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
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
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, …
TIRANA, September 3 – Prime Minister Edi Rama announced the first component of “Pasqyrë Albania” (Dashboard Albania). The component, called “Flamingo Mirror”, will soon give citizens access to documents and information on issues of public interest. To begin with, Rama said the platform would cover planned investment projects on Sazan …