Russian Propaganda in North Macedonia
by Agron Vrangalla Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – Moscow systematically uses information manipulation as an instrument of foreign policy. In North Macedonia, Russian propaganda relies on several recurring narratives that exploit domestic political tensions and social vulnerabilities. The impact of Russian propaganda in the Western Balkans is neither new …
Deputy Prime Minister Resuspended By Court Ruling
Parliament now expected to lift immunity. Tirana Times, 08 February 2026 – The Constitutional Court’s decision to leave in force the suspension of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Energy Belinda Balluku has reopened a deep institutional conflict in Albania, sharpening tensions between the executive, the judiciary, and Parliament, while placing …
Week in Review: Saviours, Crypto Fugitives and Unlikely Friendships
A Canadian on the run in Bosnia, an Albanian’s controversial jaunt to Israel and a Brit looking to the Balkans for possible salvation – this week’s selection of Balkan Insight Premium stories has an international flavour. Original post Here
Albanian PM’s Private Jet Trip to Israel Raises Transparency Questions
During last week’s visit to Israel, Albania’s Prime Minister used a private jet once owned by Sam Bankman Fried, now-jailed owner of crypto exchange FTX – but it’s unclear who footed the bill. Original post Here
Albania Arrests 20 for Toxic Waste-Trafficking to Thailand
The suspects are among 33 people accused of involvement in shipping a cargo of dangerous industrial waste from Albania to Thailand. Original post Here
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 …
TIRANA, September 4 – Six years have passed since Kosova and Serbia signed the Washington Agreement, mediated by the United States. On September 4, 2020, then-Kosova Prime Minister Avdullah Hoti and Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic signed commitments on economic normalisation at the White House. Then-US President Donald Trump attended the …
TIRANA, September 4 – Work on the Elbasan–Rrogozhina road, part of Trans-European Corridor VIII, has reached 87% across the first six phases of the project. Asphalt work is currently underway along around 15 kilometres of the route. The Albanian Road Authority said crews are laying asphalt across the segment. In …
TIRANA, September 4 – Authorities will impose no traffic restrictions on trucks weighing more than 20 tonnes on Friday, according to the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. The ministry said the latest official temperature forecast does not meet the conditions for temporary restrictions on heavy goods vehicles. Authorities introduce these …
TIRANA, September 4 – Import prices fell by 0.1% in the second quarter of 2026 compared with the same period a year earlier, according to the Institute of Statistics. The decline reflected lower prices for electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning, which fell by 2.2%. Extractive industry prices dropped by …
TIRANA, September 4 – Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Ferit Hoxha took part in an informal meeting of European affairs ministers in Dublin, organised by Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union. During a session on EU enlargement, reform support and administrative capacity, Hoxha presented Albania’s experience …
TIRANA, September 4 – Prime Minister Edi Rama said open government should not be taken for granted as the Open Government Partnership marks 15 years since its founding. The Agency for Media and Information published Rama’s video message for the anniversary. Albania joined the partnership in 2011. Rama said it …
TIRANA, September 4 – A large fire has engulfed olive groves and scrubland in Radostinë, Fier. The fire remains active. Flames have reached the area of two businesses in Qafa e Koshovicës, east of Radostinë. Several nearby families have evacuated after dense smoke covered their homes. The fire and heavy …
TIRANA, September 4 – Albania will experience stable weather conditions on Friday, according to the Military Meteorological Service. The weather will alternate between clear spells and occasional moderate cloud cover, mainly over hilly and mountainous areas. Meanwhile, winds will blow from the northeast to northwest at an average speed of …
TIRANA, September 4 – Ksamil has been named Europe’s best coastal destination by US travel media outlet “Travel Off Path”. Journalist Trevor Kucheran ranked it first among five European coastal destinations recommended by travel experts. The article highlights Ksamil’s exceptionally clear waters and white-pebble beaches. It also points to the …
TIRANA, September 4 – Tirana International Airport handled 6 million passengers in the first six months of 2026. Prime Minister Edi Rama said the figure puts the airport ahead of others in the region. According to Rama, passenger traffic increased by 17% compared with the same period in 2025. He …