EU calls on Kosovo to revoke tariffs on Serbia’s goods
EU foreign policy chief, Federica Mogherini, called on Kosovo government to immediately revoke the decision on imposing a 100 percent tax on products from Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina in a move the government said is aimed at defending the country’s vital interests. Original post Here
UNMIK concerned after Kosovo announced duty on Serbia’s goods
UNMIK chief, Zahir Tanin, expressed his concern with the decision of the Government of Kosovo to impose a 100 per cent duty on Serbian and Bosnian goods. Original post Here
Final Meeting of the Joint Rule of Law Coordination Board
EULEX Head of Mission Alexandra Papadopoulou hosted the final meeting of the Joint Rule of Law Coordination Board (JRCB) at the EULEX premises today. She also presented the Compact Progress Report, covering the JRCB activities from July 2017 to June 2018 and tracking the progress made by Kosovo rule of …
Haradinaj requires Serbia label its products as ‘Republic of Kosovo’
Kosovo’s Prime Minister, Ramush Haradinaj, in a Facebook post confirmed that his Government took a decision that as of today to impose 100 percent customs tariffs on all goods entering from Serbia. Original post Here
Kosovo Declares Economic War On Serbia After Imposing 100% Import Tariffs
The Government of Kosovo has decided to impose 100 percent tariffs to all Serbian goods in retaliation for their hostility towards the country, Gazeta Express reports. Original post Here
Kosovo court upholds acquittal of Imams accused of preaching extremism
Court of Appeals on Wednesday upheld the acquittal of four Kosovo imams, and a politician, who were facing charges of preaching extremism, religious intolerance, and racial hatred. The Appellate Court has rejected the appeal of the Special Prosecution of the Republic of Kosovo as ungrounded, thus affirming challenged judgment of …
Kosovo a step closer to Euro 2020 after thrashing Azerbaijan
Kosovo secured a Euro 2020 playoff only two years after becoming full-fledged member of UEFA following a 4-0 win over Azerbaijan on Tuesday in Pristina. Original post Here
Kosovo's Thaci after failure in Interpol: Serbia’s boast means more space for terrorism
President Hashim Thaci reacting to Kosovo’s failed Interpol bid on Tuesday and Serbia’s campaign against Kosovo’s admission into this international police organisation, said that Belgrade’s boast means more space for terrorism, criminality, smuggling activities and illegal migration. Original post Here
Serbia’s aggressive campaign to be blamed for Kosovo’s failure in Interpol, says FM Pacolli
Kosovo’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Behgjet Pacolli, talking after Kosovo’s bid to join Interpol failed on Tuesday during a vote at the body’s annual general assembly, said that Serbia’s campaign against Kosovo’s bid was aggressive, and this cannot be qualified as failure of Kosovo’s diplomacy. Original post Here
UK disappointed that Kosovo’s Interpol membership application bid failed
The British Embassy in Pristina says the UK is disappointed that Kosovo’s Interpol membership application was unsuccessful in Dubai today. Original post Here
As the new year gets off to a cold start in the region, our selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories takes a look at the high expectations and sobering realities of what 2026 holds in store. Original post Here
Critics warn of deepening inequality, impunity and potential money-laundering exposure. Tirana Times, January 16,2025 – Albania’s newly adopted “fiscal peace” package framed by the government as a reset of relations between businesses and the tax authorities, has sparked sharp criticism from economists, business associations, the opposition and international observers. Although …
Opinion articles under the pseudonym ‘Endri Kajsiu’ have for years promoted pro-government narratives in the Albanian media – leading some to wonder if the author could even be the prime minister. Original post Here
Tirana Times, January 15, 2026 – Albania’s banking sector enters 2026 with growing caution, as banks operating in the country anticipate an increase in non performing loans despite strong demand for credit. According to the latest CESEE Banking Lending Survey conducted by the European Investment Bank for the second half …
After the US paused visa processing for 75 countries, including Albania, the opposition in Tirana has accused the government of getting the country put on Trump’s “blacklist”. Original post Here
Saudi Arabia welcomes Washington’s decision and reaffirms joint stance against extremism Tirana Times, January, 14, 2026 – The United States has officially designated branches of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon as terrorist organizations, marking a major shift in Washington’s approach toward political Islamist movements. The announcement immediately drew …
Albania included among weak or failing states despite being a NATO member Tirana, Tirana Times, 14 January 2026 – Washington’s decision to suspend U.S. visa processing for Albania, effective January 21 and for an indefinite period, marks one of the strongest diplomatic signals sent to Tirana in years. Albania has …
In the Western Balkans, “security” is rarely an abstract concept. It is encountered as a lived condition, shaped by memory, geography and a persistent awareness that stability can erode when trust is thin. Security, in this context, is not discussed only in strategic documents or institutional language, but reasoned through …
Albania’s government is poised to waive business tax debts more than a decade old, as part of what it says is a reset in relations between the tax authorities and businesses. Critics say it is unfair on those who have played by the rules. Original post Here
Catch up on the weekend’s most important developments with Balkan Insight’s digest of news from countries across the region. Original post Here