts to align with European Union legislation. As part of the European Integration Partnership Platform, the Ministry of Infrastructure and Energy held a meeting with the Ministry of Economy and …
The Albanian National Film Festival will return after a 14-year break. The festival aims to reconnect Albanian cinema with the public and create new opportunities for artists and filmmakers. The National Center of Cinematography (QKK) supports the event, while Ilir Butka leads its artistic direction. Iceberg Communication joins the festival …
TIRANA, September 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced that “Prania Besnike” (Committed Presence) will take place every Friday at 17:00 across Albania. He said the initiative aims to make listening to citizens a condition and responding to their concerns an institutional duty. Speaking to the Socialist Party parliamentary group …
TIRANA, September 3 – Education Minister Mirela Kumbaro announced the start of textbook distribution for the new school year. For the first time, all primary school students from first to fifth grade will receive new textbooks free of charge. Kumbaro said the measure would ease the financial burden on families. …
Gjirokastër has places that history preserves. People also keep them alive through memory. Near the famous plane tree in the city’s Bazaar, the Hunters’ Club became a well-known part of local life after 1947. The building had once housed the Prefecture café. Later, the hunters’ association moved its offices there. …