The War in Iran and Albania in a Fragmenting International Order
by Dr. Arben Ramkaj Tirana Times, February 28 2026 – At the very moment when diplomacy appeared to be moving toward a fragile agreement, the United States and Israel launched a unilateral strike against Iran, shifting the region from tense negotiations to open confrontation. The targets included strategic infrastructure and …
Monday Briefing from the Balkans: March 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
Balkan Govts Scramble to Safeguard Citizens in Middle East Conflict Zone
Some Balkan countries are planning to evacuate stranded citizens from the conflict zone around Iran, others have already managed to fly people out – although some have only issued security warnings. Original post Here
Albanians Pay Price of Legal Row over Wastewater Treatment Project
For decades, sewage from the Albanian capital has been discharged untreated into the waters of the Lana River in Tirana. Original post Here
Albania Aligns With U.S. and Israel on Iran
Albania also voices solidarity with Saudi Arabia and other Gulf partners after Iran’s missile attacks. Tirana Times, March 1, 2026 – Albania threw its support behind U.S. strikes on Iran in the opening hours of the latest Middle East escalation, with Prime Minister Edi Rama declaring that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary …
Albania Backs U.S. Strikes on Iran
Kosovo and North Macedonia join support for Washington. Tirana Times, February 28, 2026 – Albania threw its support behind U.S. strikes on Iran on Friday, with Prime Minister Edi Rama declaring that Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps should be officially designated a terrorist organization and saying Tirana would move to …
Albanian Prime Minister Under Pressure Dismisses Deputy Accused of Corruption
After months of defending his deputy and Minister of Infrastructure, Belinda Balluku, who faces allegations of manipulating public tenders, Edi Rama finally dismissed her on Thursday night. Original post Here
Week in Review: Trades and Betrayals
From European Union accession hopes to ongoing corruption investigations, our selection of Premium stories this week takes a look at the political wheeling and dealing going on behind the scenes in the region. Original post Here
PM Rama’s Big Shake-Up as SPAK Closes In
Tirana Times, February 26, 2026 – Prime Minister Edi Rama carried out one of the deepest cabinet reshuffles of his fourth term, replacing officials across several of the most powerful ministries in a move that comes as his government faces rising scrutiny, swelling scandal pressure and an intensifying anti-corruption push …
Letter from Washington: Buying Friends and Finding Common Foes
As Milorad Dodik comes in from the cold, Albanians impress on Trump that they have an enemy in common. Original post Here
TIRANA, September 5 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said Albania does not necessarily need veto power to take part in European processes and discussions. He spoke about Albania’s European Union perspective and the rise of nationalist trends in several European countries. Speaking at the “Intelligence on the World, Europe and …
Euronews Albania’s Instagram page is no longer accessible, raising further alarm over what has been happening to Albanian accounts on social media in recent days. Without any prior notice or warning, Euronews Albania woke up today to find its Instagram page displaying the message: “User not found.” Just last night, …
Just hours after MEP Sandro Gozi spoke in the Euronews Albania studio about the shutdown of Albanian Instagram accounts and called for transparency from Meta, Euronews Albania’s own page is no longer accessible on the platform. Last night, appearing as a guest on the program “Review,” Gozi addressed the wave …
The European Democrats have reacted to the suspension of Euronews Albania’s Instagram account, expressing solidarity and calling on Meta to intervene immediately. In a statement posted on X, they described the timing of the suspension as “deeply concerning”, as it came just hours after the programme “Review”, hosted by journalist …
TIRANA, September 5 – The wildfire situation in Levan, Fier, was much calmer on Friday evening, Defense Minister Ermal Nufi said after visiting the area. Nufi said teams were monitoring two fire hotspots. They are checking the areas again on Saturday morning from the ground and, most likely, from the …
TIRANA, September 5 – A large wildfire spread through Himara on Friday evening, creating a critical situation as strong winds pushed the flames closer to residential areas. The fire spread rapidly across hills near the 1 Maji neighborhood and the city’s bypass, burning large areas of orchards. At least one …
TIRANA, September 5 – Albania honors Mother Teresa today, remembering her life of service to the poor and sick. Her work made her one of the world’s most recognized humanitarian figures. September 5 is observed as the Day of Sanctification of Mother Teresa, an official national holiday that reflects her …
TIRANA, September 5 – Albania will experience stable atmospheric conditions on Saturday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will remain clear across the country, with long periods of sunshine. Temperatures are expected to reach up to 37 degrees Celsius. Winds will blow from the northeast to northwest at …
TIRANA, September 5 – The wildfire situation in Himara appears somewhat calmer early Saturday after a long and difficult night. The flames are no longer considered a direct threat to the city’s residential areas. The focus has shifted to the hills below Pilur, where the fire remains active. Teams are …
President Bajram Begaj visited Përmet and praised its development model. The model combines cultural and religious heritage, natural resources and local traditions. First, Begaj met Përmet Mayor Alma Hoxha and local officials. They discussed the growing number of tourists and the return of young people from abroad to invest in …